embodiment of the teachings of the Quran and the 'Sunnah' (sayings,
actions and theapprovals of the Prophet Muhammad ). He follows the
teachings of the Book of Allaah (i.e. Quran) and the example of the
Prophet Muhammad in allaffairs, relations, and situations –starting
with his relationship with his Lord, his own self, his family and the
people around him.
In what follows is a brief overview of some qualities of the ideal
Muslim personality.
His attitude towards Allaah
One of the most distinguishing features of the (ideal) Muslim is his
deep faith in Allaah, The Exalted, and his conviction that whatever
happens in the universe and whatever befalls him, only happens through
the will and the decree of Allaah. The Muslim is closely connected to
Allaah, constantly remembers Him, puts his trust in Him and is
obedient towards Him.
His faith is pure and clear, uncontaminated byany strain of ignorance,
superstition or illusion. His belief and worship are based on the
Quran and the authentic 'Sunnah'.
The Muslim is alert and open-minded to the magnificence of Allaah. He
knows that it is Allaah who is in control of the affairs of the
universe and of mankind, and He (Allaah) Knows all and Witnesses every
secret.
A Muslim feels in the depths of his soul that he is in constant need
of thehelp and support of Allaah, no matter how much he may think he
can do for himself. He hasno choice in his life but to submit to the
will of Allaah, worship Him, strive towards the Right Path and do good
deeds.
This will guide him to be righteous and upright in all his deeds, both
in public and in private.
A Muslim recognizes the signs of the unlimited power of Allaah in the
universe, and so his faith in Allaah increases: Allaah, The Exalted,
Says (what means): "Verily! In the creation of the heavens and the
earth and (in) the difference of night and day are tokens (of His
sovereignty) for men of understanding. Such as remember Allaah,
standing, sitting, and reclining, and consider the creation of the
heavens and the earth, (and say): Our Lord! You created not this in
vain. Glory be to You! Preserve us from the doom of Fire." [Quran 3:
190-191]
His attitude towards his body, mind and soul
The Muslim pays due attention to his body's physical, intellectual and
spiritual needs.
He takes good care of his body, promoting its goodhealth and strength.
He isactive, doesn't eat in excess; but he eats enough to maintain his
health and energy. He understands that a strong believer is more loved
by Allaah than a weak believer. Allaah, The Exalted, Says (what
means): "…Eat and drink; but waste not by excess, for Allaah loves not
the wasters." [Quran 7: 31]
The Muslim keeps away from drugs and stimulants. He also does not
forget to exercise regularly to maintain his physical fitness.
The Muslim also keeps hisbody and clothes very clean. He bathes
frequently. The Prophet placed a great emphasis on cleanliness and
bathing. Cleanliness makes the Muslim more likeable to people. He also
takes care of his mouth and teeth.
It is no surprise that the Muslim is concerned withhis clothing and
appearance. The Muslim does all of this in accordance with the Islamic
ideal of moderation, avoiding theextremes of exaggeration and
negligence.
Allaah Says (what means): "Say: Who has forbidden the adornment of
Allaah which He has brought forth for His bondmen, and the good things
ofHis providing? Say: Such, on the Day of Resurrection, will be only
for those who believed during the life of the world. Thus do We detail
Our revelations for people who have knowledge." [Quran 7: 32]
As for his intellectual care, the Muslim takes care of his mind by
perusing beneficial knowledge. He is responsible to seek knowledge
whether it is religious or secular, so hemay understand the nature and
the essence of things. Allaah Says (what means): "…and say: My Lord!
Increase me in knowledge." [Quran 20: 114]
The Muslim does not forget that man is not only composed of a body and
a mind, but that he also possesses a soul and a spirit, and feels a
longing for higher thingsthat make him rise abovethis materialistic
life and scale the heights of goodness, virtue and light.
Therefore, the Muslim pays as much attention tohis spiritual
developmentas to his physical and intellectual development,in a
precisely balanced fashion which does not concentrate on one aspect to
the detriment of others.
His attitude towards people
With his parents, the Muslim is an example of sincere filial piety. He
treats them with kindness and respect, infinite compassion,
utterpoliteness and deep gratitude. He recognizes their status and
knows his duties towards them. Allaah Says (what means): "And serve
Allaah. Ascribe nothing as partner unto Him. (Show) kindness unto
parents…" [Quran 4: 36]
With his wife, the Muslim exemplifies good and kind treatment,
intelligent handling, deep understanding of the nature and psychology
of women, and proper fulfillment of his responsibilities and duties.
With his children, the Muslim is a parent who understands his great
responsibility towards them which is, as well as flooding them with
love and compassion, to pay attention to anything that may influence
their Islamic development and give them proper education, so that they
become active and constructive elements in society, and a source of
goodness for their parents, community, and society as a whole.
With his relatives, the Muslim maintains the tiesof kinship and knows
his duties towards them. He understands the high status given to
relatives in Islam, which makes him keep in touch with them, no matter
what thecircumstances.
With his neighbors, the Muslim illustrates good treatment and
consideration of others' feelings and sensitivities. He puts up with
mistreatment and turns ablind eye to his neighbor's faults while
taking care not to commit any such errors himself.
The Muslim relationship with his brothers and friends is the best and
purest of relationships, for it is based on love for the sake of
Allaah. He is loving, not cold towards them; he is loyal and does not
betray them; he is sincere and does not cheat them; he is gentle and
never harsh; he is tolerant and forgiving; he is generous and he
supplicates for them (his brothers and friends).
In his social relationships with all people, the Muslim is
well-mannered,civil and noble, characterized by the attitudes which
Islam encourages.
The Muslim does not envyothers. He fulfils his promises. He has the
attitude of shyness. He is cheerful. He is not pushy. He is patient.
He avoids slandering or uttering obscenities. He does not unjustly
accuse others. Heis shy and modest. He does not interfere in thatwhich
does not concern him. He refrains from gossiping, spreading slander
and stirring up trouble. He avoids false speech and suspicion. When he
is entrusted with a secret, he keeps it.He is modest and never
arrogant. He does not make fun of anyone. He respects his elders. He
mixes with the best of people. He strives to reconcile between the
Muslims. He calls others toIslam with wisdom and beautiful preaching.
He visits the sick and attendsfunerals. He returns favors and is
grateful for them. He guides people to do good. He always likes to
make things easy and not difficult.
The Muslim is fair in his judgements. He is not a hypocrite, a
sycophant ora show-off. He does not boast about his deeds and
achievements. He is straightforward and is never devious or twisted,no
matter what the circumstances. He loves noble things and hates
foolishness. He is generous and does not remind others of his gifts or
favors. He is hospitableand does not complain when a guest comes to
him. He prefers others to himself as much as possible. He relieves the
burden of the debtor. He is proud and does not think of begging.
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