Such conduct and others like it (1) are among the noble traits with which Allah trained His Messenger, about whom He said: “And indeed you are of sublime character” (Qur’an 68:4) (2). ʿĀʾishah, may Allah be pleased with her, said, “His character was the Qur’an.” (3)

These virtues are perfected (4) only when three elements come together:

1. The stock must be wholesome. If, however, (5) a person’s natural disposition is rough, harsh, and arid, it will struggle to practise these virtues in knowledge, intent, and action. By contrast, a compliant, gentle, and tractable nature is already prepared; it merely seeks tilling and sowing.

2. The soul must be strong, dominant, and able to subdue the impulses of idleness, deviance, and passion, for these are the enemies of perfection. Should the soul lack the strength to overcome them, it will remain forever defeated and subdued.

3. A healing knowledge of the realities of things, coupled with assigning each its proper station (6); through it one can distinguish between fat and harmful swelling, and between glass and a precious gem.