4. Essay Courtesy (10th/12/2nd Year/BA/B. Sc) by AG Ahmad

 Essay No. 4

-- COURTESY --

Someone has wisely said,

"Courtesy is a small act but it packs a mighty wallop"

Courtesy means showing good manners and polite behaviour. It is the result of one’s inner kindness and affection. One who shows courtesy is called courteous man. He remains pleasant and polite to everyone. As it is rightly said,

“Life is so short, but there is always time for courtesy."

He always takes care of the feeling of others. He observes good manners on all occasions and always respects the feelings of others. He respects others and is respected by all. As it is wisely said,

“He who shows courtesy reaps friendship,

and who plants kindness gathers love”.

Love begets (produces) love and politeness begets politeness. The essence (spirit) of the teachings of Islam concerning human behaviour lies in commandment. Therefore, to create a peaceful and happy atmosphere, we must be kind to everyone. As it is said,

"Do unto others as you wish others do unto you"

Man bearing the crown of all the creatures of God, is bestowed with moral sense that enables him to establish amiable (friendly) and pleasant relations with his fellowmen based on mutual respect. He has the capability to differentiate between good and evil. Our Holy Prophet (ﷺ) bore (kept) the best behaviour of all people. He (ﷺ) always talked softly and politely and never indulged in loose talking. He used to say,

“The best amongst the Muslims is he, who is the best in morality”.

        Our dealing with the rich and the poor should be equal. Courtesy can remove all evils from our society. It helps a man to become a true Muslim and good citizen. I always believe in Thomas Paine saying:

“The world is my country, all mankind are brethren,

and to do well is my religion.”

         Manners are not laws but they are more important in our lives than laws. Good manners cannot be restored through law, because law has no concern with manners. Our religion also gives a special stress upon these manners. Our Holy Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said,

“I have been sent only to complete the morality.”

        Good manners pass from one person to another and influence the whole society. If we are polite to a man, that man will be polite to others. In this way, good manners make life good and desirable. On the other hand, courtesy really makes everyday life more pleasant, friendlier and more meaningful. It keeps the machine of life running. As it is wisely said,

“Kindness is the language which a deaf can hear

and a gift that a blind can see.”

Life without the angelic feelings of love, respect, kindness and politeness is just like a hell where the fire of contempt (hatred), rudeness, envy and cruelty burns our minds, bodies and souls. Let us be courteous to all. Let us love and respect one another. Let our hearts be filled with the sense of human kindness, so that this earthly planet may one day become an earthly paradise. As it is wisely said,

“If a man is gracious and courteous to strangers,

it shows he is a citizen of the religious world.”

In short, courtesy really makes everyday life more pleasant, friendlier and more meaningful. Finally, I would like to say that,

“A small good deed of courtesy leads us, as well as, others

to many greater good deeds.”