{"id":3341,"date":"2021-11-18T12:08:49","date_gmt":"2021-11-18T10:08:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/investigate-islam.com\/?p=3341"},"modified":"2021-11-18T12:08:49","modified_gmt":"2021-11-18T10:08:49","slug":"the-position-of-good-character-in-islam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/investigate-islam.com\/web\/?p=3341","title":{"rendered":"The Position of Good Character in Islam"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

The Position of Good Character in Islam<\/h2>\n
    \n
  1. Perfection of noble character was one of the most important objectives of the Prophet\u2019s mission<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Allah \ufdfb\u00a0says, \u201cIt is He who raised up among the unlettered [Arabs] a Messenger from them to recite His verses to them and purify them and teach them the Book and Wisdom, even though before that they were clearly misguided.\u201d (Soorat Al-Jumu\u201bah, 62:2) This verse reveals one of the favours Allah \ufdfb\u00a0has bestowed on the believers, stating that He has sent them His Messenger, Muhammad \ufdfa, to teach them the Qur\u2019an and to purify them. Purification can only be attained by purging one\u2019s heart from such imperfections as associating others with Allah in worship, having bad moral character like hatred and jealousy and ridding one\u2019s speech and deeds of all forms of evil practices. The Prophet \ufdfa\u00a0once declared, \u201cI have been sent to perfect noble character.\u201d\u00a0(Sunan Al-Bayhaqee: 21301)<\/em>\u00a0This statement makes it clear that one of the reasons behind the Prophet\u2019s mission was to elevate and perfect the moral character of the individual and society at large.<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Noble character is part and parcel of faith and belief<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
      \n
      \n
      \n

      Perfection of noble character was one of the most important objectives of the Prophet\u2019s mission.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

      <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

      When asked about the best of the believers, the Prophet \ufdfa\u00a0replied, \u201cThey are those who have the best character and manners.\u201d\u00a0(Sunan At-Tirmidhee: 1162; Sunan Abu Daawood: 4682)<\/em>
      \nIn fact, the Qur\u2019an uses the comprehensive Arabic word birr to refer to faith. As the Qur\u2019an states, \u201cRighteousness (birr) does not lie in turning your faces [during prayer] to the East or to the West. Rather, those with true devoutness are the ones who believe in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book and the Prophets\u2026\u201d\u00a0(Soorat Al-Baqarah, 2:177)<\/em>\u00a0The word birr is a rather comprehensive term which includes all forms of righteousness, in word and deed. It is for this reason that the Prophet \ufdfa\u00a0said, \u201cRighteousness (birr) is good character.\u201d\u00a0(Saheeh Muslim: 2553)<\/em>
      \nThis becomes clear in the Prophet\u2019s declaration: \u201cFaith (eemaan) has sixty odd branches. The uppermost of all these is the Testimony of Faith: Laa ilaaha illallaah (There is no god worthy of worship except Allah) while the least of them is the removal of a harmful object from the road. Shyness is a branch of faith.\u201d\u00a0(Saheeh Muslim: 35)<\/em><\/p>\n

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      1. Noble character permeates all acts of worship<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Every time Allah commands the believers to perform an act of worship, He draws their attention to its moral significance or its positive effect on the individual and society. Examples of this are numerous and include the following:
        \nThe Prayer: \u201cEstablish the prayer, for the prayer restrains from shameful and unjust deeds.\u201d\u00a0(Soorat Al-\u201bAnkaboot, 29:45).<\/em>
        \nThe Obligatory Charity Payment (Zakaat): \u201cTake zakaat from their wealth to purify and cleanse themwith it.\u201d (Soorat At-Tawbah: 9:103) Besides showing kindness and giving comfort to people, zakaat refines benefactor\u2019s character and purges it from evil practices.
        \nFasting: O You who believe, fasting has been prescribed for you just as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may remain conscious of Allah.\u201d\u00a0(Soorat Al-Baqarah: 183)<\/em>\u00a0This verse makes it abundantly clear that the foremost objective of fasting is to realise consciousness of Allah by obeying His commands and avoiding all words and deeds He has prohibited. As the Prophet \ufdfa\u00a0said, \u201c Whoever does not abandon false speech and false conduct, then Allah has no need of his abandoning of food and drink.\u201d\u00a0(Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree: 1804)<\/em>\u00a0Therefore, if fasting fails to effect a change in one\u2019s character and dealings with others, it will by no means serve its real purpose.<\/p>\n

          \n
        1. The immense rewards Allah \ufdfb\u00a0has in store for those who observe good character Textual proofs from the Qur\u2019an and the Sunnah to this effect are numerous, including the following:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
            \n
          • Good character will be the heaviest righteous deed to be placed on a person\u2019s scale of deeds on the Day of Judgement.
            \nThe Prophet \ufdfa\u00a0said, \u201cNo deed that will be placed on the scale of deeds [on the Day of Judgement] will be heavier than good character. Indeed, a person with good character will attain the rank of those with a good record of voluntary fasts and prayers.\u201d\u00a0(Sunan At-Tirmidhee: 2003)<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

             <\/p>\n

              \n
            • It is the very deed that will lead people to enter Paradise the most.
              \nWhen the Prophet \ufdfa\u00a0was asked about which act leads people to enter Paradise the most, he replied, \u201cPiety and good character.\u201d\u00a0(Sunan At-Tirmidhee: 2004; Sunan Ibn Maajah: 4246)<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                \n
              • Of all people, those who have good character will be the closest to the Prophet \ufdfa\u00a0on the Day of Judgement.
                \nThe Prophet \ufdfa\u00a0said, \u201cThe dearest to me among you and the nearest to me on the Day of Judgement are those who have the best character.\u201d\u00a0(Sunan At-Tirmidhee: 2018)<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                  \n
                • The Prophet \ufdfa\u00a0guarantees a house in the highest part of Paradise to those who have good character:
                  \n\u201cI guarantee a house in the surroundings of Paradise for those who give up arguing, even if they are in the right; and I guarantee a house in the middle of Paradise for those who abandon lying even when joking; and I guarantee a house in the highest part of Paradise for those who have good character and manners.\u201d\u00a0(Sunan Abu Daawood: 4800)<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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                  Good character is one of the meritorious deeds in the sight of Allah and serves to give us a sense of inner fulfilment and happiness.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n
                  \n

                  Distinguishing Features of Noble \"\"in Islam<\/h2>\n

                  Noble character in Islam is characterised by unique qualities which distinguish it from all other faiths, including the following<\/p>\n

                    \n
                  1. . Noble character is not confined to a particular type of people<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                    Almighty Allah has made people into different shapes, colours and languages. They are all equal in His sight, and no one has an advantage over another except in piety and noble conduct, as the Qur\u2019an states, \u201cO mankind, We have created you of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes that you may know one another; verily, the most honourable of you, in the sight of Allah, are the most pious of you.\u201d\u00a0(Soorat Al-Hujuraat, 49:13)<\/em>
                    \nIndeed, noble character characterises Muslims\u2019 relationship with all members of society: There is no difference whatsoever between rich and poor, black and white, Arab and non-Arab, or a prince and a pauper.<\/p>\n

                    How to Treat Non-Muslims<\/h4>\n

                    Allah \ufdfb\u00a0commands us to show kindness and courtesy to everyone without exception, for justice, kindness and mercy are aspects of good character which a Muslim observes in his words and deeds with Muslims and non-Muslims alike. A Muslim ought to embody good character traits as a means to call others to this great religion of Islam.
                    \nThe Qur\u2019an says, \u201cAllah does not forbid you from being good to those who have not fought you on account of your religion or driven you from your homes, or from being just towards them. Allah loves those who are just.\u201d\u00a0(Soorat Al-Mumtahinah, 60:8)<\/em>
                    \nAllah only forbids us to make friends with those belligerent non-Muslims who fight us because of our religion. He also forbids us to admire their way of life which clearly upholds unbelief and polytheist practices, as the Qur\u2019an states, \u201cAllah only forbids you respecting those who made war upon you on account of [your] religion, and drove you forth from your homes and backed up [others] in your expulsion, that you make friends with them. Whoever takes them for friends are wrongdoers.\u201d\u00a0(Soorat Al-Mumtahinah, 60:9)<\/em><\/p>\n

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                    \n

                    A Muslim always maintains high moral standards when dealing with people regardless of their religion or race.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
                      \n
                    1. Noble character is not confined only to human beings<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                      Good Treatment of animals<\/h4>\n

                      The Prophet \ufdfa\u00a0once mentioned that a woman deserved punishment in Hellfire because of a cat that she had restrained and left it to starve to death. He also mentioned the story of a man whom Allah had forgiven after giving a thirsty dog some water to drink: \u201cA woman entered Hellfire because of a cat which she had tied, neither giving it food nor setting it free to eat from the vermin of the earth.\u201d(Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree: 3140; Saheeh Muslim: 2619)<\/em>
                      \nHe also said, \u201cWhile a man was walking along a road, he became very thirsty and he found a well. He lowered himself into the well, drank and came out. Then he saw a dog panting and eating mud because of excessive thirst. The man said,\u2018This dog has become exhausted from thirst in the same way as I.\u2019 He lowered himself into the well again and filled his shoe with water and gave the dog some water to drink. Allah thanked him for his good deed and forgave him.\u201d The people asked, \u201cMessenger of Allah! Is there a reward for us in serving these animals?\u201d \u201cYes,\u201d he replied, \u201cThere is a reward for serving every living thing.\u201d\u00a0(Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree: 5663; Saheeh Muslim: 2244).<\/em><\/p>\n

                      Preservation of the environment<\/h4>\n
                      \n
                      \n
                      \n

                      Islam urges its adherents to safeguard the environment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                      <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                      Islam instructs us to make the world a better place by utilising theearth\u2019s natural resources to build a civilization and engage in development and production for the general welfare of mankind, while at the same time trying to preserve such resources and prevent others from abusing or unnecessarily wasting them. Corruption in all its forms and by whatever means it may be caused is frowned upon in Islam and abhorred to the Creator Himself, as the Qur\u2019an states, \u201cAllah does not like corruption.\u201d\u00a0(Soorat Al-Baqarah, 2:205)<\/em>
                      \nIn fact, Islam is so concerned about this issue that it goes as far as to direct its adherents to do righteous deeds and engage in such things as cultivating the land even in times of great turmoil and under terrifying circumstances, such as the Day of Judgement. As the Prophet \ufdfa\u00a0once instructed, \u201cIf the Day of Judgement takes place [and you recognise the Event], while a man is holding a palm-tree seedling [to plant in the soil], let him, if he can, plant it.\u201d\u00a0(Musnad Ahmad: 12981)<\/em><\/p>\n

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                      1. Noble character in all aspects of life<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                        The Family<\/h4>\n
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                        \n
                        <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                        Islam stresses the importance of noble character among all members of the family, as the Prophet \ufdfa\u00a0said, \u201cThe best of you are those who treat their wives the best, and I am the best of you in this respect.\u201d\u00a0(Sunan At-Tirmidhee: 3895)<\/em><\/p>\n

                          \n
                        • Despite being the best human being of all time, Prophet Muhammad \ufdfa\u00a0shared household chores with his wives and helped around the house, as \u201bAa\u2019ishah\u00a0\"May, one of his wives, once said about him, \u201cHe used to help his wives with the housework.\u201d(Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree: 5048)<\/em><\/li>\n
                        • He also used to joke with his family members. \u201bAa\u2019ishah ~ said, \u201cI accompanied the Prophet \ufdfa\u00a0on a certain journey when I was young and thin. The Prophet \ufdfa\u00a0asked the people to move on, and they marched ahead. Then he turned to me and said, \u2018Come on, let us have a race\u2019. I raced him and I won the race. He did not mention this incident again.However, when I later put on more weight and I forgot all about this incident, I accompanied him again on some other journey. He asked the people to march ahead, and they did. Then he asked me to race him. I raced him, but he won. The Prophet laughed and said, \u2018This was to make up for my previous defeat.\u2019\u201d(Musnad Ahmad: 26277)<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                          Trade<\/h4>\n

                          Because people\u2019s love of wealth may get the better of them and prompt them to engage in forbidden practices, Islam stresses the importance of observing noble character which serves to put an end to such practices. The following are some examples of the points Islam stresses in this respect:<\/p>\n

                            \n
                          • It warns traders who deal with fraud against a severe punishment on the Day of Judgement, as the Qur\u2019an states, \u201cWoe to those who give short measure or weight; those who, when they take a measure from people, exact full measure, but when they give them a measure or weight, hand over less than is due.\u201d\u00a0(Soorat Al-Mutaffifeen, 83:3).<\/em><\/li>\n
                          • It urges traders to show kindness and leniency, as the Prophet \ufdfa\u00a0said, \u201cMay Allah have mercy on a man who is kind when he buys, when he sells and when he demands his due.\u201d(Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree: 1970)<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                            Industry<\/h4>\n
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                            \n
                            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                            Islam advises workers to observe a number of ethical principles and standards, including the following:<\/p>\n

                              \n
                            • To be as highly proficient at their jobs as they possibly can. The Prophet \ufdfa\u00a0said, \u201cAllah likes to see that when you do something that you do it well.\u201d\u00a0(Musnad Abu Ya\u201blaa: 4386, Al-Bayhaqee\u2019sShu\u201bab Al-Eemaan: 5313)<\/em><\/li>\n
                            • To honour their obligations, as the Prophet \ufdfa\u00a0said, \u201cThe signs of the hypocrite are three: when he speaks he lies, when he promises he breaks his promise and when he is entrusted he betrays the trust.\u201d\u00a0(Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree: 33)<\/em><\/li>\n
                            • <\/li>\n
                            • <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                                \n
                              1. Noble character under all circumstances<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                There are no exceptions whatsoever when it comes to talking about good moral character in Islam. A Muslim is required to follow the dictates of Islamic law and observe noble character even in times of war and in difficult times, for there is no such thing in Islam as the end justifies the means. In other words, bad or unfair methods of doing something are by no means acceptable even if the result of that action is good or positive.
                                \nIt is for this reason that Islam has laid down rules and criteria which govern Muslims\u2019 behaviour even in times of war so that they would not succumb to fits of rage, driven by intolerance which feeds their anger and satisfies hatred and malicious and selfish tendencies.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                                The Position of Good Character in Islam Perfection of noble character was one of the most important objectives of the Prophet\u2019s mission Allah \ufdfb\u00a0says, \u201cIt is He who raised up among the unlettered [Arabs]...<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2056,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[407,13,405,406],"class_list":["post-3341","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-about-islam","tag-character","tag-islam-2","tag-muslims-behaviour","tag-treat-non-muslims"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/investigate-islam.com\/web\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3341","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/investigate-islam.com\/web\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/investigate-islam.com\/web\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/investigate-islam.com\/web\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/investigate-islam.com\/web\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=3341"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/investigate-islam.com\/web\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3341\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3342,"href":"https:\/\/investigate-islam.com\/web\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3341\/revisions\/3342"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/investigate-islam.com\/web\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/2056"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/investigate-islam.com\/web\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3341"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/investigate-islam.com\/web\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=3341"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/investigate-islam.com\/web\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=3341"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}