Friday reflection – Character “All of the religion is character. Thus whoever has surpassed you in character has surpassed you in the religion” (Ibn Al-Qayyim) The blessed Prophet (S) said, “I have been sent (tasked) to perfect sound moral character”. When I read the above statements I wonder how many of us take time and assess our own character regularly. Let me share with you my observations: I have come across people who pray five times a day but behave terribly with their fellow human beings! I have come across people who wear long flowing clothes claiming to demonstrate their love for the blessed prophet but treat their spouse with utter contempt! I know men who keep beard claiming to follow the traditions of the blessed Prophet but lie and cheat without even a second thought. I have come across women who wear clothes covering every inch of their body and hair claiming to follow the orders of God but their tongue is often engaged in backbiting and gossiping! I have met people who claim to be great muftis/scholars yet they don’t keep their promises especially time management. I know people who are great speakers and debaters on Islamic topics but when they become angry they become verbally abusive, from their tongue no body is safe. I have encountered people who claim to be practicing Muslims yet they readily use threat of violence and often their fist to make their points. I have met people who claim to be great Muslims yet their neighbours stay hungry while they eat far too much and in some cases they are obese. I have come across people who are prepared to die for Islam but are failing to live the basics of Islam including taking care of their families. I have seen people who claim to be good Muslims but do not hesitate to litter the streets and their environment. I have come across Muslims who claim the glorious past of the Islamic civilization yet their contemporary living is full of contradictions. Yet the most important feature of a Muslim is his or her character. A Muslim’s preaching and practices match and their time for God, family and self are balanced. If we fail in attaining sound moral character we have failed in being a good Muslim. Good does not need the prayers, fasts, charity and attire of a man or woman who fails to be a human being with decent character! In a nutshell, I should be extremely mindful of my speech and action in case they get me in the hot water in this world and on the Day of Judgment!
Posted on: Fri, 12 Dec 2014 09:04:07 +0000
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