Twenty lessons in good character
In a duʿā’ in his Ṣaḥīfa, Zayn al-ʿĀbidīn عليه السلام outlines the components of noble character (makārim al-akhlāq):
1. Faith, certainty, intention, and actions.
2. Not being distracted by this world, and being concerned with the next.
3. Spending your days fulfilling your created purpose.
4. Being grateful, and not being prideful.
5. Doing good for people, without making them feel that they owe you anything.
6. Wanting no status in this world, unless it is paired with an equal measure of humility.
7. Only wanting life if it is used in obedience to Allah; rather than your life being the playground of Satan.
8. Wanting all character flaws to be perfected.
9. Avoiding the hatred, suspicion, envy, disrespect, and abandonment of people.
10. Loving, having affection for, trusting, befriending, showing devotion for, and helping family and friends.
11. Being able to act, speak, refute, and succeed against oppressors.
12. Listening to those who point you to the right path.
13. Wanting goodness for those who cut you off.
14. Being pious, spreading justice, and fearing God.
15. Restraining rage, extinguishing hate, and bringing people together.
16. Concealing the faults of others, refraining from condemnation.
17. Speaking less.
18. Avoiding laziness in worship.
19. Remembering Allah with every doubt that Satan whispers into your heart.
20. Replacing false witnessing, gossiping, and indecent words with praises of the Divine.
- Bilal Mohammed
