3. VIRTUOUS LIFE
“I swear by the passage of time, that man is surely in a state of loss, except for those who believe and do good deeds and exhort one another to hold fast to the Truth, and who exhort one another to stead-fastness.”
Al- ‘Asr103:1-3
At every moment man is advancing towards his death. This means that if a man does not make the best of the time which is still available to him, he will finally face total destruction. In order to be successful, a man has to exert himself, while for failure he has to do nothing. It is itself rushing towards him.
Those who are patient and do not despair in the face of disaster are fit to live in paradise. They pray for those who hurt them. They do not mind being criticized. They act justly to everyone, even those who wrong them. They are fair and honest in their dealings with others.
The true believer requires evil with good. Only those who are ever mindful of God are blessed with pure lives of this nature, that is, those who discover God on such a profound level that He permeates their beings and becomes the focal point of their emotions.
Where unbelievers are arrogant, believers bow in humility. Where unbelievers are contemptuous, believers are considerate. Where unbelievers bear ill will, believers are well-wishing. Where unbelievers usurp others’ rights, believers render everyone his due. Believers are not prevented by false pride from acknowledging the truth. Believers never forsake justice, even when they are tempted to seek revenge.
Suppressing one’s anger is
a sign of good character.
“For those who spend, both in prosperity and adversity, who restrain their anger and are forgiving towards their fellow men—God loves those who do good works.”
Al- ‘Imran 3:134
When the Prophet was once asked which action was best, he said that there was nothing better than good character. The questioner then approached him from the right and put the same question to him. Again, the Prophet answered: “Good character.” Then, coming from the left, the man once again addressed the Prophet and asked him which virtue was best. The Prophet told him for the third time that good character excelled in all other actions. When the man came from behind and asked the Prophet once again which virtue was best, the Prophet replied: “How is it that you do not understand what is meant by good character? As far as you are able, you should not become angry: that is what is meant by having a good character.”
Muhammad Ibn Nasr Al-Marwazi
