Before the arrival of Islam, the Arabs used to worship many gods, lived a barbaric life and practiced immorality and wickedness. Then, Allah Almighty sent down revelation in the form of the religion of peace, i.e. Islam, on His last Prophet, Hazrat Muhammad (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) to take the (ignorant ones) out of darkness towards enlightenment. Those who embraced it are now called Muslims.
Unfortunately, today, we have become “Muslims” by name only, and have forgotten the true essence of Islamic teachings. This uniqueness of ours from practitioners of other religions is not enough, if we do not comply with both of our religious and moral responsibilities as the followers of this religion. As a Muslim, one has to live its life according to the teachings of Quran and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
Following are some of the key personality characteristics that we should all strive for adopting in our lives, if we call ourselves Muslims.
REMEMBRANCE OF ALLAH SWT:
As a Muslim, every one of us should have a complete conviction in Allah as the sole Creator and being the Ultimate Power, but majority of us take it as a guarantee to be a true believer. No! That is not enough. Apart from having complete faith in only One God, a proper Muslim should always remembers its Gracious Lord. This belief forces it to never bow down in front of anyone else for seeking self confidence, assistance and mercy etc.
True Muslim
“Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah, hearts are assured.” [Quran, 13: 28]
The above stated Ayah tells that believers get certainty of their hearts and beliefs through consistent memory of Allah`s greatness. However, this act should not only be thought of as remembering Allah SWT in one`s prayers, rather it should be a part of one`s daily life routine. As the Holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) has said:
“Whoever sits and does not mention the Name of Allah (before he rises) will find it a cause of sorrow from Allah. Whoever lies down to sleep and does not mention the name of Allah before rising, will find it a cause of sorrow from Allah.”
[Abu Dawuud]
This Hadith gives suggestion that recalling the name of The Greatest One should be our utmost priority with every passing moment of life, if anyone of us wants to become Mo`min (a true believer). The remembrance of the Gracious God by a staunch advocate also serves as a source of showing thankfulness towards Him for all His blessings.
ALWAYS BEING TRUTHFUL:
Apart from having complete faith in Allah Almighty, and fulfilling other holy actions regularly, one cannot consider himself a true believer until or unless he takes great care of his own character. One of the foremost attributes that are stressed by our religion for gaining the much needed beautification of one`s personality is adopting the truth, and is deemed as must do act for every Muslim.
Essential qualities
O you, who have believed, fear Allah and be with those who are true. [Quran, 9: 119]
This Quranic verse directs us all to make the habit of being candid in our behavior. This straightforwardness should not only be confined to speaking alone, but it must be an ongoing process throughout our relationships with others, being honest, fulfill our promises and always stand for justice etc. There is no room for hypocrisy, for they are among the disbelievers.