Welcome to The Forgotten, a sanctuary where we explore the depths of Islamic knowledge, weaving through the rich historical tapestry of Islam.
In the quiet reverence of Rabiulawal, as we celebrate the birth of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, we are drawn to contemplate the profound concept of Akhlaq. It is a term deeply rooted in the heart of Islam, signifying far more than mere ethics or good conduct. Akhlaq is the very essence of our character, the nobility of our soul, and the radiance of our morality.
Renowned ethicist Ibn Miskawayh ﵁, in his profound work “Tahdheeb Al Akhlaq,” offers a profound perspective on character (referred to as khuluq, or in its plural form, akhlaq). He eloquently describes it as “the state of the soul that propels one into action without the necessity of conscious thought or deliberation.” This state of being, according to Ibn Miskawayh, can be dissected into two distinct facets.
The first facet is inherent and intrinsic, an integral component of an individual’s authentic disposition. For instance, it encompasses the spontaneous laughter that bubbles forth when something amuses us or the genuine sorrow we feel in response to even minor adversities.
On the other hand, the second facet is cultivated through training and habitual practice. Although it may initially originate from contemplation and purposeful intention, over time, it evolves into an ingrained character trait. This transformation is akin to the journey from conscious reflection to the seamless integration of virtuous qualities into one’s personality.
Ibn Miskawayh’s profound insights illuminate the dynamic nature of akhlaq, emphasizing that while some aspects are inherent, others can be nurtured and refined through deliberate effort and practice.
Within the hallowed teachings of Islam, it is narrated in the book Al Adab Al Mufrad of the Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī by Abu Hurayra ﵁ that the beloved Prophet ﷺ uttered these words: “The only reason why I am sent is to perfect good Akhlaq.” These words encapsulate the divine purpose of his mission — to guide humanity towards the perfection of character.
In the eyes of Allah ﷾, acts of goodness and virtue hold a place of profound significance. Beyond material wealth and worldly gain, it is the inherent goodness within us that He cherishes.
Yet, we may ponder: from whence does this goodness spring? It arises from the fertile soil of Akhlaq — the soil of virtue, ethics, morality, and virtuous character.
Allah ﷾ Himself has declared that one’s Akhlaq is of great consequence in His sight. It is through this lens that He gazes upon us, measuring the radiance of our character. In the pursuit of fostering harmonious relationships, bridging chasms of discord, and unifying the Muslim ummah into a cohesive whole, the beacon of good Akhlaq shines brightly.
The essence of good Akhlaq is not confined to the boundaries of our faith; it extends to encompass all of humanity. It includes sincerity, honesty, and truthfulness in every act of worship, from the deepest charity to the heartfelt Salah, from the sacred recitation of the Quran to the soul-stirring moments of Tawbah.
The Quran, the eternal source of divine wisdom, is our guiding star in refining our Akhlaq. Its verses transcend time, offering guidance not only to the followers of Islam but to all of humanity. As we engage in sincere dhikr (remembrance) of Allah ﷾, our Akhlaq is refined, and a divine light radiates from within us.
The Quran and Hadith resound with the echoes of the paramount importance of ethics and character. In the Quran, we hear the echo:
This affirms the Prophet’s ﷺ celestial character. The Hadith reinforces this truth, proclaiming, “The most beloved of you to Allah ﷾ is the best of you in character,” as narrated by Abdullah bin Amr ﵁ in Sahih Al-Bukhari.
Another Hadith narrated by Sa’ad bin Hisham as he inquired of A’ishah ﵂ about the character of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. Her response was profoundly illuminating. She asked him, “Have you not read the Qur’an?” Sa’ad confirmed that he had indeed read it. It was then that A’ishah made a remarkable statement: “Verily, the character of the Messenger of Allah was the Qur’an.” (HR. Imam Muslim)
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stands as the paragon of moral excellence. His mission transcended the bounds of his community, extending its luminance to all of humanity. His virtues collectively formed a character that radiated the highest standards of moral excellence, making him a paragon of virtue and a living embodiment of the Qur’an’s teachings.
As Muslims, it is our sacred duty to follow the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ and embody good Akhlaq towards every soul, regardless of their faith. Good Akhlaq encompasses sincerity, honesty, and truthfulness in every act of worship. In approaching Allah ﷾ with grace and humility, we beckon His divine favor.
One’s character and Akhlaq are the bridge that carries them nearer to Allah﷾, guiding them toward the gardens of Jannah (paradise). May Allah﷾ bestow upon us the wisdom and fortitude to nurture meaningful relationships with every soul, embodying the radiant Akhlaq that reflects His divine light. Ameen.
In this contemplative journey, we seek to kindle the light of inspiration, unveiling the profound significance of Akhlaq as we celebrate the sacred month of Rabiulawal and the birth of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. But let us delve deeper into the layers of Akhlaq, for it is a multifaceted gem that adorns the path of every believer.
The term “akhlaq” is the plural form of the word “khuluq.” It is derived from the same root as the verb “khalaqa,” which means “to create.” When we consider both of these words together, “khalq” (creation) and “khuluq” (manner), we encompass the entirety of a person’s being. “Khalq” pertains to the external self, encompassing aspects such as one’s body, size, shape, and features. On the other hand, “khuluq” delves into the internal self, exploring how one’s soul has been shaped, their mannerisms, and their interactions with others. Thus, each person comprises two integral elements that define them: their external self and their inner self.
It is through Akhlaq that we yearn for closeness to Allah﷾ and, in turn, kindle His yearning for us. To exemplify the hadith narrated by ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr ﵁ where The Prophet ﷺ used to say,
Which translates to “The best of you is the one who has the best character.” our scholar Abdullah bin Al-Mubarak ﵁ describes it as “It is a smiling face, doing one’s best in good, and refraining from harm.” or to describe, to bear a cheerful face, to bring joy to our brothers and sisters, to smile and alleviate their worries and sadness. It is to strive relentlessly to do good, to seek opportunities to be kind to people, and to prevent harm.
Islam, as both a deen (faith) and a complete way of life, encompasses all facets of existence, both living and non-living. At its core lies al-Akhlaq, an intricate living order built upon the bedrock of al-‘Aql (reason) with four fundamental aspects layed by our scholars, intimately linked to maintenance and preservation (tahseen and siyaanah).
The first of these fundamental aspects is the preservation and safeguarding of our connection with Allah ﷾. It involves upholding the primordial covenant between our conscious existence and Allah ﷾, as expressed in the Divine decree,
And further underscored in the command,
The second aspect pertains to the preservation of our inner selves. The best guidance comes from those who genuinely embody it, for “the one who possesses nothing cannot give.”
The third aspect revolves around maintaining harmonious relations with our fellow beings. It commences with respect and kindness towards our parents, extends to close relatives, and encompasses distant family members, neighbors, and the broader community.
The fourth and final aspect encompasses our relationship with non-human beings. It includes the humane treatment of domestic animals and the responsible stewardship of the environment.
In this intricate tapestry of Akhlaq, the preservation and safeguarding of our connection with Allah ﷾ stands of the utmost importance. It is the foundational cornerstone upon which the edifice of virtuous character is erected. Upholding the primordial covenant between our conscious existence and Allah ﷾ is the guiding star illuminating the path of righteous conduct. In the embrace of this sacred covenant, we discover the essence of goodness, kindness, and compassion that radiates from the very heart of Islam.
We must recognize that it extends beyond the confines of our personal lives; it weaves the fabric of society, fostering harmony and nurturing the collective conscience.
The lessons drawn from Akhlaq guide us toward the higher purpose of our existence — to reflect the divine light in our character, illuminating the path to virtue, morality, and spiritual elevation.
Join us as we rethink the forgotten treasures of our faith and gain a deeper understanding of the Islamic calendar’s impact on our spiritual lives.
© 2023. The Forgotten Muslims. All Rights Reserved
#BeginYourQuest | Discover the World of Islam
Comments