and He says: “Repent to Allah, all of you, O believers, so that you might prosper” (Qur’an 24:31).

Righteous deeds likewise erase misdeeds, as the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—said: “The five daily prayers, one Friday to the next, and Ramadan to Ramadan are expiations for whatever occurs between them, provided the major sins are avoided.” He also said: “One ʿumrah to the next is an expiation for what lies between them.” Thus, good deeds wipe out evil deeds.

The third counsel is: “Treat people with excellent character!” The first two counsels concern your dealings with the Creator, while the third pertains to your dealings with His creation: interact with them in a manner that earns praise and avoids blame—through a cheerful face, truthful speech, courteous address, and every other noble trait.

Numerous texts extol good character. The Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—said, “The most complete of the believers in faith are those who are best in character,” and he told us that the people most beloved to him and seated closest to him in rank on the Day of Resurrection will be those who excel in character.