Noble Hadiths on the Virtue of Good Character
Good character is defined as exhibiting kindness while refraining from negative behavior, abandoning vices, and embracing virtues. This principle is foundational to the religion as highlighted by Ibn Al-Qayyim: “Religion is entirely about character; thus, whoever excels in character also excels in their faith.” Here are some hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, emphasizing the significance of good character:
- The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said: “The best among you in Islam are those who possess the best character, provided they have good understanding.”
- He also stated: “The most complete believers in faith are those who exhibit the best character. The best of the emigrants are those who abandon what Allah has forbidden, while the best form of jihad is to struggle against oneself for the sake of Allah, the Exalted.”
- The Prophet, peace be upon him, remarked: “Indeed, the best among you are those with the best character, for good character is a sign of faith.”
- He said: “The most beloved of Allah’s servants to Him are those with the best character.”
- The Prophet, peace be upon him, added: “Never has the Prophet been obscene or vulgar; he would say: ‘The best among you are those who possess good character.’
- Furthermore, he expressed: “The most complete of believers in faith are those with the best character.”
- He reiterated: “The best among you are those with the best character, and good character is indeed a part of faith.”
- He stated: “The most beloved among you to me are those who have the best character, are gentle at heart, and are friendly and amiable.”
Noble Hadiths on the Reward for Good Character
The merit of good character is evident in the rewards and positions that Allah has prepared for those who possess it in Paradise. Various hadiths highlight the rewards for individuals of good character, including:
- The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: “I guarantee a house in the outskirts of Paradise for those who abandon arguing, even if they are right; a house in the middle of Paradise for those who abandon lying, even in jest; and a house in the highest part of Paradise for those whose character is good.”
- He remarked: “There is nothing heavier on the scale than good character. The person of good character attains a rank similar to that of one who fasts and prays.”
- The Prophet, peace be upon him, asked: “Do you know what most commonly leads people to Paradise? It is awe of Allah and good character.”
- He stated: “The Fire has been forbidden for the one who is gentle, lenient, and easy-going.”
- Hani ibn Yazid reported that when he visited the Prophet, he asked: “O Messenger of Allah, what leads to Paradise?” The Prophet responded: “It is good speech and the giving of food.”
Noble Hadiths Advising Good Character
Good character is an integral part of faith and leads to immense rewards for Muslims. The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, strongly urged the practice of good character in numerous hadiths, including:
- When asked what is the best thing given to mankind, the Prophet answered: “A good character.”
- In another instance, he stated: “The best among you in Islam are those from whom others are safe from their tongue and hands. The best in faith are those with the best character; the best emigrants are those who abandon what Allah has forbidden, and the best form of jihad is to struggle against oneself for the sake of Allah, the Exalted.”
- The Prophet also advised: “Fear Allah wherever you are, and follow a bad deed with a good deed, which will erase it, and engage with people in good manners.”
- He proclaimed: “I have been sent to complete good character.”
- The Prophet used to say: “O Allah, as You have made my physical form beautiful, make my character beautiful as well.”
- He elucidated: “Righteousness is good character, and sin is what weighs on your heart, and you dislike it being seen by others.”
- It was reported that the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, was the best in character among people.
- Abdullah ibn Zubair narrated regarding the verse advising to take what is right from others’ character, stating that the Prophet was commanded to accept the good in the character of people.
- Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, mentioned that the Prophet never struck anything with his hand, nor a woman or servant, unless he was striving in the path of Allah. He never avenged himself for anything done to him, except when any of Allah’s prohibitions were violated, then he would take action for Allah.
- It was narrated by Abu Huraira, through a weak chain, “You cannot encompass the people with wealth; therefore, let your faces be cheerful and your character be good.”
- He advised Aisha: “Indeed, Allah is gentle and loves gentleness, and grants rewards for gentleness that He does not grant for harshness or anything else.”
- He remarked: “The strong person is not the one who overcomes others by physical strength, but rather the one who controls himself when angry.”
- The Prophet, peace be upon him, met Abu Dharr and said: “O Abu Dharr, should I not guide you to two traits that are light on the back and heavy on the scale? He replied: Yes, O Messenger of Allah. He said: Maintain good character and prolonged silence; by the One in whose Hand is my soul, no one has acted upon something as beneficial as these two.”
Noble Hadiths Warning Against Bad Character
While Islam extols good character and emphasizes its rewards, it also sternly warns against bad character, highlighting the distance such individuals create between themselves and Allah and what awaits them in the afterlife:
- The Prophet, peace be upon him, stated: “Indeed, bad character corrupts good deeds just as vinegar spoils honey.”
- He also cautioned: “A servant may reach the lowest depths of Hell due to their bad character.”
- The Messenger of Allah remarked: “Two traits do not coexist in a believer: stinginess and bad character.”
- He further said: “The most beloved to me and closest to me are those with the best character, whereas the most hated and distant from me are those with the worst character, including the boisterous, the boastful, and the ostentatious.”
- He stated: “The believer is neither a backbiter, nor a lamer, nor vulgar or indecent.”
- The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: “O Aisha, the worst of people are those who are honored only out of fear of their harm.”
- The Prophet, peace be upon him, reiterated, “He was never obscene or vulgar; he would say: ‘The best among you are those with the best character.’