Sublime Character

Allah سبحانه وتعالى says of Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم in the Holy Quran,

وَإِنَّكَ لَعَلى خُلُقٍ عَظِيمٍ

Verily you are upon a sublime character.

[al Qalam 68/4]

The inner character, manners and demeanour of Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم and the Companions رضى الله عنهم would shine through both in private and in public, regardless of who they were with. Similarly, every Muslim should carry himself with a calm, composed demeanour, full of self-dignity, honour and respect at all times regardless of company and surroundings. For example, loutish and boisterous behaviour should not be the character of a Muslim.

Furthermore, a Muslim does not have any ‘masks’, but he is clean and transparent of character. It is easy to put on a facade in front of other people, however one’s true character is displayed in front  of one’s family and children or at the time of disagreement. A Muslim should display a dignified demeanour at all times, however Islam does of course allow formality with those that should be respected and informality with others like friends or relatives.

[This short excerpt is based on a brothers’ majlis (gathering for spiritual training) held by Shaykh Abu Yusuf Riyadh ul Haq on 22nd November 2000].

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