The ManicaPost
MORAL integrity and upright conduct are held in high esteem by all people and all religions. They are a fundamental part of the Message of all the Prophets of The Almighty (peace be upon them all), so much so that the last of the Prophets – Muhammad (peace be upon him) – said: “I was sent (specifically) to perfect good moral character.”
There is no need to speak at lengths on this point, since it is something about which all people agree. You find that even those who campaign against moral character and act immorally and unscrupulously invariably speak highly of moral character and admit to its virtue.
No need to make a show
A person might adopt good manners under certain circumstances, simply because they are prevailing or he might do so little by little. Even this is something good. Abu Darda said — and some narrations have him attribute the words to the Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him): “Knowledge is attained only through learning and gentleness is attained only through being gentle. Whoever is intent on attaining goodness will be given it and whoever keeps away from evil will be spared it.”
However, it is not at all praiseworthy for a person to make a show of good character in order to take advantage of others or win them over for some personal benefit or ulterior motive. The true test of a person’s moral fibre is constancy. This is why the old Arabic saying goes: “You see the true character of people when you travel with them.”
First test of moral character
A person’s true character shows forth when he is at home in how he deals with his wife through the long years, in hardship and ease, when things are going well and when things go wrong.
This is where he has to hold himself together and where his patience is tested. His ability to keep clear of vanities, to remain clement and tolerant, and to exhibit good conduct are all tested by his married life and his family life. The same can be said regarding friendships when a person is constant and sincere regardless of the changing circumstances.
How often does a person see his friend as the one whom he can rely on in need, only to find that “friend” adds to his hardships when that time of need arrives? Long term acquaintance and association reveal how substantial or superficial a person’s moral character really is.
The test of power
There is another important test of moral character that shows how true or false a person’s morals are, and that is the test of power. A person who is weak might exhibit good moral conduct and present a passive, subdued disposition. He does not do so because it is part of his nature, but simply because he does not have the power to behave in any other way.
The Arabic poet al-Mutanabbi said: Oppression is human nature,so if you find someone abstaining from it, there is some reason why. Perhaps al-Mutanabbî borrowed these words from Aristotle who said: “Oppression is part of human nature. Only one of two reasons withhold people from it: religiousness or fear of reprisal.”
When a person is in a position of strength, then his true moral character shows forth. If a person who attains power, wealth, or prestige continues to uphold his moral values, maintains his affection for others, remains humble, and shows clemency to those who ill treat him, this is a sign of the true nobility of his character and the true goodness of his person.
Alas, how often do we find people who are not corrupted by power, fame, and sudden wealth?
How to behave in disagreement?
A third test of moral character is disagreement. Most people exhibit good conduct with those who agree with them and share their way of thinking, on account of their common interests. However, when differences arise, whether ideological or material, people tend to expose their true selves. A person of dignity and good character will remain composed and sensible. He will articulate his disagreements in a clear and precise manner.
For further information on Islam or a free copy of the Holy Qur’aan, please contact:
Majlisul Ulama Zimbabwe, Council of Islamic Scholars Publications Department,
P.O. Box W93, Waterfalls, Harare
Tel: 04-614078 / 614004, Fax : 04-614003
e-mail: [email protected].
