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Islamic Etiquette and Manners

Teaching the Etiquette of Salam to Children

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Muslim child saying As-salamu alaykum while smiling — teaching Islamic greeting manners.

The Prophet ﷺ said:
«لَا تَدْخُلُونَ الْجَنَّةَ حَتَّى تُؤْمِنُوا، وَلَا تُؤْمِنُوا حَتَّى تَحَابُّوا، أَوَلَا أَدُلُّكُمْ عَلَى شَيْءٍ إِذَا فَعَلْتُمُوهُ تَحَابَبْتُمْ؟ أَفْشُوا السَّلَامَ بَيْنَكُمْ»
“You will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. Shall I tell you something that if you do it, you will love one another? Spread peace (Salam) among yourselves.”
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith 54)

This beautiful hadith shows the great importance of Salam in Islam. Below, we’ll explain the etiquettes of greeting in a simple and child-friendly way — easy to understand and practice daily.

1. The One Riding Greets the One Walking

The Prophet ﷺ taught us who should start the greeting first:

«يُسَلِّمُ الرَّاكِبُ عَلَى الْمَاشِي، وَالْمَاشِي عَلَى الْقَاعِدِ، وَالْقَلِيلُ عَلَى الْكَثِيرِ»
“The one riding greets the one walking, the one walking greets the one sitting, and the smaller group greets the larger group.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 6233)

In another narration, the younger greets the elder first. But if the one riding forgets, the one walking can start — the main goal is to never miss this Sunnah. The Prophet ﷺ, the best of creation, used to start Salam himself! Whoever begins with Salam is closer to Allah’s mercy.

2. Responding to Salam with Kindness

Allah ﷻ commands in the Quran:

﴿وَإِذَا حُيِّيتُمْ بِتَحِيَّةٍ فَحَيُّوا بِأَحْسَنَ مِنْهَا أَوْ رُدُّوهَا﴾
“And when you are greeted with a greeting, greet in return with what is better than it or at least return it.”
(Surah An-Nisa 4:86)

So when someone says “As-salamu alaykum,” reply with “Wa alaykum as-salam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.”
Returning the Salam with kindness spreads love and earns reward.

3. Saying Salam When Entering a House

The Quran also teaches us to say Salam when entering homes:

﴿فَإِذَا دَخَلْتُمْ بُيُوتًا فَسَلِّمُوا عَلَى أَنْفُسِكُمْ تَحِيَّةً مِنْ عِنْدِ اللَّهِ مُبَارَكَةً طَيِّبَةً﴾
“When you enter houses, greet each other with a greeting from Allah, blessed and good.”
(Surah An-Nur 24:61)

Whether it’s your own home or someone else’s, begin with “As-salamu alaykum.” It brings blessings and peace into the house.

4. Other Beautiful Etiquettes of Salam

Here are a few more manners every Muslim (including kids!) should know:

  • Say Salam three times if the group is large or unsure if they heard you.
  • Greet aloud — and reply aloud too.
  • Say Salam to everyone, whether you know them or not.
  • Starting Salam is Sunnah, but replying is wajib (obligatory).
  • Greet children — it teaches them love and inclusion.
  • Always say Salam before starting any conversation.
  • Say Salam before leaving a gathering, and again if you return soon.
  • Say Salam verbally — not just by waving or nodding!
  • Avoid greeting during Friday khutbah (sermon).
  • When entering a masjid, give Tahiyyat al-Masjid (two rak‘ahs) before greeting others.

Final Thoughts

Teaching kids the manners of Salam helps them grow kind, humble, and respectful. It’s a simple act that carries deep meaning — spreading love, unity, and peace.

🕊️ Start today: greet your family with “As-salamu alaykum,” and remind your children it’s not just a word — it’s a prayer for peace.

Soft Call to Action

If you’d like your child to learn Islamic manners and Quranic teachings in a fun, one-on-one way, explore our Online Quran Classes for Kids — guided by certified teachers who make learning Islam joyful and engaging.
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Why is saying Salam important in Islam?

It spreads peace, love, and unity among Muslims and earns reward from Allah.

Who should say Salam first?

The Prophet ﷺ taught that the one riding greets the one walking, the walking greets the sitting, and the younger greets the elder.

Is replying to Salam obligatory?

Yes. Saying Salam is Sunnah, but responding is wajib (obligatory) according to Islamic teachings.

Should we say Salam when entering our own home?

Yes. Allah commands believers to say Salam upon entering their own homes — it brings blessings and peace.

Can children say Salam too?

Absolutely! The Prophet ﷺ encouraged greeting children to teach them good manners and make them feel valued.

Etiquettes of Quran Recitation for Children

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Child practicing Quran recitation etiquette while facing Qiblah.

Teaching children the etiquettes (Adab) of reciting the Quran is not only about proper manners but also about cultivating respect and love for Allah’s Book. These etiquettes help kids develop discipline, humility, and sincerity in worship.

Let’s explore the key etiquettes every child should learn when reading the Quran.

1. Purification (الطهارة)

Before reciting the Quran, cleanliness is essential. Allah ﷻ says:

﴿لَا يَمَسُّهُ إِلَّا الْمُطَهَّرُونَ﴾
“None touch it except the purified.” (Surah Al-Waqi‘ah 56:79)

Purification involves three aspects:

  • Purity of Place: Choose a clean and respectful place. Avoid dirty or inappropriate spots.
  • Purity of Clothes: Wear neat clothes free from dirt or bad odor.
  • Purity of Body: Perform wudu (ablution) if possible before reciting.

2. Using the Miswak (استخدام السواك)

It is recommended to clean the mouth before reciting. Ali ibn Abi Talib (رضي الله عنه) said:

“Your mouths are the pathways of the Quran, so purify them with the miswak.” (Al-Qawl Al-Sadeed fi ‘Ilm al-Tajweed, p.27)

The angels love to be near a clean reciter. If the mouth smells unpleasant, the angel distances itself. Hence, brushing teeth or using miswak shows respect for Allah’s words.

3. Covering the ‘Awrah (ستر العورة)

When standing before kings, people dress well. Then how about when speaking the words of Allah ﷻ, the King of kings? Wearing modest and proper clothing is recommended.

For girls, if wearing hijab at home is difficult, covering the rest of the body respectfully is sufficient.

4. Facing the Qiblah (استقبال القبلة)

It is preferable to face the Qiblah while reciting, especially in the mosque. This adds humility and focus.

5. Reciting in a Moderate Voice (القراءة بصوت معتدل)

The Prophet ﷺ said:

«زيِّنوا القرآنَ بأصواتِكِم»
“Beautify the Quran with your voices.” (Reported by Al-Zurqani, Mukhtasar Al-Maqasid, no. 513)

  • Those blessed with a beautiful voice should not recite to impress others but only for Allah.
  • Those without a melodious voice should not force themselves; sincerity is more important than sound.

6. Sitting with Respect (الجلوس بهيئة احترام)

Respect in body language reflects respect in heart. Allah ﷻ describes the believers:

﴿الَّذِينَ يَذْكُرُونَ اللَّـهَ قِيَامًا وَقُعُودًا وَعَلَىٰ جُنُوبِهِمْ﴾
“Those who remember Allah while standing, sitting, and lying on their sides…” (Surah Aal-e-Imran 3:191)

While reclining at home is allowed, sitting humbly with focus is more respectful, especially during learning or teaching sessions.

7. Observing Tajweed Rules (مراعاة أحكام التجويد)

Allah ﷻ commands:

﴿وَرَتِّلِ الْقُرْآنَ تَرْتِيلًا﴾
“And recite the Quran with measured recitation.” (Surah Al-Muzzammil 73:4)

The Prophet ﷺ said:

«الْماهِرُ بالقُرْآنِ مع السَّفَرَةِ الكِرامِ البَرَرَةِ، والذي يَقْرَأُ القُرْآنَ ويَتَتَعْتَعُ فِيهِ، وهو عليه شاقٌّ، له أجْرانِ»
“The skilled reciter of the Quran will be with the noble, righteous angels. And the one who stumbles while reciting and finds it difficult has two rewards.” (Sahih Muslim 798)

Thus, children should be taught Tajweed from an early age to honor the Quran properly.

Summary

Reciting the Quran is among the most honorable acts in Islam. Each letter brings ten rewards. Respecting the Quran through proper etiquette—cleanliness, modesty, facing the Qiblah, good voice, humility, and Tajweed—reflects true love for Allah’s Book.

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Teaching Neglected Sunnahs to Children

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Muslim parents teaching children wudhu and Sunnahs before bedtime.

As Muslim parents, one of our greatest responsibilities is to instill the Sunnah of the Prophet –ﷺ – in our children’s lives. The earlier they learn, the more natural it becomes for them to practice these Sunnahs daily.

In this article, we’ll explore the forgotten Sunnahs (al-sunan al-mahjoorah) that many people have left off, and how we can reintroduce them to our kids in a simple, practical way.

What Are Neglected Sunnahs?

Neglected Sunnahs are sayings and actions of the Prophet –ﷺ – that are rarely practiced today. Reviving them brings blessings into our homes and rewards from Allah.

📖 Quran Reminder:

لقد كان لكم في رسول الله أسوة حسنة
“Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example.” (Quran 33:21)

Neglected Sunnahs in Wudhu (Ablution)

  • Saying the Shahadah after Wudhu
    أشهدُ أن لا إله إلا الله وأن محمداً عبدُ الله ورسولُهُ
    “I bear witness that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is His servant and messenger.”
    Reference: Sahih Muslim (234)
  • Praying Two Rak’ahs After Wudhu
    This is called Salat al-Wudhu. The Prophet –ﷺ – used to regularly pray two rak’ahs after performing ablution.
  • Using Water Moderately
    The Prophet –ﷺ – would perform wudhu using only a small amount of water (mudd).

Neglected Sunnahs in Prayer

  • Using the Miswak Before Prayer
    The Prophet –ﷺ – said:لوْلا أن أشقّ على أمّتي لأمرتُهُم بالسّواك عند كلّ صلاةٍ
    “If it were not that I would cause hardship for my Ummah, I would have commanded them to use the miswak at every prayer.” (Tirmidhi 22)
  • Praying Towards a Sutrah
    A sutrah is any object placed in front of the praying person to prevent people from walking in front.
  • Reciting Surah Al-Kafirun and Al-Ikhlas
    In the Sunnah prayers of Fajr and Maghrib, it is recommended to recite these two surahs.

Neglected Sunnahs Before Sleeping

  • Sleeping After Isha and Making Wudhu Before Bed
  • Sleeping on the Right Side and saying the dua:باسْمكَ رَبِّ، وَضَعْتُ جَنْبِي…
    “In Your name, my Lord, I lay down my side, and by You I raise it. If You take my soul, have mercy on it, and if You send it back, protect it as You protect Your righteous servants.” (Bukhari 6320)
  • Dua Upon Waking Up:الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي عافَانِي فِي جَسَدِي…
    “All praise is for Allah who gave me health in my body, returned my soul to me, and permitted me to remember Him.” (Tirmidhi 3401)
  • Washing Hands Three Times before wudhu after waking up.

Neglected Sunnahs in Clothing

  • Starting with the Right Side when wearing clothes or shoes.
  • Wearing White Clothes as it is more beloved and recommended.

Neglected Sunnahs in Eating

  • Saying Bismillah Before Eating
    If you forget, say:بِسْمِ اللَّهِ أَوَّلُهُ وآخِرُهُ
    “In the name of Allah, at its beginning and at its end.”
  • Praising Allah After Finishing the Meal
    Say:الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي أَطْعَمَنَا…
    “All praise is for Allah who fed us, gave us drink, and made us Muslims.”
  • Rinsing the Mouth After Eating or Drinking

Final Thoughts

Reviving the Sunnah in our homes is one of the best ways to gain Allah’s pleasure and raise children who love the Prophet –ﷺ. Start with one habit at a time, make it a family effort, and watch how it transforms your daily life.

🔮 Want to Teach Your Kids More About Islam? Join our 1-on-1 Online Quran Classes for Kids where they learn Quran with Tajweed and Islamic manners in a fun and engaging way. Start a free trial today!

FAQs

What are neglected Sunnahs?

Neglected Sunnahs are prophetic practices that people have stopped doing regularly, such as saying the dua before sleeping or praying two rak’ahs after wudhu.

Why should we teach Sunnahs to kids?

Because children imitate what they see. Teaching Sunnahs early makes them natural habits and helps build love for the Prophet ﷺ.

How can I make Sunnah fun for children?

Use short stories, simple rewards, role-play, and consistent practice. Turn it into a family challenge so everyone joins in.

Do kids have to follow all Sunnahs?

No — start small. Introduce one habit at a time and praise progress rather than perfection.

Sunnahs of the Prophet ﷺ for Children

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Muslim child practicing Sunnahs of the Prophet ﷺ in daily routine.

Understanding and practicing the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ can be a beautiful way to nurture love for Islam in the hearts of children. This guide highlights the Sunnahs related to eating, drinking, and sleeping—habits children can easily learn and apply daily.

🌟 Sunnahs of the Prophet ﷺ While Eating

The Prophet ﷺ taught us beautiful manners in eating that are easy for children to follow. Here are the main Sunnahs:

1. Saying Bismillah Before Eating

The Prophet ﷺ said:
“If one of you eats, let him mention the name of Allah. If he forgets to mention the name of Allah at the beginning, let him say: ‘In the name of Allah at its beginning and at its end.'”
(بِسْمِ اللهِ أَوَّلَهُ وَآخِرَهُ)
— [Sunan At-Tirmidhi, Hadith 1858]

2. Eating with the Right Hand

The Prophet ﷺ said:
“None of you should eat with his left hand or drink with it, for Satan eats and drinks with his left hand.”
— [Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2020]

3. Not Criticizing Food

The Prophet ﷺ never complained about food. He either ate it or left it.
“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ never criticized any food. If he liked it, he ate it; if he disliked it, he left it.”
— [Sahih Ibn Hibban, Hadith 6437]

4. Eating from the Edges of the Plate

The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Blessings descend in the middle of the food, so eat from the edges and do not eat from the middle.”
— [Sunan At-Tirmidhi, Hadith 1805]

5. Using Three Fingers & Cleaning the Plate

Anas ibn Malik (RA) reported:
“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to lick his three fingers after eating, and he said: ‘If any of you drops a morsel, let him pick it up, clean it, and eat it. Do not leave it for Shaytan. And clean the plate, for you don’t know in which part of the food the blessing lies.’”
— [Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2034]

6. Praising Allah After Finishing

The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Allah is pleased with His servant who, when he eats, praises Him, and when he drinks, praises Him.”
— [Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2734]

🥤 Sunnahs of the Prophet ﷺ While Drinking

These simple acts of the Prophet ﷺ teach manners and health benefits too.

1. Drinking While Sitting

The Prophet ﷺ said:
“None of you should drink while standing. If anyone forgets, let him vomit.”
— [Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2026]

2. Drinking in Three Sips

Anas (RA) said:
“The Prophet ﷺ used to drink in three breaths and said, ‘It is more satisfying, healthier, and more pleasant.'”
— [Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2028]

🛏 Sunnahs of the Prophet ﷺ Before Sleeping

Muslim child practicing Sunnahs of dua before sleeping from the Prophet ﷺ.

Teaching children these bedtime Sunnahs builds love for the Prophet ﷺ and helps them sleep peacefully.

1. Sleeping Early, Avoiding Late Nights

The Prophet ﷺ disliked sleeping before `Isha and chatting afterward.
— [Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 568]

2. Sleeping with Wudu

The Prophet ﷺ said:
“When you go to bed, perform wudu like the wudu for prayer.”
— [Sahih Abu Dawood, Hadith 5046]

3. Dusting the Bed Before Sleeping

He ﷺ said:
“When one of you goes to his bed, let him dust it with the inside of his lower garment, for he does not know what came onto it after he left.”
— [Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 6320]

4. Sleeping on the Right Side and Saying the Du’a

He ﷺ said:
“When you lie down to sleep, perform wudu as for prayer, lie on your right side, and say:
اللَّهُمَّ أَسْلَمْتُ وَجْهِي إِلَيْكَ…
— [Sahih Abu Dawood, Hadith 5046]

5. Reciting Surahs & Ayat Before Sleep

He ﷺ would:

  • Gather his hands
  • Recite Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, and An-Nas three times
  • Blow into his hands
  • Wipe them over his body
    He would also recite Ayat al-Kursi.

✨ Final Thoughts

By introducing children to these simple Sunnahs, we’re not only teaching them good manners—we’re helping them build a relationship with the Prophet ﷺ and love for his way. It starts with small actions, and those actions shape hearts and habits.

💡 Want to teach your child more about the Sunnah in a structured, engaging way?
Our one-on-one online Quran and Islamic classes for kids are designed to make learning faith-filled, fun, and meaningful. Explore our classes today »