THE BEST CHARACTER, THE HIGHEST PERFORMER

The best character, the highest performer

Who are the Best People?

(Tirmidhi Book of Suckling, Chapter on the rights of a wife over her husband tradition no. 1162)

Hazrat Abu Hurairah [radhiallaahu anhu] has narrated that the Holy Prophet [sallallaahu alyhi wasallam] said: The most accomplished of the believers in respect of Iman (Faith) is one who is the best of them in conduct and character. The more refined a man is in behaviour and character, the more accomplished he is in Iman (Faith). Perfect Iman, therefore, demands that a man should behave and deal with others politely. The best of you are those who are the best in their behaviour and dealings with their wives and women.

The meaning of "Best Character" in the modern age

We see that in our days the meanings of things have greatly changed and the values of all things have been reversed. Hazrat Maulana Qari Muhammad Tayyib Sahib [ra] of Deoband used to say: As compared with the past everything has turned upside-down in the present age.

For example, in the olden days there was darkness beneath the lamp and now there is darkness above the bulb. Today values have changed and so has changed the import of everything, so much so that even the meaning of character has undergone a total change. Today only some outer acts and expressions of modern etiquettes are regarded as tokens of good character. For example, it is regarded sign of good character to meet someone with a smiling face or to utter formal pleasing words. I am very glad to see you, it is pleasing to meet you, etc. while the heat of enmity, jealousy and hatred is burning in the hearts. Today this way of behaviours has been named good behaviour and character. It has been recognised as an art, how to deal with others so as to make them impressed with our personalities. Books are being written today on the art of winning over sympathies of others. All energies are being utilised to achieve this aim: Do all that is possible to get others attracted by your superficial personality. This is called “character”. Bear in mind well that all this formal show has nothing to do with high morality which the Holy Prophet [sallallaahu alyhi wasallam] has enjoined upon his followers. This is a mere hypocrisy, ostentation, a trick to attract others to one’s own personality. This is nothing but love for honour, fame and regar

People who have the highest performer , they have best character. These are some good character in islam.

Good Character in Islam

Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 138, Which means: Say (O you who believe), `We have adopted the religion of Allah; and who is better than Allah in teaching religion, and Him alone do we worship.’

My brothers,

Islam is built on three foundations; the foundations of Iman, Islam and Ihsan. The foundation of Iman is

the key to the validity of a person’s faith in Allah. Does he believe in the One God, the Creator of all?

Does he also believe in the angels, the Revealed Books, the Prophets and the Messengers, the Last Day and Qada’ and Qadar?

Denying any of these tenets can make a person deviate from the path of faith, resulting in nullifying his faith in Allah.

And the foundation of Islam is shaped from our actions. Do we proclaim the Shahadah, perform Salah, give the Zakah, fast in the month of Ramadan and perform Hajj when affordable?

A person’s foundation of Islam will crumble if one of the pillars of Islam is not performed.

Iman can be viewed as the skeleton, like man. Without the skeleton, man will not be able to stand. Likewise, without Iman, a person cannot proclaim himself as a Muslim.

But the skeleton is not enough for a body to move. It needs muscles, likewise, the Iman; it does not show someone as a Muslim unless it is proven by actions.

The skeleton and the muscles work together to move the body. But what actually adorns it, is the attire and the accessories. And the Islamic attire and accessories are one’s good character.

From Abu Hurairah Rasul Allah (r) said: Which means: Indeed, I (Rasul Allah (r)) have been sent to perfect good character. It is clear from this hadith that Rasul Allah (r) was sent not just to eradicate transgression and to uphold Islam, but he was also sent to bring mankind to higher levels of good character. (Hadith narrated by Al-Hakim)

Rasul Allah (r) himself displayed good character, and was himself a manifestation of excellent character to the extent that he was praised by Allah; Which means: And you, surely, possess sublime moral excellence. (Surat Al-Qalam, verse 4)

Good manners and good character are very much demanded in Islam. In fact, it is one of the matters that can weigh heavily in our good deeds in the Hereafter.

Rasul Allah (r) said: Which means: There is none heavier in the scales of the Hereafter than good character, (Hadith narrated by al-Tirmizi and Abu Daud). And indeed, a person with good character can reach the degree of someone who prays and fasts, where as a person with bad character and who does not show good manners, will be in misfortune, as mentioned by Rasul Allah (r), Which means: Bad manners are a misfortune. (Hadith narrated by Imam Ahmad).

Islam requires us to be of good character because it is our inborn nature to feel calm and tranquil and to respect those who are of good character. Those with good character are also honored by all regardless of race or religion, and they will bring goodness to this world. This is because good manners as preached by Islam are the universal trait which is revered by every human.

Actually, we do not have to go around searching for the right qualities to be displayed. We just have to consider what is seen as good by man, and that is the good character which is taught in Islam.

Anything that is good is part of good character. As mentioned by Rasul Allah (r) in a hadith narrated by Imam Muslim: Which means: A good act is good character.

Good character is divided into two levels: the basics, and the higher level characters. Basic good manners are well known and appreciated by all. Like helping others in doing good, as mentioned by Allah in Surah Al-Maaidah: Which means: And help one another in righteousness and in piety.

This includes smiling at our brothers and avoiding sullenness, as mentioned by Rasul Allah (r), Which means: Your smile to your brother is an act of sadaqah.(Hadith narrated by al-Tirmizi)

Similarly, by abstaining ourselves from all acts which may harm or upset other Muslims, be it in speech or act. Which means: A Muslim is one whom other people are safe from his tongue and his hand. (Hadith narrated by Bukhari).

This is the universal good character; the basics, whereas for higher level characters, most of them are taught only in Islam. This is what was meant by Rasul Allah (r) in his hadith: Which means: Indeed, I have been sent to perfect good character.

Imam Al-Ghazali in his eminent works of (Ihya’ ‘Ulum AD-Deen) succeeded in explaining in detail the categories of the higher level characters and their explanations, based on the Al-Quran and Sunnah. He divided it into two parts: Manners which will bring misfortune in this world and the next, and manners which will bring triumph in this world and in the hereafter.

Among the destructive characters are jealousy and resentment, the love for this world, the love for power and rank, Riyaa’, ‘Uj’b and takabbur. And among the characters which will bring us to success are sincerity, the habit of thinking, compassion, tawakkal, and many others.

How wonderful it will be if we can internalize the good characters as taught by Islam. Without good character, a Muslim will not be complete; his faith will not be complete.

An Arabic poet once said: which means, Indeed the Ummah with good character will last. But when their good character is lost, they will also be lost. Allah says: “Surely, he who appears before his Lord as a criminal, there is hell for him, in which he will neither die nor will he live. And he who will appear before Him as a faithful, who has performed good deeds–for all such people there are high positions, ever green paradise, beneath which canals will be flowing; they will live in them for ever. Who adopts purity.” This is the reward for him (Taha: 74-76).

All the Islamic compulsory forms of worship are designed as exercises and training to enable people to acquire correct morals and habits and to live righteously, and to adhere to these virtues till the end, whatever be the changes in their circumstances.

(1) Prayer prevents commitment of Evil

Salah (prayer) is a compulsory form of worship, which is like an exercise towards which man is attracted with interest and willingness. He offers it continually, so that his life may be free from all diseases and the body may be healthy and strong. The holy Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet, both are the open proofs of these realities.

When Allah commanded the compulsory prayers to be established, He stated its wisdom in this way: “Prayer prohibits obscenity and evil.”

To keep away from evil, wickedness and to purify from bad deeds are also realities of the prayer.

In a Hadith-e-Qudsi it is stated: “I accept the prayers of the person who adopts the policy of humility with it on account of My greatness, obliges My creatures, does not insist on sinning against Me, spends his day in remembering Me, and is kind to the poor, travelers, weak and the suffering people.

(2) Zakah is a means of purification

Zakah has been made compulsory on the eligible ‘scheduled’ (sahibe Nisab) persons. It is not merely a tax that is collected from the pockets of the people, but its foremost purpose is to sow the seeds of kindness, sympathy and benevolence, and to provide a chance of introduction among the various sections of the society and to establish the relationship of love and friendliness.

The purpose of paying Zakah has been stated in the Qur’an in the following words: “O Prophet! Take charity from their property so that if may clean them and purify them.” Tauba: 103)

To clean the self of the worldly impurities and to raise the standard of the society to the heights of decency and purity are the wisdom behind the levy of Zakah.

For this reason the Prophet has taken it in a very wide sense, and to pay Zakah has been made compulsory for every eligible Muslim.

The Prophet has said: “To smile in the company of your brother is charity. To command to do good deeds and to prevent others from doing evil is charity.

To guide a person in a place where he can go astray is charity.

To remove troublesome things like thorns and bones from the road is charity. To pour water from your jug into the jug of your brother is charity. To guide a person with defective vision is charity for you.”(Bukhari)

(3) Fasting is a stepping stone to Righteousness

Similarly Islam has made fasting compulsory. But it is not envisaged that men should keep away from their carnal desires and other prohibited things for a fixed period only. The Prophet has said: “Pasting is not the name of merely keeping away from eating and drinking, but it is keeping away from wicked and obscene things. If in the state of fasting, someone abuses you or picks up a quarrel with you, say: “I am fasting.” Qur’an states the purpose of the imposition of fasting in these words: “Fasting has been made compulsory for you, as it was made compulsory for those (followers of earlier prophets) who preceded you, so that you may become righteous.” (Baqarah: 183)

(4) Hajj is a compulsory pilgrimage to weaken the love for the world.

Sometimes man thinks that to travel to the holy places and to perform pilgrimage, which has been made compulsory for every rich Muslim, and which is included in the basic pillars of Islam, is merely a form of worship that has no relation with the world of morality and character. This is a clear misunderstanding. Giving commands about this compulsory worship, Allah states: “The months of Hajj are well-known. In these months whoever intends to perform Hajj should not indulge in sexual act, wicked act, and Fighting during the Hajj. Whatever righteous act you will perform will be known to Allah. Take with you provision for the journey (for Hajj), and the best provision is righteousness. So fear me, 0 men of understanding!” (Baqarah: 197)

This is merely the main outline of the forms of worship which are well known and generally practiced in Islam and they are its basic pillars. They show us what a deep relationship is there between religion and morality and how strong and lasting is this relationship.

How varying are these forms of worship in their spirit and appearance from one another, but in those aim and purpose how close they are which the holy Prophet declared his main objective. Therefore, saint (prayer), sawm (fasting), zakat, Hajj and other forms of worship like these are the stepping stones for real perfection, and are the means of cleanliness and purity that make life secure and magnificent. On account of high attributes and noble qualities that are the inalienable parts and the consequences of these forms of worship, they have been given a very high and important place in Allah’s religion.

If these forms of worship do not purify the hearts of men, if they do not nourish best qualities in those who observe them, and if they do not improve and make firm the relationship between Allah and His slaves, then there is nothing left for men but destruction and devastation.

May we be able to improve our character and be an example to other communities.

It is narrated on the authority of Abdullah bin Mas'ood (may Allah be pleased with him), who observed: "I asked Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) which deed was the best." He (the Holy Prophet) replied: 'The Prayer at its appointed hour.' I (again) asked: "Then what?" He (the Holy Prophet) replied: 'Kindness to the parents.' I (again) asked: "Then what?" He replied: 'Earnest struggle (Jihad) in the cause of Allah.' I refrained from asking any more questions for fear of annoying him. (Sahih Muslim: 120)

Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) was asked about the best of deeds. He observed: "Belief in Allah." He (the inquirer) asked: 'What next?' He (the Holy Prophet) replied: "Jihad (struggle to the utmost) in the cause of Allah." He (the inquirer) again asked: 'What next?' He (the Holy Prophet) replied: "Pilgrimage accepted into the grace of the Lord." (Sahih Muslim: 118)

Abu Dharr (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that I asked the Messenger of Allah: "Which of the deeds is the best?" He (the Holy Prophet) replied: 'Belief in Allah and Jihad in His cause.' I again asked: "Who is the slave whose emancipation is the best?" He (the Holy Prophet) replied: 'One who is valuable for his master and whose price is high.' I asked: "What if I cannot afford to do it?" He (the Holy Prophet) replied: 'Help an artisan or make anything for the unskilled (laborer).' I (Abu Dharr) said: "O Messenger of Allah, you see that I am helpless in doing some of these deeds." He (the Holy Prophet) replied: 'Desist from doing mischief to the people. That is your own charity for your self.' (Sahih Muslim: 119)

SOME OF THE HUMAN QUALITIES ALLAH, THE ALMIGHTY LOVES "Say (O Muhammad to mankind): "If you (really) love Allah, then follow me (i.e. accept Islamic monotheism, follow the Quran and the Sunnah), Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Quran: 3:31)

Patience "And Allah loves as-Sabirun (the patient)." (Quran: 3:146)

Justice and Dealing with Equity "Be just: that is nearer to piety; and fear Allah." (Quran: 5:8)

Putting Trust in Allah "Certainly, Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him)." (Quran: 3:159)

Perfection of One's Work The Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Allah loves that if one does a job he perfects it."

Rescuing Abu Ya ‘la Dailami and Ibn Asakir narrated: Abu Hurairah and Anas Ibn Malik said: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Allah loves rescuing the one who needs rescue."

Being Kind and Gentle to Others Baihaqani narrated: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Allah is kind and gentle (to others)."

Kindliness "Aisha narrated: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Allah loves kindliness in all matters." (Bukhari)

Repentance "Truly, Allah loves those who turn unto him in repentance." (Quran: 2:222)

Piety "Verily, then Allah loves those who are al-Muttaqun (the pious)." (Quran: 3:76)

Good-doing "Truly, Allah loves Al-Muhsinun (the good-doers)." (Quran: 2:195)

Body Purification "And Allah loves those who make themselves clean and pure [ i.e. who clean their private parts with dust (which has the properties of soap) and water from urine and stools, after answering the call of nature]." (Quran: 9:108)

Humility of the Rich Muslim narrated: Sa'd Ibn Abi Waqqas said: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Allah loves the believer who is pious and rich, but does not show off."

Belief and Work Al-Tabarani narrated: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Allah loves the slave who believes and acquires a career (or work)."

Reflection of Allah's Grace Al-Tirmidhi narrated: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Allah loves from amongst his slaves, the one who has a sense of zeal or honor."

Magnanimity Al-Hakim narrated: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Allah is All-Generous and He loves generosity in sale, purchase and judgment."

Virtuosity The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: " Allah loves the slave-believer who is poor but virtuous enough to refrain from begging though he has many children." (Muslim and Ahmed)

Loftiness Al-Tabarani narrated: the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Allah loves lofty matters and superiority and hates inferior matters."

Justice Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Allah loves that you be just toward your children even when kissing them." (Ibn Al-Najjar)

Strength Muslim narrated: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "The strong believer is better and more loved by Allah than the weak one, but they are both good."

Love for the Sake of Allah Al-Tabarani, Ibn Ya'la, Ibn Hibban and Al-Hakim narrated: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "If two men love each other for the sake of Allah, the stronger in love to his brother will be more loved by Allah."

Forgiveness Ibn Iday narrated: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Allah is All-Forgiving and He loves forgiveness."

Continuous Performance of Righteous Deeds Bukhari and Muslim narrated: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "The best loved deeds to Allah are the ones that are continuous even if they are not very many."

Loving and Visiting Believers Malik narrated: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Allah said: My love is due to those who meet for My sake, visit one another and make any effort for My pleasure."

Exhortation and Advising Abdullah, the son of Imam Ahmed narrated: It was said: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "The best loved slaves to Allah are those who exhort their slaves."

Love of Virtuous Deeds Ibn Abi Al-Dunya narrated: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "The best loved slaves to Allah are those who are made to love virtue and loving virtuous deeds is made lovely to them."

Good Manners and Conduct Al-Tirmidhi narrated: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "The best loved by me and the nearest to me on the seats on the Day of Resurrection are those who have the best manners and conduct amongst you, who are intimate, are on good terms with others and are humble, and the most hated by me and who will be on the furthest seats from me are those who are talkative and arrogant."

Love of Allah is the basis of worship that should be directed to Him alone. Any other love should be for His sake too. The real love of Allah is to do whatever He ordained and to abandon whatever He forbade, in addition to following the Prophet's Sunnah.

Whoever obeys someone or something other than Allah and His Messenger, or follows any saying other than theirs, or fears other than Allah or seeks the pleasure of other than Allah, or puts his trust in other than Him, does not love Allah, nor does he love His Messenger. Muslims should also love one another and wish the best for one another. Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said:

"One will not be a true believer unless he loves for his brother what he loves for himself." (Bukhari, Muslim, Nasa'i, Ahmed and Ibn Majah)

Imam Malik and Imam Ahmed narrated: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Allah said: My love is due to those who love one another for My sake."

It is narrated on the authority of Abdullah bin Mas'ood (may Allah be pleased with him), who observed: "I asked Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) which deed was the best." He (the Holy Prophet) replied: 'The Prayer at its appointed hour.' I (again) asked: "Then what?" He (the Holy Prophet) replied: 'Kindness to the parents.' I (again) asked: "Then what?" He replied: 'Earnest struggle (Jihad) in the cause of Allah.' I refrained from asking any more questions for fear of annoying him. (Sahih Muslim: 120)

Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) was asked about the best of deeds. He observed: "Belief in Allah." He (the inquirer) asked: 'What next?' He (the Holy Prophet) replied: "Jihad (struggle to the utmost) in the cause of Allah." He (the inquirer) again asked: 'What next?' He (the Holy Prophet) replied: "Pilgrimage accepted into the grace of the Lord." (Sahih Muslim: 118)

Abu Dharr (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that I asked the Messenger of Allah: "Which of the deeds is the best?" He (the Holy Prophet) replied: 'Belief in Allah and Jihad in His cause.' I again asked: "Who is the slave whose emancipation is the best?" He (the Holy Prophet) replied: 'One who is valuable for his master and whose price is high.' I asked: "What if I cannot afford to do it?" He (the Holy Prophet) replied: 'Help an artisan or make anything for the unskilled (laborer).' I (Abu Dharr) said: "O Messenger of Allah, you see that I am helpless in doing some of these deeds." He (the Holy Prophet) replied: 'Desist from doing mischief to the people. That is your own charity for your self.' (Sahih Muslim: 119)

SOME OF THE HUMAN QUALITIES ALLAH, THE ALMIGHTY LOVES "Say (O Muhammad to mankind): "If you (really) love Allah, then follow me (i.e. accept Islamic monotheism, follow the Quran and the Sunnah), Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Quran: 3:31)

Patience "And Allah loves as-Sabirun (the patient)." (Quran: 3:146)

Justice and Dealing with Equity "Be just: that is nearer to piety; and fear Allah." (Quran: 5:8)

Trust in Allah "Certainly, Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him)." (Quran: 3:159

Perfection of One's Work The Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Allah loves that if one does a job he perfects it."

Rescuing Abu Ya ‘la Dailami and Ibn Asakir narrated: Abu Hurairah and Anas Ibn Malik said: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Allah loves rescuing the one who needs rescue."

Being Kind and Gentle to Others Baihaqani narrated: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Allah is kind and gentle (to others)."

Kindliness "Aisha narrated: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Allah loves kindliness in all matters." (Bukhari)

Repentance "Truly, Allah loves those who turn unto him in repentance." (Quran: 2:222)

Piety "Verily, then Allah loves those who are al-Muttaqun (the pious)." (Quran: 3:76)

Good-doing "Truly, Allah loves Al-Muhsinun (the good-doers)." (Quran: 2:195)

Body Purification "And Allah loves those who make themselves clean and pure [ i.e. who clean their private parts with dust (which has the properties of soap) and water from urine and stools, after answering the call of nature]." (Quran: 9:108)

Humility of the Rich Muslim narrated: Sa'd Ibn Abi Waqqas said: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Allah loves the believer who is pious and rich, but does not show off."

Belief and Work Al-Tabarani narrated: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Allah loves the slave who believes and acquires a career (or work)."

Reflection of Allah's Grace Al-Tirmidhi narrated: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Allah loves from amongst his slaves, the one who has a sense of zeal or honor."

Magnanimity Al-Hakim narrated: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Allah is All-Generous and He loves generosity in sale, purchase and judgment."

Virtuosity The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: " Allah loves the slave-believer who is poor but virtuous enough to refrain from begging though he has many children." (Muslim and Ahmed)

Loftiness Al-Tabarani narrated: the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Allah loves lofty matters and superiority and hates inferior matters."

Justice Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Allah loves that you be just toward your children even when kissing them." (Ibn Al-Najjar)

Strength Muslim narrated: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "The strong believer is better and more loved by Allah than the weak one, but they are both good."

Love for the Sake of Allah Al-Tabarani, Ibn Ya'la, Ibn Hibban and Al-Hakim narrated: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "If two men love each other for the sake of Allah, the stronger in love to his brother will be more loved by Allah."

Forgiveness Ibn Iday narrated: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Allah is All-Forgiving and He loves forgiveness."

Continuous Performance of Righteous Deeds Bukhari and Muslim narrated: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "The best loved deeds to Allah are the ones that are continuous even if they are not very many."

Loving and Visiting Believers Malik narrated: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Allah said: My love is due to those who meet for My sake, visit one another and make any effort for My pleasure."

Exhortation and Advising Abdullah, the son of Imam Ahmed narrated: It was said: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "The best loved slaves to Allah are those who exhort their slaves."

Love of Virtuous Deeds Ibn Abi Al-Dunya narrated: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "The best loved slaves to Allah are those who are made to love virtue and loving virtuous deeds is made lovely to them."

Good Manners and Conduct Al-Tirmidhi narrated: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "The best loved by me and the nearest to me on the seats on the Day of Resurrection are those who have the best manners and conduct amongst you, who are intimate, are on good terms with others and are humble, and the most hated by me and who will be on the furthest seats from me are those who are talkative and arrogant."

Love of Allah is the basis of worship that should be directed to Him alone. Any other love should be for His sake too. The real love of Allah is to do whatever He ordained and to abandon whatever He forbade, in addition to following the Prophet's Sunnah.

Whoever obeys someone or something other than Allah and His Messenger, or follows any saying other than theirs, or fears other than Allah or seeks the pleasure of other than Allah, or puts his trust in other than Him, does not love Allah, nor does he love His Messenger. Muslims should also love one another and wish the best for one another. Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said:

"One will not be a true believer unless he loves for his brother what he loves for himself." (Bukhari, Muslim, Nasa'i, Ahmed and Ibn Majah)

Imam Malik and Imam Ahmed narrated: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Allah said: My love is due to those who love one another for My sake."