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Cultivating Character
Embrace the values of faith through exemplary moral virtues and manners.
Commendable Moral Qualities of Muslims
Islamic Shari’ah is a complete way of life which gives comprehensive importance to shaping every aspect of a Muslim’s personal life. Among these aspects, moral virtues, manners, and character hold a significant place. Islam places great emphasis on them. In fact, it has linked creed (ʿaqīdah) with character (akhlāq). As the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
"The most perfect of the believers in faith is the one with the best character." [Ahmad, Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi]
Thus, good character is both the proof and reflection of faith. Without character, faith does not manifest. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) even informed us that one of the greatest purposes of his mission was to perfect noble character. He said:
"I was only sent to perfect good character." [Ahmad; al-Bukhari in al-Adab al-Mufrad]
For this reason, Allah praised His Prophet (peace be upon him) with the highest character, saying:
"And indeed, you are of a great moral character." [Qur’an, Surah al-Qalam 68:4]
The Absence of Character in Materialistic Ideologies
Where is such character found in modern materialist ideologies and man-made philosophies? In these, character is completely neglected; they are built only upon utilitarian principles and material interests, even if achieved through oppression and injustice, looting the wealth of other nations, and violating human dignity.
Islam’s Comprehensive Guidance on Conduct
Islam provides a complete and remarkable framework for how a Muslim should behave—toward Allah, the Prophet (peace be upon him), other people, and even oneself. When a Muslim follows Islamic manners in dealings, he attains true perfection, gains closeness to Allah, and reaches high spiritual ranks. But when he abandons Islamic character, he loses the spirit of Islam and becomes like a mechanical being, without feeling or soul.
Worship and Character Are Interlinked
Acts of worship in Islam are strictly tied to character. Any worship that does not reflect good character is worthless.
Prayer (Ṣalāh): prevents immorality and wrongdoing. Allah says: "Indeed, prayer restrains from indecency and evil deeds." [Qur’an, al-ʿAnkabūt 29:45]
Fasting (Ṣawm): leads to God-consciousness (taqwā), which is one of the greatest moral virtues. Allah says: "O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you so that you may attain taqwā." [Qur’an, al-Baqarah 2:183]
Fasting also teaches patience, calmness, forgiveness, and avoidance of ignorant disputes. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "If any of you is fasting, he should not use foul language or behave ignorantly. If someone abuses him or fights him, let him say: ‘I am fasting.’" [Bukhari, Muslim]Zakat: purifies the soul from greed and arrogance. Allah says: "Take charity from their wealth in order to purify them and sanctify them." [Qur’an, al-Tawbah 9:103]
Hajj: is a training in self-purification, avoiding quarrels, and leaving behind indecency. Allah says: "Whoever performs Hajj during these months should not engage in obscenity, sin, or dispute during Hajj." [Qur’an, al-Baqarah 2:197]
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever performs Hajj and avoids obscenity and sin will return like the day his mother gave birth to him (free of sins)." [Bukhari, Muslim]
Fundamental Aspects of Islamic Character
Truthfulness (Ṣidq):
Allah commands: "O you who believe, fear Allah and be with those who are truthful." [Qur’an, al-Tawbah 9:119]
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Be truthful, for truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise. A man continues to tell the truth until he is recorded with Allah as truthful." [Muslim]Trustworthiness (Amānah):
Allah says: "Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due." [Qur’an, al-Nisāʾ 4:58]
The Prophet (peace be upon him) was known as al-Amīn (the trustworthy). Even when migrating from Makkah, he ensured that trusts of disbelievers were returned to them.Fulfilling Promises (ʿAhd):
Allah says: "And fulfill every covenant; indeed, the covenant will be questioned about." [Qur’an, al-Isrāʾ 17:34]
Breaking promises is a sign of hypocrisy.Humility (Tawāḍuʿ):
Allah says: "And lower your wing to the believers." [Qur’an, al-Ḥijr 15:88]
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Allah has revealed to me that you must be humble, so that no one boasts over another and no one oppresses another." [Muslim]Kindness to Parents (Birr al-Wālidayn):
Allah says: "Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and be kind to parents." [Qur’an, al-Nisāʾ 4:36]
When asked who deserves the best treatment, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said three times: "Your mother," and then, "Your father." [Bukhari, Muslim]Maintaining Family Ties (Ṣilat al-Raḥim):
Severing ties leads to Allah’s curse. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "The one who severs ties of kinship will not enter Paradise." [Bukhari, Muslim]Good Treatment of Neighbors:
Allah says: "…and do good to parents, relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the distant neighbor…" [Qur’an, al-Nisāʾ 4:36]
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Gabriel kept advising me about the neighbor until I thought he would make him an heir." [Bukhari, Muslim]Hospitality to Guests:
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should honor his guest." [Bukhari, Muslim]Generosity:
Allah praises those who spend without boasting or harming. [Qur’an, al-Baqarah 2:262]Patience & Forgiveness:
Allah says: "And whoever is patient and forgives – indeed, that is of the matters requiring determination." [Qur’an, al-Shūrā 42:43]Reconciliation Among People:
Allah praises those who encourage charity, good deeds, and reconciliation. [Qur’an, al-Nisāʾ 4:114]Modesty (Ḥayāʾ):
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Modesty is a part of faith." [Bukhari, Muslim]Compassion & Mercy (Raḥmah):
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "The believers, in their mutual kindness, compassion, and sympathy, are like one body; when one part suffers, the whole body responds with sleeplessness and fever." [Muslim]Justice (ʿAdl):
Allah says: "Indeed, Allah commands justice, excellence, and giving to relatives." [Qur’an, al-Naḥl 16:90]
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "The just will be seated on pulpits of light near Allah… those who are just in their rulings, with their families, and with whatever they are given authority over."Chastity & Purity:
Allah says: "Let those who cannot afford marriage keep themselves chaste until Allah enriches them from His bounty." [Qur’an, al-Nūr 24:33]
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Guarantee me six things and I will guarantee you Paradise… speak the truth, fulfill trusts, keep promises, lower your gaze, restrain your hands, and guard your private parts." [Ṭabarānī; graded ḥasan]
Conclusion
There is nothing blameworthy in these Islamic morals; rather, they are noble traits admired by every pure nature. If Muslims embodied them, people from all over would flock to them and enter Islam, just as it happened in the early generations—when people were attracted to Islam through the honesty and character of Muslims.
Author: Adel bin Ali Ash-Shiddi
Web Edit: Abdullahel Kafi
Moral Virtues
What are moral virtues?
Moral virtues are commendable qualities that shape a person's character and behavior.
Why are they important?
They are essential for demonstrating faith and maintaining good relationships within the community.
How does Islam view character?
Islam emphasizes that good character reflects one's faith and is crucial for personal and spiritual growth.
Who emphasized good character?
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized good character.
Can character change over time?
Yes, individuals can develop and improve their character through conscious effort.
What is the link between faith and character?
Faith is manifested through character; good character is a reflection of one's beliefs and values.