The Prophet of Islam: The Perfect Exemplar
We all know that one of the most important factors of Islam’s advancement was the perfect conduct of tile Prophet (S.A.W.). This fact is stated in the Holy Qur`an where Allah, the Almighty, says:
“And had you been rough, hard hearted they would certainly have dispersed from around you.”
Qur`an 3:158
The Prophet of Allah (S.A.W.) treated all people equally. His deep and indescribable love for humanity was perfectly manifested in his angelic being. He attended to all Muslims’ needs equally.
“And the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) divided his moments between his companions: he would attend to this and attend to that equally.’’
Rawdah al-Kafi .p.268
He also condemned ill nature; he repeatedly said:
“Ill nature is evil and the worst of you are those who are ill-natured.”
Nahj a1-Fasahah, p.371
and:
“0 sons of Abdul Muttalib. surely you will not (he able to) satisfy people with your money, therefore meet them with cheerful faces and joyful conduct.”
Anas ibn Malik. the Prophet’s servant, used to say when he remembered his (the Prophets) excellent traits:
“I have served the Prophet (SAW.) for ten years; during this time he has never said ‘woe’ (as if complaining) to me, regardless of what I did or did not do.”
Fada’il aI-Khamsahv.1. p. 119
Furthermore, good conduct and cheerfulness are factors which prolong life. Imam Sadiq (A.S.) said in this regard:
“Kindness and good manners make land flourish and prolong lives.”
Wasã’il ash-Shia, v.2, P. 221.
Dr. Sanderson has written this on the subject:
“Kindness is an important factor in treating and preventing Illnesses. Most medications result in unwanted side—effects along with a temporary cure, while kindness causes everlasting cures to all parts of the body...kindness moves all powers of the body. Blood circulation in those who enjoy good manners is excellent, and their breathing is better...”
Pirozi Fikr
There is a beautiful point in Imam Sadiq’s statement. He (A.S.) says there is a direct relationship between kindness and good manners and stated that they are among the factors which prolong life. The reason behind this is that kind people enjoy a sense of happiness and satisfaction, thus, both kindness and good manners have the same desired effects. Imam Sadiq (A.S.) also considered these traits elements for achieving happiness when he said:
“Part of man’s happiness is his good manners.
Musadrak a/-Wasail V..2, p.83
Samuel Smiles added on the same topic:
“Good manners and emotional balance have their effects on man’s development and happiness just like other powers and Instincts do. As a matter of fact, individual’s happiness is greatly related to their affections and good manners.”
Akhlaq.
In addition, good manners make life easier and increase subsistence and harmony, Imam Ali (A.S.) said:
“Good manners bestow subsistence lavishly and make friends (more) intimate.”
Ghurar al-Hikam p. 279
S. Marden wrote the following in his book:
I know a restaurant manager who became very wealthy and popular because of his good conduct. I learned that travelers and tourists traveled long distances to reach his restaurant; they did so because in this restaurant they liked the privacy and the pleasant atmosphere. When the customers are at the restaurant, the said manager cheerfully greets them in a manner that is not duplicated anywhere. In fact, in this restaurant they do not experience the cold nuisance complaints that you find in other restaurants. In this restaurant the employees try to show affection and build friendly relationships with the customers, instead of the usual seller—buyer relationships. The employees smile a lot and give special attention to serving their customers,this attention stems from love and affection for their guests. The employees establish such relationships with their guests that the guests not only feel that they should come back but also bring their friends. It is clear how effective this method is in attracting new customers”
He added:
“Good Manners have not played a more important role throughout history than at this time. They have become the capital of those who wish to bring happiness and success to their lives
-Khish tan Sazi
Imam Sadiq (A.S.) included cheerfulness among the signs of man’s ability to reason. He said:
“Those who have the most perfect reasoning amongst people are those who have the best manners.
Wasã’iI ash-Shiah v. 2. Pg. 221
Samuel Smiles says:
“History shows us that the greatest geniuses were happy and Optimistic men, for they realized the real meaning of life and tried to manifest their reason in their flesh. When one reflects on their achievements, he can clearly notice their healthy souls and thinking and their kindness and enthusiasm The greatest souls and most intelligent people all enjoy cheerful faces and happiness. Their manners were examples for those who adhered to them and were influenced by their conduct, hence they followed the light of’ their kindness and natural happiness”
Akhlãq
The Honorable Messenger (S.A.W.) said:
“The most important traits which will lead my nation to Paradise are fear of Allah and good manners”
Wasail ash-shia, v .2. p. 221
Consequently it is incumbent upon him whose leader is reason and who desires to lead an honorable life to achieve this priceless spiritual capital, good manners. In order to eradicate an unwanted characteristic, man needs earnest desire to reach his goal. Aglance at the disadvantages that bad manners leave provides an incentive to lead him into struggling to eradicate such manners.
OPTIMISM
TRUST AND PEACE OF MIND
THE EFFECTS OF OPTIMISM
ISLAM CALLS FOR OPTIMISM AND TRUST.
Trust and Peace of Mind
Man needs stability more than any other thing in his unstable life. Those who engage themselves struggling to achieve goals without being equipped with the weapon of stability face failure and defeat . Infact, as one’s responsibilities increase, his need for stability and assurance also increases. In light of this fact, it becomes the duty of everyone to learn how to avoid anxiety and revert to stability and assurance.
Struggling to acquire wealth, power, fame, and other material gains is not but falsehood. Efforts made in this path will go to waste, because mans happiness lies in his own soul, just as the spring of misery lies deep in the heart. Medicine, according to the Prince of the Faithful (A.S.), is within man’s own soul, so we cannot find in outside influences the same effect that lies within the powerful resources of the human soul. Because outside influences are temporary, it is impossible that they would lead man to complete satisfaction.
Apictatus says:
“We must let people know that can not find happiness and good luck in places they randomly search for themselves. Real happiness does not lie in power and ability. Both Mirad and Agluis were miserable people despite the great power they had. Likewise, happiness does not lie in wealth and large amounts of money. Croesus, for example, was not happy even though he had vast wealth and treasures. Happiness also cannot be achieved by governmental power nor by political chokes. The Roman Ceasers were unhappy despite their great power.
“Actually, happiness can not be achieved by acquiring the above mentioned gains together. Nero, Sandnapal and Aghamnin were known for their continuous weeping because they were like toys in the hands of misfortune. Yet they had all the benefits of wealth, power and fame. Therefore, man has to search for the means of real happiness in his own soul and conscience.”
We must admit that the solution for many unsolved questions in nature, and the rapid increase in machinery are not enough to bring about a worry free life. This new machinery is not only unable to reduce the amount of suffering in the world, but has also brought with it many new problems and uncertainties.
Therefore, in order to free ourselves from the continuous sufferings of life and go beyond the black clouds which darken our souls, we urgently need rightly guided minds. The mind can secure human happiness the same way it was able to bring about many advancements in our material living. It is here that the power of thinking becomes clearly manifested and shows its astonishing influence on man’s life.
Clear mindedness is a fluent spring which advance man to a more excellent degree than material gains can by introducing him to a vast new world. Righteous thinking prevents clever individuals from becoming toys in the hands of money. Those whose thinking abilities grow to become the center of their existence can steadfastly stand in the way of infliction when it befalls them, by adopting a positive outlook. In order to safeguard ourselves from being victims of various events, and to protect ourselves from the waves of negligence and exaggeration we must establish a scale of thinking for ourselves by which we can judge our behavior and conduct; hence guiding our souls to correct thinking that may equip us with spiritual powers to defeat anxiety.
A leading western scholar says:
“Perhaps we are unable to elect the counted individuals who’s conduct and ways of thinking are most hike ours, but we are free to select our thoughts. We are the judges of our minds. We may choose that which we deem appropriate. The external causes and influences which we observe are not part of us that they may cand force us to think in a certain way. Therefore, we must choose the correct way of thinking and eradicate disadvantageous ones. Our souls are directed to the path of our thoughts. In other words, our thoughts direct us in any manner they wish; because of this we should not allow ourselves to hold any evil thoughts or to occupy our minds with that which we resent. Such thoughts can capture us and make us victims of different kinds of misery. We must struggle continuously towards achieving perfection and reaching the noblest hopes and most honorable goals as the secret of success and happiness lie in righteous thinking only.”
