Islam is a beautiful religion, full of peace, wisdom and harmony.  If this wonderful religion is followed properly by the mankind, there would be no wars, bloodshed and hatred in the society.

Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Amr: "The Prophet never used bad language. He used to say 'The best amongst you are those who have the best manners and character.'

Repel evil with Good:

Allah Almighty in the Noble Quran commands us in several places to return the evil that is done to us by others to not only with good, but with best!

Let us look at Noble Verse 13:22 "Those who patiently persevere, seeking the countenance of their Lord; establish regular prayers; spend out of (the gifts) We have bestowed for their sustenance, secretly and openly; and turn off evil with good: for such there is the final attainment of the (Eternal) Home."

Also let us look at Noble Verse 23:96 "Repel evil with that which is best: We are well-acquainted with the things they say."

Also look at Noble Verse 41:34 "Nor can goodness and evil be equal.  Repel (evil) with that is better: Then will he between whom and you was hatred become as it were your friend and intimate!."

See also the Noble Verse 28:54 "Twice will they be given their reward, for that they have persevered, that they avert evil with good, and that they spend (in charity) out of what We have given them."

Allah (swt) also says in Noble Verse 42:40 "The recompense for an injury is an injury equal thereto (in degree): but if a person forgives and makes reconciliation , his reward is due from Allah: for (Allah) Loves not those who do wrong."

Whether people speak evil of you, in your presence or behind your back, or they do evil to you in either of those ways, all is known to Allah Almighty.  It is not for you to punish. Your best course is not to do evil in your turn, but to do what will best repel the evil.  Two evils do not make a good.

You do not return good for evil, for there is no equality or comparison between the two.  You repel or destroy evil with something which is far better, just as an antidote is better than poison.  You foil hatred with love.  You repel ignorance with knowledge, folly and wickedness with the friendly message of Revelation.  The man who was in bondage of sin, you not only liberate from sin, but make him your greatest friend and helper in the cause of Allah Almighty!.  Such is the alchemy of the Word of Allah Almighty!.  Your credit for returning evil with good and paying for charity is double.  Also if you forgive and return the evil with good, then Allah Almighty will love you and reward you.

Further good manners teachings of the Noble Quran and Prophet Muhammad (saww):

1- Deal Gently

"It is part of the Mercy of Allah that you deal gently with them.  Were you (O Muhammad!) severe or harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about you: so pass over (their faults), and ask for (Allah's) forgiveness for them; and consult them in affairs (of moment). Then, when thou hast taken a decision, put your trust in Allah. For Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him).  (The Noble Quran, 3:159)"

2- Pardon them

"Those who spend (freely), whether in prosperity, or in adversity; who restrain anger, and pardon (all) men; for Allah loves those who do good.   (The Noble Quran, 3:134)"

"Hold to forgiveness; command what is right; but turn away from the ignorant.  (The Noble Quran, 7:199)"

3- Say good things only

"Say to My servants that they should (only) say those things that are best: for Satan does sow dissensions among them: for Satan is to man an avowed enemy.  (The Noble Quran, 17:53 )"

"Who avoid vain talk;  (The Noble Quran, 23:3)"

"And when they hear vain talk, they turn away there from and say: 'To us our deeds, and to you yours; peace be to you: we seek not the ignorant.'   (The Noble Quran, 28:55)"

4- Don't Nurse Grudge

Anas b. Malik reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him and his progeny) as saying: "Neither nurse mutual hatred, nor jealousy, nor enmity, and become as fellow brothers and servants of Allah. It is not lawful for a Muslim that he should keep his relations estranged with his brother beyond three days". 

Prophet Muhammad (saww) also said: "Don't nurse grudge and don't bid him out for raising the price and don't nurse aversion or enmity and don't enter into a transaction when the others have entered into that transaction and be as fellow-brothers and servants of Allah. A Muslim is the brother of a Muslim. He neither oppresses him nor humiliates him nor looks down upon him. The piety is here, (and while saying so) he pointed towards his chest thrice. It is a serious evil for a Muslim that he should look down upon his brother Muslim. All things of a Muslim are inviolable for his brother in faith: his blood, his wealth and his honour.  

Allah Almighty orders Muslims to deal kindly and justly with non-Muslims:

"Allah forbids you not, With regard to those who Fight you not for (your) Faith Nor drive you out Of your homes, From dealing kindly and justly With them: For Allah loves those who are just.  (The Noble Quran, 60:8)"

Narrated Jarir bin 'Abdullah:  "Allah's Apostle (saww) said, 'Allah will not be merciful to those who are not merciful to mankind.' 

The Muslim needs to always be polite, humble, patient, loving and well mannered when he/she deals with others, whether they were Muslims or non-Muslims.  Allah Almighty certainly doesn't love those who are offensive and rude to others.

Greetings in Islam:

Allah Almighty in the Noble Quran commands us to return a greeting with a better one or at least an equal one.  We must maintain the high standards in manners and always be the best examples.

Let us look at Noble Verse 4:86 "When a (courteous) greeting is offered you, meet it with a greeting still more  courteous, or (at least) of equal courtesy.  Allah takes careful account of all things."

The necessary correlative to the command to fight in a good cause is the command to cultivate sweetness and cordiality in our manners at all times. For fighting is an exceptional necessity while the sweetness of daily human intercourse is a normal need.  Further, we give kindness and courtesy without asking, and return it if possible in even better terms than we received, or at least in equally courteous terms.  For we are all creatures of One GOD, and shall be brought together before Him.

Who is a "Strong Muslim" in Islam?

Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him and his progeny) said: "The strong-man is not one who wrestles well but the strong man is one who controls himself when he is in a fit of rage.