Reaching incredible heights through excellence in character

In life, we encounter all sorts of people. Some are genuinely lovely, and treating them with kindness comes naturally and effortlessly. However, there are others who, despite our best efforts to be good towards them, behave in ways that are unpleasant, hurtful and downright hostile. In such situations, the question arises: should we respond in kind and return their poor behaviour?

It is worth reminding ourselves that our journey in this world is finite and every moment is an opportunity to earn Allah عزوجل's pleasure and prepare for the eternal life to come. While it is necessary to draw boundaries and safeguard our honour when required, we must also strive to see the bigger picture. Demonstrating patience and maintaining excellence in character, especially during the most testing of times, is not just a noble quality—it is a hallmark of the practice of the blessed Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم. The reward for embodying good character is unparalleled and immense.

The blessed Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم beautifully encapsulated this:

إِنَّ الرَّجُلَ لَيُدْرِكُ بِحُسْنِ خُلُقِهِ دَرَجَةَ الْقَائِمِ بِاللَّيْلِ الظَّامِئِ بِالْهَوَاجِرِ

Verily, a man may reach by his good character the rank of one who stands for prayer at night, thirsty from fasting in the heat of day. — Muʾjam al-Kabīr #7709

This is a reminder of the spiritual elevation that comes from practising good character. It underscores that the effort to remain kind and forgiving, even in the face of provocation, can elevate us to the ranks of those who dedicate themselves to worship through the night and endure the hardships of fasting during the heat of the day.

If we aspire to be raised in rank, especially in the Hereafter, and to reside among the lofty in Paradise, we must learn to cast aside our egos, prioritise mercy and forgiveness, and exemplify good character to the best of our ability. Every instance of returning ill behaviour with kindness raises our standing with Allah عزوجل and brings us closer to Him عزوجل.

May we strive to embody this noble practice, remembering that the moments we choose patience and good character are investments for our Hereafter. Let our interactions, even with the most difficult of people, reflect the beautiful teachings of the blessed Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم, ensuring that our character becomes a means of earning His عزوجل boundless mercy and everlasting reward.

And Allah عزوجل and His Messenger صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم know best.