A proper Muslim character, one that abides by the Law of God and fears nobody but Him, started developing since the advent of the faith of Monotheism, at the hands of Prophets and Messengers sent down to earth by Almighty Allah, reaching its perfection in the form of the concluding Prophet, Muhammad (peace be upon him). This is another series of articles on The Muslim Tribune, offering practical guidance on the way to attain God’s Satisfaction, itself a gateway for fulfillment and everlasting happiness in this Life and the Hereafter. A proper Muslim character, one that abides by the Law of God and fears nobody but Him, started developing since the advent of the faith of Monotheism, at the hands of Prophets and Messengers sent down to earth by Almighty Allah, reaching its perfection in the form of the concluding Prophet, Muhammad (peace be upon him). The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) once said, “I was sent to perfect good character.” While this sums up the core of Prophet Muhammad’s message, that is ethics, it stresses one fundamental element of the Muslim Character, one that strives to embark on the straight path leading up to Paradise;  and that is adhering to fine moral ethics. In Part one at hand I shall tackle one basic concept in the pursuit of salvation and entering Paradise, it is “Perfecting Ethics”. The above mentioned Hadith “I was sent to perfect good character,” sums up the mission of the Prophet  (peace be upon him) himself an embodiment of the moral standards set in the Qur’an, or as per the description of Lady Aicha (may Allah be pleased with her), “His ethics were the Holy Qur’an”. Allah, laying a further emphasis on the moral ethics of the Prophet (pbuh), said in the Qur’an: “And surely you are of a great morality”- (Qur’an: 68:4) This explains the role and the stature of good moral ethics in the Islamic culture as prescribed in the Quran and the Sunnah. Same fundamentals are highlighted and magnified in the life of our beloved Prophet (pbuh), his Companions and the Rightly Guided Caliphs (may Allah be pleased with them all), all of whom set good examples of wise and balanced Muslim Character, setting principles for Islamic education, one that pays strict regard to righteousnss, alert consciousness and is far from deviation. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) once said “Whoever his prayers could not restrain him from shameful and unjust deeds, then he did not pray.” And out of genuine belief in this concept, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) always ensured that his deeds do not contardict the divine bond he establishes with Allah Almighty everytime he prays, and even outside prayer. And this lays emphasis on one key factor of the Muslim character, that deeds should not contradict one’s beliefs. Eeman or faith is what the heart upholds and is further asserted through deeds. So a man’s spiritual being and his attitude are two sides of one coin, two parts completing one who being, what inflicts one part, impacts the other. Thus there shouldn’t be any contradiction between what man believes and his acts. It’s a shame that we see many examples of such contradictory attitudes in our modern times. Scholars have attempted to explain such morale in several works and in a variety of ways, warning against the danger the contradiction between man’s attitude and his moral beliefs and the detrimental implications it has on the human character and the wellbeing of his spirit let alone his entire life- They drew myriads of lessons from the teachings of the Islamic doctrine. One moral lesson a Muslim taught through prayer is being punctual. Committing to observing and establishing prayer on time helps one adhere to such value and have it as a cornerstone of his character. Another lesson learned through being faithful and humble while Prayer, without any attempt or desire at showing off is to be genuine, truthful and honest. It purifies the heart , keeps an alert conscious and protects the soul against hypocritical attitude. Another aspect of the good moral character of Prophet Muhammad (pease be upon him) is mercy and ultimate kindness in dealing with man, and even animals. This is manifested in so many instances in the Prophetic tradition. Let me recall one popular hadith, familiar to most of us, wherein the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) contends a man because he gave water to a thirsty dog, which is a raeason for his entrance to Janna (Paradise). In another insitance, a woman who fed a cat was granted eternal mercy and entrance to Paradise. And in a third instance, the exact contrast of such merciful attitude is warned against, and highlighted as a possible reason for being thrown into hellfire: a women who suppressed a cat, denying her food or the chance to seek after food. This among many other examples are emphasises through the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah, warn against ill morals, while inviting Muslims to adopt high moral standards and good ethics, as a way of attaining Allah’s mercy and salvation. It goes without saying that fulfilling all commands ordained by Allah is one way of developing a righteous and balanced moral being. And Islam in its essence teaches high moral values and perfected ehtics, as part an parcel of Creed and belief, without which, a Muslim character is indeed void of the truthfull spirit of Islam. Surely he who upholds a balanced and inclusive moral being, has known the straight path for attaining salvation and entering Paradise. By: Hassan Youssuf Omar Check PART II and PART III of the Series Here: – Stairway to Paradise PART II – Stairway to Paradise PART III Posted on: 23- May- 2011