Observing good character or good conduct is part of Iman. In fact, it is a very essential component of Islam that the Prophet saw himself was sent by Allah swt to perfect the akhlak of his people, to teach us good manners. Going back to the above quote, a person's true character is reflected in the way they deal with those closest to them (parents, siblings etc) Most of the time we would observe good manners around strangers, but then show our true colors around close company.
It's pretty easy to keep our cool in front of people we barely know, but unfortunately, we tend to blow our top when dealing with our close ones. This is when our true colors shine through. Sounds familiar? It does to me. -__-") Observing good manners is no small thing; an 'abid (devout worshiper) could end up in Jahannam for hurting his/her neighbor. That is why the reward for observing good manners is also tremendous, as told by our beloved Propet saw;
Jabir r.a. reported: The Prophet saw said, “The dearest and nearest among you to me on the Day of Resurrection will be one who is the best of you in manners..."
Abu Hurairah r.a. reported: The Prophet saw said, “The most perfect man in his faith among the believers is the one whose behaviour is most excellent; and the best of you are those who are the best to their wives.”
Abud-Darda r.a. reported: The Prophet saw said, “Nothing will be heavier on the Day of Resurrection in the Scale of the believer than good manners. Allah hates one who utters foul or coarse language.”
Abu Umamah Al-Bahili r.a. reported: The Prophet saw said, “I guarantee a house in Jannah for one who gives up arguing, even if he is in the right; and I guarantee a home in the middle of Jannah for one who abandons lying even for the sake of fun; and I guarantee a house in the highest levels of Jannah for one who has good manners."
Jika ingin tahu akhlak sebenar seseorang,
lihatlah dia sewaktu dia sangat marah.
Jika ingin melihat kehebatan akhlaknya
lihatlah dia sewaktu berurusan dengan orang yang mencerca & membencinya.
Jika ingin lihat keadilan mindanya dan kebaikan pola pemikirannya,
lihatlah cara dia berbincang dengan orang pandangan berbeza dengannya.
Jika ingin lihat amanahnya,
lihat cara dia berurusan wang & duit denganmu.
Jika ingin lihat kawalan nafsunya,
lihat cara dia berbicara dengan org berlainan jantina yg dia sukai.
-Ustaz Zaharuddin-
"Ikramul muslimin (giving honor/respect to fellow muslims) is the test of Iman."
Whether we realize it or not, our Iman is being tested every single time we interact with the people around. To put up with their different kinds of attitudes and manners is not easy; to smile to an insult, to forgive and forget, showing compassion to foes, being humble to complements, clinging to humility, all this relates back to our Iman. May Allah guide us to keep working on our iman, may Allah guide us to excel in good character. Ameen. =)
