Unfortunately however...

Unfortunately however, our talented writers and scholars do not present the ethical teachings that are found in the Islamic sources in a way that is acceptable to the present day, coupled with practical examples for the younger generation - who are thirsty to hear these sorts of ethical teachings. Our teachings (on this issue) are not presented as some of the scholars want the people to imagine that this information is based on the initiative (of research) of the Westerners.

Rather, the youth should know that in this area of discussion, the Prophet of Islam (blessings of Allah be upon him and his progeny) and his successors have given us a great deal of guidance. The writer and great narrator of hadith, Shaikh Hurr al-`Amuli (may Allah be pleased with him) in his book Wasail ash-Shi`a[^1], has narrated numerous ahadith concerning the responsibility that a Muslim has and the way that he must interact with other people.

He has narrated traditions from the Noble Prophet (blessings of Allah be upon him and his progeny) and the Ahlul Bait (peace be upon all of them) under the topic of Etiquette of Social Intercourse while Travelling and at Home .[^2] The method of interaction of the Prophet (blessings of Allah be upon him and his progeny) with others around him is the best guide (for us) and provides us with the greatest assistance in this area of life.

Briefly in this section, we present some examples of the behaviour and mode of interaction of the great Prophet of Islam (blessings of Allah be upon him and his progeny) with those around him. He was the first in greeting other people. If he wished to speak to a person while in the streets or in a gathering, he would not speak to them while looking out of the corner of his eyes.

Rather, he would turn his entire body in the direction of that person and then speak to him and while speaking, he always had a smile on his face. If a person made an error while speaking, he would not call him to account for what was said. No one was ever deprived of his good demeanour and etiquette. If any of his companions were not present (at a gathering), then he would immediately ask about that person.

He respected people of all classes and ranks such that each and every person that met him felt as if he was the most honoured person in the sight of the Prophet. Whenever he was in a gathering, he never chose a specific place to sit, rather, he sat in whatever spot was empty.