بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
17. To be modest: This essential attribute of a true believe ranges from how we dress to how we act with other people. We must not show off in any form; we must practice being humble in every aspect of our lives.
The prophet (ﷺ) said: “Modesty comes from imane, and imane leads to paradise.” [Bukhari] and “Modesty is a branch of faith.” [Bukhari]
18. To express gratitude over a bounty or favour: One of our foremost duties is to be grateful to Allah for all of His blessings. We can describe three levels of thankfulness:
- To realise and appreciate all blessings within the heart.
- To say thanks with the tongue.
- To express gratitude by doing righteous deeds.
“And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.'” [14:7]
“What would Allah do with your punishment if you are grateful and believe? And ever is Allah Appreciative and Knowing.” [4:147]
19. To fulfil promises: One must make sure that promises and covenants are kept. Fulfilling promises is a means of attaining security in this world and preventing bloodshed, and of protecting the rights of people, both Muslims and non-Muslims.
“Those who fulfill the covenant of Allah and do not break the contract” [13:20]
20. To exercise patience (sabr): Patience has great status in the sight of Allah Almighty and in Islam. Patience is of the best from deeds and has great reward attached to it. This should be practiced in all aspects of life, from fulfilling our religious duties such as prayer, to staying patient through difficult times.
“And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.” [8:46]
21. To consider yourself lower than others: We must never consider ourselves above others in any way. Whether this is worldly status or religious stature; righteousness is the only form of status with Allah and only He will judge who is above the other. We in this world are all equal.
The prophet (ﷺ) said: “No one is better than anyone else except by religion or good deeds. It is enough evil for a man to be profane, vulgar, greedy, or cowardly.” [Shu’aib authenticated by al-Albaani]
22. To have mercy on the creation: The creation of Allah is sacred. Whether we are talking about Muslims, non-Muslims or any animal – Allah created us all for a purpose. We have no right to harm even an animal without reason i.e. in danger or for food (following Allah’s commandments for slaughter).
The prophet (ﷺ) said: “Those who are merciful will be shown mercy by the Most Merciful. Be merciful to those on the earth and the One in the heavens will have mercy upon you.” [Tirmidhi]