ISLAMIC VIRTUES

Model Character

FOR centuries the lives of the Prophet and his Companions have served as models of a truly God-fearing existence for all humankind, and will continue to do so. Hence God’s preservation of this page of history with such exactitude that anyone, who is sincere about learning from their example can know, even today, every detail of how they lived and died. The following are a few examples worth emulating.

Running to Another’s Assistance is a Great Religious Duty
Abdullah ibn Abbas, a Companion of the Prophet was in retreat in the Prophet’s mosque in Madinah, when a man, who was in trouble, came and sat beside him. When Abdullah ibn Abbas asked him what the matter was, he said “I owe a man some money, and I am unable to pay him back.” “Shall I speak to your creditor on your behalf?” asked Abdullah ibn Abbas. The man approved of this suggestion, and he at once set off. “Perhaps you have forgotten you are in retreat,” the man called after him. “No, I have not forgotten,” replied ibn Abbas, “but I have heard the Prophet say that running to the assistance of one’s brother and doing one’s utmost to help him is better than remaining twenty years in retreat.”

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For centuries the lives of the Prophet and his Companions have served as models of a truly God-fearing existence for all humankind, and will continue to do so.

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Deceivers are Not True Believers
Passing through the marketplace, the Prophet noticed a man selling from a heap of grain. The Prophet ran his fingers through the grain whereupon his fingers became wet. “How is it that this grain is wet?” he asked the owner, who said that it was because of the rain. “Then why not put the wet portion on top, so that people can see it,” said the Prophet, adding; “Those who deceive others do not belong with us”.

Not Indulging in Vain Talk, or Wishing Anyone Ill
When people came to visit Abu Dujanah a Companion of the Prophet as he lay on his death bed, and saw that despite his sickness, his face was shining, they asked him how it was that his face was so radiant. Abu Dujanah replied: “I place reliance on two things more than on any others. For one, I did not indulge in vain talk; for another my heart was free from ill-feeling towards others.

The Polite Way of Seeking Permission to Enter a House
Safiyah the wife of the Prophet relates how she was with the Prophet one day when Ali a Companion of the Prophet came and asked if he might enter his house. He knocked very quietly at the door and the Prophet asked for the door to be opened to him. On another occasion Saad ibn Ubadah, a Companion of the Prophet came to see the Prophet, and after asking permission to enter, he stood in front of the door so that he could see right inside. The Prophet signed to him to stand to one side, then, after a suitable interval, invited him to come in. “The actual reason for asking permission to enter is to avoid seeing inside the house,” said the Prophet.