Lisan Arabi لسان عربي

The Prophet's Manners and Morals: Al-Ghazali

Episode Summary

Imam al-Ghazali's Ihya Ulum al-Din, specifically the tenth book concerning the etiquette of living and the ethics of prophethood, recited by Nizar Taha Haj Ahmad. The text explores the inner and outer manners derived from the Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) teachings and character, emphasising that outward behaviours reflect inner states. It highlights God's perfect guidance and refinement of the Prophet through the Quran, illustrating his exemplary conduct in various aspects of life, from personal habits to social interactions. The excerpts further detail the Prophet's noble characteristics like his humility, generosity, and compassion, aiming to inspire believers to emulate his virtuous example and strengthen their faith.

Episode Notes

The concept of مكارم الأخلاق (Noble Morals) is central to the teachings and example of the Prophet Muhammad, and the sources strongly emphasise its significance in the life of a believer and the formation of a virtuous community. Our previous discussion highlighted how the Prophet's mission was, in part, to perfect noble character, and that his very being embodied the principles of the Quran. This divine foundation underscores the importance and elevated status of makarim al-akhlaq within the Islamic framework.

The Quran as the Source of Noble Morals:

The sources explicitly state that the Prophet Muhammad's character was the Quran. This signifies that the ethical and moral guidelines presented in the holy book were not just abstract principles but were lived and exemplified by the Prophet himself. The Quran, therefore, serves as the ultimate source and standard for makarim al-akhlaq.

Several Quranic verses cited in the transcript illustrate the specific moral attributes that constitute makarim al-akhlaq. These include:

• Forgiveness and Clemency: The verse "خذ العفو وامر بالعرف واعرض عن الجاهلين" (Take what is pardoned, enjoin what is right, and turn away from the ignorant) emphasises the importance of forgiveness, promoting good, and avoiding engagement with ignorance.
• Justice and Kindness: "ان الله يامر بالعدل والاحسان وايتاء ذي القربه وينهى عن الفحشاء والمنكر والبغي" (Indeed, Allah orders justice and good conduct and giving to relatives and forbids immorality and bad conduct and oppression) highlights the divine command for justice, benevolence, and fulfilling the rights of kin, while prohibiting immoral and oppressive behaviour.
• Patience and Perseverance: "واصبر على ما اصابك ان ذلك من عزم الامور" (And be patient over what befalls you. Indeed, that is of the matters [requiring] determination) and "ولمن صبر وغفر ان ذلك لمن عزم الامور" (But whoever pardons and makes reconciliation - his reward is due from Allah. Indeed, He does not like wrongdoers) underscore the virtue of patience in adversity and the merit of forgiveness.
• Reconciliation and Forgiveness: "فاعف عنهم واصفح ان الله يحب المحسنين" (So pardon them and overlook [their misdeeds]. Indeed, Allah loves the doers of good) and "وليعفوا وليصفحوا الا تحبون ان يغفر الله لكم" (And let them pardon and overlook. Would you not like that Allah should forgive you?) strongly encourage forgiveness and overlooking faults, linking it to divine love and the desire for God's forgiveness.
• Responding with Goodness: "ادفع بالتي هي احسن فاذا الذي بينك وبينه عداوه كانه ولي حميم" (Repel [evil] by that [deed] which is better; and thereupon the one whom between you and him is enmity [will become] as though he was a devoted friend) advocates for responding to negativity with goodness, aiming to transform enmity into friendship.
• Suppressing Anger and Forgiving Others: "والكاظمين الغي والعافين عن الناس والله يحب المحسنين" (And those who suppress anger and who pardon people - and Allah loves the doers of good) praises those who control their anger and forgive others, again associating such behaviour with being beloved by Allah.
• Avoiding Suspicion and Negative Behaviours: "اجتنبوا كثيرا من الظن ان بعض الظن اثم ولا تجسسوا ولا يغتب بعضكم بعضا" (Avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other) highlights the importance of avoiding negative assumptions, spying, and backbiting, which are detrimental to harmonious communal living.

These verses, among others, serve as the bedrock for the understanding and practice of makarim al-akhlaq in Islam. The Prophet's life then becomes the practical embodiment of these divine directives.

The Prophet Muhammad as the Paragon of Noble Morals:

The transcript repeatedly emphasizes the exceptional moral character of the Prophet Muhammad. He is described as the "most noble of Allah's creation" and "the highest in rank and greatest in esteem". The very purpose of the book being discussed is to enumerate his noble character and manners, aiming to strengthen faith through witnessing his virtuous conduct.

Several narrations and descriptions in the sources illustrate specific facets of his makarim al-akhlaq:

• His Supplication for Good Character: The Prophet consistently prayed to Allah to beautify his character and to keep him away from evil morals, demonstrating his awareness of the importance of good character and his reliance on divine assistance in achieving it.
• His Reaction to Harm: Even when harmed, such as during the battle of Uhud when his face was wounded, his concern was for his people's guidance rather than seeking immediate retribution. This is highlighted by the Quranic verse revealed at that moment, though the source notes it as a form of divine instruction rather than direct condemnation of his compassion.
• His Love for Noble Character in Others: The Prophet recognised and praised noble character even in non-Muslims, as exemplified by his response to the captured woman who spoke of her father's virtues. He stated that these were the qualities of true believers and expressed regret that her father was not a Muslim. He then ordered her release, highlighting his appreciation for makarim al-akhlaq regardless of religious affiliation.
• The Link Between Noble Morals and Paradise: The Prophet explicitly stated, "By the One in whose hand is my soul, none shall enter Paradise but the one with good morals". This powerful statement underscores the critical importance of makarim al-akhlaq in attaining salvation.
• Comprehensive List of Noble Morals: The narration from Mu'adh bin Jabal provides an extensive list of behaviours that embody makarim al-akhlaq. These include: good companionship, generosity in deeds, gentleness, offering kindness, feeding the hungry, spreading peace, visiting the sick (Muslim or otherwise), attending funerals of Muslims, good neighbourliness (towards Muslims and non-Muslims), respecting the elderly Muslim, responding to invitations, reconciliation, generosity, magnanimity, initiating greetings, suppressing anger, forgiving others, and avoiding forbidden acts. This list provides a practical and detailed understanding of what constitutes noble moral conduct in various aspects of life.
• Personal Qualities: The Prophet is described as the most forbearing, courageous, just, and chaste of people. He avoided unnecessary acquisition of wealth, prioritising giving to the needy. His humility was evident in his willingness to perform everyday tasks, wear simple clothes, and treat everyone with respect.
• Gentle and Compassionate Demeanour: He never verbally abused anyone and even considered a harsh word directed at a believer as something requiring expiation. He was sent as a mercy, not to curse. He always favoured the easier of two permissible options. He stood with anyone, free or slave, to attend to their needs.
• Patience and Forgiveness: He never criticised anyone for something he disliked, and if others blamed someone in his household, he would defend them by saying it was preordained. He readily accepted apologies.
• Social Etiquette: The Prophet always initiated greetings, maintained physical contact until the other person withdrew, and treated everyone in his gatherings with equal respect, making each person feel valued. His gatherings were characterised by humility, modesty, and trustworthiness. He addressed his companions with kindness and respect, using their preferred names and giving nicknames. He was slow to anger and quick to become pleased. He was the most compassionate and beneficial to people.
• Humility and Simplicity: He would ride whatever was available, including a horse, camel, mule, or donkey, and would even walk barefoot without a cloak or turban. He visited the sick in the furthest parts of the city, loved good smells, sat with the poor, and honoured people based on their moral character.

The Importance and Benefits of مكارم الأخلاق:

The sources highlight several reasons why makarim al-akhlaq are of paramount importance:

• Divine Love and Pleasure: Allah loves those who possess noble morals. Striving for and embodying these qualities brings one closer to divine favour.
• Attaining Paradise: As mentioned earlier, good morals are directly linked to entry into Paradise. This underscores their fundamental role in a believer's ultimate success.
• Strengthening the Community: The various aspects of makarim al-akhlaq, such as good neighbourliness, reconciliation, and avoiding harmful behaviours, contribute to a harmonious and cohesive society.
• Reflecting Divine Attributes: By striving for noble morals, believers reflect some of the beautiful attributes of Allah, such as compassion, justice, and forgiveness.
• Following the Example of the Prophet: Emulating the Prophet's makarim al-akhlaq is a central tenet of Islamic practice. He is the ultimate guide and role model for believers.
• Spiritual Purification: The cultivation of makarim al-akhlaq is intertwined with the purification of the heart and the development of inner virtue.

Contrast with Base or Ignoble Character:

While the sources extensively detail makarim al-akhlaq, they also implicitly contrast these with negative traits that should be avoided. The list provided by Mu'adh bin Jabal includes the avoidance of behaviours such as lying, cheating, stinginess, malice, envy, injustice, and severing ties of kinship. These represent the antithesis of noble morals and are detrimental to both the individual and the community.

In conclusion, مكارم الأخلاق (Noble Morals) are a cornerstone of Islamic faith and practice. They are rooted in the divine guidance of the Quran and exemplified perfectly in the life of the Prophet Muhammad. Cultivating these virtues is essential for individual spiritual growth, attaining divine pleasure and Paradise, and building a strong and harmonious community. The sources provide a rich tapestry of examples and principles that guide believers towards embodying the highest standards of moral and ethical conduct in all aspects of life.

A potential next step could be to focus on a specific aspect of makarim al-akhlaq mentioned in the sources, such as حسن الجوار (good neighbourliness), and analyse the detailed implications and practical applications of this specific moral virtue based on the provided information.