THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A CLASSICAL, STRIVING MUSLIM

by Yusuff Ademola Adesina

In the present century wherein the world morality has turned on its head, the characteristics of a true Muslim as defined in the orthodox teachings of his religion (Islam) can be likened to an oasis in the desert. It is the only place where trees grow in the desert and the sight of which gives a sense of pleasure and an air of inviting hospitality to the desert travelers.

The character of a striving Muslim is distinct and balanced, because he is the embodiment of the illustrious guidance of Allah, drinking deeply from its pure spring and following the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Hence, it is no surprise that a Muslim is expected to be an epitome of all good character as the Prophet (SAW) said he was sent to perfect noble character traits.

However, many Muslims are negligent of the ‘Muslim Personality’ as Islam has wisely deemed it to be. Sadly, there exists a lacuna between what Islam wants for its followers and what they actually want for themselves; except for a few. To fill this vacuum, this article clearly presents a succinct overview of some qualities a classical, striving Muslim is expected to possess, and thereby being projected to the world as an oasis in the desert.

He Believes in His Lord

The religion of Islam – the only true religion ordained by the Creator of the heavens and earth – requires the true Muslim to be a sincere believer in Allah, closely connected to Him and constantly remembering Him. The true Muslim is expected to be humbly obedient to Allah in all affairs. He follows the commandment of his Lord, even when they oppose his own desires, and he never transgresses the boundaries of his Lord.

The true Muslim is open-minded to the magnificence of Allah and he strongly believes in the will and decree of Allah, acknowledging that He is in control of the affairs of the universe and of mankind. The faith of the true Muslim in his religion should be pure and clear, uncontaminated by any strain of ignorance, superstition, or illusion. He completely submits to the will of Allah and humbly obeys His Messenger (SAW) because, in Islam, there is no true faith devoid of that.

The classical Muslim seeks to earn the pleasure of his Lord by regularly performing the duties and good deeds stipulated by his religion. He performs all obligatory deeds and adheres to the pillars of Islam, completely and devotedly. So, he establishes the five daily prayers regularly, pays zakah (if he has enough wealth), fasts in the month of Ramadan with the sincere intention of earning reward from Allah, and goes on Hajj when he is able to do so.

The aforementioned expected characteristics of a true Muslim are evident in the verses of the Quran and Hadith of the Prophet (SAW) highlighted below.

“The believers are only the ones who have believed in Allah and His Messenger…” (Quran 49:15)

“And establish prayer and give zakah and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience].” (Quran 2:43)

Ibn Umar reported that Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said: “Islam is based on five: to testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah, and Muhammad is Allah’s messenger; to establish the prayers; to pay zakat; to perform Hajj, and to fast the month of Ramadan.” (Sahih-Bukhari, 8).

Lastly, the sincere Muslim often turns to Allah in repentance whenever he errs, and to reach the pinnacle of faith in his Lord, the true Muslim places himself in the shade of the Quran. He reads the Quran frequently with an attitude of humility and seeks to understand its meaning. With these, his soul becomes cleansed and purified, and he increases in wisdom, faith, and sense of security.

“Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.” (Quran 13:28)

He Balances the Needs of His Body, Mind, and Soul

Islam requires the classical striving Muslim to stand out among other people, readily distinguished by his appearance, decent behavior, brilliancy, and good deeds. He pays due attention to his physical body, intellectual and spiritual needs. He takes good care of his body, actively promoting its good health and strength. He is physically active and eats enough to maintain his health and energy, but not in excess. He keeps away from drugs and stimulants, and other activities that are detrimental to his physical and psychological well-being.

It is no surprise that a true Muslim is concerned with his clothing and appearance because the Prophet (SAW) placed a great emphasis on cleanliness. He keeps his body and clothes very clean, so he will be seen with a pleasant appearance, without being extravagant. He is pleasant to look at and to meet and does not annoy people with his careless, disheveled appearance, because Islam encourages its true followers to be clean always, to perfume their clothes and to ensure their bodies always smell fresh and clean. He does all of these in accordance with the Islamic ideal of moderation, avoiding the extremes of exaggeration and negligence.

“…Eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess. Say, ‘Who has forbidden the adornment of Allah which He has produced for His servants and the good [lawful] things of provision?’ Say, ‘They are for those who believe during the worldly life…” (Quran 7: 31-32)

Further, the sincere Muslim pays attention to the needs of his mind by seeking beneficial knowledge and discovering the signs of Allah in the universe. He is responsible to seek knowledge whether it is religious or secular, so he may understand the nature and essence of things. Besides this, he should be proficient in his specialty giving it all of his energy and paying a great deal of attention to it. Nonetheless, the smart, true Muslim also exposes himself to information about other fields, for the religion he practices encourages its followers to seek knowledge.

“…say, ‘My Lord, increase me in knowledge’.” (Quran 20:114)

Additionally, the true Muslim does not forget that man is not only composed of a body and mind but that he also possesses a soul. Thus, he polishes and refines his soul through constant acts of worship and awareness of Allah. He keeps company with righteous people and joins religious gatherings where the truth is being proclaimed. He strengthens and purifies his soul through constant obedience to Allah for him to succeed and attain a higher level.

“And [by] the soul and He proportioned it…He has succeeded who purifies it.” (Quran 91: 7&9)

He Maintains Excellent Relationship with His Parents, Family and the Community

The Muslim who is truly aware of the teachings of his religion is the best of mankind in his dealings with people and the most respectful, kind and considerate towards them. Because Islam has placed a great responsibility on maintaining an excellent relationship with people, the true Muslim is obliged to maintain the ties of kinship, fulfill his responsibilities towards his parents, family, and deal with people in his community in the best of manners.

First, one of the main distinguishing characteristics of the true Muslim is his respectful and kind treatment of his parents, because kindness and respect to parents are one of the greatest commandments of Islam. With this, the sincere Muslim recognizes the status of his parents, fulfills his duties towards them, and prays for them. Allah says:

“And We enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. His mother carried him, [increasing her] in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years. Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the [final] destination. But if they endeavor to make you associate with Me that which you have no knowledge, do not obey them but accompany them in [this] world with appropriate kindness…” (Quran 21:14-15)

Second, the true Muslim seeks to establish a Muslim family in a nurturing, sound environment by selecting and marrying a religious spouse and following the guidance of Islam in his marital life. Marriage in Islam offers tranquility to the soul and peace of mind, so a sincere Muslim lives with his spouse in an atmosphere of love, mercy, harmony, co-operation, mutual advice, and tolerance.

Further, the sincere Muslim strives to give a good, solid upbringing to his children, because children are the apples of a man’s eyes, the source of great joy and companionship. Thus, he also understands and fulfills his duties towards his children by utilizing the best methods in bringing them up, while demonstrating his love and affection for them and spending on them willingly and generously.

“And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy…” (Quran 30:21)

“Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life…” (Quran 18:46)

Lastly, the true Muslim upholds the ties of kinship according to the teachings of Islam. And in the community, he establishes the best and purest relationship with people for the sake of Allah. He is loving and loyal towards people, and does not betray them; he portrays all the good qualities Islam encourages – patience, cheerfulness, shyness, truthfulness, trustworthiness, kindness, modesty, forgiveness, humility, among other such noble traits.

In conclusion, a sincere Muslim who possesses the aforementioned characteristics will be a living proof that Islam is the religion of a superior lifestyle; and that the misery, disintegration, confusion, and anxiety that individuals, families, and societies are suffering from are caused by man’s ignorance and misconception of the noble values propagated by Islam. These are precious principles which, if adopted, Muslims would be projected to the world as an oasis in the desert.

For more information, you may read:

The Ideal Muslim by Dr. Muhammad Ali al-Hashimi, translated by Nasiruddin al-Khattab.