Boot Camp

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The Degree of Discipline

Allah says in the Qur'an:

"And thou (standest) on an exalted standard of character." (68:4)

The Prophet (saw) was asked about the deed that would get people to heaven, He (saw) said." Fearing Allah and adopting a good moral character." (Tirmidhi)

"The most perfect believer in faith is the one who is best in moral character. The best of you are those who are best to their spouses in manners." (Tirmidhi)

The Ideal Muslim character should be distinct.

Aisha (May Allah be pleased with her) said that Prophet Mohammed (saw) used to be like a 'walking Qur'an' embodying the Laws of Almighty Allah.

Sunnah of the Prophet (saw)

1. His Sayings.
2. His Actions.
3. His Approvals.

Pillars of Good Moral Character

1. Patience: Helps at the time when angry.
2. Bravery: Cultivates self dignity.
3. Chastity: Helps one to avoid evil doing.
4. Justice: Being just in actions/judgements.
5. Generosity: Speaking well, wishing well for others.

Elements of Bad Moral Character

1. Ignorance: Not taking the time to learn Islam leads to Ignorance. Allah has given us the guidance and because we are ignorant this leads to disobedience.
2. Oppression: Abu Dharr reported Allaah's Messenger (sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam) as saying that he reported it from his Lord, the Exalted and Glorious: "Verily I have made oppression unlawful for Me and for My servants too, so do not commit oppression." (Muslim)

Moral Characteristics of Prophet Mohammed (saw)

1. Courageous.
2. Honest/Trustworthy.
3. Patience with Muslims and Non-Muslims.
4. Wise.
5. Merciful/Forgiving.
6. Uphold the ties of Kinship.
7. Sincerity.
8. Athletic.
9. He (saw) Loved the Youth.
10. Just: Never made a judgment without hearing both the sides.
11. Generous: Narrated Ibn 'Abbas: Allah's Apostle was the most generous of all the people, and he used to reach the peak in generosity in the month of Ramadan when Gabriel met him. Gabriel used to meet him every night of Ramadan to teach him the Qur'an. Allah's Apostle was the most generous person, even more generous than the strong uncontrollable wind (in readiness and haste to do charitable deeds). (Bukhari)
12. Humble/ Modest: Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "Faith (Belief) consists of more than sixty branches (i.e. parts). And Haya (This term "Haya" covers a large number of concepts which are to be taken together; amongst them are self respect, modesty, bashfulness, and scruple, etc.) is a part of faith." (Bukhari)
13. Clean/Smell Good: Abu Malik at-Ash'ari reported: The Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam) said: "Cleanliness is half of faith …" (Muslim)
14. Kind: Narrated Sahl: Allah's Apostle said, "I and the one who looks after an orphan will be like this in Paradise," showing his middle and index fingers and separating them. (Bukhari)

    Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "The one who looks after a widow or a poor person is like a Mujahid (warrior) who fights for Allah's Cause, or like him who performs prayers all the night and fasts all the day." (Bukhari)

Fruits of Good Moral Character

1. Will result in Allah's Blessings upon us and our families.
2. Lot of weight in the book of rewards.
3. Allah loves those who have good manners.
4. Enters Jannah.
5. Will be the neighbor of Prophet (saw): Prophet Mohammed (saw) said: " Those who will be closest to Me on the Day of Judgement will be those who have good moral character." (Tirmidhi)

Signs of Good Moral Character

1. Loving good for all: It is arrested on the authority of Anas b. Malik that the Prophet (may peace and blessings be upon him) observed: "one amongst you believes (truly) till one likes for his brother or for his neighbour that which he loves for himself." (Muslim)
2. Treat bad with good.
3. Being Honest.
4. Taking Prophet (saw) as our example.
5. Withstanding and bearing harm with patience (why is it a good sign?)
   a.    Believe it's a divine decree from Allah.
   b.    Teaches us patience.
   c.    We are pleased with whatever happens.
   d.    We learn Ihsan (To worship Allah as if we can see Him, and if we cannot this state of devotion, then we must consider that He is looking at us.)

How to cure Arrogance and Show-off

1. Check our intention before any action.
2. Cure for Riya –  اِيَّاكَ نَعۡبُدُ 

( You alone we worship)

3. Cure for Arrogance-  وَاِيَّاكَ نَسۡتَعِيۡن

(and You alone we ask for help)

To find out our Faults:

1. Befriend a pious Sheikh through whom you can learn about the kind manners.
2. Befriend a trustworthy companion who can point out our faults to us.
3. Listen to what our enemies say about us.
4. Intermingle with people and reflect about their bad character.

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