The Ideal Muslim: Characteristics of the Ideal Muslim According to the Qur’an
and the Sunnah
The IDEAL MUSLIM
The True Islamic Personality of the Muslim Man
as Defined in the Qur'an and Sunnah
By Dr. Muhammad ‘Ali Al-Hashimi
Translated by Nasiruddin Al-Khattab and Revised by Ibrahim M. Kunna and Abu Aya
Sulaiman Abdus-Sabur
Copyright and published by the International Islâmic Publishing House (IIPH),
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in 1999.
The Ideal Muslim is a man of the highest moral character. In his relationship
with his Rabb, himself, family, parents, relatives, friends and the community
at large, he has a most excellent example in the prophet of Islam (pbuh). His
idealism is further strengthened by the characters of the first generations of
Muslims who excelled in all the various fields of human endeavor. He is
reassured by the teachings of Islam that he also can reach these noble heights
by working to improve his character daily.
Chapter 7: The Muslim and His Neighbors
The true Muslim is tolerant towards his neighbor
It comes as no surprise, then, that the Muslim who is truly guided by his faith
is tolerant towards his neighbor, and is humble, easy-going and kind in his
dealings with him. He does not stop him from using and enjoying his home, as
the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said:
“No-one should prevent his neighbor from fastening a piece of wood to his
wall.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
He likes for his neighbor what he likes for himself
The Muslim who is truly guided by his religion is soft-hearted and alert, and
knows how to communicate well. He is sensitive towards his neighbor, sharing
his joy and commiserating him in his sorrow. He likes for him what he likes for
himself, following the teaching of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.):
“None of you truly believes until he likes for his brother what he likes for
himself.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
In a report given by Muslim from Anas (r.a.), the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “By
the One in Whose hand is my soul, no servant truly believes until he likes for
his neighbor (or he said: his brother) what he likes for himself.”
The true Muslim does not forget to take care of his neighbors who may be
affected by the smell of cooking or barbecues coming from his house, which may
provoke feelings of hunger, especially if they are poor and cannot afford much
food. There may be small children, orphans, widows or elderly among them. The
true Muslim is always alert to the spirit of social responsibility which the
Prophet (s.a.w.s.) instilled in the Muslims in the words he spoke to Abu Dharr
(r.a.):
“O Abu Dharr (r.a.), if you cook some broth, add extra water to it, and take
care of your neighbor.” (Muslim) According to another report he said, “If you
cook some broth, add extra water to it, then think of the families in your
neighborhood and send some of it to them.” (Muslim)
The Muslim’s conscience will not let him ignore his neighbor’s poverty and
difficulty while he is living a life of ease and plenty. How can he bear to see
the difference between himself and his neighbor, when the words of the Prophet
(s.a.w.s.) are ringing in his ears?
“He does not believe in me, who eats his fill while his neighbor beside him is
hungry, and he knows about it.” [2]
“He is not a believer, who eats his fill while his neighbor is hungry.” [3]
[2] Reported by al-Tabarani and al-Bazzar, with a hasan isnad.
[3] Reported by al-Tabarani and Abu Ya‘la; the men in its isnad are trustworthy
(thiqat.).
