Verily, a believer can attain, by his good manners, the rank of one who fasts and prays often

Explanation

The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) points out that good manners enable one to reach the rank of a person who persistently fasts during the day and prays at night. The core of good manners is doing good, speaking good words, having a smiling face, and refraining from harming people and bearing harm from them.

Lessons from the hadith

• The Hadīth shows that Islam gives great attention to refining and perfecting manners.
• It highlights the merit of good manners, so much so that a well-mannered person can reach the level of one who fasts continuously and prays relentlessly.
• Fasting during the day and praying during the night are two great acts of worship that involve hardship for those who perform them. However, this level can be reached by a well-mannered person, for he engages in self-struggle to assume noble manners.