The Weight of Good Character on the Day of Judgment
Abu Darda (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) stated, “There is nothing heavier in the balance on the Day of Judgment than good character.” This highlights the Prophet’s preference for good character over acts of worship such as fasting and prayer. On the Day of Judgment, when deeds are weighed, good character will be the heaviest of all.
This is because fasting and prayer pertain to the individual’s personal piety, involving self-discipline. In contrast, good character affects both the self and others, requiring one to strive to treat those around them with kindness and patience.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) also conveyed that “a believer can attain the rank of one who fasts and prays by virtue of their good character.” Additionally, he emphasized that those with good character will be closest to him on the Day of Judgment, stating, “Shall I not inform you of those who are the most beloved to me and the nearest to me in position on the Day of Judgment?” He repeated this two or three times before adding, “Those who possess the best character.”
Areas of Good Character
A Muslim is characterized by noble morals which should manifest in their relationship with their Creator and fellow beings. A person of good character demonstrates gratefulness to Allah by accepting His decrees with a tranquil heart, avoiding sadness and discontent.
When faced with discomfort, they exhibit patience, surrender, and acceptance, verbally affirming their willingness to submit to Allah’s will. Moreover, they believe in Allah’s messages with complete acceptance, executing divine commands without hesitation. In dealings with others, good character manifests in avoiding harm and approaching others with a pleasant demeanor.
The Virtues of Good Character
Allah has bestowed numerous virtues upon those who embody good character, as referenced in the Qur’an and the Sunnah. These virtues yield benefits for individuals both in this world and the hereafter. Due to its significance, some scholars have described good character as the foundation of Islam. Allah (Exalted be He) described Prophet Muhammad in the Qur’an as, “And indeed, you are of a great moral character.” Among these virtues are:
- Compliance with Allah’s command
This is highlighted in the Qur’an where Allah says, “Take what is given freely, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant.”
- Following the example of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him)
Such adherence leads to success and happiness in both this life and the next. Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) reported, “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) had the best character of all people.”
- Entry into Paradise
Good character is one of the primary reasons people will enter Paradise in the afterlife, allowing them to attain the rank of those who fast and pray. Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that when asked about the major factors leading people to Paradise, he stated, “The fear of Allah and good character.” He further explained that when asked about the major causes of entry into Hell, he replied, “The mouth and private parts.”
- Proximity to the Messenger of Allah on the Day of Judgment
He (peace be upon him) said, “Certainly, those who are most beloved to me and closest to me on the Day of Judgment are those with the best character. Conversely, those who are the most disliked and farthest from me are the boastful, the arrogant, and the loudmouths.” When asked about the boastful, he described them as those who are filled with pride.
- A House in the Highest Paradise
The Messenger of Allah guaranteed a position for those of good character in the uppermost Paradise. In a hadith, he stated, “I promise a house in Paradise for the one who abandons disputes, even if they are right, a house in the middle of Paradise for the one who avoids lying, even if joking, and a house in the highest Paradise for the one whose character is good.”
- Attainment of the Virtues of Goodness
Good character encompasses all virtues of goodness; as the Prophet (peace be upon him) indicated, “Righteousness is good character, and sin is that which wavers in your heart and you dislike others to know about it.”
Deeds That Heavily Weigh on the Scale
Among the actions that will weigh heavily in a person’s scale on the Day of Judgment are:
- A Muslim saying, “Subhan Allah wa bi hamdihi, Subhan Allah al-Azim”
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) conveyed, “Two phrases are light on the tongue, yet heavy on the scale, and beloved to the Most Merciful: Subhan Allah wa bi hamdihi, Subhan Allah al-Azim.”
- A Muslim saying, “Subhan Allah” and “Alhamdulillah”
The Prophet (peace be upon him) remarked, “Purification is half of faith, and Alhamdulillah fills the scale, while Subhan Allah and Alhamdulillah fill whatever is between the heavens and the earth.”
- Taking care of a horse in the name of Allah, preparing it for jihad
The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, “Whoever retains a horse in the way of Allah, believing in Allah and affirming His promise, then its feed, watering, dung, and urine will be in his scale on the Day of Judgment.”