Author: M. Asim Esmayil Zahi
Morals of the Prophet, “PBUH” (2nd part)
Definition of Ethics
Morality encompasses the sum of moral principles and signifies what is good. In this context, ethics refers to the science of interactions among individuals and with the natural world, representing one form of practical wisdom. This field is often described as the refinement of morals or the wisdom of morality.
The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, exemplified qualities such as kindness, justice, humility, courage, patience, and modesty. Even before his prophethood, he exhibited numerous good manners that are often cited as examples of virtue.
The Importance of Knowing the Moral Characteristics of the Holy Prophet (PBUH)
The Holy Prophet, peace be upon him, is an example of moral beauty in Islam. In order to properly and competently model his moral characteristics and qualities, one must gain a deep understanding of him. In the religion of Islam, the Holy Prophet, peace be upon him, serves as a model who explained to us the lessons of Allah Almighty, which are contained in the Holy Qur’an. He himself became the teacher of this divine book. Our duty is to follow the example of the Prophet. Every person who knows the Prophet, peace be upon him, and his moral qualities has perfected themselves in terms of knowledge and ethics.
In the first step of setting an example based on the Prophet’s behavior in life, it is necessary that all dimensions of his existence are understandable to us. When the depth of the existence of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) is known, unconsciously, all behaviors begin to resemble those of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Therefore, it is very important to know the moral characteristics of the Prophet, peace be upon him.
In the next step, the dimensions of good humor should be examined from a conceptual point of view so that its examples are not confused. We need to determine whether having a smile on one’s face is considered good humor or whether it has a deeper meaning.
Having a beautiful inner character and good morals is effective in the development of strong character. Given that the Holy Prophet, peace be upon him, had a beautiful interior, recognizing this quality and clarifying it are essential. Will and determination play crucial roles in this process. When a person has the will and determination to make the Prophet, peace be upon him, their example, they can achieve success. In fact, as long as there is no strong will, no one is able to consider the Prophet, peace be upon him, as a model for themselves.
At the time the Holy Prophet, peace be upon him, lived, many people knew him well; however, due to their lack of will to benefit from that knowledge, they could never become his followers and, in some cases, even went astray. There were also instances of the opposite occurring.
Another important aspect of knowing the good-natured character of the Prophet is the necessity of continuity and monitoring, as well as caring for the qualities acquired in the previous steps. Utilizing and benefiting from these attributes require their continuity and protection.
If the characteristic of cheerfulness is practiced step by step, many comprehensive effects will manifest in a person’s existence, creating peace within them, granting them a broader sense of being, and allowing their existence to reflect goodness.
The importance of this characteristic (the importance of understanding the morals of the Prophet, peace be upon him) is so great that God, blessed be He, has described His Prophet as follows: «وَ إِنَّکَ لَعَلَىٰ خُلُقٍ عَظِیمٍ»; “O Prophet! In fact, you are adorned with a good and great character.”
Furthermore, the Prophet (peace be upon him) himself articulated the purpose of his mission as perfecting moral virtues: «إنما بُعِثتُ لِأُتَمِّمَ مَکارِمَ الأَخلاق»; “I was sent to perfect moral virtues.”
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