The Morals of a Muslim – Golden Article

The Morality of a Muslim

Definition of Ethics in Islam

In general terms, ethics are principles and rules that govern human behavior. Within the framework of Islam, Islamic ethics consist of behaviors defined by divine legislation, revealed by Allah – Glory be to Him – to His Prophet Muhammad – peace be upon him – who taught these principles to Muslims both in word and action to organize their lives in a way that pleases Allah – Exalted be He.

Islamic ethics can be categorized into two aspects: the first is the theoretical aspect, which is the divine will of Allah, while the second is the practical aspect, which involves a Muslim’s implementation of ethics according to divine legislation and behaviors pleasing to Allah, regulating their relationships with themselves, Allah, and society.

Thus, ethics are not merely a component of the Islamic system; they embody its essence and spirit, which are essential in all aspects of a Muslim’s life. The Messenger of Allah – peace be upon him – stated, “I was sent to complete the highest virtues of character” (in another narration, ‘righteous deeds’).

Imam Al-Jurjani expounded on ethics by saying, “Ethics are a firm disposition in the soul from which actions emerge easily and smoothly, without the need for contemplation. If this disposition inspires good actions, as defined by reason and religious law, it is termed a good character; if it leads to bad actions, it is labeled a bad character.”

Islam’s Encouragement of Morality

The Prophets – peace be upon them – were the finest among people in terms of character. Allah – Almighty – praised our Prophet Muhammad – peace be upon him – saying: “And indeed, you are on an exalted standard of character,” which highlights the exceptional ethics displayed by the Prophet – peace be upon him – and encourages us to emulate them.

He – peace be upon him – would control his anger and forgive others even in moments of great rage, as mentioned in the verse: “And those who suppress anger and who pardon the people, and Allah loves the doers of good.” He was gentle with people, patient in teaching them, and held sincere concern for them. The companion Abdullah ibn Amr – may Allah be pleased with them – described the Prophet’s noble character, saying: “The Messenger of Allah – peace be upon him – was neither lewd nor vulgar,” meaning that all his speech was courteous and refined.

Good character is a religious obligation; hence, those who possess good character are promised great rewards. The Messenger of Allah – peace be upon him – said: “I guarantee a house in the outskirts of Paradise for whoever abandons disputes, even if he is right; and a house in the middle of Paradise for whoever refrains from lying, even in jest; and a house in the highest part of Paradise for whoever possesses good character.”

On the contrary, those with bad character, who harm others, face punishment and accountability from Allah – Glory be to Him. It is unacceptable for a Muslim to willfully harm others; the Messenger of Allah – peace be upon him – said: “The dearest of you to me and the closest to me on the Day of Resurrection will be those with the best character, and the most despised and distant from me will be the loudmouths, the boastful, and the arrogant.” When asked about the boastful, he clarified that they are the arrogant.

Examples of Muslim Ethics

A Muslim should adhere to the good morals emphasized in Islam and strive to embody virtuous qualities in daily life. Among the vital ethics that a Muslim must embody are:

Truthfulness

Truthfulness must be a foundational characteristic in a Muslim’s life. A Muslim does not lie, as lying leads to deviation and loss. Allah – Glory be to Him – praised the truthful for their esteemed status: “Among the believers are men who have been true to their covenant with Allah. Among them is he who has fulfilled his vow, and among them is he who awaits.”

Furthermore, the Messenger of Allah – peace be upon him – elaborated on the consequences of truthfulness and lying: “Adopt truthfulness, for truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise. A man continues to tell the truth and strives to be truthful until he is recorded as a truthful person with Allah. And beware of lying, for lying leads to wickedness, and wickedness leads to Hellfire. A man continues to lie and strives to be a liar until he is recorded as such with Allah.”

Trustworthiness

Trustworthiness is an ethical trait that originates from the self and manifests in behavior when a person is entrusted with something. It represents the innate sound nature, whether the entrusted matter is a spiritual duty like preserving faith – as Allah – Almighty – said: “Indeed, we offered the trust to the heavens, the earth, and the mountains, but they refused to bear it, fearing it, and mankind undertook it.” – or a material responsibility involving something physical that has been entrusted to one’s care.

Trustworthiness is an excellent ethical quality that every Muslim should possess. The Prophet – peace be upon him – was known for his trustworthiness from a young age, and Allah – Glory be to Him – has encouraged this trait repeatedly in the Holy Quran, stating: “Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due.”

Humility

Humility is a heart disposition that prevents one from viewing oneself as superior to others, manifesting through interactions with people. It contrasts with arrogance, where an individual considers themselves better than everyone else, resulting in poor behavior towards others.

Al-Muhasibi said: “Know that arrogance is only fitting for Allah alone, and when a servant becomes arrogant, they become hated by Allah. Allah loves humility.” The Messenger of Allah – peace be upon him – also stated: “No one humbles themselves for the sake of Allah without Allah raising them up.”

Understanding this, a person must avoid glorifying or taking pride in oneself, remaining humble and self-aware. Arrogance is rightly due only to Allah – The Almighty – who is the cause of all existence. The Prophets – peace be upon them – were noted for their extreme humility, demonstrated by Allah’s response: “And Allah has revealed to me that you should be humble, so that none may boast over another, nor transgress against another.”

Humility begins in the heart, yet this alone is insufficient; it must also be reflected in actions and behavior. Thus, one’s intention for humility must align with their actions for this virtue to please Allah. Allah – Almighty – said: “O you who have believed, whoever turns back from his religion – Allah will bring forth [for] a people He will love and who will love Him, [they are] humble toward the believers, dignified toward the disbelievers.”

Being humble toward the believers means being compassionate towards them. However, humility does not mean being degraded or dishonorable; rather, it occupies a middle ground between arrogance and degradation. A Muslim should practice humility with knowledge to avoid falling into either extreme, for Allah has honored Islam and Muslims—He said: “And to Allah belongs [all] honor, and to His Messenger, and to the believers; but the hypocrites do not know.”

As for the manifestations of humility, they include the following:

The first manifestation is humility toward Allah.

This includes recognizing the greatness of your Lord, submitting and humbling oneself before Him, understanding that one is merely a servant created from dust and destined to return to dust, whereas Allah – Glory be to Him – is the Creator deserving of reverence who has bestowed blessings upon humanity.

The second manifestation is humility toward people.

One should not consider oneself superior to others, nor should one downplay their worth. A noteworthy incident involving Umar ibn Al-Khattab – may Allah be pleased with him – occurred when he entered Jerusalem with Abu Ubaidah; in a water-rich land they stopped. Umar dismounted, placed his sandal under his arm, and began to lead his camel. Abu Ubaidah tried to stop him, arguing that the leaders of the Levant should not see such behavior from the Commander of the Faithful. Umar replied: “Oh, if this were said by anyone other than you, Abu Ubaidah, I would make it an example for the community of Muhammad. We were a disgraced people, and Allah honored us with Islam. So, if we seek honor in anything other than what Allah has honored us, He will disgrace us.”

The third manifestation is forgiving those who come seeking pardon.

Forgiveness and forbearance are among the most significant manifestations of a person’s humility, and the reward for this behavior is immense in the sight of Allah – Exalted be He.

Patience

Everyone will inevitably face trials, hardships, and tests throughout their lives, as Allah – Almighty – has decreed. The world is a place of testing; Allah – Almighty – said: “And We will surely test you until We make evident those who strive among you and the patient, and We will test your affairs.”

This verse clarifies that trials serve as a test, and to succeed, a Muslim must embody patience. Patience manifests when a Muslim recognizes that what has befallen them is from Allah, remaining steadfast without complaint, and cultivating the conviction that relief will come—having faith that whoever seeks reward must strive to achieve it, enduring hardship, controlling anger, and remaining hopeful for deliverance.

Dignity

Dignity is an ethical characteristic that derives from the blessings granted to a Muslim by Allah – Exalted be He, the greatest of which is the gift of Islam. When a Muslim prostrates, they feel humility and submissiveness toward the Lord of Glory, to whom pride should only be attributed.

Allah – Almighty – expressed, “So to Allah belongs all praise, Lord of the heavens and Lord of the earth, Lord of the worlds. And to Him belongs the greatness in the heavens and the earth, and He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.”

Compassion

Compassion is among the noblest characters that soften the hearts of individuals, enabling them to forgive, empathize, and wish for others’ guidance. Therefore, it is imperative for individuals to embody compassion and distance themselves from a hardened heart. Allah – Exalted be He – has decreed compassion upon Himself, saying: “Our Lord, You have encompassed all things in mercy and knowledge, so forgive those who have repented and followed Your way, and spare them from the punishment of Hellfire.”

A narration from the Prophet – peace be upon him – illustrates this point, stating that once he was with his companions when they observed a woman nursing her hungry child. He questioned them whether they believed the woman would cast her child into the fire, to which the companions were astonished and replied that she would not do such a thing if she were able. The Prophet – peace be upon him – replied, “Allah is more merciful to His servants than this woman is to her child.” Allah’s mercy encompasses everything, and a Muslim must adopt such character traits, practicing kindness toward those on earth in hope that He may be merciful toward them from above.

Sincerity

Sincerity is an innate human drive that manifests in a person’s behavior based on their interests. It reflects one’s intentions that are mirrored in their actions. For instance, a person devoted to wealth will exhibit behaviors concentrating on this pursuit, while someone committed to knowledge will prioritize their studies, and so on.

In Islam, sincerity is one of the most crucial attributes a Muslim should possess. Worshiping Allah should be entirely sincere for the sake of Allah alone and not for any other purpose. When performing acts of worship, the intention must be clear and evident, aiming solely for Allah, as the Prophet – peace be upon him – indicated: “Actions are judged by intentions, and for each person is what they intended. Thus, whoever migrates for Allah and His Messenger, his migration will be for Allah and His Messenger, and whoever migrates for worldly gain or to marry a woman, his migration will be for what he migrated.”

Ethical Discourse

One of the greatest blessings that Allah – Almighty – has bestowed upon humans is the ability to speak. Therefore, a Muslim must utilize this blessing in a manner pleasing to Allah.

Engaging in frivolous talk, disputes, or discussions angering Allah results in harmful consequences and sinful outcomes. Allah – Almighty – stated: “There is no good in much of their private conversation, except for those who enjoin charity or good conduct or reconciliation between people. And whoever does that seeking means to the approval of Allah – We will give him a great reward.”

Forbearance and Forgiveness

Human temperaments are diverse, and some individuals, when angered, might err significantly against themselves and others, only to regret their actions and seek reconciliation afterward. Thus, it is incumbent upon Muslims to adopt a generous heart, pardon the erring, and consider the reasons behind their fellow Muslims’ actions without suspicion. Islam is a religion of patience and forgiveness.

The Prophet – peace be upon him – displayed patience and was soft-hearted even toward the disbelievers who expelled him from his homeland and attempted to kill him, as was the case with every Prophet. Allah – Almighty – stated: “The leaders of his people who disbelieved said, ‘Indeed, we see you in madness, and we think you are among the liars.’ He replied, ‘O my people, there is no madness in me, but I am a Messenger from the Lord of the worlds.’”

Methods for Cultivating Muslim Ethics

Islamic ethics can be characterized into two types; the first consists of innate ethics present from birth, which are among the blessings of Allah – Almighty – while the second refers to ethics cultivated from one’s surroundings or through personal effort. The companion Abu Al-Darda – may Allah be pleased with him – stated: “Knowledge is attained through learning, forbearance through practice, and whoever seeks goodness will be granted it, and whoever avoids evil will be safeguarded.”

A Muslim should seek appropriate ways to improve their ethics by emulating the Prophets – peace be upon them. The following methods can support a Muslim in acquiring these virtues:

Understanding the religious rulings on interactions and ethics while being mindful of mandatory obligations and prohibitions is vital. Reading the Holy Quran, the Sunnah of the Prophet – peace be upon him – and his biography can equip individuals with commendable traits.
Engaging in practical training and mental conditioning, such as striving against the self for good speech and action, and abstaining from all that is evil, while mastering anger.
Living in a righteous environment.
Associating with good role models, including scholars, jurists, and individuals of high moral character, to learn from their traits and behavior.
Reflecting on the ramifications of possessing good character, as this contemplation may deter one from inappropriate actions to avoid negative outcomes.
Organizing lessons, sermons, and lectures that remind people of values and their practical applications.
Reading literature focusing on the ethics of Muslims and disseminating knowledge among the public.
Maintaining a sound belief system, for a strong belief in Allah serves as a motivator to act in ways pleasing to Him.
Praying for oneself to seek divine guidance and the enhancement of one’s character. The Prophet – peace be upon him – often prayed: “O Allah, guide me to the best of deeds and the best of morals, for none can guide to the best of them except You, and protect me from the worst of deeds and the worst of morals, for none can safeguard from them except You.”
Regular self-accountability and reflection, as these practices encourage individuals to improve their character significantly.
Being cautious of despairing over one’s ability to reform, as hopelessness is from Satan, and humans are prone to forgetfulness and error. However, Allah forgives sins if one struggles against themselves without surrendering.
Aspiring for high determination, patience, and courage.
Upholding self-control, as it prevents individuals from engaging in numerous vices such as lying and wrath, while encouraging good morals like honesty and modesty.
Avoiding frowning and striving to maintain a pleasant demeanor, as this can greatly enhance relationships with others.
Practicing justice, as it leads to balance and moderation.
Steering clear of certain qualities viewed as the roots of bad character, including ignorance, anger, lust, and injustice.

The Importance of Ethics for a Muslim

Ethics hold substantial significance as they represent the core and essence of Islam. Allah sent Islam to regulate human lives comprehensively by establishing norms and principles that refine souls and societies, underscoring the critical nature of ethics. Below, we highlight their importance:

Those with good character will be the closest to the Prophet – peace be upon him – on the Day of Resurrection.
The Prophet – peace be upon him – advised his followers to embody good character.
The most beloved servants to Allah – Almighty – are those who maintain excellent character.
Good character is among the greatest gifts given to humanity.
Good character can lead to Allah’s forgiveness on the Day of Resurrection.
Good character is highlighted by the Prophet – peace be upon him – when someone seeks to marry into a family.
Exhibiting good character is a demonstration of obedience to Allah – Exalted be He.
Good character is essential for deserving the love of Allah – Exalted be He – and His Messenger – peace be upon him.
There is a direct correlation between ethics and the development of human character: a Muslim should possess high morals, as one’s character, not appearance or stature, defines them.
The relationship between ethics and the foundational beliefs and jurisprudence of Islam is inseparable, as ethics reflect the practical application of its values. As Hamoud Shalut put it: “Without values, a belief is like a tree without shade or fruit, and ethics without belief is merely a shadow of an unstable entity.”
The effects on individual and communal behavior: good ethics refine human nature, subsequently influencing behavior. These ethics transcend time, place, or ethnicity, rendering them universally applicable; Allah – Exalted be He – described the soul, saying: “He has succeeded who purifies it, and he has failed who instills it [with corruption].”
The heavy weight of ethical conduct on balances and the attainment of the highest levels of Paradise. The Messenger of Allah – peace be upon him – said: “Nothing is heavier on the scale than good character.”
A believer can reach the rank of one who observes fast and prayer through the practice of good ethics, as the Prophet – peace be upon him – stated: “Indeed, a believer can achieve the status of a fasting, prayerful individual through their good conduct.”