How can we be true to ourselves if we are unaware of the qualities we should possess? As global Muslims, we should strive to embrace the qualities of a true Muslim that can help us nurture healthy habits while existing harmoniously in a multicultural and multiracial society. 

Taking a look at our history, like the stories of the Prophets and lessons from the Quran are a great way to learn about moral practices and traits that can make us better Muslims.

5 Qualities We Should Aspire to Embrace

1. Tawakkul

Our beloved prophets’ personalities set an example through their actions. During hardships their tawakkul was steadfast. Their stories are evidence of the endurance Allah has entrusted the human soul with; to overcome adversities and calamities. Rejoice and look for hope even in the darkest place. If we truly trust in Him, we shall find light where we least seek.

Reliance on God is a vital characteristic of a Muslim. Our earthly existence is a unique combination of a perfect creation (human being) left to learn from imperfections of failures & triumphs.

2. Humility

عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ  ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ ‏ “‏ يَقُولُ الله  سُبْحَانَهُ الْكِبْرِيَاءُ رِدَائِي وَالْعَظَمَةُ إِزَارِي فَمَنْ نَازَعَنِي وَاحِدًا مِنْهُمَا أَلْقَيْتُهُ فِي النَّارِ ‏”‏ ‏.‏

It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Allah the Glorified, says: ‘Pride is My cloak and greatness My robe, and whoever competes with Me with regard to either of them, I shall throw him into Hell.”

Sunan Ibn Majah 4175 

Allah loves excellence. This magnificent universe is His creation. However, we, His servants are in no way capable of competing with Him. Humility is to accept that your skills, talent, and abilities are gifts from Allah. This belief shall boost self-confidence and encourage you to be your best self. Be humble rather than boast about yourself. Healthy competition is great, but do not let it magnify your ego! 

3. Truthfulness

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ set an example of righteousness and truthfulness even before he became a prophet. For a true believer, lying and being truthful can never co-exist. Honesty is the bedrock of integrity and excellence.

عَنْ عَبْدِ اللهِ  بْنِ مَسْعُودٍ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ  صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ “‏ عَلَيْكُمْ بِالصِّدْقِ فَإِنَّ الصِّدْقَ يَهْدِي إِلَى الْبِرِّ وَإِنَّ الْبِرَّ يَهْدِي إِلَى الْجَنَّةِ وَمَا يَزَالُ الرَّجُلُ يَصْدُقُ وَيَتَحَرَّى الصِّدْقَ حَتَّى يُكْتَبَ عِنْدَ اللهِ  صِدِّيقًا وَإِيَّاكُمْ وَالْكَذِبَ فَإِنَّ الْكَذِبَ يَهْدِي إِلَى الْفُجُورِ وَإِنَّ الْفُجُورَ يَهْدِي إِلَى النَّارِ وَمَا يَزَالُ الْعَبْدُ يَكْذِبُ وَيَتَحَرَّى الْكَذِبَ حَتَّى يُكْتَبَ عِنْدَ اللهِ  كَذَّابًا ‏”‏ ‏.

Abdullah bin Mas’ud narrated that the Messenger of Allah said: “Abide by truthfulness. For indeed truthfulness leads to righteousness. And indeed righteousness leads to Paradise. A man continues telling the truth and trying hard to tell the truth until he is recorded with Allah as a truthful person. Refrain from falsehood. For indeed falsehood leads to wickedness, and wickedness leads to the Fire. A slave (of Allah) continues lying and trying hard to lie, until he is recorded with Allah as a liar.”

Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1971

4. Kindness

The world is troubled. There is chaos, crime, inequality, sorrow, and poverty. How can you make a difference to another soul and lift them from their misery? Displaying acts of kindness and compassion is an essential facet of Islam.

Grant forgiveness to those who hurt you and make an effort to pray for their well-being as well. Make dua for those you love. And most importantly yourself. Pray your obligatory salah on time and grant yourself the opportunity to be blessed by Allah in abundance. Create a space where your heart is at ease.

5. Gratitude

How much time do you spend in the day thanking Allah for His blessings? The air you breathe, the work you do, the people you meet? How much time do you spend in the day asking for forgiveness for yourself, for the sins you commit? Gratitude and appreciation shall be more significant when you are conscious of His magnificence around you. Be grateful for all His glory and repent for the unintentional ache you may have caused someone or even yourself. 

Seek Paradise

Strive to make gradual changes and improvements in your daily life. Inshallah, it will make you and us worthy inhabitants of Paradise.

A few ways to nurture these habits and purposefully embrace them are: