In the Name of All{h, the Source of General Mercy to all of Humanity, the Source of Specific Grace to the Believers

Topic of Discussion: The Signs

of a Person with Character
âad|th 57 · Discussion 70
Lectures on Akhl{q [Isl{mic Ethics and Spirituality] Delivered by
his Eminence Ñyatull{h al-`UÉm{ al-H{jj Shaykh N{Äir Mak{rim Sh|r{z|

Translated by Saleem Bhimji

for Al-FatÅ Al-Mub|n Publications [www.al
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mubin.org and Isl{mic Publishing House [www.iph.ca
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Text of âad|th:

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Translation of the âad|th:

As-à{diq
has said: “There are three things which show the character and nobility of a person: good etiquette, swallowing his anger
and lowering his eyes (to that which he is not permitted to look at).”1

Explanation of the âad|th:

The word “” in the Persian language is in the meaning of munificence, charity, and generosity and in the `Arabic language it is sometimes
used in these meanings as well. In the verses of the Qur`{n and the aÅ{d|th, it has come in the meaning of character or temperament and
the value or worth (of a person). For example it has been mentioned in the Qur`{n that:

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“Surely the one with the most character, worth and value, noblest of traits and ethical values amongst you in the sight of All{h is the one
who is the most All{h Conscious (one with Taqw{).”

According to the âad|th quoted above, the person with character is the one who possesses the following three traits:

1. A good demeanour:
demeanour: Having pleasant encounters with others, enjoyable to be around and observing the proper etiquette are all things
which come under the heading of a good demeanour and is something which has been emphasized in the verses of the Qur`{n and the
aÅ{d|th a great deal. In addition, one of the miracles of the Prophet  was his good demeanour and etiquette.

1
BiÅ{rul Anw{r, Volume 75, Page 232
Ethical Discourse # 70 – Page 1 of 2
If a person with character is either granted something or has something taken away from him in his life, he does not let this get to him and if
this happens, he is still able to control himself.

The opposite of this is the person who has no character or good disposition to himself and even when a very small amount of difficulties
abound him, he becomes very childlike and immature and begins to argue with everyone.

For those who are scholars and seekers of knowledge, it is very important to possess a good demeanour, and in attracting the people in the
spiritual issues, this is a very important capital to have which can never be used up. Truly, fifty percent of tabligh work is through
possessing a good demeanour while the rest is in relation to the knowledge and information conveyed.

2. Swallowing the Anger:

Anger: The word “” is in the meaning of closing the mouth, and since anger within a person is like fire which is made
manifest on his tongue when he speaks and the thing which engulfs the person who is in his presence and who is feeling his anger, it is for
this reason that the word “” has been used for ‘Anger’ and this (swallowing one’s anger) is one of the traits of a person with character.
Of course there is also a form of ‘sacred anger’ and this is necessary to have.

3. Lowering the Eyes [To that which a person

person should
should not be looking at]: The word “ ” is in the meaning of shutting one’s eyes together
to close them however the word “
 ” is in the meaning of lowering the gaze and look.

What must we close our eyes from? The meaning of closing one’s eyes or refraining from looking at certain things has a very wide meaning
to it:

• Refraining from looking at non-MaÅrams.

• Turning a blind eye from the shortcomings of the people.

• Turning a blind eye from the minor mistakes of the people.

• Refraining from staring and desiring the gold and glitter of the transient world.

It is my desire that all of us will struggle to enliven all of these characteristics within ourselves and we hope that All{h i gives us the Divine
providence to be able to possess these traits.

…and all praise belongs to All{h i – only the mistakes are mine. (Translator)
Ethical Discourse # 70 – Page 2 of 2