The Beauty of
Good Character
Lessons from the Life and Teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
1 True Wealth and Contentment
“Wealth does not mean having a lot of property. Wealth means having self-contentment.”(Sahih Muslim)
Lessons:
- Real wealth is a satisfied heart.
- Be grateful for what Allah has given.
- Contentment brings happiness and peace.
2 Generosity versus Greed
“The dust of the path of Allah and the smoke of Hellfire are never joined together in the heart of a slave. Belief and avarice are never joined together in the heart of a slave.”(Sahih Muslim)
Lessons:
- The Prophet ﷺ was always generous.
- Never said “No” when asked for something.
- Greed and miserliness have no place in a believer’s heart.
3 Good Character in Daily Life
“A man who is known for his good character has the same degree as someone who stands at night in prayer.”(Sunan Tirmidhi)
“There are four qualities such that if you were to be given them, you will not be harmed even if the whole world were to be taken away from you. They are: good character, restraint in food, truthful words, and upholding a trust.”(Sunan Ibn Majah)
Lessons:
- Good character is a great act of worship.
- Be honest, trustworthy and kind.
- These qualities bring lasting success.
4 Controlling the Tongue
“The mouth is among the greatest causes of people entering the Hellfire, while Taqwa (consciousness and fear of Allah) is among the greatest causes of people entering Paradise.”(Sunan Tirmidhi)
Lessons:
- Be careful with what we say.
- Avoid backbiting, gossip, lying and hurtful words.
- Use our words to speak good and to remind others of Allah.
5 Mercy Towards Children and Family
The Prophet ﷺ raced with little Husayn, made him laugh, caught him and embraced him, saying:
“Husayn is from me and I am from Husayn. Allah loves anyone who loves Husayn.”(Sunan Tirmidhi)
Lessons:
- The Prophet ﷺ showed great love and tenderness towards children.
- He was the most merciful towards his family.
- Treat children with kindness, play with them and show your love.
6 Mercy Towards People and Animals
“Anyone who does not show mercy will not be shown mercy.”(Sahih Bukhari)
“There is a reward on account of every living thing.”(Sahih Bukhari)
“A woman punished her cat by imprisoning it until it died of hunger and because of it, she entered the Fire.”(Sahih Bukhari)
Lessons:
- Be kind and merciful to everyone.
- Even giving water to a thirsty dog earned Allah’s forgiveness.
- Never harm or neglect animals.
- Show mercy to family, friends, strangers and all living creatures.
May Allah beautify our character with the character of His Beloved Prophet ﷺ. Aameen.