Some Essential Qualities of A True Muslim
Before the arrival of Islam, the Arabs used to worship many gods, lived a barbaric life and practiced immorality and wickedness. Then, Allah Almighty sent down revelation in the form of the religion of peace, i.e. Islam, on His last Prophet, Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) to take the (ignorant ones) out of darkness towards enlightenment. Those who embraced it are now called Muslims.
Unfortunately, today, we have become “Muslims” by name only, and have forgotten the true essence of Islamic teachings. This uniqueness of ours from practitioners of other religions is not enough, if we do not comply with both of our religious and moral responsibilities as the followers of this religion. As a Muslim, one has to live its life according to the teachings of Quran and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
Following are some of the key personality characteristics that we should all strive for adopting in our lives, if we call ourselves Muslims.
Remembrance of Allah SWT
As a Muslim, every one of us should have a complete conviction in Allah as the sole Creator and being the Ultimate Power, but majority of us take it as a guarantee to be a true believer. No! That is not enough. Apart from having complete faith in only One God, a proper Muslim should always remembers its Gracious Lord. This belief forces it to never bow down in front of anyone else for seeking self confidence, assistance and mercy etc.
“Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah, hearts are assured.” [Quran, 13: 28]
The above stated Ayah tells that believers get certainty of their hearts and beliefs through consistent memory of Allah`s greatness. However, this act should not only be thought of as remembering Allah SWT in one`s prayers, rather it should be a part of one`s daily life routine. As the Holy Prophet (PBUH) has said:
“Whoever sits and does not mention the Name of Allah (before he rises) will find it a cause of sorrow from Allah. Whoever lies down to sleep and does not mention the name of Allah before rising, will find it a cause of sorrow from Allah.” [Abu Dawuud]
This Hadith gives suggestion that recalling the name of The Greatest One should be our utmost priority with every passing moment of life, if anyone of us wants to become Mo`min (a true believer). The remembrance of the Gracious God by a staunch advocate also serves as a source of showing thankfulness towards Him for all His blessings.
Always being truthful
Apart from having complete faith in Allah Almighty, and fulfilling other holy actions regularly, one cannot consider itself a true believer until or unless it takes great care of his own character. One of the foremost attributes that are stressed by our religion for gaining the much needed beautification of one`s personality is adopting the truth, and is deemed as must do act for every Muslim.
O you, who have believed, fear Allah and be with those who are true. [Quran, 9: 119]
This Quranic verse directs us all to make the habit of being candid in our behavior. This straightforwardness should not only be confined to speaking alone, but it must be an ongoing process throughout our relationships with others, being honest, fulfill our promises and always stand for justice etc. There is no room for hypocrisy, for they are among the disbelievers.
Epitome of humbleness, forgiveness and generosity
There is a great emphasis on modesty, giving alms and pardon for others mistakes in Islam, and our Holy Prophet (PBUH), who is the greatest personality, ever existed on the face of earth, used to be highly modest in His behavior towards others, forgave His worst enemies and always did charity.
“Wealth does not decrease because of charity, and God increases His slave in honor when he forgives others. And no one humbles himself before God but God will raise him (in status).” [Muslim]
A factual Islamic upholder should not be greedy and should distribute its material goods among the poor, as materialism leads to failing to remember the Lord, while helping needy people earns it multiplication of wealth in terms of blessings. A true believer should be kind to others, forgive and forget their mistakes, as revenge is a harmful force, which only promotes negativity, while absolving their faults promotes goodness and increase in its status near Allah. A Muslim`s humility starts from showing gratitude to its Creator, i.e. Allah Almighty, which continues and shifts into its behavior with other fellow human beings. The importance of humbleness is evident from the fact that Satan, who was among the ranks of Angels, was thrown out of paradise by God, as a result of not respecting His order of bowing down in front of Adam.
Personification of simplicity
One of the finest qualities of a true believer is living a simple and plain life. Our Holy Prophet (PBUH) always had a simplest living style, and never craved for having luxuries and materialistic gains, despite being the Messenger of Allah SWT. He did not only taught His Sahaba Karaam (companions) to be content with whatever they have, but first showed it by example. On the other hand, we Muslims are trying to excel in getting the most number of worldly pleasures, and have overlooked the Sunnah of Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), despite claiming that we love Him. The Quranic teachings emphasize on simplicity by associating it with the moral behavior of Muslims in daily life.
“And do not turn your cheek [in contempt] toward people and do not walk through the earth exultantly. Indeed, Allah does not like everyone self-deluded and boastful.” [Quran, 31: 18]
The above mentioned Ayah Kareema indicates that a true Muslim should never show hatred towards others, avoid arrogance and pride, for they are some negative attributes of a person who are disliked by Allah Almighty. Hence, one should embrace simplicity and avoid boasting to be a proper devotee of Islam.
So, instead of only claiming and being proud of a Muslim, one should adopt the above described personality characteristics to actually become a true believer in the sight of Allah SWT.
