SOME ISLAMIC DIRECTIVES

 ABOUT Islamic Brotherhood

      One lovely Saturday morning, MuhammadAli and his father went for a walk.  As they walked MuhammadAli brought up a question that had come to mind after their last talk.  "If people carried out their Islamic responsibilities, there would be brotherhood, would not they?"

      "That is a very wise conclusion," Abdul-Rahman praised his son.  "Wouldn't it be wonderful to see Muslims helping each other and cooperating in peace and harmony?  Muslims are encouraged toward brotherhood.  They are urged to work toward an Islamic community which applies Islam in its true meaning.  In so doing Islamic brotherhood becomes an essential element for such a goal."

      "So," MuhammadAli said, "Islam urges us to develop a community of Islamic brotherhood."

      "Yes," answered his father pleased, "Islamic brotherhood means meaningful cooperation among Muslims and harmony with an aim to encourage what is good and discourage what is evil.  Let us refer to the Holy Quran.  Let us see what Allah Almighty says:

إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ إِخْوَةٌ فَأَصْلِحُوا بَيْنَ أَخَوَيْكُمْ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ

The Believers Are Like Brothers To One Another;  So, Promote Peace And Reconciliation Among Them,

And Fear Allah, That You May Receive Mercy.

(Surah  49:  Ayah  10)

      "In the following Ayah" said Abdul-Rahman, "the Holy Quran regards the wrongdoers, insincere Muslims, as patronizing each other in acts of mischief and evil.  Yet it praises the righteous that Allah Almighty is their patron, that He is the one in charge of them:

وإِنَّ الظَّالِمِينَ بَعْضُهُمْ أَوْلِيَاء بَعْضٍ وَاللَّهُ وَلِيُّ الْمُتَّقِينَ

هَذَا بَصَائِرُ لِلنَّاسِ وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةٌ لِّقَوْمِ يُوقِنُونَ

The Wrongdoers Are Patrons To Each Other; But The Righteous Have Allah For Their Patron.

          These Are Clear Proofs To Men And A Guidance

          And Mercy For Those Who Believe.  (Surah  45:  Ayah  19-20)

      The spirit of brotherhood is noble.  We are charged to promote it.  Brotherhood leads to an immense improvement in our community and the society at large.

      Let us refer to some Hadiths of Allah's Messenger, Muhammad (pbuh):

لا يُؤمِنُ أحدُكُم حتى يُحِب لأَخِيهِ ما يُحبُُّ لِنَفسـه

He Has Weak Faith Until That Person

Loves For His Brother What He Loves For Himself.    

Bukhari

      See how Prophet Muhammad implores us not to be selfish, and instead, to have a spirit of love and giving!  Another Hadith says:

إنَّ المؤمِنَ للمُؤمنِ كَالبُـنيان يشـِدُّ بَعْضُه بَعضـا

Truly The Faithful Are To One Another Like Components Of A Building—Each Part Supports The Other.

Muslim And Bukhari

      Again, our Prophet directs us to cooperate, support, and help each other.  We are to do so to the fullest extent so that we build a strong and wholesome society.  Each of us is a tiny part of a huge society and if strives to live Islamicly, the society will reach a high level of excellence, justice, and brotherhood.  Let us examine these Hadiths of Muhammad (pbuh):

المؤمنون كرجلٍ واحد   إن إشـتكى عيـنهُ إشـتكى كُلُّه

وإن إشـتكى رأسُهُ إشـتكى كُلُّه

The Faithful Are Like A Single Body: If His Eye Suffers, Then His Constitution Will Suffer; And If He Has A Headache, Then His Whole System Will Suffer.

Muslim

مثَلُ المؤمنينَ في توادِّهم وتراحمهم وتعاطفهم   كمثَلِ الجَسـدِ الواحد 

إذا اشتكى منهُ عضْوٌ تداعى لهُ سائِر الجَسَدِ بالسَّر والحُمّى

The Similitude Of The Believers In Their Compassion, Mercy, And Affection Toward Each Other Is Like A Single Body.  When One Organ Ails, The Whole Body Suffers And Reacts.

Other Hadiths of the Prophet (pbuh) and/or sayings of the Imams are given here:

► The Faithful Is Like A Brother To A Fellow Faithful:  He Is Like His Seeing Eye And Guide.  He Will Not Double-Cross, Wrong, Or Deceive Him, Nor Will He Fail To Fulfill His Promises To Him.  (Imam Ja'far Al-Saadiq, book of Al-Usool from Al-Kaafi, Vol. 2, Page 166.) 

► A Muslim Is Like A Brother To A Muslim:  He Will Not Violate, Deceive, Thwart, Back-Bite, Or Defraud His Brother.  (Imam Ja'far Al-Saadiq, book of Al-Usool from Al-Kaafi, Vol. 2, Page 167.) 

► The Prophet (Pbuh) Said:  The One Who Has Humiliated A Follower Of Mine Is As If He Intends To Declare War On Me.  (Imam Ja'far Al-Saadiq quoting the Prophet (pbuh), book of Al-Usool from Al-Kaafi, Vol. 2, Page 351) 

► Call Upon Each Other, And Be Kind, Cordial, And Gracious To Each Other.  Be Congenial In Your Brotherhood Just As The Almighty Has Commanded You.  (Imam Ja'far Al-Saadiq, book of Al-Usool from Al-Kaafi, Vol. 2, Page 175.) 

► The Closest To Disbelief A Person Can Be Is When He Conceals The Error Of His Brother In Faith Intending To Dishonor Him And Use It Against Him.  (Imam Ja'far Al-Saadiq, book of Al-Usool from Al-Kaafi, Vol. 2, Page 355.)

      The Hadiths mean if one component of society suffers, then the whole society will suffer.  Therefore, it is essential for a wholesome society to correct the sufferings of its components.  Problems should be addressed and corrected.

      On a smaller scale, if two Muslims have a quarrel or a misunderstanding, it is the duty of other Muslims to try to resolve their differences and to bring about a feeling of brotherhood.  Making peace among people and a prevailing sense of brotherhood is admirable, something to strive for."

      "Islam teaches us a lot, it tells us many things," MuhammadAli commented.

      Abdul-Rahman answered briefly that Islam urges:

ABOUT Charity

      "I feel that you are doing me the biggest favor through the discussions we have.  It is like a charity," said MuhammadAli to his father Abdul-Rahman.

      It was with a loving look that his father took the compliment, then asked, "Don't you feel good when you help a friend?  If so, you have performed an act of charity.  Naturally, charity includes and extends beyond financial help.  Monetary help, of course, is important, not only to the impoverished, but also to the ones facing unfortunate circumstances.  Remember, MuhammadAli, extending a helping hand in any form means doing a charita­ble work.  Islam directs us toward works of charity.  Let us refer to the Holy Quran, the very Word of Allah (swt):

الَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَالَهُم بِاللَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ سِرًّا وَعَلاَنِيَةً فَلَهُمْ أَجْرُهُمْ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ وَلاَ خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلاَ هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ

Those Who In Charity Spend Of Their Goods By Night And By Day, In Secret And In Public, Have Their Reward With Their Lord.

(Surah  2:  Ayah  274)

مَّن ذَا الَّذِي يُقْرِضُ اللّهَ قَرْضًا حَسَنًا فَيُضَاعِفَهُ لَهُ أَضْعَافًا كَثِيرَةً وَاللّهُ يَقْبِضُ وَيَبْسُطُ وَإِلَيْهِ تُرْجَعُونَ

Who Will Grant Allah A Loan? Then Allah Will Repay Him Many Times Over.  It Is Allah Who Enriches And Makes Poor.  To Him You Shall All Return.  (Surah  2:  Ayah  245)

إِن تُبْدُواْ الصَّدَقَاتِ فَنِعِمَّا هِيَ وَإِن تُخْفُوهَا وَتُؤْتُوهَا الْفُقَرَاء فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لُّكُمْ وَيُكَفِّرُ عَنكُم مِّن سَيِّئَاتِكُمْ وَاللّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرٌ

To Be Charitable In Public Is Good, But To Give Alms In Private Is Better—It

Will Atone For Some Of Your Sins. Allah Has Knowledge Of What You Do.

(Surah  2:  Ayah  271)

      The Quran says our charitable spending, be it in secret or in public, will be abundantly recognized by the Almighty, and well rewarded.

      The society will prosper if the capable extend assistance, be it material or otherwise.  Help to the needy is a commendable act of charity.  Every act of charity reaps its rewards while also making you feel better inside.  Let us now refer to some Hadiths.  See what Muhammad (pbuh) said in this regard: 

كًلُّ معروفٍ صَدَقَه

 فإنًّ منَ المعروفِ أنْ تلقى أخاكَ بِوجهٍ طَلْقٍ

وأن تُفْرغْ من دلْوِك في إناء أخيك

Verily Every Good Deed Is Charity, And It Is A Good Deed If You Meet Your Brother (In Religion) With A Cheerful Look, 

And It Is A Good Deed If You Extend A Helping Hand To Him.

Mus'nad Ahmad

إماطة ألأذَى عن الطريق صَدَقَه

And The Removal Of A Harmful Item From The Street Is Charity.

 Bukhari

ورجلٌ تَصدَّق بصدقَةٍ فأخفاها حتى لا تَعلمَ شِمالُهُ ما تُنفقُ يَميـنَه

The Best Of Alms Is What The Right Hand Gives, And The Left Hand Does Not Know Of  It

Bukhari

... والكلمةُ الطيِّبةُ صَدَقه،   وبكلِّ خَطوةٍ تمشِيْها إلى الصلاةِ صَدَقه،   وتُمـيطُ الأذى عن الطَّريقِ صَدَقه

... And The Kind Word Is Charity, And In Every Step You Take For Salat Is Charity, And To Remove A Harmful Item From The Street Is Charity.

Abu Hurairah

أفضَلُ الصَدَقهِ، أن تَصدَّق وأنت صَحيحٌ شَحيحٌ تَأمَلُ الغِنَىْ وتخشى الفَقْر

The Good Charity Is To Give Of Your Wealth When You Are A Miser And You Hope To Be Rich And Are Afraid Of Poverty.

Other Hadiths of the Prophet (pbuh) and/or sayings of the Imams are given here:

► Charity Is A Duty Upon Every Muslim.  If He Does Not Have The Means, Let Him Then Do A Good Act Or Abstain From A Bad One, And That Is His Charity. 

► Your Smiling In Your Brother's Face Is Charity;

► Your Exhorting Mankind To Virtuous Deeds Is Charity;

► Your Prohibiting The Forbidden Is Charity;

► Your Showing Men The Road When They Have Lost Their Way, Is     Charity;

► And Your Assisting The Blind, Is Charity. 

► Prayers Lighten The Heart, And Charity Is A Proof Of Iman. 

► Call Mankind Toward Goodness Not Just By Words But By Your Deeds, Truthfulness, And Virtue.  (Imam Ja'far Al-Saadiq, book of Al-Usool from Al-Kaafi, Vol. 2, Page 105.) 

► The Charity Of Knowledge Is That You Instruct And Tutor Allah's Ser­vants.  (Imam Muhammad Al-Baaqir.)

      "These are wonderful Hadiths!" interrupted MuhammadAli.

      "Yes," replied Abdul Rahman, "Let me ask some interesting questions:  Are you a sincere Muslim?  Are you of a kindhearted and charitable disposition?  If so, then show it by extending a helping hand.  Allah Almighty has given you a lot and it is important that you share your wealth.  If you give to the needy then you have assisted a fellow man.  You have put your Islamic spirit into practice and good use."

      "Helping others can be in many forms," continued Abdul-Rahman, "even a cheerful attitude, a kind gesture, or a considerate word.  Giving charity is a necessary part of every day life."  MuhammadAli intently listened as his father carried on.

      "Naturally, charity is not done to show-off or to boast.  It is done out of a religious obligation, for Allah's sake and for the sake of humanity."

      "So what you are telling me is that Islam tells us a lot about charity," said MuhammadAli.

      Abdul-Rahman answered briefly:

ABOUT Moderation

      "Dad," said MuhammadAli, "I am told that Islam calls for moderation all the time."

      "Yes," his father answered, "Moderation is the name of the game in Islam.  We are directed to follow the middle road without going to either extreme.  To go to one extreme is just as bad as going to the other.  This golden rule applies to just about every facet of life, from spending money, to utilizing time, to dealing with numerous situations.  Islam urges us toward moderation.  Once more, let us refer to the Holiest of the Books, the Quran:

وَلاَ تَجْعَلْ يَدَكَ مَغْلُولَةً إِلَى عُنُقِكَ وَلاَ تَبْسُطْهَا كُلَّ الْبَسْطِ فَتَقْعُدَ مَلُومًا مَّحْسُورًا

... And Do Not Make Your Hand Tied To Your Neck Like a Miser Nor Stretch It Forth To Its Utmost Reach, So You Become Blameworthy, Destitute. 

(Surah  17:  Ayah  29)

إِنَّ الْمُبَذِّرِينَ كَانُواْ إِخْوَانَ الشَّيَاطِينِ وَكَانَ الشَّيْطَانُ لِرَبِّهِ كَفُورًا

Truly, The Extravagant Are Brothers Of The Evil Ones;

And The Evil One Is To His Lord Ungrateful.

(Surah  17:  Ayah  27)

وَالَّذِينَ إِذَا أَنفَقُوا لَمْ يُسْرِفُوا وَلَمْ يَقْتُرُوا وَكَانَ بَيْنَ ذَلِكَ قَوَامًا

...Those Who, When They Spend, Are Not Extravagant Nor Are They Stingy,

But They Hold A Just Balance Between The Extremes.

(Surah  25:  Ayah  67)

Let us quote some Hadiths too.  Rasool Allah, or God's Messenger, Muhammad (pbuh) said:

هَلَكَ المُتَنَطِّعُون،  هَلَكَ المُتَنَطِّعُون،  هَلَكَ المُتَنَطِّعُون،

They Are Losers, Those Who Make Religion Strenuous.  They Imperil Themselves Who En­force Tough Practices Of Islam.  They Destroy Themselves Who Are Extreme

Muslim

إنَّ الدِّينَ يُسّرٌ،  ولَنْ يُشادَّ الدِّينَ أحَدٌ إلا غَلَبَه،

فَسدِّدوا  وقارِبوا،  وأبْشِروا،  واسْتَعينوا بالغُدْوةِ والرَّوحَةِ وشَئٍ منَ الدَّلْجَةِ

Islam Is Easy And The Person Who Makes It Strenuous Is A Loser.  Hence, Follow Islam With Moderation, Be Close To It, Give Glad Tidings, Follow It In The Morning, During The Day, And Part Of The Night.   

Bukhari

Other Hadiths of the Prophet (pbuh) and/or sayings of the Imams are given here:

► Spendthrift And Bad Conduct Do Not Gather In The Heart Of The Faithful. 

► Do Not Be Too Hard, Lest You Will Be Broken; Do Not Be Too Soft, Lest You Will Be Squeezed.  (Imam Ali.) 

► The Worst Thing In A Man Is The Severe Spendthrift And The Marked Cowardice.

►  It is said too:

خيرُ الأُمور أوْسطها

The Best Of Dealings Are The Ones Done In Moderation.

      "As you can see, MuhammadAli," Abdul-Rahman continued, "Muslims are discouraged from living or dealing in extremes, be it tight with spending or overspending.  Muslims are prompted to take the middle of the road.  Thus, we will not be hard on ourselves either way.  Muslims must neither deny themselves opportunities, nor be too loose as to endanger their welfare.  When we are moderate in all walks of life, we have a better balance in life, a better overall livelihood.  This way we will have peace of mind."

      "So what you are telling me is that Islam recommends living and dealing in moderation,"  MuhammadAli said.

      Abdul-Rahman answered briefly:

ABOUT Learning and Education

      MuhammadAli was reflecting upon what his father had told him.  He had been learning so many quotations from the Holy Quran and Hadith.  He was curious though, about the subject of learning.  "Dad," he said at the kitchen table one after-noon, "My store of Islamic knowledge has expanded so much, thanks to you.  Tell me what does Islam say about learning?"

      "Islam has consistently urged us to be in quest of knowledge," started his father.  He then handed his son a cookie and took one for himself and continued, "to seek knowledge, learn, and investigate, is a high goal for every Muslim.  Allah urges us to be in quest of knowledge, to improve our lot, and give us a good understanding of the environment around us.

      Even the very first word revealed to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was: "Read in the Name of Thy Lord," thus showing the degree of emphasis it put on pursuit of knowledge, learning and education.  See what the Holy Quran says:

قُلْ هَلْ يَسْتَوِي الَّذِينَ يَعْلَمُونَ وَالَّذِينَ لا يَعْلَمُونَ إِنَّمَا يَتَذَكَّرُ أُوْلُوا الأَلْبَابِ

And Say: Can You Put On Equal Footing Those Who Are Learned

With Those Who Are Not Learned?

(Surah  39:  Ayah  9)

يُؤتِي الْحِكْمَةَ مَن يَشَاء وَمَن يُؤْتَ الْحِكْمَةَ فَقَدْ أُوتِيَ خَيْرًا كَثِيراً وَمَا يَذَّكَّرُ إِلاَّ أُوْلُواْ الأَلْبَابِ

Allah Grants Wisdom To Whom He Pleases;  And The One To Whom Wisdom Is Granted Has Received Benefit Overflowing;

And None Will Grasp The Message But Men Of Understanding.

(Surah  2:  Ayah  269)

      Abdul-Hameed continued, "with Muslims, a person with knowledge is looked upon with much respect, and put on a higher level than others who have neglected it.  Let us quote some Hadiths:

طَلَبُ العِلْمِ فَريْضَةٌ على كلِّ مسلمٍ ومسلمه

Seeking Of Knowledge Is An Obligation Upon

Every Muslim, Be It A Man Or A Woman   Mishkaat

مَن خَرَجَ في طَلَبِ العلْم فَهُوَ في سـبيل الله حتى يَرْجِع 

The Person Who Goes Forth In Search Of Knowledge Is Striving Hard In The Way Of God; Until He Returns.    Tirmidhi

فَضْلُ العاِلمِ على العابدِ    كفَضْلي على أدْناكم

The Superiority Of The Learned Men Over A Worshipper By Rituals

 Is Like My Superiority Over The Best Of You.    Tirmidhi

Other Hadiths of the Prophet (pbuh) and/or sayings of the Imams are given here:

► Whomsoever Allah Wants To Do Good, He Gives Him Right Understanding In Religion. 

► Go In Quest Of Knowledge Whenever You Come Across It. 

► Seek Knowledge From The Cradle To The Grave. 

► An Hour's Contemplation Is Better Than A Year's Adoration. 

► To Spend More Time In Learning Is Superior To Spending Time In Praying.  It Is Better To Impart Knowledge One Hour In The Night Than To Pray The Whole Night. 

► The One Who Deeply Knows His Self, Knows God. 

► Who Are The Learned? It Is They Who Practice What They Know. 

► Acquire Knowledge: It Enables Its Possessor To Distinguish Right From Wrong; It Lights The Way To Heaven; It Is Our Friend In The Desert, Our Society In Solitude, Our Compassion When Friendless.

► Knowledge Guides Us To Happiness; Sustains Us In Hard Times; It Is An Ornament Amongst Friends, And An Armor Against Enemies. 

► There Is No Wealth Greater Than The Power Of Reason, No Poverty Like Ignorance And No Heritage Better Than Noble Manners. 

► Many Quote Knowledge And Few Note It In Mind.  (Imam Ali.) 

► The Most Complete Gift Of God Is Life Based On Knowledge.  (Imam Ali.) 

► The Innumerable Fools Have Made The Learned Very Scarce.  (Imam Ali.) 

► The Chief Aim Of Knowledge Is Virtue.  (Imam Ali.) 

► The Learned Men Are The Living Ones In The Dead Mass Of Ignorance.  (Imam Ali.) 

► The One Who Acquires Knowledge, Puts It Into Practice, And Teaches It To Others For The Sake Of God, He Shall Be Summoned To A High Heavenly Station And Told: Thou Learnt For The Sake Of Allah, Acted For The Sake Of Allah And Taught People For His Sake.  (Imam Ja'far Al-Saadiq.)

      "MuhammadAli," continued Abdul-Rahman with emphasis, "these Hadiths show how Muhammad (pbuh) valued learning, science, and knowledge.

      Knowledge opens worlds for you; worlds of thinking, accomplishment, and new dimensions.  Acquiring knowledge paves the way for a better future, and makes a better person out of you.  When knowledgeable, you will better under­stand other people and be able to help and assist them according to their needs.  As you acquire more knowledge, understanding of God's creation and nature becomes clearer and more focused.  You will even understand Allah better, and appreciate Him enormously.

      Islam asks us to continue to learn throughout our lifetime—whenever and wherever knowledge can be found.

      One form of knowledge should be empha­size, it is the knowledge of Islam.  The more Islamic details you learn, the more you will want to learn, yet again it should be balanced.  Knowledge plus application of Islam are our salvation, since they lead us along the straight path.  Islam should be constantly pursued.  We must apply it well, and most importantly, we must teach it to others.  This is what makes the complete Muslim out of us."

      "Dad, Islam highly recommends the pursuit of knowledge and propagating it, right!" MuhammadAli said with assertion.

      Abdul-Rahman answered briefly:

ABOUT Etiquette

      "MuhammadAli," Abdul-Rahman suddenly asked his son, "do you know of some of the finer points of etiquette Prophet Muhammad recommended?"

      "Tell me, please, tell me," answered MuhammadAli anxiously.

      "Let us quote the Holy Quran," his father answered:

فَإِذَا دَخَلْتُم بُيُوتًا فَسَلِّمُوا عَلَى أَنفُسِكُمْ تَحِيَّةً مِّنْ عِندِ اللَّهِ مُبَارَكَةً طَيِّبَةً كَذَلِكَ يُبَيِّنُ اللَّهُ لَكُمُ الْآيَاتِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَعْقِلُون

...And If You Enter Houses Salute Each Other—A Greeting Of Blessing And Purity From Allah.  Thus Does Allah Make Clear Signs To You: That You May Understand.

(Surah  24:  Ayah  61)

…وَلا تُصَعِّرْ خَدَّكَ لِلنَّاسِ وَلا تَمْشِ فِي الأرْضِ مَرَحًا

 إِنَّ اللَّهَ لا يُحِبُّ كُلَّ مُخْتَالٍ فَخُورٍ

Be Not Scornful Of Men, Nor Walk Proudly On Earth;

    Allah Does Not Love The Arrogant And The Vain.

(Surah  31:  Ayah  18)

ادْعُ إِلِى سَبِيلِ رَبِّكَ بِالْحِكْمَةِ وَالْمَوْعِظَةِ الْحَسَنَةِ

 وَجَادِلْهُم بِالَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُ…

Invite All To The Way Of Your Lord With Wisdom

And Moral Preaching; And Argue With Them

In Ways That Are Best And Gentle.

(Surah  16:  Ayah  125)

      "Some Hadiths I quote may interest you," Abdul-Rahman continued, "The following are but a few: 

يُسلِّمُ الصَّغيرُ على الكَبِيرِ،  والمارُّ على القاعِدِ،  والقَليلُ على الكَثير

The Younger Person Ought To Salute The Older, And The One Walking Ought To Salute The Sitting, And The Smaller Group Ought To Salute The Larger.

  Bukhari

ليسَ مِنَّا مَن لَم يَرحمْ صَغيرَنا  ولم يُوقِّرْ كَبيرَنا

He Is Not Quality Muslim Who Does Not Show Kindness To The Young Ones And Respect To The Older Ones.   

Tirmidhi

العائدُ في هِبَتِه  كالعائدِ في قَيْئِه

The Person Who Takes Back His Gift, Is Like Someone

Who Swallows His Vomit.

Bukhari

حقُّ المُسلِمِ على المُسلِمِ سِتٌ:   قِيلَ ما هُنَّ يا رسول الله؟

قال: إذا لقَيْتَهُ فسلِّم عليه، وإذا دعاكَ فأجِبْه، وإذا اسْتنْصَحكَ فانْصحْ لهُ، 

وإذا عطَسَ وحمَدَ الله فشَمِّتْهُ،  وإذا مَرِضَ فعُدْهُ، وإذا مات فاتْبَعْه

The Rights Of A Muslim Upon A Fellow Muslim Are Six:

When He Meets His Fellow Muslim He Should Greet Him;

When Invited He Should Accept The Invitation;

When Asked For Advice He Should Give It;

When He Sneezes He Should Respond By Invoking Allah's Mercy;

When He Becomes Sick He Should Visit Him; And When He Dies He Should Follow His Funeral.

Muslim

Other Hadiths of the Prophet (pbuh) and/or sayings of the Imams are given here:

► It Is The Sunnah That A Man Should Accompany His Guest To The Door Of The House. 

► The Holy Prophet Never Spoke Ill Of A Meal; If He Liked It He Ate It; And If He Did Not Like It He Left It Untouched.       Abu Hurairah 

► When Two Believers Meet And Shake Hands, Allah Will Place His Hand With Them, Favoring The One Who Loves His Brother The Most.  (Imam Muhammad Al-Baaqir, book of Al-Usool from Al-Kaafi, Vol. 2, Page 179.) 

► A Cheerful Countenance Will Favorably Replace The Critical, Spiteful Manner  (Imam Al-Kadhim quoting the Prophet (pbuh), Book Al-Usool from Al-Kaafi, Vol. 2, Page 104.) 

► It Is Not Right For A Guest To Stay For So Long As To Cause Inconvenience To His Host.

► When Prophet Muhammad Used To Eat In Company Of Others He Remained In Their Company Till All Finished Eating. 

► When You Meet Each Other Start With Greetings Of Peace And Shake Hands, And When You Part, Do So With Entreating Allah's Forgiveness.  (Imam Muhammad Al-Baaqir, quoting the Prophet (pbuh), book of Al-Usool from Al-Kaafi, Vol. 2, Page 181.) 

► Verily, When The Believers Meet And Embrace Each Other They Will Be Engulfed By Allah's Mercy.  (Imam Ja'far Al-Saadiq, book of Al-Usool from Al-Kaafi, Vol. 2, Page 184.)

      These are fine points that harmonize the behavior of ourselves and society.  They are self-explanatory.  You are old enough to understand.  Strangely, though, many people ignore the etiquette to their own detriment.  When applied they add finesse and social grace to the person and people he deals with."

      "I will certainly apply them," answered MuhammadAli, "It is obvious they are for my own welfare."

      "Your mother is not feeling well, let's go help her," said his father.

      "Ok Dad, let me be with you, I'd love to help," said MuhammadAli.

      "Thank you and may Allah bless you," answered Abdul Rahman.