Tips to Improve your Character

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah) said: “Nothing is heavier on the believer’s scale on the Day of Judgement than good character”. [Jami at Tirmidhi]

An intelligent believer is the one who speaks good or remains silent. He is constantly focused on improving his character and rectifies the mistakes made in the past. Therefore, focusing consciously every day on improving and beautifying the state of the heart helps us attain good character and increases our overall productivity. Here are some tips to do so-

1. Pay attention to discipline your inner thoughts: Allah (swt) says in the Glorious Qur’an, “And conceal your speech or publicize it; indeed, He is Knowing of that within the breast.” [Surah Mulk; V-13]. Isn’t it amazing that even the thoughts that occur in our minds; good or bad are known to Allah. Sometimes we consume ourselves with an incident and keep adding assumptions to it or we simply add people in our good list or bad list, therefore creating negativity within ourselves. Remember a true believer as the best of mankind creation Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: “Part of the perfection of one’s Islam is his leaving that which does not concern him.” So, we need to unlock and free ourselves so that we can move on. And only those who are busy looking at their own mistakes will be capable of doing this.

2. Always remember the good in others: The moment when someone angers you or tests your patience, remember the good in the them. One of the blessed names of Allah is Ash-Shakoor (The Most-Appreciative). Our parents have done innumerable favors upon us since birth, and yet in that one moment when they do not agree with us, we shout and use harsh wordsat them and forget all our gratefulness to them. Remember the Messenger of Allah (saw) did not say that the best among you are those who are best to their friends or with the strangers outside (although that is essential). He said in an authentic hadith, “The best of you are those who are best to their families. Therefore, your real character is that which you are towards your own familiy members.

3. Be conscious of every deed and increase in small acts of kindness: The purpose of the entire creation is mentioned by Allah (swt) in Glorious Qur’an: “He who created death and life to test you as to which of you is best in deed- and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving” [Surah Mulk, V-2]. So, let’s always be conscious of the angels writing down our deeds.

4. Let the Qur’an expand your day and increase it in blessings: Yes! Ramadan is the month of Qur’an. But the true and sincere believer does not stop at it, she continues to strive hard for the sake of Allah and attain the blessings. Allah describes Al-Qur’an as Mubarak, the one that has barakah and the Prophet said: “Oh Allah, bless my people in the early mornings. [Abu Dawood]. So, the more we will spend time reading and reflecting on the Al-Qur’an is light, and when this light enters the heart, it will be the day Al-Qur’an is light, and when this light enters the heart, it will be focused in the right direction.

5. Follow the best example of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW): Always take out at least 10 minutes our of your busy schedule to read the Seerah is our beloved Prophet. Despite facing so many hardships, our Prophet remained steadfast through out his life-time in Allah’s Path and Mission. Also, making dua to Allah Alone to help because Allah is the Hearer of all your Duas.