GOOD CHARACTER

Good character is not something that is sold in the shop, the market place or elsewhere. It is something that a person should inculcate in him. Good character is inculcated and developed by staying in the company of one who has good character. In addition to this, a person should have the willpower to rectify his character and amend his manners. Then, he can have good character.

When it comes to studying Deen, it is very important to see from whom one is learning as the person from whom one is learning Deen, plays quite an essential role. The heart is like a container. The knowledge that comes down and penetrates the heart depends mostly on the person from whom one receives it. If the person is alright, the knowledge also will be alright. And if he is not alright, very rarely will that knowledge be found to be correct. It is like water flowing from a tap. If the water in the basin or the reservoir is clean, then the water also will be clean. However, if the basin or the reservoir is not well-equipped or is occupied, then there is no guarantee in regards to what is flowing from the tap.

So, in order to inculcate good character, one should stay for a considerable amount of time in the company of the one who has good character. Otherwise, good character will be something that will remain closed in books or merely on the tongue. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) said:

"The best Muslim is the one who has the best character."

[English version of "Bon maniere" – Al Jamiat – Vol.2 No.2]