Apr 15, 2009

Posted by in Heart Serene | 3 Comments

Boot Camp

To read the previous part: Click Here 

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 
  3. ( You alone we worship)

  4. Cure for Arrogance-  وَاِيَّاكَ نَسۡتَعِيۡن
  5. (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.

To read the next part: Click Here

  1. Subhan Allah..Now a days it is so difficult to correct anybody whom we see who is doing a mistake. They take it so offensive. subhan Allah..

    When somebody tells us (advise) we are doing something wrong(committing a sin,mistake, wrong doing):
    1. We should accept the mistake.
    2. We should realize that the person thinks good for us and that is why correcting us. What will they gain by correcting us? So it is for sure, the person advising us thinks good not only for himself/herself but for our self too.
    3. We should not immediately pin-point to them the other mistakes they are doing. We can do that some other time in a good manner.

    We are all commanded to forbid evil and enjoin on others what is good.

    I have soo many friends Alhamdulillah who are always there to correct me and guide me when I am doing something wrong.

    A recent incident, I was along with my friend, she just noticed that little bit of my hair could be seen which was not covered by the headscarf, she immediately told me and i made it proper.

    Why did she tell me that? Why should she bother if my hair is seen or not?? She told me because she thinks good for me… Subhan ALlah…Alhamdulillah…

  2. Abu Musa reported Allaah’s Messenger (sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam) as saying: "The similitude of good company and that of bad company is that of the owner of musk and of the one (iron-smith) blowing bellows, and the owner of musk would either offer you free of charge or you would buy it from him or you would. smell its pleasant odour, and so far as one who blows the. bellows is concerned, he would either burn your clothes or you shall have to smell its repugnant smell."(Muslim)

    [Lessons from this Hadith]

    Who are the top 5 people you hang out with? List them. Now look at their qualities and you’ll notice that you are a product of the sum of them. Do they have the outstanding qualities that you seek? If not, then it’s time to find some bearers of musk that you can truly smell great from.
    – Muhammad Alshareef

  3. arjuman says:

    subhan allah a very inspiring one,Yes people who are our true friends and who cares for us only can correct us.I think if we want to correct anyone who is doing wrong the most important is our language and the tone in which we speak to them that matters .

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