Means of Acquiring Refined Morals

Undeniably, changing one's morals for the better is the toughest
change for the human being, but it is not impossible. There are many
ways and methods to help one acquire refined morals, which include
thefollowing:
Pure creed:
Having a pure creed is a serious matter, as one's conduct and behavior
are, very often, the fruits of one's creed and ideology. A person's
conduct is the practical translation of what he believes in.
Accordingly, any sense of deviation in behavior is the result of a
defective creed. The Prophet said: ~ "The believers who are the most
perfect in respect of their faith are those who have the best
morals."~~
Supplication:
Indeed, supplications are a great means to attain refined morals; once
Allaah The Exalted Accepted a person's supplications, he will be
showered with bounties and graces.
Hence, he who aspires to be well-mannered, giving up his badmorals,
should resort to supplication. In fact, the Prophet used to implore
Allaah The Exalted to Grant him good morals. He used to supplicate:
"Allaahumma Ihdini li Ahsan Al-Akhlaaq, la yahdi li ahsaniha illa
anta, wa Isrif 'anni sayi'aha, layasrifu 'Anni sayi'aha illa anta (O
Allaah, Guide me to the best morals, as none can guide to the best
morals except You, and Save me from bad morals, as none cansave me
from bad morals except You)."
Striving:
Acquiring refined morals is a form of guidance that one acquires
through exerting great effort. Allaah The Exalted Says (what means):#
{And those who strive for Us – We will surely guide them to Our ways.
And indeed, Allaah Is with the doers of good.}## [Quran 29: 96]
Self-reckoning:
This can be done through self-criticism; whenever one commits a
reprehensible deed, he can adopt the carrot-and-stickprinciple.
Reflecting on the implications and fruits of refined morals and
pondering over its good consequences is one of the greatest reasons
that drive one to strive to acquire that quality. Moreover, bear in
mind that the harder the deed is, the greater itsreward becomes.
Pondering on the consequences of bad morals:
This reflection brings to mind theevil consequences of bad morals:
they give rise to pain, grief, worry, misery, regret and hatred in the
hearts of people.
Patience:
Indeed, patience is one of the major moral bases of the Muslim
character and is one of the fundamental refined morals. Patience helps
people to endure and accept calamities, restrain their anger, adopt
forbearance, kindness, sympathy, and shun recklessness and haste.
Justice:
Justice urges one to maintain a balance in terms of morals, i.e. tobe
moderate in one's morals and not to be excessive or lax; not to be
cowardly or reckless, or lenient, in a negative sense, and angry. -
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