The root of chivalry is that the servant strive constantly for the sake of others. Chivalry is that you do not see yourself as superior to others. The one who has chivalry is the one who has no enemies. Chivalry is that you be an enemy of your own soul for the sake of your Lord. Chivalry is that you act justly without demanding justice for yourself. Chivalry is(having)...beautiful character
- Imam Al-Qushayri
The code of Chivalry of a Muslim elaborated by Imam Sulami in his "Kitab Al-Futuwwa" :-
That he brings joy to the lives of friends and meets their needs
The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) said, "When one brings joy with his words into the life of a believer or satisfies his worldly needs, whether small or large, it becomes an obligation upon Allah to offer him a servant on the Day of Judgement.
That he responds to cruelty with kindness, and does not punish an error
When a Companion asked if he should refuse to help a friend who had refused to help him before, the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) said no.
That he does not find fault with his friends.
The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) said, "if you start seeking faults in Muslims, you will cause dissent among them or you will at least start dissention." Dhu Al-Nun Al-Misri said, "Whoever looks at the faults of others is blind to his own faults. Whoever looks for his own faults cannot see the faults of others."
That he is relaxed and open hearted with his brothers.
The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) said, "The believer is the one with whom one can be close. The one who is not close and to whom one cannot be close is of no use. The good among men are those from whom others profit."
That he is generous
The Messenger of Allah said, "Paradise is home of the generous."
That he keeps up old friendships
The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) said, "Allah approves the keeping of old friendships."
That he looks after his friends and his neighbours.
Ibn Zubayn said, "Someone who eats while his next-door nghbour is hungry is not a believer."
That he is lenient with his friends except in matters of religion.
The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) said, "The first sign ofintelligence is to believe in Allah. Th next is to be lenient with people in affairs other than the abandoning of Truth."
That he permits his friends to use his possessions as if they were their own.
We know that the Prophet(s.a.w) used to use the property of Abu Bakr as if it were his own.
That he invites guests, offers food and is hospitable.
The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) said, "How awful is a society that does not accept guests."
That he respects his friends and shows his respect for them.
A man entered the mosque and the Prophet (s.a.w) stood up for him out of respect. He protested and the Prophet replied that to be paid respect is te right of the believer.
That he is truthful
The Messengr of Allah (s.a.w) said, "Say that you believe in Allah, then always be truthful."
That he is satisfied with little for himself and wishes much for others.
The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) said that Alah Most High said, "The ones who love each other for My sake deserve My love; the ones who give what comes to them in abundance deserve My love. The ones who frequent and viit each other for My sake deserve My love."
That he keeps his word and what is entrusted to him.
The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) said, If you have these four things, it does not matter even if you lose everything else in this world: protect what is entrusted to you, tell the truth, have a noble character and earn your income lawfully."
That he understands that what he truly keep is what he gives away.
Aisha (r.a) recounted that someone had presented the gift of a lamb to the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w). He distributed the meat. Aisha (r.a) said, "Only the neck is left for us." The Prophet (s.a.w) replied, "No. All of it is left for us except the neck."
That he shares in the joy of his brothers.
The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) said, "If a person who is fasting joins his brothers and they ask him to break his fast, he should break it." This refers to a non-obligatory fast, not the fasts of Ramadhan.
That he thinks little of himself or his good deeds.
The Prophet (s.a.w) was once asked,"What thing most attracts the anger of Allah?" He replied, "When one considers himlf d hi actions highly, and worse still, expects a return for his good deeds."
That he treats people as he would wish to be treated.
The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) said, "As you wish to come to you, go to them."
That he concerns himself with his own affairs.
The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) said, "One of the signs of a good muslim is that he leaves everything that does not concern him.
That he seeks the company of the good and avoids the company of the bad.
Yahya Ibn Mu'ad Al-Razi said, "On the day when the trumpet is sounded, you will see how evil friends will run from each other and how good friends will turn toward each other. Allah Most High says, 'On that day, except for the true believers, friends will be enemies.'"
