Iron Character

A believer’s iron character is a guarantee that he will stick firmly to the truth and justice, that in all situations he will be of sterling character.

Chapter 57 of the Quran states: “We sent Our messengers with evidence and, with them, We sent down the Book and the Scales of Justice, so that men might act in all fairness. We sent down iron with its great inherent strength and its many benefits for mankind, so that God might know who would stand up for Him, though unseen, and His messengers. God is powerful, and almighty.” (57:25)

According to this verse, what is desirable for a person is that he should steadfastly adhere to justice. A society whose individuals do so will benefit in many different ways. Peace will prevail in such a society. People’s right will be respected and everyone will have the opportunity to share freely in God’s blessings. In such a society all the benefits which God has destined for people will reach everyone without fail.

Adhering to justice necessarily demands maturity and firmness. In the present world there are many factors which can cause a person to deviate from the path of justice. These are factors which will not likely lead him to the path of justice. In such a situation, firm resolve and determination alone can keep a person invariably on the path of justice. Iron is symbolic of this firm character. Iron is exceptionally firm, that is why it is extremely useful for all those things which require hardness – from needles to machines and bridges and innumerable other things which reflect this beneficial quality of iron.

This firmness is likewise desirable in humans. A human being needs to become as firm as iron in order to perform all of his human duties. A person’s being like iron in character is a guarantee that he will stick firmly to the truth, that in all situations he will be of sterling character. Iron is in no way a sign of violence, it is a sign of strength.