The Manners of Dealing with Public Property

There are certain manners that should be observed when one deals with public property. The Prophet (s.a.w.) stated the way one should act when traversing roads or walkways. He said:

“‘Be careful and stay away from sitting on the paths.’ They said, ‘O Messenger of God, we have no other place to gather and talk.’ So he replied, ‘If you must do so, then give the path its right.’ They said, ‘And what is the right of the path?’ He (s.a.w.) replied, ‘Lowering one’s gaze (not looking at members of the opposite sex), not bringing harm to others, replying to salutations, and enjoining good and forbidding evil.’ ”  [al-Bukhari& Muslim]

In another narration he said:

“…that you help those in need and guide the lost.”  [Abu Dawood]

One should take care of the roads and not vandalize public property. The Prophet (s.a.w.) said:

“Fear the two things for which people curse others.” [His Companions] asked, “What are the two things for which people will curse others, O Messenger of Allah?” He replied, “That he relieves himself in places where people walk or seek shade.” [Muslim]

One should not carry with him things which may be harmful to others. The Prophet (s.a.w.) said:

“When one of you passes through our Masjid or marketplace and he has an arrow, let him hold its (metal) head (or he said: let him grasp it with his hand) so that no Muslims would be harmed by it.”

[al-Bukhari & Muslim] >