Day 15: Be the Best of You

INTRODUCTION:

Today in sha Allah, I’d share with you an hadith I describe as an epitome of morality. I used to recall in undergrad, some of our leaders in the Muslim Students' guild used to sporadically pick us to give admonition. Those days, I detested it because I was often caught dumbstruck. I lacked ideas on what to say ‘cos I knew I’m one of those who needed to be admonished. So what I did was to memorize this hadith and share whenever I’m been called upon to give a reprimanding speech. Alhamdulillah! It never failed me in meeting that objective.

One of the beauty of this hadith is that it encapsulates piety and morality with character. The noble scholar Ibn Rajab said in his commentary on the hadith: “Having good character is a sign of Taqwa. And Taqwa cannot be complete without having good character”. Possesseing Iman with good manners is one of the best traits of the believer. The Prophet, sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam, made Iman and good character a basic criterion in acceping a man worthy for marriage. Hence, savour the hadith…

INSPIRATION:

Abu Dhar Jundub bin Junadah and Abu Abdul Rahman Mu’adh bin Jabal, Radiyallahu Anhuma, reported that the Messenger of Allah, Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam, said:

“Fear Allah wherever you may be; follow up an evil deed with a good one for it will wipe it (the former) out, and relate with people in the best of manners.”

[Al-Tirmidhi relates it, saying: It is a good (hasan) Tradition. In some copies he says: It is a good and genuine (hasan and sahih) Hadith].

REFLECTION:

• Taqwah is the highest wisdom one can possess. It is the criterion which enables one to do the right thing even when no one is watching.
• By actualizing Allah’s consciousness, a Muslim is granted Allah’s love, guidance and protection in return.
• Taqwa does not imply perfection. We are humans therefore we err. However, when we do, we’re expected to repent straight up.
• We are equally encouraged to follow bad deeds with good ones. "Verily, the good deeds remove the evil deeds." Surah Hud, verse 114
• The Rasul Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam, was described as having the best of characters. So he tells us: “The believer with the most complete Iman is the one with the best behavior.”
• Muslims are encouraged to be the best of themselves. Live with others peacefully and show the beauty of Islam through your character.

CONCLUSION:

In sum, being conscious of Allah the Almighty, adherence to His commandments, following bad deeds with good ones and dealing with others in a good manner are all

aspects of Taqwa. May Allah bless us with the fruits of Iman and Taqwah. Ameen!

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