Abu Hurayra (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)said, “I was sent to perfect good character.” [Al-Adab Al-Mufrad]
فَبِمَا رَحۡمَةٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ لِنتَ لَهُمۡۖ وَلَوۡ كُنتَ فَظًّا غَلِيظَ ٱلۡقَلۡبِ لَٱنفَضُّواْ مِنۡ حَوۡلِكَۖ
“So by mercy from Allah, [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you…” [Qur’an; 3:159]
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is our role model for good manners. Despite his noble position and rank, and despite receiving revelation from Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He), what is emphasized is that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) conducts himself well.
There are multiple narrations of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) advising his companions to maintain good character even in trying circumstances. When asked for advice, he (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) would sometimes advice them on character rather than on matters of belief or ritual worship.
Muadh ibn Jabal is reported to have said, “The last advice the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, gave me when I put my foot in the stirrup was that he said, ‘Make your character good for the people, Muadh ibn Jabal!'” [Muwatta Malik]
This indicates the gravity of good character and its precedence in any situation. Being given good character is an immense blessing as a person is thus loved by people and Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He).
Maintaining good character is a means to attaining high ranks in the sight of Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He)
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “By his good character a believer will attain the degree of one who prays during the night and fasts during the day.” [Abu Dawud]
In addition, having a good character is a sign of faith, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is reported to have said:
“The most complete of the believers in faith, is the one with the best character among them.” [Tirmidhi]
It also paves the way to being among those Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) loves.
“Nothing is heavier on the believer’s Scale on the Day of Judgment than good character. For indeed Allah, Most High, is angered by the shameless obscene person.” [Tirmidhi]
From the following hadith, we receive indication that our character will even influence our interaction with the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) in the Hereafter.
“Indeed the most beloved among you to me, and the nearest to sit with me on the Day of Judgment is the best of you in character. And indeed, the most disliked among you to me, and the one sitting furthest from me on the Day of Judgement are the Thartharun, and the Mutashaddiqun and the Muthafaihiqun.” They said, “O Messenger of Allah! We know about the Thartharun, and the Mutashaddiqun, but what about the Muthafaihiqun?”‘ He said, “The arrogant.” [Tirmidhi]
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