IMAAMS and Muslim Representatives
should have a better ATTITUDES
Al
Hamdulillaah, now that Ramadhan has come an end, it is very important
for us to reflect on our akhalaaq/aadaab (manners, etiquette and
attitude) when dealing with people.
While
this should be the practice of every Muslim, it is even more important
for Imaams and Muslim Representatives who serve as community leaders,
employees, teachers and volunteers etc. to be extremely careful and
cautious when dealing with people at the Masaajid, Islamic Centers and
Islamic Schools etc.
I have
seen and witnessed time and time again, Imaams and Muslim
representatives having a nasty attitude when dealing with people - they
have no understanding and tolerance when it comes to handling people
and children. In most cases they have no training in hospitality and
customer service.
Sometimes,
I wonder if it’s a cultural problem or lack of education - but after
pondering and studying the situation thoroughly, I am forced to
believe, that those Imaams and Muslim Representatives who have a bad
attitude are just people who are arrogant and choose to act with a bad
attitude. My reason for saying that, is simply because Imaams,
teachers, executive members, employees and volunteers etc. in the USA,
are people of either Islamic or academic education. Some of them are
qualified Shaikhs, doctors, lawyers, accountants, politicians,
businessmen and businesswomen etc. - they professionally treat their
clients and customers with manners in their business/worldly places,
but at the Massajid, Islamic Schools and Centers, they tend to forget
what the Qur’aan and Sunnah has taught them.
The Prophet S.A.W., in Muwatta Imam Malik said, "Verily, I was sent for no other reason, except to perfect the noble traits of character" - in other words; one of the Prophet’s S.A.W. mission was the perfection of how people behave - their manners.
The Prophet (SAW) said: The angel Gabriel kept advising me about neighbors until I thought he would make them entitled to some part of the inheritance. This hadith shows how important mannerism and attitude is in Islam.
In controlling one’s temper, the Prophet (SAW) says: The strong man is not the good wrestler, but the strong man is he who controls himself when he is angry.
By adopting good manners, we reinforce in ourselves the notion of consideration for other people; that we have a responsibility to the community, whether it be simple manners, or helping them with their problems. This would help us establish a peaceful community.
The Holy Prophet Muhammad S.A.W has taught us by example how to treat others with manners and respect, hence the reason why Allaah says in the Holy Qur’aan, chapter 33 verse 21, , "Indeed you have in the Messenger of Allaah a beautiful pattern and conduct."