Virtues of a Muslim: Part I

This post is for those readers who are fellow Muslims. Ramadan is a time when we try better ourselves, not only spiritually and in our ibadah, but also in our character. So when I finally got my hands on a book I originally read before converting, Easily Understand Islam, and came across a chapter listing Qur’anic verses which highlight virtues all Muslims should have, it seemed a perfect time to publish such a post.

The article, originally from an online daw’ah group known as MeccaCentric.com, is also useful for non-Muslims. As the introductory paragraph states, non-Muslims have the stereotyped idea that Muslims are barbaric, violent people. And that the Qur’an encourages such virtues. Yet, the opposite is true, if only non-Muslims knew.

Thus, the article can serve two purposes: the originally intended purpose is to show non-Muslims what character a true Muslim should have, but it also reminds Muslims of what virtues they should have. It reminds Muslims of how they should act.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

There is no better way to learn about Islam than to read the Qur’an and to observe the practices of a devout Muslim. Unfortunately, the many stereotypes, misconceptions, and misrepresentations prevalent today serve as a great barrier that prevents non-Muslims from understanding the truth about Islam. Lack of access to an English translation of the Qur’an and, moreover, to a knowledgeable Muslim who represents Islam well may also be factors. Therefore, it is a hope that this will assist those who desire to know exactly what the Qur’an teaches and how a practicing Muslim is supposed to act.

The Qur’an, the revelation given to the Prophet Muhammad salallahu alayhi wassalam 1400 years ago, is an instruction book for people of all times and all places on how one can live one’s life correctly. It contains therein, among other things, the qualities that one should adopt in order to please the Creator and to obtain true peace on Earth. The ultimate result from a sincere striving toward such qualities would be the fulfillment of the human being’s purpose in this life (submission to Allah) and the attainment of the reward in the next life (eternal Paradise).

This brief work is meant to convey the moral standard by which the conscious Muslim lives his or her life according to Islam. These moral teachings have been extrapolated from the Qur’an. Muslims use this book as a standard for correct faith and action because they have a firm belief that the Creator knows what is best for His creation. Allah says in the Qur’an, ‘Verily this Qur’an guides to what is most right.’ (17:9) Muslims believe that submission to Allah and commitment to the teachings of divine scripture are essential means to solving the problems of the world.

RIGHTEOUSNESS

‘Do no evil nor mischief on the face of the earth.’ – 2:60

‘Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong.’ – 3:104

‘Do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbors who are of kin, neighbors who are strangers, the companion by your side, the wayfarer you meet, and what your right hand possess.’ – 4:36

‘Allah forbids all indecent deeds and evil and rebellion: He instructs you, that you may receive admonition.’ – 16:90

‘Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is he who is the most righteous of you.’ – 49:13

GENEROSITY

‘Give of the good things which you have honorably earned, and of the fruits of the earth which We have produced for you.’ – 2:267

‘If you disclose acts of charity, even so it is well, but if you conceal them and make them reach those really in need, that is best for you.’ – 2:271

‘By no means shall you attain righteousness unless you give freely of that which you love.’ – 3:92

‘Those saved from the covetousness of their own souls, are the ones who achieve prosperity.’ – 59:9

‘Do not expect, in giving, any increase for yourself!’ – 74:6

GRATITUDE

‘Eat of the good things that We have provided for you, and be grateful to Allah, if it is Him you worship.’ – 2:172

‘Show gratitude to Me and to your parents: to Me is your final goal.’ – 31:14

‘Allah does not like ingratitude from His servants: if you are grateful, He is pleased with you.’ – 39:7

CONTENTMENT

‘In no wise covet those things in which Allah has bestowed His gifts more freely on some of you than on others: to men is allotted what they earn, and to women what they earn: but ask Allah of His bounty.’ – 4:32

HUMILITY

‘Call on your Lord with humility and in private: for Allah does not love those who trespass beyond bounds.’ – 7:55

‘Celebrate the praises of your Lord, and be of those who prostrate themselves in adoration.’ – 15:98

‘The servants of Allah Most Gracious are those who walk on the earth in humility, and, when the ignorant address them, say, ‘Peace!’’ – 25:63

‘Do not exult, for Allah does not love those who exult in riches.’ – 28:76

‘Swell not your cheek for pride at men, nor walk in insolence through the earth; for Allah does not love any arrogant boaster.’ – 31:18

KINDNESS

‘Allah loves those who are kind.’ – 5:13

‘Be kind to your parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in your life, do not say a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honor. And, out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility, and say: “My Lord! Bestow on them Your Mercy even as they cherished me in childhood.”’ – 17:23-24

‘We have enjoined on man to be good to his parents: in travail upon travail did his mother bear him, and in years twain was his weaning.’ – 31:14

‘Do not treat the orphan with harshness, nor repulse him who asks.’ – 93:9-10

COURTESY

‘When a courteous greeting is offered you, meet it with a greeting still more courteous, or at least or equal courtesy. Allah takes careful account of all things.’ – 4:86

‘Let not some men among you laugh at others: it may be that the latter are better than the former: nor let some women laugh at others: it may be that the latter are better than the former: nor defame nor be sarcastic to each other, nor call each other by offensive nicknames.’ 49:11

PURITY

‘Eat of what is on the earth, lawful and good; and do not follow the footsteps of Satan, for he is to you an avowed enemy.’ – 2:168

‘Allah loves those who keep themselves pure and clean.’ – 2:222

‘When you prepare for prayer, wash your faces, and your hands and arms to the elbows; rub your heads with water; and wash your feet to the ankles. If you are in a state of ceremonial impurity, bathe your whole body…Allah does not wish to place you in difficulty, but to make you clean.’ – 5:6

GOOD SPEECH

‘Say to My servants that they should only say those things that are best: for Satan sows dissension among them.’ – 17:53

‘The believers have been guided…to the purest of speeches.’ – 22:24

‘Woe to every kind of scandal-monger and backbiter.’ – 104:1

RESPECT

‘Say to the People of the Book and to those who are unlearned: “Do you also submit yourselves?” If they do, they are in right guidance, but if they turn back, your duty is to convey the Message.’ – 3:20

‘Enter not houses other than your own, until you have asked permission and greeted those in them; this is best for you, in order that you may heed what is seemly. If you find no one in the house, do not enter until permission is given to you: if you are asked to go back, go back: that makes for greater purity for yourselves.’ – 24:27-28

‘Avoid suspicion as much as possible, for suspicion in some cases is a sin and do not spy on each other nor speak ill of each other behind their backs. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother?’ – 49:12

WISDOM

‘Invite all to the way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious.’ – 16:125

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

To be continued...