بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wa barakatuh
Alhamdulillah (All praises and thanks to ﷲ), work has been getting better. Subhanallah. As I put my intention and reflect on the purpose of why I am working, He eases it and guides me through it.
Two weeks ago, on the Friday , I attended a seminar on Art Of Manners: Islamic Code Of Ethics organised by Al-Maghrib Institute. It was my first time and I felt fortunate to be able to attend, learning the importance of manners and character.
The talk begins with the speaker giving an introduction of adab and akhlak. Adab are etiquettes or manners that are the norms of conduct of an individual in situations and circumstances which can be influenced by culture whereas akhlak is a pattern of behaviour and a reflection of one’s natural disposition. Akhlak shapes personalities and can change or acquired through habits, choice and teachings but certain aspects of it are innate.
Like the story about Ashaj Abdul Qais r.a: Rasulullah ﷺ said to him, “You possess two qualities that ﷲ loves, Al-hilm (forbearance ) and Al-Ana (taking time and thoroughness in making decision).” Abdul Qais r.a then asked whether he acquired the qualities or was it gifted by ﷲ S.W.T. Rasulullah ﷺ replied that the qualities were from ﷲ. Nonetheless, Abdul Qais was credited for maintaining the qualities and also acting upon it.
In everyone, there are qualities that ﷲ has given us. It is up to us to take the responsibility to act upon and do good. Character can be changed and qualities can be developed in a person. If we make a habit to improve ourself, insyaAllah Allah will help and guide us.
The speaker gave 6 commitments that one can help in improving character.
Companionship - Keeping good company for both online (social platforms) and offline helps to bring out the best and also the worst in a person. Online, we seldom get triggered with malicious comments that brings out the inner keyboard warrior. We get into defensive mode and always try to bring out opinions without realising that sometimes we might hurt others. Hence, having good company online is important they can help us remind our deen and religion.
Mentorship - Having a role model. It is crucial that our role model is someone who has passed away because if they were a living person, one may be tested and fall into fitnah. Hence, the best and true role model for all humankind, our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. His outstanding virtues, characteristics and relevant teachings continue to influence and change people.
Environment - To have a change in lifestyle - be more focused in achieving goals and not procrastinate.
Habits - Have commitment to change habits. For example, having daily or weekly goals like “Reading a page of Qur’an after prayers”
Sustaining motivation through inspiration - Inspiration is more sustainable in strengthening drive. Connect with the Quran and practice the teaching of it. Do reflection and always think and have good thoughts about Allah SWT.
Worship = Ibadah - The 5 obligatory prayers, voluntary fasting, sadaqah and more acts of worship that remind and bring us closer to Allah helps to reinforce akhlak. Spend your time in this dunya to do beneficial things that benefits you for the hereafter too.
“O Allah, guide me to have the best of character and rid me of worst character.”
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