In today’s fast-changing world, teaching Islamic manners for kids is extremely important. One of the most important aspects of raising children to be good Muslims is teaching them Islamic manners. In Islam, akhlaq holds immense importance, which is derived from the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah.
Abu Hurayra reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“I was sent to perfect good character.” – [Sahih al-Bukhari]
In this article, we’ll look at the 10 fundamental Islamic etiquettes that every Muslim child should learn. We will also go through some handpicked Ahadith & Qur’an verses to help parents guide their children effectively.
10 Islamic Manners For Kids
Let’s explore the ten Islamic manners for kids that need to be taught from a young age.
1. Respect Parents & Elders
Respect for parents in Islam is highly valued and should be instilled in children from an early age. Kids should be taught to serve their parents, obey, and talk politely at all times.
And be humble with them out of mercy, and pray, “My Lord! Be merciful to them as they raised me when I was young.” – [Qur’an 17:24]
You may also like: Duties of Parents Towards Their Child
2. Greeting With Salaam
The act of giving salaam is not just a custom — it’s a Sunnah and a right of one Muslim upon another.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
Six are the rights of a Muslim over another Muslim.
One of them is: “When you meet him, greet him with salaam.”
Read full Hadith here – Sahih Muslim 2162b
Encouraging children to say “Assalamu Alaikum” promotes love and peace. This Islamic greeting is more than words — it’s a dua (prayer) for safety and blessings.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
Shall I tell you of something you can do to make you love one another? Spread the greetings of Salam (peace) amongst yourselves (i.e. between each other). – [Sahih Muslim 54a]
3. Using The Right Hand
Children should be taught to eat, drink, and give and receive with their right hand. It was the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“Let one of you eat with his right hand and drink with his right hand, and take with his right hand and give with his right hand, for Satan eats with his left hand, drinks with his left hand, gives with his left hand and takes with his left hand.” – Sunan Ibn Majah 3266 (Sahih)
4. Seeking Permission Before Entering Others’ Houses
Teaching children to knock or say salaam before entering someone’s house or room shows respect for others and privacy.
O believers! Do not enter any house other than your own until you have asked for permission and greeted its occupants. – [Qur’an 24:27]
You may also like: The Role of Quran and Sunnah in Raising Children
5. Do Not Waste Food or Water
Islam encourages thankfulness and moderation. It is important to teach kids to avoid the waste of food and only take what they are capable of consuming.
Eat and drink, but do not waste. Surely He does not like the wasteful. – [Qur’an 7:31]
6. Always Speak The Truth
One of the most important Islamic virtues is honesty. Children should understand that being truthful is a sign of a believer and that lying is a sin.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said,
“Truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise. [Sahih al-Bukhari 6094]
7. Be Kind Towards Animals
Islam encourages kindness for all living things. Kids should be taught to be kind to animals and not to hurt them, even if that looks fun for them.
The people asked,
“O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)! Is there a reward for us in serving the animals?” He said, “(Yes) There is a reward for serving any animate (living being) .”
Read the full Hadith here – Sahih al-Bukhari 6009
8. Love For Our Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)
Whenever possible, share short seerah stories highlighting the Prophet’s honesty, patience, generosity, and forgiveness. Loving Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is part of our faith and sets the foundation for following his example in manners and behavior.
Narrated Anas: The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“None of you will have faith till he loves me more than his father, his children and all mankind.” – [Sahih al-Bukhari 15]
9. Speak Good or Remain Silent
Kids often imitate what they see and hear. Thus, it is important to keep them in a friendly and humble environment and teach them how to communicate politely with others. Moreover, children should be taught to remain silent and use good words.
And speak to people good [words] – (Qur’an 2:83)
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak good or remain silent. – [Sahih al-Bukhari 6136]
Mufti Menk says:
If they respect you, respect them. If they disrespect you, still respect them. If they’re mean to you, be kind to them. If they curse and swear in your presence, offer a good word to them.
10. Stay Clean
Teaching and practicing cleanliness is one of the most crucial aspects of Islamic etiquette for children. Islam places great emphasis on physical, spiritual, and environmental cleanliness as part of a believer’s faith.
Abu Malik at-Ash’ari reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
Cleanliness is half of faith
Read the full Hadith here – Sahih Muslim 223
Conclusion
There are countless engaging ways to teach Islamic manners for kids, whether at home or in classrooms. It can be taught in the form of storytelling or via engaging printables, colouring books, etc. Parents can also make the best use of bedtime stories to discuss patience, honesty, being humble & kind, respecting elders, and forgiving others from an Islamic perspective.
