ISLAMIC VIRTUES

To Emulate

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 of the examples worth emulating.

What those who sit with leaders should be like
Abdullah Ibn Abbas tells of how his father once said to him: “My boy, I see how the Commander of the Faithful, Umar ibn al-Khattab, invites you to his meetings and takes you into his confidence. He also turns to you as well as to the other Companions for advice. I am going to give you three pieces of advice which are worth remembering: firstly, fear God, and never let it be said of you by Umar that you told a lie; secondly, keep his secrets well, and thirdly, never speak ill of anyone in his presence.” Amir says that each one of those pieces of advice was better than a thousand. “Better than ten thousand,” rejoined Abbas. (Al-Tabarani)

Lip service is not a proof of real attachment
Jubair ibn Nufair relates how, as his father was sitting with Miqdad ibn Aswad one day, a passerby, on seeing a Companion of the Prophet said: “How fortunate are those two eyes that have seen the Prophet! By God, if only we could have seen what you saw and shared in your experiences!” Nufair said that he was impressed by the man’s words; he seemed to have spoken well. But Miqdad looked towards the man and said: “No one whom God has saved from being present at those hours should desire to have been there. Who knows how they would have acted in those circumstances? By God, many of whom God cast into Hell came to see the Prophet, such as did not accept what he said, or believe in his mission.”

On hearing the Hereafter mentioned, he waived his claim
Umm Salamah tells of how two of the Ansar brought a dispute before the Prophet about a long-standing issue of inheritance for which neither party could produce a witness. “You bring me your disputes,” the Prophet said to them, “and, when no proper evidence is brought forward, I judge them according to my own way of thinking. I might, on the basis of partial evidence, make a settlement in favour of one of the parties, but in so doing, it may be that I take away from the other what is his rightful due. In that case, the one in whose favour I pass judgement should not accept what has been apportioned to him, for that would be like his accepting a firebrand which, on the Day of Resurrection, would stick on his neck.” At these words, both the Ansar broke down and wept. “Prophet of God!” they both cried out, “he can have my rightful share!” “The Prophet then told them that in view of their changed attitude they should go and, seeking to do what was just and right, should divide the inheritance into two parts. Then they should draw lots as to who should have which part. In this way, each would have the other’s approval of the share he received. (Kanz alUmmal)

Knowledge is more than just information
Malik ibn Anas said: “Knowledge is enlightenment. It comes only to a humble, fearing, pious heart.”

Swallowing one’s anger increases one’s faith
Abdullah ibn Abbas records the Prophet as saying: “The draught of one who swallows his anger is dearer to God than any other. God fills with faith one who swallows his anger for God’s sake.” (Musnad Ahmad)

Receiving praise, not with conceit, but with humility
According to Naafi, someone launching into extravagant eulogies to Abdullah ibn Umar, addressed him as “most noble of men, son of the most noble”. “Neither am I the most noble of men, nor am I the son of the most noble,” replied Ibn Umar. “I am just one of God’s servants; in Him do I have hope, and Him do I fear. By God, you are bent on destroying a man with such praise.” (Hilyat al-Auliya)