IN the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
The Muslim personality is balanced. The Muslim pays due attention to his body’s needs and his outward appearance, without letting it distract him from taking care of the inner characteristics, as befits man whom Allah has honored.’
One of the most distinguishing features of the Muslim is his deep faith in Allah SWT and his conviction that whatever happens in the universe and whatever befalls him, only happens through the will and the decree of Allah SWT. The Muslim is closely connected to Allah SWT, constantly remembers Him, puts his trust in Him and is obedient to Him.
His belief and worship are based on the teachings of the Qur’an and the Hadith. He feels that he is in constant need of the help and support of Allah SWT. He also has no choice in his life but to submit to the will of Allah SWT, worship Him and do good deeds. This type of mentality will guide him to be righteous and upright in public and in private. A Muslim’s faith must be pure and clear.
The Muslim also recognises the signs of the unlimited power of Allah SWT in the universe and so his faith in God increases. Allah SWT says: “Verily, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and (in) the difference of night and day are tokens (of His sovereignty) for men of understanding. They remember Allah, standing, sitting and reclining, and consider the creation of the heavens and the earth (and say): Our Lord! You did not create all of this in vain. Far removed are You from every imperfection! Preserve us from the punishment of the Hellfire.” (Surah Imran (Quran 3:190-191)
The Muslim pays due attention to his physical needs, taking good care of his body and promoting its good health and strength. He does this by being active, not eating excessively. He eats enough to maintain his health and energy because he understands that a strong believer is more loved by Allah SWT than a weak believer. The Prophet SAW said: “Indeed a strong believer is more beloved to Allah SWT than a weak believer. In the both of them are good virtues.” Allah says: “Eat and drink; but be not wasteful, for Allah does not love the people who waste.” (Surah Arof (Qur’an 7:31)
The Muslim also pays attention to his personal hygiene because the Prophet SAW placed great emphasis on it. He always appears clean. His oral hygiene is also not taken with levity because the Prophet SAW encouraged the use of the siwak (tooth-stick). However, he does all of this in accordance with the Islamic ideal of moderation; avoiding the extremes of exaggeration and negligence. Allah SWT says: “Say: Who has forbidden the adornment of Allah which He has brought forth for His slaves, and the good things of His providing? Say: Such, on the Day of Resurrection, will be only for those who believed during the life of the world. Thus do We detail Our revelations for people who have knowledge.” (Surah Arof (Qur’an 7:32)
In addition to taking care of his physical self, a Muslim also takes care of his mental self. This is done by keeping away from drugs and stimulants. He also does not forget to exercise regularly to maintain his physical fitness because there is a direct relationship between the physical health and mental health. He also takes care of his mind by pursuing beneficial knowledge, religious and secular. God says: “And say: My Lord! Increase me in knowledge.” (Surah Toha (Qur’an 20:114)
The Muslim also pays as much attention to his spiritual development as to his physical and intellectual development. He does so in a balanced fashion; not concentrating on one aspect to the detriment of others. For this reason, the life of a Muslim revolves around the worship and remembrance of Allah SWT.
The Muslim should be an example of sincere obedience and love. He treats his parents with kindness and respect, compassion, politeness and gratitude. He recognises their status and knows his duties towards them through Allah’s command.
Allah SWT says: “Worship Almighty Allah and do not ascribe any partner to Him and (show) kindness to the parents.” Surah Nisai (Quran 4:36)
The Muslim exemplifies good and kind treatment, intelligent handling and good understanding of the nature and psychology of women and proper fulfillment of his responsibilities and duties to his wife (s) and the whole family. The Muslim is a parent who understands his great responsibility towards his children. He pays attention to anything that may influence their Islamic development and give them a proper education.
This is so that they may become active and constructive elements in the society and be a source of goodness for their parents and community.
The Muslim maintains the ties of kinship with his relatives and knows his duties towards them. He understands the high status given to relatives in Islam, which makes him keep in touch with them, no matter the circumstances.
The Muslim illustrates good treatment and consideration of others’ feelings and sensitivities with his neighbours. He puts up with their mistreatment and turns a blind eye to his neighbor’s faults while taking care not to commit any such errors himself.
The Muslim’s relationship with his brothers and friends is the best and purest of relationships because it is based on loving for the sake of Allah SWT. He is loving towards them and not cold-hearted. He is loyal to them and does not betray them. He is sincere and does not cheat them. He is tolerant and forgiving. He is also generous and supplicates for their happiness and well being.
In his social relationships with all people, the Muslim is well-mannered, civil, noble and characterised by the attitudes which Islam encourages. Some of these characteristics are: not being envious of others, fulfilling promises, modesty, patience, avoiding slanders and obscenities, not interfering in that which does not concern him, refraining from gossiping and avoiding stirring up trouble.
These are the qualities and attitudes that every Muslim must strive to make as part of their character and personality. A society that has people with such characteristics is one that will enjoy true happiness and peace.