Respect involves good behavior, avoiding ridicule, and establishing positive communication with others.
Behaving respectfully towards others is one of the important principles of life as addressed in Islam and specifically in the Holy Quran. In Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 11, Allah instructs the believers not to ridicule one another or call each other by offensive nicknames. This verse emphasizes the importance of self-esteem and respect for others, highlighting that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity. Furthermore, in verse 13 of the same surah, Allah states: 'O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.' This verse also signifies the need to cultivate an atmosphere of respect and empathy amongst ourselves, acknowledging cultural and social diversity. Respectful behavior includes good speech, avoiding wrongful judgments, and establishing positive relationships with others. For example, we can demonstrate our respect by listening to others' opinions and showing concern for their feelings. Such behaviors should be practiced in workplaces, families, and communities to ensure that everyone enjoys a positive and healthy atmosphere.
O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.
O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.
One day, a young man named Amin was disrespectful to his friends at school. His teacher, noticing the situation, decided to refer him to the Holy Quran. He taught Amin how important it is to treat others with respect and used examples from Quranic verses like verse 11 of Surah Al-Hujurat to explain that even a simple mockery is not acceptable to Allah. Amin reflected on this and, after practicing respectful behavior, noticed that his friends also changed and strengthened their relationships.