THE GOOD MUSLIM

Abu Dharr al-Ghifari was a renowned Companion of the Prophet. He passed away in 32 AH in Rabdhah, near Madinah. A long hadith is narrated from him, of which the following is a part:

“I entered the mosque and saw that the Prophet of Islam was sitting alone. I sat beside him and asked, ‘O Prophet of Islam, who among the believers is the best?’ He replied, ‘The one with the best character.’

Then I asked, ‘O Prophet of Islam, who among the Muslims is the best?’ He said, ‘The one from whose tongue and hand people are safe.’

I then asked, ‘O Prophet of Islam, what is the best form of migration (hijrah)?’ He replied, ‘The migration of the one who abandons all evil.’” (Sahih Ibn Hibban, Hadith No. 807)

This hadith clearly shows the type of human being Islam aims to cultivate—a person who demonstrates the highest level of moral character in dealings with others. A person who is so aware of their responsibilities that they never hurt anyone with their words, nor cause harm with their hands. A person who willingly abandons any habit or behaviour that carries the slightest trace of wrongdoing.

In reality, a good Muslim is simply a good human being. Islam is, at its heart, a religion of human refinement. Its purpose is the purification of thoughts and the correction of behaviour. One who truly embodies Islam in their life naturally becomes a good human being.

A life empty of goodness is, in fact, a life empty of Islam.