ISLAMIC VIRTUES

ISLAMIC VIRTUES Model Character F OR centuries the lives of the Prophet and his Companions have served as models of a truly God-fearing existence for all humankind, and will continue to do so. Hence God’s preservation of this page of history with such exactitude that anyone, who is sincere about learning from their example can know, even today, every detail of how they lived and died. The following are a few examples worth emulating. Running to Another’s Assistance is a Great Religious Duty Abdullah ibn Abbas, a Companion of the Prophet was in retreat in the Prophet’s mosque in Madinah, when a man, who was in trouble, came and sat beside him. When Abdullah ibn Abbas asked him what the matter was, he said “I owe a man some money, and I am unable to pay him back.” “Shall I speak to your creditor on your behalf?” asked Abdullah ibn Abbas. The man approved of this suggestion, and he at once set off. “Perhaps you have forgotten you are in retreat,” the man called after him. “No, I have not forgotten,” replied ibn Abbas, “but I have heard the Prophet say that running to the assistance of one’s brother and doing one’s utmost to help him is better than remaining twenty years in retreat.” Deceivers are Not True Believers Passing through the marketplace, the Prophet noticed a man selling from a heap of grain. The Prophet ran his fingers through the grain whereupon his fingers became wet. “How is it that this grain is wet?” he asked the owner, who said that it was because of the rain. “Then why not put the wet portion on top, so that people can see it,” said the Prophet, adding; “Those who deceive others do not belong with us”. Not Indulging in Vain Talk, or Wishing Anyone Ill When people came to visit Abu Dujanah a Companion of the Prophet as he lay on his death bed, and saw that despite his sickness, his face was shining, they asked him how it was that his face was so radiant. Abu Dujanah replied: “I place reliance on two things more than on any For centuries the lives of the Prophet and his Companions have served as models of a truly God-fearing existence for all humankind, and will continue to do so.