THE Muslim who truly understands the teachings of his religion is gentle, friendly and likeable. He mixes with people and gets along with them. This is something which should be a characteristic of the Muslim who understands that keeping in touch with people and earning their trust is one of the most important duties of a Muslim. It is an effective means of conveying the message of truth to them, and exposing them to its moral values, because people only listen to those whom they like, trust and accept. Hence there are many Ahadith which commend the type of person who is friendly and liked by others. Such a person is one of those chosen ones who are beloved by the Prophet (peace be upon him) and will be closest to him on the Day of Resurrection. “Shall I not tell you who among you is most beloved to me and will be closest to me on the Day of Resurrection?” He repeated it two or three times, and they said, “Yes, O Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him).” He said, “Those of you who are the best in manners and character.” (Ahmad; authentic) Some reports add, “Those who are down-to-earth and humble, who get along with others and with whom others feel comfortable.” One of the attributes of the believer is that he gets along with others and others feel comfortable with him. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The believer gets along with people and they feel comfortable with him. There is no goodness in the one who does not get along with people and with whom they do not feel comfortable.” (Ahmad) The Prophet (peace be upon him) set the highest example of good behavior towards people. He was skillful in softening their hearts and called them to follow him in word and deed. He was always cheerful and easy-going, never harsh. When he came to any gathering, he would sit wherever there was an empty space, and he told others to do likewise. He treated everyone equally. If anyone came to him and asked for something, he would give it to him, or at least respond with kind words.
