The Importance of Character

The Importance of Character

To refonn character and shape it in conformity with the commands of Allah is as important and necessary as the performance of worship. If we look into the matter a bit more closely we shall see that no orders relating to worship, dealings and living can be obeyed properly unless the character is refined and polished. If the character is not good, sometimes worship like prayers and fasting go waste, rather they turn into an scourge. That is why the ameliorating character and moulding it on the pattern of the pleasure of Allah and His Prophet
صلى الله عليه وسلم form the foundation of man's practical life. It is not possible to raise a building without a foundation.

What is Character

The character of which I am talking is quite different from what it is commonly understood by the people.

What is character, as the common public understands it? It is to meet someone with a smile, to speak to him pleasantly and politely to show that the man is gifted with high morals and has an amicable conduct and character. However, the character of which I am talking and the character which our Deen demands of us is more comprehensive. It is not that one behaves with the people cordially and pleasantly. Although this is also a part of the Islamic character, yet this is not true character. The real character is an attribute of man's inner self, his heart and his soul. Many kinds of emotions, thoughts and desires are born and bred in man's inner self. These represent character. Stress has been laid on their improvement and betterment.

Hadith 1

Abdullah ibn Amr reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

مَنْ أَحَبَّ أَنْ يُزَحْزَحَ عَنْ النَّارِ وَيَدْخُلَ الْجَنَّةَ فَلْتُدْرِكْهُ مَنِيَّتُهُ وَهُوَ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ وَيَأْتِي إِلَى النَّاسِ مَا يُحِبُّ أَنْ يُؤْتَى إِلَيْهِ

Whoever would love to be delivered from Hellfire and admitted into Paradise, let him meet his end with faith in Allah and the Last Day, and let him treat people as he would love to be treated.

Hadith 2

Aisha reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

إِنَّ مِنْ أَكْمَلِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ إِيمَانًا أَحْسَنُهُمْ خُلُقًا وَأَلْطَفُهُمْ بِأَهْلِهِ

Verily, the most complete of believers in faith are those with the best character and who are most kind to their families.

Hadith 3

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

كُنْ وَرِعًا تَكُنْ أَعْبَدَ النَّاسِ وَكُنْ قَنِعًا تَكُنْ أَشْكَرَ النَّاسِ وَأَحِبَّ لِلنَّاسِ مَا تُحِبُّ لِنَفْسِكَ تَكُنْ مُؤْمِنًا وَأَحْسِنْ جِوَارَ مَنْ جَاوَرَكَ تَكُنْ مُسْلِمًا وَأَقِلَّ الضَّحِكَ فَإِنَّ كَثْرَةَ الضَّحِكِ تُمِيتُ الْقَلْبَ

Be devout and you will be the most pious of people. Be content and you will be the most grateful of people. Love for people what you love for yourself and you will be a believer. Behave well with your neighbors and you will be a Muslim. Laugh less, for too much laughter will deaden the heart.

Hadith 4

Abdullah ibn Amr reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

الرَّاحِمُونَ يَرْحَمُهُمْ الرَّحْمَنُ ارْحَمُوا مَنْ فِي الْأَرْضِ يَرْحَمْكُمْ مَنْ فِي السَّمَاءِ

The merciful will be shown mercy by the Most Merciful. Be merciful to those on the earth and the One in the heavens will have mercy upon you