Character-Building Lessons in Islam: A Reflection on Current Muslim Behaviour Worldwide

By Kaniz Fatma, New Age Islam 13 May 2025 A Call for Reform: Returning to Islamic Values of Character Main Points 1. True faith in Islam is inseparable from good character, as emphasized by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), whose exemplary morals serve as a model for all Muslims. 2. Many Muslim communities today face moral decline, characterized by dishonesty, corruption, and a lack of sincerity, which weakens both individual lives and society as a whole. 3. Islam encourages virtues like sincerity, humility, honesty, patience, gratitude, forgiveness, and justice, all of which contribute to a morally sound life and a just society. 4. To address the moral crisis, Muslims must return to the core teachings of Islam, embody the principles demonstrated by the Prophet (PBUH), and strive for personal and communal character improvement. ----- Introduction: Islam is much more than just religious rituals—it provides a complete framework for living a balanced life. From how we worship to how we interact with others, Islam guides every part of our daily existence. At the core of Islam is the principle of character building. This is not only essential for personal growth but also for creating a society based on justice, kindness, and respect. As Muslims around the world face increasing challenges, it’s crucial to return to these core values, especially as moral standards continue to decline in many parts of the Muslim world. The Importance of Morality in Islam: The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) once said, “The most perfect faith among Muslims is that of the person who has the best morals” (Al-Tabarani). This powerful Hadith highlights that in Islam, true faith and good character are inseparable. To be a true Muslim, one must embody the qualities of kindness, honesty, and humility. Sadly, in many parts of the world, Muslims today are facing moral decline—dishonesty, corruption, and insincerity are increasingly common. This disconnect between what we believe and how we act creates uncertainty, anxiety, and a sense of insecurity in the community. The State of Muslim Society Today: Muslim communities worldwide are dealing with multiple crises, both internal and external. Many of these challenges are rooted in a decline of moral values that Islam emphasizes. In many cases, the pursuit of material wealth, selfish desires, and corruption have led Muslims away from the path of righteousness. In a world marked by political instability, economic struggles, and social challenges, Muslims are increasingly feeling lost and frustrated. The fundamental values of Islam, like compassion and integrity, are being overshadowed by negativity and self-interest. In particular, behaviours such as lying, cheating, and backbiting have become widespread. This erosion of moral standards harms not just individuals but the fabric of society as a whole. When Muslims fail to live by the ethical principles of Islam, we lose sight of our faith’s true teachings and instead fall into selfishness and dishonesty. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) demonstrated through his own life that morality is the foundation of Islam—without it, one’s faith remains incomplete. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): The Ultimate Role Model: The life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) serves as the perfect example for Muslims when it comes to morality. In a society filled with ignorance and cruelty, the Prophet brought a message focused on noble traits such as kindness, patience, humility, and honesty. His actions consistently reflected Allah’s guidance, and his character set the standard for what it means to be a good Muslim. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) often spoke about his mission to improve human character, saying, “I was sent to perfect the noble traits of character” (Al-Tabarani). This reinforces the idea that faith in Islam is not only about rituals but also about how we live and interact with others. Allah even acknowledges the Prophet’s excellence in character in the Quran: “You are certainly on the most exalted standard of moral excellence” (68:4). By following the Prophet’s example, Muslims can strive to reach moral perfection. His life shows us that good character is not just an individual virtue; it’s the key to building a just and harmonious society. Key Principles of Character Building in Islam: Islam offers clear guidelines for building good character, and these principles should be practiced in everyday life. Character building in Islam can be understood through several important virtues: 1. Sincerity and Intention (Ikhlas): In Islam, sincerity is the foundation of all good deeds. Muslims are encouraged to perform actions solely for the pleasure of Allah, without seeking fame or material gain. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the importance of purifying the heart, ensuring that all actions are free from hypocrisy and selfishness. 2. Humility (Tawadu): Humility is crucial in Islam. Arrogance is seen as a sign of moral failure. The Prophet (PBUH) demonstrated humility despite being the final messenger of Allah. True Muslims are humble in their actions and interactions, recognizing that all power belongs to Allah alone. 3. Honesty and Integrity (Amanah): Integrity is a key value in Islam. Muslims are commanded to be truthful and trustworthy in all their dealings, whether in personal relationships, business, or public service. The Prophet (PBUH) was known as Al-Amin (The Trustworthy) even before his prophethood, showing that honesty is central to Islamic character. 4. Patience (Sabr): Patience is another essential virtue in Islam, especially during difficult times. The Quran urges Muslims to remain patient in the face of hardship. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) demonstrated remarkable patience in his life, enduring loss and harm without resorting to anger. 5. Gratitude (Shukr): Gratitude is vital in Islam, as it helps maintain a positive attitude towards life. A grateful person recognizes Allah’s blessings, no matter how small. The Prophet (PBUH) constantly expressed gratitude and encouraged his followers to do the same, reminding them that everything good comes from Allah. 6. Forgiveness (Afuw): Islam places great importance on forgiveness. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) forgave those who wronged him, even in the most difficult situations. Muslims are encouraged to forgive others, especially when they hold power, as this mirrors Allah’s infinite mercy. 7. Justice and Fairness (Adl): Justice is a cornerstone of Islam. The Quran and Hadith emphasize that Muslims should always act justly, regardless of personal interests. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was known for his fairness, often resolving disputes impartially. The Decline of Moral Values in Modern Muslim Communities: Despite these clear teachings, many Muslim societies today face a moral crisis. Corruption, dishonesty, and the neglect of key virtues like empathy, kindness, and respect are becoming more common. The materialistic focus of modern life, driven by consumerism and the desire for wealth and status, has led some Muslims to abandon the ethical teachings of Islam. This moral decline is worsened by external pressures such as political instability, economic struggles, and social inequality. Instead of turning to Islamic teachings for guidance, some Muslims are adopting unethical behaviours as a way to survive in a challenging world. The solution to these issues lies in returning to the core values of Islam—values that emphasize character, sincerity, and justice. A Call for Reform: To overcome this moral crisis, Muslims must return to the teachings of Islam, focusing on the importance of character, humility, and justice. By following the example of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Muslims can improve their own character and help rebuild a morally upright society. This requires self-reflection, repentance, and a commitment to live according to the Quran and Sunnah. Muslim communities must come together to promote ethical behaviour and support each other in cultivating good character. Religious leaders, scholars, and educators have a vital role in reviving these teachings and ensuring that they are practiced daily. Conclusion: The character-building lessons in Islam are just as relevant today as they were during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). A Muslim’s character is not only a reflection of their faith but also crucial to building a healthy and just society. The moral decline we see in many Muslim communities today calls for a renewed commitment to the principles of Islam. By practicing sincerity, honesty, patience, humility, and justice, Muslims can restore their moral integrity and contribute to a better world for themselves and future generations. Only by focusing on character development rooted in Islamic teachings can Muslims hope to address the challenges they face and create a society that truly embodies the spirit of Islam. ------ Kaniz Fatma is a classic Islamic scholar and a regular columnist for New Age Islam. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-spiritualism/character-building-reflection-muslim-behaviour/d/135513 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism