Good conduct & character in Islam

“Indeed in the Messenger of God you have a beautiful example of conduct to follow…”

(Quran 33:21)

Islam is not only a religion instead it’s a beautiful way of life. Islam states that one can achieve higher ranks through his/her good conduct. Our beloved prophet hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) was best in his character and is a role model for whole humanity. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

“Through his manners and good conduct, the believer can attain the status of a person who frequently fasts and prays at night.” (Abu Dawud)

In fact Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) mentioned good conduct as a best form of worship.

On the Day of Resurrection, nothing will be heavier in the scale (of good deeds) of the believer than good conduct.  God hates the one who swears and hurls obscenities.” (Abu Dawud, Al-Tirmidhi)

Good character is a key of pleasing ALLAH and his beloved prophet. By maintaining good character, one can be beloved servant of ALLAH.  The Prophet said:

“The most beloved slaves of God to God are those who have the best manners.” (Al-Hakim)

Once man asked from Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) that “what is religion”? Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) replied that religion is good conduct. Then man came in front of him and again asked that “o dear prophet what is religion”? He again replied that religion is good conduct. Again man came on his left side and asked about religion he replied good conduct. Man again to his back and repeated the same question he replied good conduct. The holy prophet told him that “Not to be angry is Good Conduct.” Man then asked that what is misfortune? Prophet (pbuh) replied bad conduct.

Hence according to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) Islam is nothing but a good conduct/character and good conduct/character is based on transparency of both inner self and outer self.

On the day of qayama good conduct will be the heaviest righteous deed to be placed on person’s scale of deeds. Good conduct is a key to enter paradise. Islam states that anyone with good character will be with prophet (pbuh) on the day of qayama. The Prophet might Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him guarantees a house within the highest a part of Paradise to those that have sensible character.

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:

“I guarantee a house in the surroundings of Paradise for those who give up arguing, even if they are in the right; and I guarantee a house in the middle of Paradise for those who abandon lying even when joking; and I guarantee a house in the highest part of Paradise for those who have good character and manners.” (Sunan Abu Daawood: 4800)

There is a story that a non-muslim lady place waste material in the path of prophet (pbuh) through which prophet (pbuh) walked every morning. The Prophet (pbuh) would see it in his path until there comes a day when she failed to place waste material in his path. As it was so strange so prophet (phuh) asked about the old lady and when he heard that old lady is sick he used to visit her and clean her house she got impressed with his good and noble conduct and declared her belief in the message of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

Prophet (pbuh) was so kind with everyone. He was the best father, the best teacher and the best husband. This teaches us that we should be noble and kind to others as much as we can and even to those who are rude and not kind to us. This is what Islam called good character.

And spend of your substance in the cause of Allah, and make not your own hands contribute to (your) destruction; but do good; for Allah loveth those who do good.

Al-Baqara – 2:195

So we must study good character and conduct. By adopting good character we can make our life beautiful in this both worlds (this life and life after death). As Muslim’s and as humans , we should always follow Prophet Muhammad so as to become amongst the most effective of Muslims with the most effective potential manners as a stepping nearer to ALLAH and a permanent resting abode in Paradise.