Character

Character

In Islam, there is a strong connection between faith and character, and deficiency in conduct may be an indication of weak faith. The Prophet (PBUH) said: "Among the best of the believers in faith are the best of them in conduct, and the kindest to their families." [at-Tirmidhi].

Hence, as Muslims strive to spread the message of Islam, displaying model Islamic character is essential for the success of da'wah. Indeed, a grievous error to avoid is to let one's actions contradict the values he/she espouses.

When someone is described as possessing good character, what does this statement mean? Most people will refer to a person who meets others with a happy and smiling face; whose speech is refined and is of gentle disposition. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) has reckoned good character to be part of charity.
Adiyy Ibn Hatim,(RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah(PBUH) said:
"Protect yourselves from Hellfire even if with part of a piece of dates. But whoever cannot find it should do so with a kind word." [Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim].

In another Hadith, Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: "A good word serves as charity." [Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Another Hadith narrated by Abu Hurairah, (RA) records that the Prophet (PBUH) said:
"Do not belittle any part of good deeds even if it is meeting your brother (Muslim) with a cheerful face." [Muslim].

The significance of good character in bringing people's hearts together and in keeping their countenance at ease is obvious. Good character is particularly important in bringing to the forefront the beautiful qualities of our religion in non-Muslim societies.

The Seerah (biography) of the Prophet (PBUH) reports the stories of many staunch enemies of Islam, who later embraced the religion as a result of the model character of the Prophet (PBUH) and his companions, radhiallahu anhum.

Anas Ibn Malik, (RA) narrated: "I was walking with the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) while he was wearing a Najrani cloak, (i e, from a city in the Arabian Peninsula), which had coarse fringes. Then, a Bedouin came up to the Prophet and pulled him very strongly with the cloak. I looked at the shoulder of the Prophet (PBUH) with the mark of the cloak visible on his neck due to the violence of the tug.' The Bedouin said, 'O Muhammad! Give an order that something of Allah's wealth that you have given to me.'
Prophet, (PBUH), looked at him and laughed, then he gave an order that the man be given (something)."[Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Adherence to the religion of Islam is not merely performing prescribed acts of worship that are void of proper application, and in effect, do not leave any mark on the soul. A'ishah (RA), narrated, "I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), saying: 'The believer through his good character attains the reward of a person who fasts and observes qiyami (spends the night awake in prayer and supplication).' (Related by Abu Dawud).

Jabir Ibn Abdullah (RA), narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said:
"The most beloved of you and the closest of you to me on the Day of Resurrection are the best of you in conduct. Surely, the most unbecoming of you to me on the Day of Resurrection are the talkative, the boastful, and the mutafayhiqun' The Companions asked, 'We know the talkative and the boastful, who are the mutafayhiqun?' The Messenger of Allah replied, 'The arrogant.'"
[at-Tirmidhi].

Indeed, Islam becomes vibrant and alive only through the correct application of its teachings. Muslims should remember that they are representing Islam wherever they go. So, they should not attribute to the religion anything that is not part of it. All their actions must be guided by Islamic teachings in such a way that their senses operate within the context of performing what Islam has made lawful and desisting from what it has forbidden. When A'ishah (RA) was asked about the character of the Prophet, she replied, "His conduct was the Qur'an." What does this answer mean? It means that the Prophet (PBUH) submitted wholeheartedly to the directives of Allah as contained in the Qur'an under all circumstances.

Therefore, as Muslims reside in the midst of non-Muslims, their practical application of Islamic teachings is more significant than hundreds of preachers calling to Islam with their speech.

May Allah have peace and blessing upon all.
Muzammil

_________________
Although they plan, Allah also plans. And Allah is the Best of Planners. [Holy Qur'an 8:30]

Wassalaam
http://www.muftisays.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3254

,

for the article ukhti. It explains the importance of good character and what good character is concisely. Here's another good one:

'Don't get Angry': A Little Fiqh of Anger & Acquiring Good Character
http://qa.sunnipath.com/issue_view.asp?HD=1&ID=769&CATE=3

The last part of it: "It is indeed strange how many neither direct themselves toward eternal success nor seek it, being content instead with failure and loss. O Allah, guide us to the best of character and works, for none guides to the best of them except You. And there is no ability or power except through You, and no recourse or safety from You except in You. [End of the quote from Imam Zafar.]"

Ameen!

Wassalam.