2. Importance of Appearance

2.
1.1 Distinct Muslim Personality
Islam advocates this etiquette and stresses it so as to perfect the
Muslim personality and to bring about harmony among people. There is
no doubt that embodying such manners and virtues enhances personal
style and qualities, refines personality and brings us closer to the
hearts and minds of others. The forthcoming manners and etiquette are
central to Islam, its purposes and its aims. Calling it 'etiquette' by
no means implies that itis marginal to life and social behaviour. It
does not mean Muslims have the option of ignoring this code of
behaviour, or that it is merely preferable to adhere to it.
In pointing out that manners rank higher than deeds, Imam Al-Qar�fi in
his book Al-Furw'q said, 'Learn that a little etiquetteis better than
a lot of good actions.' Rw'aim, the righteous scholar, told his son,
'Oh my son, make yourdeeds salt, and your manners flour.' Many good
manners with few good deeds are better than many good
deeds with few good manners. Even if some of these rules appear to be
simple common courtesy, it is important to highlight their
significance. Many Muslims commit errors which blemish the Islamic
personality, whose purpose is meant to be unique in its beauty,
perfection and traits. Our master, the Messenger of Allah (صلى الله
عليه وسلم) directed the blessed companions by saying: 'You are on your
way to meet your brothers, put ona nice dress and fix your riding so
you appear distinct among people as a fleck [on a beautiful face].
Allah does not like roughness nor rough manners.'
When the Prophet, peace be upon him, said: 'No one will enter Paradise
if they have at heart a grain of arrogance.' A man asked: 'Aman may
like his dress to be nice and his shoes nice.' The Prophet answered
'Allah is beautiful and likes beauty. Arrogance is to deny rights and
look downat people.'
Shaikh Ibn Taimia said thatthe beauty that Allah likes include nice
clothes. Hence it could be said that Allah likes all nice things.
Therefore, a Muslim ought to be recognized by neat dress, cleanliness
and graceful appearance.
1.2 CLEANLINESS AND WASHING
The Sunna is to keep perfume and to use it regularly on oneself.
Al-Bukhari narrated that Salman Al-Farsi said: the Prophet, peace be
upon him, said 'Allah will forgive the sins of the past week for he
who on Friday will take a bath, cleanse himself, put on his [regular]
perfume or any perfume available in house. Then, he goes out [to
Jumu'ah prayer] and does not try to separate two friends. Then he
prays wherever he could and listens to the Imam.' If the body became
odorous a day or two before Friday, one should not wait till Friday to
cleanse the body. We should wash our bodies as soon as it
requirewashing to keep ourselves clean and fresh.
To take a bath on Friday is specifically required since alarge number
of people will be gathering at mosques. However, if our body became
dirty or we sweat on a particular day, then, we should take a bath at
the end of day or the next morning. This is indicated by a Hadith
narrated by Al-Bukhari andMuslim that Abu Huraira said, the Prophet,
peace be upon him, said: 'It is the duty of every Muslim to have a
bath once every week to wash his head andbody.' Another Hadith
1.3 ARRIVING FROM A JOURNEY
If you are traveling to visit someone or if you are about to receive
guests, whether those in question are your parents, relatives, peers,
or friends of a different age, make sure that your hands, feet, and
socks are clean, and your appearance and clothing is neat. Never
neglect or underestimate the importance of your look, for that would
certainly mar the pleasure of the meeting, while dulling the enjoyment
of those you meet. In this regard, the Prophet directed his companions
upon returning from a journey: 'You are returning to your brethren,
dress nicely, and sort out your rides so that you may become a beauty
mark among people, for Allah does not like sloppiness or acting in a
sloppy way.'
Try to bring some gifts to those receiving you, and likewise present
your guests with a present. Always be prepared to reciprocate with a
suitable gift. The subtle joy of seeing your beloved ones will be
vividly rememberedfor many years. A gift, however symbolic, will
greatly enhance the pleasure of such a meeting.The Prophet (صلى الله
عليه وسلم), as reported by Bukhary, said: 'Exchange gifts; exchange
love.' Our Muslim predecessors used to leave their host with a present
which could be as symbolic as an Arak stick.
1.4 DRESS PROPERLY WITHFAMILY AND FRIENDS
Dress properly, even among friends and relatives. Dress properly when
visiting your parents,a pious person, an elder, oreven a relative or a
friend. Your attire should be clean and elegant, not ugly or
unsightly.
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