Qualities of Ideal Muslims in Relation with Allah (1)

By: Mamarinta. Omar Mababaya and Dr. Norlain Dindang Mababaya

- The ideal Muslims in Islam are those who possess the characteristics or qualities of believers as defined in the Quran and the Sunnah. The true Islamic personality of believing Muslims, as defined in the Quran and the Sunnah, embraces their total beings.

- This covers their relations to their Rabb (Only Cherisher and Sustainer), to themselves, to their respective families (parents, spouses and children), to their relatives, neighbors and friends, to their respective communities, as well as to the society as a whole.

- As much as possible, we Muslims must strive to attain total personality development for the pleasure of Allah the Almighty so that we attain ultimate rewards and success. In order to be rewarded, we must work for our total personality development in accordance with the Quran and the Sunnah.  It is a must that we obey Allah and His Messenger (s.a.w). Allah the Most High commands us:

 “O! You who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger (Muhammad) and render not vain your deeds.”  (47:33)

- From the above divine injunction, the criteria for personality development must be based on the Quran and the Sunnah. Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.), Allah's Messenger to the whole humanity, possesses an exalted standard of character (i.e., sublime morals) (Quran 68:4) and is an excellent example for us to follow.  Allah the Almighty tells us that His Messenger (s.a.w) is the best model for us to follow.  He says:

- “Indeed in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad) you have an excellent example to follow for him who hopes in (meeting with) Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah much.   (33:21)

In an authentic Hadîth we read that the Prophet (s.a.w.) himself said:

Abu Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.) said, “I have been sent (as a Messenger) in the best of all generations of Adam’s offspring since the Creation.”  (Bukhâri   4/757)

For our guidance and success, we should follow Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.) who has the best personality.   Allah the Exalted tells us:

“Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered Prophet, whom they find mentioned in their own (Scriptures); ¾ in the Torah and the Gospel; for he commands them what is just and forbids them what is evil.  He allows them as lawful what is good (and pure) and prohibits them from what is bad (and impure).  - He releases them from their heavy burdens and from the yokes that are upon them. So it is those who believe in him, honor him, help him, and follow the Light which is sent down with him, ¾ it is they who will prosper.”    (7: 157)

- As Muslims, we must strive to develop our personality by having the best manners and character as defined in the Quran and the Sunnah.  The reason for this is when we develop and excel in our Islamic personality, we become among the righteous believers who will attain the ultimate success in the eternal world to come.

- Allah promises the believers and those who do righteous deeds everlasting reward, which is Paradise.  He says:

“But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness we shall soon admit them to Gardens, with rivers flowing beneath, ¾ to dwell therein forever. Allah’s promise is the truth, and whose word can be truer than Allah’s?”   (4:122)

“But those who believe and work righteousness and humble themselves before their Rabb they will be Companions of the Garden to dwell therein for aye!”  (11:23)

“But whoever believes and works righteousness he shall have a goodly reward and easy will be his task as we order it by our command."  (18:88)

- When Allah, the Almighty, rewards us Paradise we attain our ultimate Goal.  That is to be able to see Allah. The greatest bliss in Paradise is the Good Pleasure of Allah, which is the supreme triumph (9:72). We will be very pleased to see Allah; and the Almighty will also be pleased with us (98:8).  Allah, the Exalted, says:

“Allah has promised to believers, men and women Gardens under which rivers flow to dwell therein and beautiful mansions in Gardens of everlasting stay.  But the greatest bliss is the Good Pleasure of Allah. That is the supreme triumph.”  (9:72)

 “The reward is with Allah: Gardens of Eternity, beneath which, rivers flow. They will dwell therein forever.  Allah well pleased with them, and they with Him ¾   all this for such as fear their Rabb.”  (98:8)

- In addition to the above Quranic Ayat, are the following Ahadîth, which should inspire us more to spend our time wisely (and not to waste it) to developing our character for the pleasure of Allah:

Abdullah Bin Amr (r.a.) narrated that Allah's Messenger (s.a.w.) said, “…The best amongst you are those who have the best manners and character.” (Bukhâri   4/759) 

- Abu Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.) said, “Among the Muslims the most perfect, as regards his faith, is the one whose character is excellent, and the best among you are those who treat their wives well.”  (Tirmidhi 628)

- Abu Darda (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.) said, “There is nothing heavier than good character put in the scale of a believer on the Day of Resurrection.” (Abu Dawud, 4781)

- Abu Darda (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.) said, “Nothing is weightier in the scales of a believer on the Day of Judgment than his good behavior.  Allah treats with displeasure a person who is given to loose and vulgar talk.” (Tirmidhi 626)

- Abu Umamah narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.) said, “I guarantee a house in the surroundings of Paradise for a man who avoids quarrelling even if he were in the right; a house in the middle of Paradise for a man who avoids lying even if he were joking; and a house in the upper part of Paradise for a man who made his character good.”  (Abu Dawud 4782)

- Abdur Rahman Bin Ghanam t and Asma Bint Yazid narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.) said, “The best servants of Allah are those who, when they are seen, cause Allah to be remembered. The worst servants of Allah are those who go about slandering, who separate friends, and seek to distress the upright."   (Tirmidhi 4871 and Ahmad)

reference: http://www.wefound.org

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