The Virtue of Good Character

Authored by: Shaykh Hafiz Abdul Sattar Hamad (May Allah Protect Him)

Key Hadith on Good Character​

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

“The best among you are those with the best manners.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Adab, Hadith 6035)

Key Lessons:​

1. Emphasis on Good Manners After Faith:
   After faith (Iman), the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized adopting good character and avoiding bad manners. The above hadith establishes that a person’s excellence is measured by their good manners.
2. The Prophet’s Exemplary Character:
   The Qur’an testifies to the noble character of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Allah states:
   
   “Indeed, you (O Prophet) are upon great moral character.”
   (Surah Al-Qalam: 4)
   Additionally, Allah attributes the Prophet’s gentle nature to divine mercy:
   
   “It is by Allah’s mercy that you are gentle to them. If you had been harsh and hard-hearted, they would have dispersed from around you.”
   (Surah Aal-e-Imran: 159)
3. Faith as the Basis of True Morality:
   Good character holds no value without faith. A cheerful demeanor without belief is not genuine morality. When paired with faith, good manners become immensely valuable and will carry great weight on the Day of Judgment.
4. Reward of Good Character in the Hereafter:
   The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
   
   “The heaviest thing placed on the scale of a believer on the Day of Judgment will be their good character.”
   (Sunan Abi Dawood, Kitab al-Adab, Hadith 4799)
5. Good Manners as a Measure of Belovedness:
   The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) further highlighted:
   
   “Among you, the most beloved to me are those with the best manners.”
   (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Fada’il, Hadith 3759)

Conclusion:​

Good character is a cornerstone of a Muslim's faith and conduct. It not only reflects one’s piety but also strengthens relationships and fosters a harmonious society. True morality, when combined with faith, earns immense rewards in this world and the Hereafter.

May Allah grant us the ability to embody the best of character. Ameen.