Behavior and Social Interaction
Chapter 7 of A Guide for the New Muslim: What Islam asks of you in daily life and relationships.
“I have been sent to perfect good character.” (Hadith)
A study-guide summary of a chapter of A Guide for the New Muslim by Jamaal al-Din M. Zarabozo.
Good character is part of faith.
The Prophet ﷺ said that perfecting good character was part of his mission, and he gave high promises to those who are known for it. For a new Muslim, Islam is not only prayer. It is how you treat people on an ordinary Tuesday.
Yourself
Your soul and body have a right over you. Protect your faith, your health, and your time, and remember that you did not create yourself and are not free to treat your life carelessly.
Your parents
Allah commands the best treatment of parents, together with gratitude to Him. This stays true if they are not Muslim.
Non-Muslim relatives
This can be the hardest area for a new Muslim. Reactions range from open opposition to quiet curiosity, and most converts today face a mixed response. On the Day of Judgment everyone stands as an individual, so others’ disapproval cannot decide your faith. At the same time, patience, kindness, and good manners are often the most convincing arguments you can make. The strongest bond is faith, not blood alone, yet Islam still keeps family ties.
Your spouse and children
The book covers who may be married, the rights and duties of husband and wife, and how marriage may end. These topics have important details, so take your own situation to a trusted scholar. Parents are responsible for raising children with care, good teaching, and love.
Neighbors and fellow Muslims
Allah links His own right with the rights of parents, relatives, orphans, the needy, and neighbors, near and far. Fellow Muslims are brothers and sisters who should help, advise, and forgive one another.
Non-Muslims and society
Muslims and non-Muslims follow different paths, so complete closeness in belief is not expected. Even so, the Quran allows, and encourages, kindness and fairness toward peaceful non-Muslims. A Muslim also cares about the well-being of the society they live in.
Wealth and honest earning
Wealth is not evil in Islam. It is a blessing and a trust to be earned honestly and spent well. The book covers business ethics: avoiding deception and fraud, avoiding deals with excessive uncertainty (gharar), and avoiding forbidden sources of income. If your job involves something forbidden, such as alcohol or interest, ask a scholar for guidance about moving to a halal source.
In short: Be the person others are glad to know: honest, patient, and kind. Family and money questions deserve a trusted scholar’s help.
This page summarizes the chapter in our own words. For the author’s full text, download the complete PDF.