73- Chapter on Good Character

Allah the Exalted says, “And indeed, you are upon an exalted standard of character” (al-Qalam 68:4), and He says, “Those who restrain their anger and pardon people” (Āl ʿImrān 3:134).

1/621 – Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: “The Messenger of Allah ﷺ possessed the best character of all people.” Agreed upon.

[Commentary]

Al-Ḥāfiẓ al-Nawawī—may Allah have mercy on him—states in his Riyāḍ al-Ṣāliḥīn, under the chapter of Good Character, that the purpose is to encourage it, explain its virtue, and identify the servants of Allah who are adorned with it. Good character is shown both toward Allah and toward His servants.

Good character with Allah means being content with His decrees, whether legislative or providential, greeting them with openness, without irritation, grief, or distress. When Allah decrees something a Muslim dislikes, he accepts, submits, and remains patient, saying with tongue and heart, “I am content with Allah as Lord.” Likewise, when Allah issues a legal ruling concerning him, he is pleased, surrenders, and yields to the Sharia of Allah with an untroubled breast and a tranquil soul. This is good character toward Allah, exalted is He.

As for good character toward people, scholars have summed it up in three qualities: refraining from causing them harm, giving generously, and meeting them with a cheerful face. That is true good character.