One of the most distinguishing features of the Muslim is his deep faith in God and his conviction that whatever happens in the universe and whatever befalls him, only happens through the will and the decree of God. The Muslim is closely connected to God, constantly remembers Him, puts his trust in Him and is obedient towards Him. His faith is pure and clear, uncontaminated by any stain of ignorance, superstition or illusion. His belief and worship are based upon the teachings of the Qur’an and the authentic Hadith. He feels that he is in constant need of the help and support of God. He also has no choice in his life but to submit to the will of God, worship Him, strive towards the Right Path and do good deeds. This type of mentality will guide him to be righteous and upright in all his deeds, both in public and in private. A Muslim also recognizes the signs of the unlimited power of God in the universe, and so his faith in God increases. God says: “Verily, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and (in) the difference of night and day are tokens (of His sovereignty) for men of understanding. They remember God, standing, sitting, and reclining, and consider the creation of the heavens and the earth, (and say): Our Lord! You did not create all of this in vain. Far removed are You from every imperfection! Preserve us from the punishment of the Hellfire.” (Quran 3:190-191) A Muslim pays due attention to his body’s physical need taking good care of it and promoting its good health and strength. He does this by being active, not eating excessively. Rather, he eats enough to maintain his health and energy because he understands that a strong believer is more loved by God than a weak believer. The Prophet, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, said: “Indeed a strong believer is more beloved to God then a weak believer. In the both of them are good virtues.” God, the Almighty, says: “Eat and drink; but be not wasteful, for God does not love the people who waste.” (Quran 7:31) He also pays attention to his personal hygiene because the Prophet, placed great emphasis on it. His appearance is always neat and clean. His oral hygiene is also very clean because the Prophet encouraged the use of the siwak (tooth-stick from the Arak tree). However, he does all of this in accordance with the Islamic ideal of moderation; avoiding the extremes of exaggeration and negligence. God, the Exalted, says: “Say: Who has forbidden the adornment of God which He has brought forth for His slaves, and the good things of His providing? Say: Such, on the Day of Resurrection, will be only for those who believed during the life of the world. Thus do We detail Our revelations for people who have knowledge” (Quran 7:32). In addition to taking care of his physical self, a Muslim also takes care of his mental self. This is done by keeping away from drugs and stimulants. He also does not forget to exercise regularly to maintain his physical fitness because there is a direct relationship between the physical health and mental health. He also takes care of his mind by pursuing beneficial knowledge; religious and secular.
Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: “Verily, the worshiper will ascend the higher ranks and superior grades of the hereafter through his character, even though he is weak in acts of worship” (At-Tabarabi with a good chain). God says: “And say: My Lord! Increase me in knowledge.” (Quran 20:114) A Muslim also pays as much attention to his spiritual development as to his physical and intellectual development. He does so in a precisely balanced fashion which does not concentrate on one aspect to the detriment of others. For this reason, the life of a Muslim revolves around the worship and remembrance of God; five daily prayers, fasting the month of Ramadan, etc. With his parents, the Muslim is an example of sincere obedience and love. He treats them with kindness and respect, infinite compassion, utter politeness and deep gratitude. He recognizes their status and knows his duties towards them through God’s command. God says: “Worship God and do not ascribe any partner to Him and (show) kindness to the parents.” (Quran 4:36) With his wife, the Muslim exemplifies good and kind treatment, intelligent handling, deep understanding of the nature and psychology of women, and proper fulfillment of his responsibilities and duties. With his children, the Muslim is a parent who understands his great responsibility towards them. He pays attention to anything that may influence their Islamic development and give them a proper education. This is so that they may become active and constructive elements in the society, and be a source of goodness for their parents and community. With his relatives, the Muslim maintains the ties of kinship and knows his duties towards them. He understands the high status given to relatives in Islam, which makes him keep in touch with them, no matter what the circumstances. With his neighbors, the Muslim illustrates good treatment and consideration of others’ feelings and sensitivities. He puts up with their mistreatment and turns a blind eye to his neighbor’s faults while taking care not to commit any such errors himself. A Muslim’s relationship with his brothers and friends is the best and purest of relationships because it is based upon loving for the sake of God. He is loving towards them and not cold-hearted. He is loyal to them and does not betray them. He is sincere and does not cheat them. He is tolerant and forgiving. He is also generous and supplicates for their happiness and well being. In his social relationships with all people, the Muslim is well-mannered, civil, noble, and characterized by the attitudes which Islam encourages. Some of these characteristics are: not being envious of others, fulfils his promises, modesty, patience, avoiding slanders and obscenities, not interfering in that which does not concern him, refraining from gossiping, and avoiding stirring up trouble. These are the qualities and attitudes that every Muslim strives to make as part of their character and personality. For this reason, a society that has residents with such characteristics is one that will enjoy true happiness and peace. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), as a teacher of the best and highest conduct and characters, was himself an embodiment of all noble qualities and values. The whole of Makkah had witnessed his noble characters for forty years before he received revelations, and called him Al-Sadiq and Al-Ameen.
Friends and foes nobody could dispute his sublime characters. Good character includes suppressing one’s anger, and being gentle and humble. Allah Most High has said: Surely, you are of tremendous nature, [68:4] and: Those who suppress their anger, and forgive other people – assuredly, Allah loves those who do good [3:134]. The Messenger of Allah, (pbuh), was never immoderate or obscene. He used to say, ‘Among those who are most beloved to me are those who have the finest character.’ Hazrat `Aa’isha, (R.A), said, Never was the Messenger of Allah (pbuh), given the choice between two things without choosing the easier of them, as long as it entailed no sin. If it did entail sin, he was of all people the most remote from it. Never did he seek revenge for something done against himself; but when the sanctity of Allah was challenged, he would take vengeance for His sake alone (Bukhari and Muslim). There can be no better example of sublime justice, relevant to all times and places, that of Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) when he said, I swear in the name of Allah, even if Fatima (R.A) the daughter of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh), had committed theft, I would cut off her hand (Bukhari and Muslim). Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) said: Indeed Allah is gentle and loves gentleness, and gives due to gentleness that which He does not give to harshness (Ibn Majah (no. 3688) and Ibn Hibaan (no. 549)). Islam orders good character and encourages Muslims to be trained in that, developing it in their hearts, nurturing faith in the worshiper through the virtues of the soul, and Islam through good character. In conclusion, cleanliness of mind and body, a good intention, charitable acts and total submission to his maker are the characteristics of a true Muslim character.
(The authors write regularly on Islamic topics exclusively for “Kashmir Horizon”. Views are his own, [email protected])
