The Importance of Good Character in Islam

Throughout human history, people have consistently recognized and evaluated certain qualities in clear and distinct ways. Traits such as lying, hypocrisy, theft, and deception have been rejected by people according to their sound natural disposition. This demonstrates that human beings possess an inherent moral inclination that does not change or disappear with the passage of time. People’s attitudes toward courage, patience, honesty, and chastity in the past are essentially the same as they are today and will remain so in the future.

Reflecting on the words of Allah, the Exalted: “And they [i.e., Adam and his wife] ate of it, and their private parts became apparent to them, and they began to fasten over themselves from the leaves of Paradise. And Adam disobeyed his Lord and erred.” (Qur’an 20:121), we find that, from the very beginning of creation, human beings were naturally inclined to recognize what is permissible and what is impermissible. Thus, covering the private parts was among the first concerns of our father Adam (peace be upon him) and his wife.

The Bond Between Morality and Religion

The moral inclination is deeply connected to the religious inclination within human beings. There is no religion without morality, nor morality without religion. The relationship between the two is essential because each complements the other. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “I was sent to perfect good character.” (Source), Thus, religion can be understood as being deeply rooted in noble character.

Al-Nawwas ibn Sam‘an (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that I asked the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) about virtue and sin and he replied: “The essence of virtue is (manifested in) good morals (Akhlaq) whereas sinful conduct is that which turns in your heart (making you feel uncomfortable) and you dislike that it would be disclosed to other people..” (Sahih Muslim)

Faith is also closely connected to good character. A true believer is one who possesses good manners. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “The believer is not a slanderer, nor does he curse others, and nor is he immoral or shameless.” (Source)

Al-Tirmidhi narrated from Abu al-Darda’ (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet ﷺ said:”Nothing is heavier on the believer’s Scale on the Day of Judgment than good character. For indeed Allah, Most High, is angered by the shameless obscene person.” (Source)

The Virtue of Good Character in the Qur’an and Sunnah

Allah, the Exalted, praised His noble Prophet ﷺ for his excellent character, saying: “And indeed, you are of a great moral character.” (Qur’an 68:4)

Good character holds a position of great importance and a lofty status in Islam. Ibn al-Qayyim said: “The entire religion is character; whoever surpasses you in character has surpassed you in religion.”

Numerous texts from the Qur’an and Sunnah explain the virtue of good character, encourage noble manners, praise those who possess excellent conduct, and warn against adopting their opposites. Allah, the Exalted, says in praise of His best creation and final Messenger ﷺ: “And indeed, you are of a great moral character.” (Qur’an 68:4)

There are many verses that call believers to adopt noble character. Among them is the saying of Allah: “Take what is given freely, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant.” (Qur’an 7:199), It was reported that Ja‘far al-Sadiq said: “There is no verse in the Qur’an more comprehensive in encompassing noble character than this one.”

Allah, Glorified and Exalted is He, has commanded us to uphold noble character and has mentioned it in His Noble Book. This demonstrates the great importance of good character. Allah says: “Indeed, Allāh orders justice and good conduct and giving [help] to relatives and forbids immorality and bad conduct and oppression. He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded.” (Qur’an 16:90)

Warnings Against Harmful Behavior

Allah has also commanded us to avoid disgraceful and harmful forms of behavior, as they can contribute to the destruction of society. Allah says in His Noble Book: “O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name [i.e., mention] of disobedience after [one’s] faith. And whoever does not repent – then it is those who are the wrongdoers.” (Qur’an 49:11)

Allah also says: “And [recall] when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, [enjoining upon them], “Do not worship except Allāh; and to parents do good and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak to people good [words] and establish prayer and give zakāh.” Then you turned away, except a few of you, and you were refusing.”(Qur’an 2:83)

And He says: “The believers are but brothers, so make peace between your brothers and fear Allah so that you may receive mercy.” (Qur’an 49:10)

The Reward of Good Character

There are many other verses conveying the same meaning. The Sunnah likewise explains the tremendous reward granted to those who possess noble character. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Nothing is heavier on the believer’s Scale on the Day of Judgment than good character. For indeed Allah, Most High, is angered by the shameless obscene person.” (Source)

When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was asked about the deed which will be foremost to lead a man to Jannah. He replied, “Fear of Allah and the good conduct.” Then he was asked about indulgence which will admit a man to Hell (Fire) and he answered, “The tongue and the genitals.”(Source)

Among the noble Islamic qualities are:

[Patience, forbearance, gentleness, generosity, modesty, humility, courage, justice, kindness, helping others fulfill their needs, lowering the gaze, refraining from causing harm, honesty, truthfulness, mercy, loyalty, cheerfulness, pleasant speech, attentive listening, having a good opinion of others, honoring the elderly, accepting invitations, reconciling between people, high aspirations, selflessness, giving and accepting gifts, comforting others, being considerate of people’s feelings, and many others.]

Throughout history, Muslims set remarkable examples of beautiful character, pleasant companionship, and excellent treatment of others. As long as they adhered to their noble values, they became leaders among nations, objects of admiration, and examples for others to follow. Their greatest role model in this regard was their noble Messenger ﷺ, followed by his Companions and those who followed them with excellence.

The Character of the Prophet ﷺ

When discussing the virtues of good character, it is necessary to speak about the one who was sent to perfect noble character and whom his Lord described by saying: “And indeed, you are of a great moral character.” (Qur’an 68:4)

His character was the Qur’an itself: he followed its commands, avoided its prohibitions, and embodied every virtue and noble quality.

What aspect of his character could we speak about? Should we speak about his generosity? He ﷺ was the most generous of people. It never happened that Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) was asked anything for the sake of Islam and he did not give that. There came to him a person and he gave him a large flock (of sheep and goats) and he went back to his people and said: My people, embrace Islam, for Muhammad gives so much charity as if he has no fear of want. (Sahih Muslim)

Or should we speak about his mercy and compassion toward his Ummah? He ﷺ was merciful, gentle, and compassionate, as his Lord described him: “So by mercy from Allāh, [O Muḥammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in the matter. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allāh. Indeed, Allāh loves those who rely [upon Him]” (Qur’an 3:159)

Allah also says: “There has certainly come to you a Messenger from among yourselves. Grievous to him is what you suffer; [he is] concerned over you [i.e., your guidance] and to the believers is kind and merciful.” (Qur’an 9:128)

Or should we speak about his forbearance and forgiveness? He ﷺ was the most forbearing of people.

Or should we speak about his courage? He ﷺ was the bravest of people.

Or should we speak about his humility? He ﷺ was a remarkable example of humility despite being the master of humanity.

Or should we speak about his love for his Companions, his kindness toward them, his cheerful demeanor, his concern for their circumstances, and his efforts to comfort them?

Allah says:  “There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allāh an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allāh and the Last Day and [who] remembers Allāh often.” (Qur’an 33:21)

Conclusion

when discussing noble character, we should remember that a person who possesses good morals is obedient to Allah Almighty and His Messenger ﷺ.

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Reference

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