The Muslim’s Moral Conduct: Lessons from the Sunnah
Editorial Staff
Prophet Muhammad had possessed an exceptionally moral character among his people from the very beginning of his life. God selected such a man to convey the message of Islam.
Muhammad perfectly fulfilled his message of responsibility of leading humanity.
Muhammad perfectly fulfilled his message of responsibility of leading Arabia from the darkness and ignorance of Jahiliyyah to the light of Islam and its moral teachings which are actually offered to all humanity.
It was the mercy of Allah that you deal gently with them (O Muhammad), for if you had been severe or harsh-hearted, they would have dispersed from round about you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult with them upon the conduct of affairs. And when you are resolved, then put your trust in Allah. Lo! Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him). (Aal `Imran 3:159)
The Prophet’s life mirrored the due harmony between faith and actions. He is the exemplary and the prime model of conduct for all Muslims to follow.
The Qur’an emphasizes the exalted moral character of the Prophet (peace be upon him):
Nun. the pen and what you write, (Muhammad), you are not insane, thanks to the bounty of your Lord. You will certainly receive a never-ending reward. You have a sublime morality. (Al-Qalam 68:1-4)
Lessons from the Sunnah
The Prophet’s hadiths about righteousness, tolerance and moral conduct are the embodiment of his noble character.
Morality and moral conduct constitute a basic principle of Islam and one cannot be a true Muslims without good moral qualities.
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
“There are two characteristics which are not combined in a believer; miserliness and bad morals.” (At-Tirmidhi)
Abu Ad-Darda’ (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
“The heaviest thing which will be put on the believer’s scale (on the Day of Resurrection) will be good morals.” (Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi)
Also, Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah said: “The fear of Allah and good morals (akhlaq) are the two major characteristics which lead to Paradise.” (At-Tirmidhi and Al-Hakim)
Best Believer
Allah’s Messenger also said: “The best amongst you are those who are best in morals.” (Muslim)
An-Nawwas ibn Sam`an narrated, ‘I asked the Messenger of Allah about virtue and sin and he replied:
“The essence of virtue is (manifested in) good morals (akhlaq) whereas sinful conduct is that which turns in your heart (making you feel uncomfortable) and you dislike that it would be disclosed to other people.” (Muslim)
Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah said:
“You (people) cannot satisfy people with your wealth, but satisfy them with your cheerful faces and good morals.” (Abu Ya`la and Al-Hakim)
Moral Conduct in Daily Life
Once the Prophet passed an Ansari who was scolding his brother about his immodesty. The Prophet advised him to let him go as modesty was a branch of faith.
A man who harasses his neighbor and makes him suffer any kind of damage is called cruel and stonehearted the religion. In this connection the decision of the Prophet is:
“ God, he cannot be a believer; God, he cannot be a believer; God, he cannot be a believer. He was asked: ‘who’, He answered: ‘He from whose misdeeds his neighbor is not safe’.“ (Al-Bukhari)
The Prophet advises his companions to keep away from the talk that is trash, the acts that are wicked, and the deeds that are senseless. He says:
“A person who believes in Allah and the Hereafter should speak about good things or else should keep quiet.” (Al-Bukhari)
The Prophet’s Du`aa’ for Perfect Morality
Ibn Mas`ud (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “O Allah You have made my creation perfect, so make my moral characteristics also be the best.” (Ahmad)
Also, Qutbah bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to say:
“O Allah, I seek refuge in you from evil morals, deeds, passions and diseases.” (At-Tirmidhi and Al-Hakim)
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Source: New Muslims
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