The Virtue and Status of Good Character

Compiled by: Dr. Muhammad Zia-ur-Rahman Azmi (رحمه الله)

Ahadith on Good Character​

❀ Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

"I was sent only to perfect noble character."

(Hasan: Musnad Ahmad 8952; Al-Adab Al-Mufrad by Al-Bukhari 273)

❀ Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

"Indeed, Allah does not look at your appearances or your wealth, but He looks at your hearts and your deeds."

(Sahih: Sahih Muslim 2564:34)

❀ Abu Umamah (رضي الله عنه) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

"I guarantee a house on the outskirts of Paradise for the one who gives up arguing, even if they are in the right; a house in the middle of Paradise for the one who refrains from lying, even in jest; and a house in the highest part of Paradise for the one who perfects their character."

(Hasan: Sunan Abu Dawood 4800)

❀ Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-As (رضي الله عنه) narrated that he heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say:

"A Muslim with a good tongue and noble character will attain the rank of those who fast frequently and engage in abundant night prayers."

(Hasan: Musnad Ahmad 7052)

❀ Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

"Indeed, a person can attain the rank of one who prays at night through their good character."

(Hasan: Al-Adab Al-Mufrad by Al-Bukhari 284)

❀ Abu Darda (رضي الله عنه) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:

"There is nothing heavier in the scales (on the Day of Judgment) than good character."

(Sahih: Sunan Abu Dawood 4799; Musnad Ahmad 27517; Sahih Ibn Hibban 481)

❀ Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

"You cannot satisfy people with your wealth, but you can win them over with a cheerful face and good character."

(Hasan: Musnad Al-Bazzar 9651; Kitab al-Tawadhu' wal-Khumul by Ibn Abi Dunya 190)

Conclusion​

Good character is a cornerstone of Islamic teachings. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized its importance, equating it with acts of worship like fasting, night prayers, and generosity. On the Day of Judgment, good character will be one of the heaviest deeds on the scale. A cheerful demeanor and virtuous behavior can touch hearts and foster unity among people, serving as a timeless guide for personal development and harmonious living.