The
ideal Muslim character is distinct and balanced. The Muslim is the
embodiment of the teachings of the Quran and the ‘Sunnah’ (sayings,
actions and the approvals of the Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu `alayhi
wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention )). He follows the teachings
of the Book of Allaah (i.e. Quran) and the example of the Prophet
Muhammad sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his
mention ) in all affairs, 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.
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 by any 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
the help and support of Allaah, no matter how much he may think he can
do for himself. He has no 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]
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 good health and strength. He
is active, 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 his body and clothes very clean. He bathes
frequently. The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah
exalt his mention ) 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 with his clothing and
appearance. The Muslim does all of this in accordance with the Islamic
ideal of moderation, avoiding the extremes 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 of His 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 he may 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 things that make him rise above this materialistic
life and scale the heights of goodness, virtue and light.
Therefore,
the Muslim pays as much attention to his spiritual development as to
his physical and intellectual development, in a precisely balanced
fashion which does not concentrate on one aspect to the detriment of
others.
Attitude towards people
With
his parents, the Muslim is an example of sincere filial piety. He
treats them with kindness and respect, infinite compassion, utter
politeness 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 ties of 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 the
circumstances.
With
his neighbors, the Muslim illustrates good treatment and consideration
of others’ feelings and sensitivities. He puts up with mistreatment and
turns a blind 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 envy others. 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. He is shy and modest. He does not interfere in that which 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 to Islam with wisdom and
beautiful preaching. He visits the sick and attends funerals. 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 or
a 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
hospitable and 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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