In Islam, being a good person is of utmost importance. The Quran and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) provide detailed guidance on the qualities and actions of a righteous believer. Some of the key virtues stressed in Islam are faith, righteousness, patience, kindness, honesty, generosity, humility and justice. Muslims believe that acquiring and displaying these moral qualities is essential to attaining closeness to Allah and eternal paradise. This article will explore what Allah and Prophet Muhammad have taught in the Quran and hadith about being a good person.
Have faith and believe in Allah
The first and foremost quality of a good Muslim is to have faith (iman) in one God. The Quran states:
“Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets…” (Quran 2:177)
A Muslim must believe in the existence and oneness of Allah, believe that Prophet Muhammad is Allah’s final messenger, believe in revealed scriptures like the Torah, Gospel and Quran, believe in the existence of angels, and believe in the Day of Judgment. These articles of faith form the foundation of Islam. Without sound faith, other deeds are rendered worthless.
“The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, their hearts become fearful, and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith; and upon their Lord they rely.” (Quran 8:2)
Having complete trust and reliance in Allah is central to being a true believer. One must worship Allah sincerely and strengthen faith through prayer, supplication, reading the Quran and pondering over His signs.
Be righteous and do good deeds
Along with faith, doing righteous deeds is essential. The Quran states:
“Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer – We will surely cause him to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward [in the Hereafter] according to the best of what they used to do.” (Quran 16:97)
Some of the righteous deeds mentioned in the Quran and hadith include:
- Praying five times daily
- Fasting in Ramadan
- Giving charity and alms (zakat)
- Going for Hajj pilgrimage
- Being kind to parents, relatives and neighbors
- Caring for the poor, needy and orphans
- Treating animals well
- Standing up for justice
- Removing harm from the community
Doing these acts of worship and good deeds out of faith and for the sake of Allah makes a person righteous. The righteous will be rewarded by Allah with paradise.
“Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women, the obedient men and obedient women, the truthful men and truthful women, the patient men and patient women, the humble men and humble women, the charitable men and charitable women, the fasting men and fasting women, the men who guard their private parts and the women who do so, and the men who remember Allah often and the women who do so – for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.” (Quran 33:35)
Be patient during trials and adversity
Patience during challenging times is a marker of a strong believer. Allah promises immense reward for those who persevere patiently.
“And be patient, [O Muhammad], and your patience is not but through Allah. And do not grieve over them and do not be in distress over what they conspire. Indeed, Allah is with those who fear Him and those who are doers of good.” (Quran 16:127-128)
“O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.” (Quran 2:153)
Patience here refers to persevering during sickness, poverty, persecution or other difficulties without complaining. The believer relies on Allah and strives to do good despite the circumstances.
Be kind, humble and moderate
Muslims are taught to be kind and humble towards all people, including enemies. The Quran says:
“And not equal are the good deed and the bad. Repel [evil] by that [deed] which is better; and thereupon, the one whom between you and him is enmity [will become] as though he was a devoted friend.” (Quran 41:34)
“And walk in humility to and fro among people.” (Quran 25:63)
Humility is highly emphasized in Islam. Being moderate in every affair without excess or extravagance is ideal. One should be thankful to Allah for His bounties and compassionate with fellow human beings.
Be truthful and honest
Honesty and truthfulness are virtues Allah commands Muslims to uphold under all circumstances.
“O you who have believed, fear Allah and be with those who are true.” (Quran 9:119)
Lying, cheating, deceiving and backbiting are huge sins. A Muslim must avoid these to attain righteousness. Prophet Muhammad said:
“Truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise. A man continues to tell the truth until he becomes a truthful person. Falsehood leads to Al-Fajur (i.e. wickedness, evil-doing), and Al-Fajur leads to the (Hell) Fire, and a man may continue to tell lies till he is written before Allah, a liar.” (Sahih Bukhari)
Be generous and avoid miserliness
Generosity is a virtue Allah loves, while miserliness is discouraged. The Quran states:
“[Charity is] for the poor who have been restricted for the cause of Allah, unable to move about in the land. An ignorant [person] would think them self-sufficient because of their restraint, but you will know them by their [characteristic] sign. They do not ask people persistently [or at all]. And whatever you spend of good – indeed, Allah is Knowing of it.” (Quran 2:273)
“And let not those who [greedily] withhold what Allah has given them of His bounty ever think that it is better for them. Rather, it is worse for them…” (Quran 3:180)
Muslims must give charity, help those in need, and avoid hoarding wealth. It is the ungrateful act of withholding from others despite Allah providing us in abundance.
Enjoin justice and good conduct
Allah commands Muslims to uphold justice and good conduct in society, even testifying against themselves or family.
“O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives…” (Quran 4:135)
“Indeed, Allah orders justice and good conduct…” (Quran 16:90)
A good person stops oppression, bribery, and corruption within his capacity. He commands good and forbids evil.
Conclusion
In summary, Allah and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) have emphasized numerous virtues to guide mankind to righteousness. Having faith, doing good deeds, being patient, truthful and moderate, showing kindness and justice are keys to becoming a good person in Islam. Implementing these teachings in our daily lives with sincerity will, Allah willing, raise our ranks and lead to immense rewards in this life and the eternal Hereafter.
