Islamic Akhlaq: Character in Islam

• Akhlaq of a Muslim

Meaning of Akhlaq

• Islam emphasizes good relations with Allah and other people.
• Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. is the best exemplar of good character in Islam.
• Akhlaq is defined as character and personality shown by Rasulullah s.a.w.
• Akhlaq is a plural form of "khuluqun," meaning character, behavior, or habit.
• Studying akhlaq helps differentiate between good and bad character.
• It teaches how to maintain good relationships and the importance of niyyah (intention).
• Akhlaq also means 'high moral values'; a person with akhlaq should be truthful, just, honest, forgiving, kind, and generous.
• Success is closely related to akhlaq, where a good character is important for relationships with Allah and mankind and to achieve excellence.
• Anger reflects weakness, not strength; controlling oneself in anger is a sign of true strength.

Categories of Akhlaq

• Akhlaq is categorized into two types: akhlaq mahmudah and akhlaq mazmumah.
• Akhlaq mahmudah (good character) are commendable traits such as kindness to parents, respect for teachers, helpfulness to friends, and care for animals/nature.
• Akhlaq mazmumah (bad character) includes humiliating others, littering, and disobeying parents/teachers.
• Akhlaq mahmudah originates from positive values, like vitamins/minerals, strengthening the body.
• Akhlaq mazmumah stems from negative values, like viruses/bacteria, weakening the body.
• Practicing akhlaq mahmudah improves character and reduces the tendency to commit akhlaq mazmumah.

Akhlaq Mahmudah (Good Character)

• Faithful (al-amaanah)
• Forgiving (al-'afwu)
• Truthful (al-siddiq)
• Keeps promise (al-wafaa')
• Fairness (al-'adl)
• Self-respect (al-iffah)
• Shyness (al-hayaa')
• Patient (al-shabru)
• Compassionate (al-rahmah)
• Helpful (al-ta'aawun)
• Brotherhood (al-ikhwaan)
• Kindness (al-ihsan)
• Humility (al-tawaadhu')
• High morals (al-muru'ah)
• Gentle (al-rifou)
• Generous (al-sakhaau)

Akhlaq Mazmumah (Bad Character)

• Ego (ananiyah)
• Miserliness (al-bukhlu)
• Deceit (al-buhtan)
• Betray (al-khiyaanah)
• Oppression (al-dzulmu)
• Coward (al-jubn)
• Commits sins (al-fawaahisy)
• Quick-tempered (al-ghadab)
• Slander (al-ghibah)
• Dishonest (al-ghisysyu)
• Swindle (al-ghurur)
• Creates damages (al-ifsad)
• Hasty (al-'ajalah)
• Spendthrift (al-tabzir)
• Steal (al-sirqah)
• Vengeful (al-hioda

The Roots of Akhlaq

• Akhlaq shapes character physically and spiritually.
• Imam Al-Ghazali: attributes in the heart translate to actions aligning with the spiritual state.
• A person's akhlaq is judged by their behaviors and actions.
• Good akhlaq leaves a positive impression, while bad akhlaq creates a negative one.
• Good akhlaq is invaluable and attained through upbringing and surroundings.
• Exposing children to good akhlaq early shapes their behavior positively.
• Children are born pure, and their development depends on how they are nurtured.
• The development of akhlaq relies on parents/guardians, family, and society.
• Parents should be good examples and ensure proper education for good akhlaq.

The Basis of Good Akhlaq

• Mankind requires a reliable source to differentiate between good and bad Akhlaq.
• Al-Quran and Sunnah guide Muslims to the straight path as a compass.
• Al-Quran is a revelation from Allah, not written by man
• The contents of Al-Quran are divine, noble, and unchallenged.
• Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. is the best exemplar, with the hadith (sunnah) as a second source of reference.

Importance of Akhlaq in Islam

• Islam provides a clear system for all aspects of life, ensuring happiness in this world and the hereafter.
• Akhlaq is an essential aspect of knowledge due to its wisdom and benefits for mankind.
• Studying Akhlaq purifies the soul, elevating knowledge and status of an individual compares to an unknowledgeable person.
• Seeking akhlaq knowledge increases awareness of good deeds and ability to avoid bad deeds.

Encourages Good Deeds

• Studying Akhlaq enables us to differentiate between good and bad, developing personality towards doing good
• Good Akhlaq refrains from practicing bad deeds like medicine prevents physical ailment.
• Practicing Akhlaq makes one of the best people
• Directing others to good deeds earns one a reward equal to the one who did it.

Strengthens One's Iman

• Good akhlaq is a result of strong iman; those who regularly do bad deeds have weak iman.
• Weak iman can lead to negligence of Allah; strong iman reminds one to avoid bad deeds.
• Believers with the best akhlaq show the most perfect faith and kindness to their wives.
• Perfecting akhlaq strengthens iman and ibadah (worship).
• Internalizing the meaning of iman leads to good deeds and good akhlaq which will drive him to improve his Akhlaq
• A true Mu'min is never content with good deeds until reaching Paradise.

Earns Prominence in the Hereafter

• Good akhlaq earns prominence in the hereafter.
• On the Day of Judgement, the excellence of akhlaq will weigh heavier than anything else.
• Allah dislikes vulgarity and obscenity.
• Allah mentions that they dislike who indulge in futile speech and does things with the intention of hurting others.
• Paradise is earned through taqwa (fear of Allah) and excellent akhlaq.
• One should avoid abundant speech, arrogance, and showing off intelligence.

How to Acquire Good Akhlaq

• Constant practices and habits influence akhlaq development.
• Tasks become habits through constant practice requiring less effort.
• The upbringing and practices mold personality and influences achieving better akhlaq.
• It requires patience to overcome the challenges of difficulties for initial stages for developing good akhlak.
• Developing good akhlaq includes:
• Easing difficulty in performing good deed
• Improving the performance of good deed.
• Good akhlaq can be developed through consistent practice like the Pillars of Islam.
• Islam teaches Muslims to have good akhlaq, leading to a better way of life.
• Good akhlaq are like pillars supporting a building; without them, it collapses.
• Improving akhlaq leads to respect from others.
• We can practice sadaqah (charity) without spending wealth and to encourage others to do good deeds.
• We must compete in goodness and fulfill various types of Ibadah with good akhlaq.
• Sincere and gentle akhlaq involves being mindful of others' feelings.
• Verily Allah is Most Gentle and loves gentleness.