Islam embodies a rich, holistic way of life that goes beyond rituals and beliefs. It emphasizes the significance of good character and manners, guiding us through the teachings found in the Quran and Hadith. These principles inspire us to live with integrity, kindness, and compassion, fostering a positive impact on ourselves and those around us.
The Prophet Muhammed said: “Nothing is heavier upon the scale of good deeds on the day or judgement than Good character, truly Allah hates the vulgar and the obscene.”
Good character and manners hold a central place in Islam, reflecting the inner beauty of a person’s heart. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasised the significance of good character, stating,
“The best among you are those who have the best manners and character” (Sahih Bukhari).
Islam encourages its followers to be kind and compassionate towards all beings, whether human or animal.
There is no Muslim who plants a tree or sows seeds and then a bird, or a person, or an animal eats from it except that it is regarded as a charity for him. “ — Sahih Bukhari
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Kindness is a mark of faith, and whoever is not kind has no faith” (Sahih Muslim).
This lesson highlights the vital roles of mercy and empathy in our relationships, while also encouraging us to be responsible stewards of our beautiful planet that we share with all of God’s wonderful creatures!
Respect for Others
Respect for others, regardless of their background or beliefs, is a fundamental principle in Islam. The Quran instructs Muslims to “speak to people kindly” (Quran 2:83) and to “repel evil with that which is better” (Quran 41:34), promoting an understanding and harmonious society.
“You have your way, and I have my Way.” Quran 109:6
Honesty and Integrity
Honesty and integrity are highly valued virtues in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise” (Sahih Muslim, Book 1, Hadith 79). Muslims are encouraged to be truthful in their words and actions, even when faced with challenges or difficulties.
“The honest and trustworthy merchant will be with the prophets, the truthful, and the martyrs.” Sunan al-Tirmidhī 1209
Prophet Muhammed (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “There should be neither harming nor reciprocating harm.” (Narrated by Ibn Majah, 2340)
He also said: “By the One in Whose hand is the soul of Muhammad, no one of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself of good.”
Patience and Forbearance
Islam beautifully encourages its followers to embrace patience and forbearance. The Quran wonderfully describes believers as those who “restrain anger and pardon people” (Quran 3:134) and advises, “Be patient over what befalls you” (Quran 31:17). By practicing patience, Muslims gracefully navigate life’s challenges, holding onto the faith that despite hardships, good will emerge through their perseverance and resilience. This inspiring journey fosters strength and a positive outlook on the tests life presents.
“We will certainly test you with a touch of fear and famine and loss of property, life, and crops. Give good news to those who patiently endure..” Quran 2:155
Humility and Modesty
Islam beautifully encourages humility and modesty as vital pathways to spiritual growth. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) wisely teaches us that when we humble ourselves for Allah, He graciously lifts us up in return.” (Sahih Muslim, Book 32, Hadith 6264). Humility allows individuals to recognise their own shortcomings and seek improvement with sincerity.
The emphasis on good character and manners in Islam, as reflected in the Hadith collections and Quranic verses, serves as a beacon of guidance for Muslims seeking to embody the teachings of their faith and emulating the character of the best man to walk the Earth. By practicing kindness, compassion, respect, honesty, patience, and humility, Muslims strive to fulfil their role as ambassadors of Islam, contributing to a more harmonious and strong community with good family and societal ties.
Hadiths on Moral Practices in Islam
- The Importance of Character
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“The best among you are those who have the best manners and character.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)
2. Removing Harm from the Path
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Faith has over seventy branches… The highest of them is the saying ‘None has the right to be worshiped but Allah,’ and the least of them is removing something harmful from the road.”
(Sahih Muslim)
3. Charity Even in Small Acts
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Your smile for your brother is charity.”
(Sunan al-Tirmidhi)
4. Good Character Leads to Paradise
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Nothing is heavier on the believer’s scale on the Day of Judgment than good character.”
(Sunan al-Tirmidhi)
5. Honesty in Business
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“The truthful merchant is with the Prophets, the truthful, and the martyrs.”
(Sunan al-Tirmidhi)
6. Respect for Elders
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“He is not one of us who does not show mercy to our young ones and respect to our elders.”
(Sunan al-Tirmidhi)
7. Kindness to Neighbors
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him be kind to his neighbor.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)
8. Justice
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“The just will be seated upon pulpits of light on the day of judgement.”
(Sahih Muslim)
9. Generosity
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Allah is generous and loves generosity in all matters.”
(Sahih Muslim)
10. Moderation in Life
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“The best of affairs are those which are moderate.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah)
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever relieves a Muslim of a burden, Allah will relieve him of a burden on the Day of Judgment.”
(Sahih Muslim)The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“The best of you are those who are best to their wives.”
(Sunan al-Tirmidhi)The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Allah is gentle and loves gentleness in all matters.”
(Sahih Muslim)The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever humbles himself for Allah, Allah will raise him.”
(Sahih Muslim)The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“The strong person is not the one who overcomes others by his strength, but the strong one is he who controls himself while in anger.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“None of you will truly believe until you love for your brother what you love for yourself.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever is kind to the creatures of God is kind to himself.”
(Sunan al-Tirmidhi)The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Do not harm yourself or others.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah)
Quranic Verses on Moral Practices and Good Character
“And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.”
(Quran 2:195)“Indeed, Allah commands you to uphold justice and to be kind…”
(Quran 16:90)“And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.”
(Quran 5:2)“The reward of the good is nothing but good.”
(Quran 55:60)“And fear Allah, through whom you ask one another, and the wombs (i.e., kinship). Indeed Allah is ever, over you, an Observer.”
(Quran 4:1)“And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment.”
(Quran 17:23)“And do not turn your cheek in contempt toward people and do not walk through the earth arrogantly. Indeed, Allah does not like everyone self-deluded and boastful.”
(Quran 31:18)“Indeed, Allah is with the patient.”
(Quran 2:153)“Repel evil with what is better, and your enemy will become as close as a dear friend.”
(Quran 41:34)“If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]…”
(Quran 14:7)