crucial importance in the structure of Islamic teaching. Moral
evolutionand uplift was one of themain objects for which the sacred
Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihe Wasallam) was raised up.The Prophet
(Sallallahu Alaihe Wasallam) himself has said:
"I have been sent down by Allah (Subhaanahu Wata'aalaa) to teach moral
virtues and to evolve them to highest perfection."
Importance
An idea of the supreme importance Islam attaches to the cultivation of
good manners and noble moral qualities can be obtained from the
under-mentioned Traditions of the Prophet(Sallallahu Alaihe Wasallam):
"The best of you are those who posses the best of manners."
"On the Day of Recompense nearest to me will be one who display in
one's daily life the best of manners."
"On the day of Reckoningthe most weighty item in the Balance of Deeds,
willbe good manners."
Once a Companion asked the Prophet (Sallallahu AlaiheWasallam), "What
is there that takes a Muslim to paradise?" The Prophet (Sallallahu
AlaiheWasallam) replied, "Fear of Allah (Subhaanahu Wata'aalaa) and
good manners."
The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihe Wasallam), again, is reported to have
said,"A Muslim with good manners and good moraldisposition gets the
samereward as he who fasts (permanently) during thedays and spends his
nights in prayers."
The last Tradition tells that a believer who possesses good manners
and carries out scrupulously the moral duties imposed on him by Allah
(Subhaanahu Wata'aalaa) but does not engage himself much in fasts and
prayers attains the degree of excellence of the man who stands up in
prayer all night andfasts all day long.
The Curse of Bad Manners
We have been warned bythe Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihe Wasallam) in
an equally forceful manner against the curse of bad manners. He has
said:
"A man with bad manners and a bad moralconduct shall not enter Paradise."
"No sin is more detestable to Allah (Subhaanahu Wata'aalaa) than bad manners."
Some More Important Virtues
Though in the Holy Quraan and the Traditions we are taught to
cultivate all good and noble moral and social qualities and to avoid
everything that is mean or wicked, here we will take up only such
virtues that are more important and without which no one can hope to
be a good Muslim and a true believer.
Truthfulness:
Truthfulness is a matter of such supreme consequence in Islam that in
addition to speaking the truth always a Muslim is exhorted also to
keep company only with thosewho are truthful. The Holy Quraan states:
"O ye who believe fear Allah and be only with those who are true (in
word and Deed). [IX:119]
Says the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihe Wasallam):
"He who wishes to love Allah (Subhaanahu Wata'aalaa) and His Apostle
(Sallallahu Alaihe Wasallam), or wishes Allah (Subhaanahu Wata'aalaa)
and His apostle (Sallallahu Alaihe Wasallam) to love him, must take
care to speak nothing but the truth whenever he speaks."
"Speak the truth even if you see your ruin or death in it, for,
surely, salvation and life lie alone in truth, and avoid falsehood
even if it may hold out to you the promise of success and salvation,
for, the end of falsehood is nothing but failure and frustration."
Once the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihe Wasallam) was asked,"What is the
hallmark of the dwellers of Paradise?" The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihe
Wasallam) replied,"Truthfulness."
Conversely, another Tradition reads:
"To be a liar is one of the special signs of a hypocrite."
It was asked of the Prophet (Sallallahu AlaiheWasallam) whether a
believer could be a coward. He said, "It is possible." It was asked
whether a believer could be a miser. He said. "It is possible." Again,
it was asked of him whether a believer could be a liar. He said, "No".
(The idea was that a believer in Allah (Subhaanahu Wata'aalaa) could
not develop the filthy habit of lying. Faith could never accommodate
falsehood; they could notgo together).
Fulfilling Promises
It is also a part of truthfulness that when a promise is made it
shouldbe fulfilled. The Holy Quraan and Traditions are very clear on
the point. Our faith demands of us never to go back onour pledged
word. Statesthe Holy Quraan:
And fulfill (every), engagement, for (every) engagement will be
enquired into (on the Day of Reckoning). [XVII:34]
To fulfill the contracts which ye have made. [II:177]
And the, Traditions say:
"He who does not fulfill promises made by him has no share in the faith."
"Not to fulfill one's promises is a special sign of a hypocrite."
Trustworthiness
Closely allied to truthfulness is the qualityof trustworthiness. It is
an important branch of truthfulness. Islam has laid a special emphasis
on it also. Here is what the Holy Quraan says:
Allah doth command you to render back your Trusts to those to whom
they are due. [IV:58]
On two occasions in Holy Quraan, it has been mentioned, in the
qualities of true believers; and the peoplewho safegaurd the trusts
and their promises (i.e. pay back the trusts and fulfill the
promises). (Surah Moominun & Surah Ma'aarij)
It is reported that Prophet (Sallallahu AlaiheWasallam) often used to
say in his Sermons;
"O People! In whom there is no trustworthiness, in him there is, so to
speak, no faith."
In one Tradition Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihe Wasallam) says:
"Look not alone at anyone's prayers and fasts to decide about his
spiritual excellence (i.e. do not be impressed by anyone's
spirituality simply because you find him devout in his prayersand
fasts). You should also see that he is truthful when he speaks,
restores honestly what he has received in trust to whom it is due, and
remains righteous in times of adversity and suffering."
My dear Muslims! If we want to be a true believer in the sight of
Allah (Subhaanahu Wata'aalaa), too, and want to be claimant of His
blessings, it is necessary to adopt trustworthiness and honesty in
every case and to make the fulfillment of promises the principle of
life.
Remember, one amongst us, who does not have these qualities he is not
atrue believer and complete Muslim in front of Allah (Subhaanahu
Wata'aalaa) and His Prophet (Sallallahu AlaiheWasallam).
Justice
Justice is an integral part of Islamic ethics. We mustpractise it in
all spheres of life. Trhe Holy Quraan states:
Allah commands justice and doing of good. [XVI:90]
In Islam we are commanded to be just and fair not only towardsour own
people or co-religionists but also towards others even if they be the
enemies of our life, property or faith. It is candidly stated in the
Holy Quraan that:
And let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and
depart from justice. Be just that is next to Taqwaa (piety). [V:8]
The above verse enjoins justice to those also, individuals as well as
communities, who may be harbouring ill-will against us. Otherwise,
weare sure to incur the displeasure of Allah (Subhaanahu Wata'aalaa)
and become grievous sinners and criminals in His sight.
To refer now to some of the Traditions:
"The most beloved of men in the sight of Allah (Subhaanahu Wata'aalaa)
on the Day of Resurrection, and the nearest to Him, shall be the just
ruler, and the most hateful of men in the sight of Allah (Subhaanahu
Wata'aalaa) on the Day of Resurrection, and the farthest removed from
Him, shall be the tyrannical ruler."
The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihe Wasallam) is reported to have enquired
one day from the Companions. "Do you know who will be the first to
come under the shadow of Divine Mercy on the Day of Requital?" The
Companions replied,"Allah (Subhaanahu Wata'aalaa) and His Apostle know
best."
The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihe Wasallam) then said, "They will be
those who accept their rights when offered to them and give willingly
the rights of other when they demand for their rights, and who judge
in respect of others exactly as they would in respect of themselves."
The pity is that we ourselves have forgotten the glorious teachings of
Islam. If we can produce these qualities in us today and become
truthful in word and deed, and honest in the matter of our trusts and
promises, and just and fair in our dealings with others, the success
of the world is bound to kiss our feet and we will attain a high place
in the paradise, too.
Compassion and Forgiveness
To feel pity on a fellow human being in distress, to be
compassionately drawn towards him, to bring him succour, to pardon the
guilty and the fault are virtues which are valued very highly in
Islam. Take these Traditions, for instance:
"Show kindness, and kindness will be shown to you; forgive, and you
will be forgiven."
"They will not obtain the mercy of Allah (Subhaanahu Wata'aalaa) in
whose hearts there is no feeling of kindliness for others."
"His sins will not be forgiven by Allah (Subhaanahu Wata'aalaa) who
does not forgive the fault of others."
Allah (Subhaanahu Wata'aalaa) will have mercy upon them that are
merciful. Treat kindly the dwellers of the earth,He who dwells in the
heavens will treat you kindly."
It is apparent from the last Tradition that our kindliness and
gentlenessare not to be confined to our own people alone. We ought to
be kind and compassionate towards friend and foe alike and to all the
creatures that exist on the earth.
It is reported from the Prophet (Sallallahu AlaiheWasallam) that once
a person who was travelling by road saw a dog licking wet earth in the
agony of its thirst. The traveller was moved by the spectacle and gave
water to the dog to drink. This simple service of the man to the
thirsting dog pleased Allah (Subhaanahu Wata'aalaa) so much thatHe
blessed him with salvation.
Tenderness
Tenderness in transactions, and in all other fields of one's activity,
and the readiness to oblige and to put others at ease are all virtues
of the highest order in the Islamic pattern of morality. We will
reproduce two Traditions of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu
AlaiheWasallam) in support of our contention. Said he:
"Hell's fire is forbidden for those that are mild and gentle and make
it easy for others to deal with them."
"Allah (Subhaanahu Wata'aalaa) is compassionate and likes compassion
in His creatures. He grants more to the kind and the tender hearted
than to those who are harsh and severe."
Self-Restraint
Tolerance, affability, self-restraint, and the ability to control
one's temper and to overlook what is unpleasant and disagreeable are
qualities that Islam wantseveryone to cultivate. Believers who possess
these fine moral attributes hold a very high place in the sight of
Allah (Subhaanahu Wata'aalaa).
In the Holy Quraan wherethe blessed ones are mentioned for whom
theparadise has been laid out such people are specifically referred
to:
Who restrain anger and pardon all men. [III-134]
Said the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihe Wasallam):
"Allah (Subhaanahu Wata'aalaa) will hold back His punishment from him
who will hold back his anger."
B1essed indeed, are men who remember these verses and Traditions
during moments of provocation and exerciserestraint, and in return,
Allah (Subhaanahu Wata'aalaa) holds His chastisement away from them!
Gentleness of Speech
Gentleness of speech is a religious virtue in Islam and rudeness a
sin. The Holy Quraan declares:
And speak fair to the People. [II:83]
We have it from the Prophet (Sallallahu AlaiheWasallam) that:
"To speak politely is Taqwaa and kind of charity,"
"To indulge in intemperate language and in harsh behavior is to
perpetrate an injusticeand the home of injusticeis Hell."
"Rudeness in speech is hypocrisy (i.e., the quality of a hypocrite)."
Humility
Humility is a virtue Islam wants its followers to practice as a
distinguishing feature of their moral and spiritual behavior. It does
not become a Muslim to be haughtily or vainglorious.
Greatness with Allah (Subhaanahu Wata'aalaa) is not for those who look
down upon others. Instead, it belongs to those who desist from
thinking too highly of themselves and practise meekness and humility.
In the words of the Holy Quraan.
And the servants of the Most Gracious (Allah Subhaanahu Wata
'aalaa)are those who walk on the earth in humility. [XXV:63]
That Home of the Hereafter We shall give to those who intend not
highhandedness or mischief on earth. [XXVIII:83]
The Holy Prophet (SallallahuAlaihe Wasallam) has said:
"He who observes humility Allah (Subhaanahu Wata'aalaa) will make him
so exalted that, ultimately, he will attain the highest grade in
paradise."
On the other hand, pride is so greatly repugnant to Allah (Subhaanahu
Wata'aalaa) that the sacred Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihe Wasallam) has
warned us, again and again, against it in such strong words:
"Whoever has pride in his heart even of the weight of an atom shall be
cast head-long into the Hell by Allah (Subhaanahu Wata'aalaa).
"Whoever has pride in his heart even of the weigh of the weight of a
mustard seed, shall not be entered into paradise."
"Beware of pride! Pride was the sin which first of all ruined the Devil."
May Almighty Allah (Subhaanahu Wata'aalaa) save us all from the
Satanic evil of pride, and endow our hearts and minds with meekness
and humility which He admires so much and which is the symbol of His
slaves.
It needs, however, to be remembered that it is demanded of us to
practise meekness and humility in our personal matters and not in
matters where truth or faith is involved. When it comes to faith or
truth we must be bold and outspoken and give the fullest proof of
courage and firmness, for this is the Will of Allah (Subhaanahu
Wata'aalaa) for such occasions.
The way of a Muslim, in sum, is that while he is meek and humble in
his own individual sphere ofexistence, he is firm like a rock and
allows neitherfear nor weakness to come near him where faith or truth
or justice is at stake.
Courage and Fortitude
There occur periods of hardship and adversity inthe lives of men.
Sometimes there is need, sometimes there is disease, sometimes our
enemies harass us. And, so forth. For such situations the teaching
ofIslam is that we should bear them with courage and fortitude, remain
firm and stout of heart and do not waver from our principles inspite
of athousand trials and calamities that may assailus. For such men
there is the assurance of the Holy Quraan that they are the Beloved of
Allah (Subhaanahu Wata'aalaa).
For Allah (Subhaanahu Wata'aalaa) love those who are patient and
persevering. [III:146]
Allah (Subhaanahu Wata'aalaa) surely, is with those who
patientlypersevere. [II:153]
And to be firm and patient in pain (or suffering) and adversity and
through all periods of panic. Such are the people of truth, and the
people who are Allah-fearing. [II:177]
And the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihe Wasallam) says:
"No boon conferred on man more precious than that of patience."
"Patience is one-half of faith."
Contrarily, impatience, chicken-heartedness and cowardice are the most
lamentable of evils against which the Prophet (Sallallahu
AlaiheWasallam) used to beg Allah (Subhaanahu Wata'aalaa) for refuge
inhis prayers.
Sincerity
Sincerity is the life and soul of the entire moral edifice of Islam,
nay, of Islam itself. By sincerity we mean that all our deeds and
actions shouldsolely be for the sake of Allah (Subhaanahu Wata'aalaa)
and prompted by no other urge than to earn His approbation. Apart from
it, there must be no otherdesire, motive or intention behind whatever
we do.
Monotheism which is the arch of Islam attains fulfilment through
sincerity. Faith in Divine Unity remains imperfect unless all our acts
are performed wholly for thesake of Allah (Subhaanahu Wata'aalaa), and
we have no other objective before us while carrying them out except
winningof Divine pleasure and reward. States the Prophet (Sallallahu
AlaiheWasallam):
"He who loves or hates, offers favours or withholds them, and whatever
he does, does so for the sake of Allah (Subhaanahu Wata'aalaa) he
perfects his faith."
It shows that a perfect Muslim in the sight of Allah (Subhaanahu
Wata'aalaa) is only he who succeeds in subordinating his entire
conduct, his social relations and all his otheraffairs to the Will of
Allah(Subhaanahu Wata'aalaa) and is not influenced in them by
hispersonal desire or likes or dislikes or by any other urges or
impulsions.
Another Tradition reads:
"Allah (Subhaanahu Wata'aalaa) is not regardful of your fine visages
or your wealth. He is regardful only of your hearts and intentions."
The idea of the above Tradition is that Allah (Subhaanahu Wata'aalaa)
will judge and requit on the basis of our motives and intentions.
Now, here is a Tradition with which we propose to round off the
present discussion. About this Tradition it is reported that Hadhrat
Abu Hurairah often used to faint while he related it. It says:
"The first of those who shall be called to account,on the Day of
Resurrection, shall be one who had learned thewhole of the Holy
Quraanby heart, and he who had been killed in the way of Allah
(Subhaanahu Wata'aalaa), and he who had an abundance of wealth. Then
shall Allah (Subhaanahu Wata'aalaa) say to him who had got the whole
of the Holy Quraan by heart, "Did I not teach thee what revealed to
myProphet (Sallallahu AlaiheWasallam)?" He will say,"Yes , my Lord!"
Allah (Subhaanahu Wata'aalaa) will ask,"And what hast thou done with
regard to what thou didst learn therein?" He will say, "I was
constantly at it in thehours of night and in the hours of day. I learn
it myself and taught it to others, and I did it all for Thy sake
alone". Allah (Subhaanahu Wata'aalaa) will say,"Thou art a liar; thou
didst only desire that men should say that such a one was a recieter
of the Holy Quraan and that has been said already".
"And the master of wealth shall be brought before Allah (Subhaanahu
Wata'aalaa), and He shall say, "Did I not give thee an abundance of
wealth, so that thou wast not in want of anything?" He will say, "Yes,
my Lord! Allah (Subhaanahu Wata'aalaa) will say,"And what hast thou
done with what I gave thee? "He will answer, "I regarded the rights of
kinship and gave alms and I did; so for Thy sake." Allah
(SubhaanahuWata'aalaa) will say,"Thou art a liar; thou didst desire
that men should say that such a one was a generous man,and that has
been said already."
"Then shall he who had been killed in the way of Allah (Subhaanahu
Wata'aalaa) be brought before Him, and Allah (Subhaanahu Wata'aalaa)
will say to him, "What was it that thou wast killed for?" He will
reply, "Thou didst bid us to do Jihad in Thy way and I fought and was
killed." Allah (Subhaanahu Wata'aalaa) will say,"Thou art a liar; thou
didst desire that men should say that such a one was a valiant man,
and that has been said already."
"These are the three menwho, of all creatures shallbe first sent into Fire."
Brothers! Now, let us examine our thoughts and deeds in the light of
the above Tradition and see where do we stand in the sight of Allah
(Subhaanahu Wata'aalaa)!
O Allah (Subhaanahu Wata'aalaa)! Endue our hearts with sincerity and
set right our motives andintentions and make us Thy devoted and
dedicated slaves.
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