Prophet Muhammad (s) was sent as a messenger to humanity as a model human being. Malik, Mawatta; Ahmed, Musnad and Mishkat al-Masabih report one of his saying: “God has sent me as an apostle so that I may demonstrate perfection of character, refinement of manners and superiority in behavior."
He was so concerned about treating the people around him in the best possible way that he used to pray, "O God! I am but a man. If I hurt anyone in any manner, then forgive me and do not punish me." (Ahmed, Musnad, Vol. 6 pg. 103)
Following are five advices of the Prophet (s) about the importance of good character.
1. Hadith 285
... Abu Hurayrah said that the Prophet of Allah, upon him be peace, said, "If one has good manners, one may attain the same level of merit as those who spend their nights in prayer."
2. Hadith 286
... Abu Hurayrah said, "I heard Abu al Qasim (the Prophet), upon him be peace, say, 'The best among you in Islam are those with the best manners, so long as they develop a sense of understanding."
3. Hadith 289
... 'Abd Allah ibn 'Amr said, "There are four characteristics that, if you possess them, will prevent you from being affected if you are deprived of certain worldly benefits. They are good character, chaste outlook, honesty, and trustworthiness."
4. Hadith 291
... Umm Darda reported that Abu Darda got up one night to pray and began to cry, saying, "O Allah, You created me with a good nature. Now, give me good manners." He repeated this prayer all night long. In the morning I said to him, "O Abu Darda, why did 'you spend the entire night repeatedly praying for good manners?" He said to me, "O Umm Darda, a believer will spend his time improving his manners so that, by means of them, he may enter Paradise. If he neglects his manners, they will lead him to the Fire. Moreover, a good Muslim will be forgiven even while he sleeps." When I asked him how that was possible, he replied, "His brother will get up at night and pray to Allah, and Allah will answer his prayers. He will pray for his brother, and Allah will answer his prayer for him as well.”
5. Hadith 296
... Nawas ibn Sam'an reported that the Prophet of Allah, upon him be peace, was asked about doing good and evil. He replied, "Doing good is having good manners. Doing evil is what troubles you inside and what you would not like others to know about."
May God help us be of the best character and manners for our families, friends and all people around us.
When honesty is lost, then wait for the Hour (the Day of Judgment). Prophet Muhammad.
These words equate the loss of honesty to the destruction of the entire world.
Honesty incorporates the concepts of truthfulness and reliability and it resides in all human thought, words, actions and relationships. It is more than just accuracy; it is more than just truthfulness, it denotes integrity or moral soundness. All faith traditions demand truthfulness and forbid lying.
In the Quran God commands: “O you who believe! Fear God, and be with those who are true (in word and deeds).” (Quran 9:119)
The message of Prophet Muhammad (sws) started on the basis of honesty.
In the books of biography of the Prophet, it is mentioned that he gathered all the people of Mecca and asked them, “O people of Mecca! If I say that an army is advancing on you from behind the mountains, will you believe me?” All said in one voice, “Yes, because we have never heard you telling a lie.” For forty years that the Prophet lived among the people they knew his impeccable honesty.
How should we understand honesty?
Honesty means choosing not to lie, steal, cheat, or deceive in any way. Be honest with yourself, others, and God at all times.
With honesty we can build strength of character that will allow us to be of service to God and all of humanity.
Here are some reminders to help us realize honesty:
- If you are in school do not cheat in any way. Cheating does not lead to success.
- If you are working be honest in your job, giving a full amount of work for your pay.
- Do not rationalize dishonest behavior.
- Do not make commitments that you are not sure about but if you make a commitment make sure you carry it out.
- Do not make up stories to make yourself look better.
- Accept mistakes and decide to face the consequences. In the long run you will reap the reward of honesty.
- People who feel good about themselves are less likely to lie.
- Avoid situations in which others may ask you to lie for them.
We may have a tendency to mislead but we expect others to be honest. We need to live our lives so that our thoughts and behavior are always in harmony with ourselves and others around us.
In our connected world we know that it is now more difficult to hide certain things. People avoid misrepresentation because eventually others can find out the truth on social media but before we fear being exposed on social media we need to remind ourselves that we have been created by God who is the ALL KNOWING.
