— kind words, a gentle manner, noble deeds, and refining the soul. We have already discussed good character repeatedly in a number of narrations.
Among the finest of those exhortations is this noble encouragement from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): “You will never be able to accommodate all people with your wealth; rather, let them be accommodated by your cheerful face and your good character.”
Meaning: it is impossible for you to provide for everyone with money, because people are many while wealth is limited—such a task lies beyond human capacity. What you must do instead is accommodate them with a bright countenance, friendliness, cheerfulness, gentleness, humility, and the like—qualities that generate mutual love among you, for this is what Allah, exalted is He, desires.
-
As for taqwā of Allah, it has been explained in two ways:
a. It means performing acts of obedience and avoiding prohibited matters.
b. It is to refrain from disobeying Allah, enlightened by light from Allah, out of fear of His punishment, and to carry out His commands, enlightened by light from Allah, in hope of His reward. -
Taqwā of Allah is the ever-present monitor over a servant’s actions, both public and private. When taqwā takes firm root in a person’s heart, it safeguards and protects him from destruction; it is a shield that prevents him from engaging in anything vile or falling short in any obligation. But when taqwā is absent, the soul that constantly commands evil drives a person toward his desires, even when those desires entail disobedience to Allah, exalted is He.