A culture is a set of habits, rules and regulations which a group of people follow as part of their lives.

Islamic culture is how we should behave. It is the way Muslims are taught to live and is based on the two sources of Qur'an and Hadith. A Muslim should understand and practise this knowledge, since when these two sources are combined, we have the way and means to lead a life which will lead to perfection and contentment.

There are countless examples of what we should do, and how we should act, but the essence of all these actions is having good Akhlaq.

To have good Akhlaq, you have to follow a very simple rule. Prophet Isa (A), Imam Ali (A), and Prophet Muhammad (S) have all emphasised one message and that is:

"Treat others the way you would like them to treat you."

This just means to have CONSIDERATION, whether it is family, other relatives, or friends.

Whenever you meet others you are carrying the flag of Islam. This means people will look at you and say, "This is how Muslims behave".

There was once a school which had many Muslims students in it. The principal of that school was once asked what he thought of the month of Ramadhan. He responded that it was the worst month in his year. When he was asked why, he replied "The students are all fasting, and so they spit all over the walls, and the floor, since they do not want to swallow their saliva."

Now this shows the example set by the students to the principal. As far as he was concerned, all Muslims spit all over the place during Ramadhan. This gives a bad and untrue image of Islam to the non-Muslim.

Whenever you do an action, ask yourself, "Would Imam Ali (A) do that?". Then think about your answer before you perform the action.

The Prophet (S) was once asked why he came to the world, what was his purpose. He replied,

This means that the main purpose of the Prophet (S) was to improve and perfect the culture, the character of a person, and thus the community.

It is very important that we should have a good Islamic Culture at home, since this is where the foundation is set for growing children.

We should make sure that we all recite Salaat on time. If possible we should pray Salaate Jamaat at home, with the father leading, and the children following.

The mother should teach the girls the importance of wearing Hijab, and the parents should explain about music, about discos, and all the other habits which Islam discourages.

Some parents tell their children not to fast during examinations. This makes the children feel that fasting can be missed for such reasons, and reduces its importance. How can you blame the children, when it is the parents who encourage them?

The point that people do not realise is that if you obey Allah, He will help you. Allah has said that for every 1 step you take towards Him, He will take 10 steps towards you. So make a niyyat and fast. Do not look at fasting as if it is going to harm you, but think that it will help your concentration, it will help you to study, and you soon see how well you can actually do.

We must make Islamic culture part of our day-to-day lives, not just something we put on for the mosque, or for Madressa. Only then will we benefit both in this life, and the next.