What manners should Muslim kids learn?
Muslim kids should learn everyday manners (adab) like saying salam, bismillah and alhamdulillah, eating with the right hand, respecting elders, telling the truth, asking permission and being kind to everyone. Most of these overlap with good manners anywhere, which makes them easy to practise at school and at home.
Why manners matter so much in Islam
Good character is at the heart of the religion, and the Prophet ﷺ taught manners to children himself, gently and in the moment. Luqman's advice to his son in the Quran is a great place to start:
In other words: don't look down on people, and don't show off. Humility is the root of every other manner.
Table manners
- Say "Bismillah" before eating and "Alhamdulillah" after.
- Eat with the right hand and from the part of the plate in front of you. The Prophet ﷺ taught his young stepson exactly this (Sahih al-Bukhari 5376). See Do I have to eat with my right hand only?
- Don't criticise food; if you don't like it, just leave it.
- Help clear up and thank whoever cooked.
Speech and greetings
- Salam: the Prophet ﷺ said the young should greet the old, the walker the one sitting, and the few the many (Sahih al-Bukhari 6231).
- Sneezing: say "Alhamdulillah", and others reply "Yarhamukallah". See Can I still say "bless you" when someone sneezes as a Muslim?
- Truthfulness: no lying, even as a joke.
- Kind words: please, thank you, sorry, and no name-calling, swearing or mocking.
Respect and privacy
- Respect elders: give up a seat, listen without interrupting, and don't call adults by rude names.
- Be merciful to younger children and share toys.
- Knock and ask permission before entering a parent's bedroom, especially before Fajr, at midday and after Isha (Quran 24:58).
- Keep secrets that aren't harmful, and don't spy or snoop.
Islamic manners aren't only for Muslims. Kids should be kind to non-Muslim friends, teachers, neighbours and grandparents, gentle with animals, and careful with nature. A child who is polite to everyone is the best introduction to Islam a family can give.
How to teach them
Model it, praise it and practise it. Children copy what they see, so let them hear you say salam, bismillah and thank you. Teach one manner a week, and pair it with a short dua. See What duas should I teach my children first?
- Start with salam, bismillah, alhamdulillah and the right hand.
- Teach honesty, kind speech and respect for elders.
- Knocking and asking permission is a Quranic manner.
- Kids learn adab mostly by copying their parents.
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