A Muslim’s Character and Behaviour


By: Yasin Syed


Sincerity, compassion and forgiveness are qualities that are very important
to an individual. They form the basis of a person’s character and help him
or her interact with society. These values are also some of the most
essential qualities that are to be present in a Muslim. Islam teaches
Muslims to beautify their character and Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala commands
Muslims to reflect their religion by demonstrating a noble character and
having a good personality. But in order for Muslims to possess such
qualities, we must follow our beloved Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wa
Sallam. Since Allah says in the Holy Qur’an, “Surely there is for you the
best example in the Messenger of Allah (that is, in Prophet Muhammad
Sallallahu-Alayhi-Wasallam), for whoever seeks the pleasure of Allah and the
Last Day, and remembers Allah often (much).” (Verse 21, Surah Al-Ahzab).

The life of Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam was full of
compassion, forgiveness and sincerity. He excelled in virtue and piety. The
people of Makkah called him “Al-Ameen” (The Trustworthy) and “As-Sadiq” (The
Truthful). It was through these fine qualities and noble values, that the
Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam was able to win the hearts of the people
of Makkah and Madinah and bring them to the fold of Islam.

Apart from maintaining a strong faith, a Muslim also has to maintain a good
character. The Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam said, “Modesty and faith
are twins. One who gives up one has to lose the other too.” A Muslim should
refrain from being ill-mannered and immodest. When a Muslim has strong
faith, his/her character will also be strong. If his or her character is
very weak, then the faith will also be very weak. A Muslim can create a good
character within one’s self by praying salah five times a day, fasting and
paying zakaah. These forms of worship instill good manners and an exemplary
behaviour within a Muslim. The daily salah cleans a person physically and
spiritually. It also prohibits evil and obscenity. Fasting teaches a person
self-control and makes him righteous while zakaah creates kindness and
sympathy within a person. It helps Muslims to become more charitable and
more caring about the less fortunate in the society.

Muslims should also demonstrate an excellent character to their neighbours
and the community that they live in. They should always present themselves
as helpful and caring individuals to their neigbours. In a Hadith, a person
inquired the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam about the fate of a
woman who was very famous for her prayers and fasting but who always talked
very rudely with her neighbours. The Prophet replied that she would go to
Hell. The same person also asked the Prophet Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam
about another woman who prays and fasts and doesn’t harm her neighbours. The
Prophet Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam replied that she would enter Paradise.
This Hadith shows that it is not sufficient enough for a Muslim to just pray
and fast in order to enter Paradise but also, a Muslim has to be
compassionate and caring towards other members of society.

Muslims should continue to display their exemplary behaviour and should show
mercy and forgiveness even to their enemies. Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu
Alaihi Wa Sallam forgave non-believers who caused great harm and injury to
him. Rather than praying for their death and their destruction, the Prophet
Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam instead prayed for their forgiveness from Allah.
Even during the incident at Ta’if, where the Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi Wa
Sallam was pelted with stones by the people, he was asked by Angel Jibreel
Alayhissalam to give permission to destroy the town, but the Prophet refused
but instead prayed that their progeny may become Muslim. Muslims should also
treat non-Muslims with respect and dignity. They should show compassion and
mercy towards them. Once, the Holy Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wa
Sallam was walking at a very slow pace with his companions. The Sahaba were
very puzzled and asked him if they could walk faster. But the Prophet
Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam replied that there was an old man walking ahead
of him. His companions told him that the man was a non-believer but the
Prophet replied that the man was worthy of respect because of his old age.

Islam spread to many parts of the world because of the noble character and
the excellent qualities that were demonstrated by Muslims. Their compassion,
tolerance and generosity spread throughout the world. It helped introduce
Islam to other places and also showed our tolerance and respect to people of
other faiths. Excellent behaviour and good qualities are an important part
of our religion. It helps us live peacefully together as a society and it
also reflects our beautiful religion to the outside world.

 


"And strain not your eyes in longing for the things We have given for
enjoyment to various groups of them [polytheists], the splendour of the life
in this world, that We may test them thereby." [Qur'an 20:131]

 
"Truly, the life of this world is nothing but a [quick passing] enjoyment,
and verily, the Hereafter that is the home that will remain forever."
[Qur'an, 40:39]

"And know that your possessions and your children are but a trial and that
surely with Allah is a mighty reward." [Qur'an 8:28]

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