BY Abraar Alli
Akhlāq &
Adab
An excerpt of an Arabic poem that quotes: The
beauty is not within the clothing (outer appearance)
you beautify with, actual beauty is the beauty of
knowledge and manners
Messenger of Allah (SWT) said, “The believers who
show the most perfect Faith are those who have
the best behaviour, and the best of you are those
who are the best to their wives”. (At-Tirmidhi).
Your personality, traits, habits and demeanour are
what define you as a person. When these are good
and exceptionally pleasant, your worth increases
amongst others. The better your character, the
more irrelevant your physical looks become, since
your beauty emanates from within. The politer you
become, the more you can inspire the hearts of the
masses.
Islam is such a beautiful way of life. It refines
your character in a very specific and detailed
way. Furthermore, it is not possible to become a
complete adherent to Islam as a Muslim without
mastering your character. You must demonstrate
exemplary character and conduct with all of Allah`s
creation regardless of their background, race,
ethnicity an d belief. You must preserve the sanctity
and dignity given by Allah to each living being.
Abud-Darda (May Allah be pleased with him)
reported:
The Prophet (SAW) said, “Nothing will be heavier
on the Day of Resurrection in the Scale of the
believer than good manners. Allah hates one who
utters foul or coarse language.”(At- Tirmidhi).
The two main sources of sacred guidance in Islam;
the Qur’an and Sunnah, are piled with an array
of direct instructions related to the action of
one’s character. Nabi (SAW), as the embodiment
of excellence, set the most exemplary standard
illustrating perfect control, beauty of character and
grace. As such, he was given the task of teaching
these techniques of refinement to the people,
specifically the Ummah.
There is a great example in how Nabi (SAW) dealt
with the worst of emotional hardship and difficult
situations, whilst portraying a beautiful example
of self-restraint and wisdom. This is the essence of
why we practice good manners and conduct.
It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “A Bedouin
entered the mosque when the Messenger of Allah
was sitting there, and (the man) said: ‘O Allah,
forgive me and Muhammad, and do not forgive
anyone else with us.’ The Messenger of Allah
smiled and said: ‘You have placed restrictions on
something that is vast.’ Then the Bedouin turned
away, went to a corner of the mosque, spread his
legs and began to urinate. After he had a better
understanding, the Bedouin said: ‘He got up and
came to me, and may my father and mother be
ransomed for him, he did not rebuke me nor revile
me. He said: “This mosque is not for urinating in.
Rather it is built for the remembrance of Allah
and prayer.”’ Then he called for a large vessel of
water and poured it over the place where he had
urinated.” (Ibn Majah)
Ihsaan | Issue 3 | 11