Character is defined as the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual. It refers to the aggregate of features and traits that form the individual nature of some person or thing. Character generally defines the moral or ethical qualities of a man, thus make him to be called as a man of honorable character.
While Al-Qurʾān lays down a broader framework of humanity, it addresses all matters that improve the quality of man by defining his character, making him a useful entity of the community and make him stand out from other who prefer building up a reputation by any means to look noble and respectful, no matter what he hides behind his masquerade.
With this premise in view, we share ayat / verses from Surah Al Qalam (The Pen) which form the basis of a framework for the true character of a believer.
The Character Framework from Surah Al-Qalam
We can derive 5 core traits to build a strong character. In one of our next posts we would mention 5 traits that eliminate or tarnish the image of a man and ultimately his character.
- Build: Strong Inner Identity (Not Dependent on People)
- When Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was mocked and attempts were made by them for his character assassination, Allah reassures Prophet Muhammad ﷺ that “You are not mad… you are upon great character.” (68:2–4)
- That is the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ reassured that his identity comes from Allah’s معيار (standard) - and not from Public opinion, Criticism and Lay by validation., not simple labels.
- Therefore one must define oneself by Values and Principles.
- In order to be man of true and honest character, one should let social media, workplace, or society define your worth.
- Build: Exceptional Character (Akhlaqt)
- (68:4) "and you are certainly on the most exalted standard of moral excellence."
- Why it is being said is that Character is the highest form of Da'wah (inviting others to one's faith)
- Thus a strong and good character is reflected in consistency, Integrity, and اخلاق under pressure.
- Practically speaking, controlling one's anger under odds (as did Prophet Muhammad ﷺ when being rebuked and restrained his anger not to further intimidate his opponents) and still holding on to his honesty and treating even his staunch.
- One must always be honest to himself and others, specially in difficult times because in such times men try to indulge into conduct unbecoming.
- Treating people well is one of the best character trait of a believer. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ never treated people harshly and was always a helping hand, even to his enemies. This helped The Prophet ﷺ won hearts before arguments.
- Build: Independence from Corrupt Influence
- In verses 8-13 of the surah, the theme is Not to obey the deniers.
- People who are Slanderer, Backbiter, Preventer of good and Aggressive sinner should always be avoided for while being in company of such people, one tends to adopt their bad habits which tarnish his good character.
- Remember: Your environment shapes your character
- So what to do? Don’t follow: Toxic leaders, Corrupt systems, and Peer pressure
- Learn to say “no” with conviction
- Build: Gratitude and Awareness in Blessings
- The Story of أصحاب الجنة (68:17–33) tells us a great lesson.
- Remember: Wealth is a test of gratitude - while Ingratitude leads to loss
- Therefore always say: “In shā’ Allah” (recognize Allah’s will)
- Give charity regularly which is a means of acknowledging blessings.
- Never ever assume that success is self-made - it is a blessing from Allah. So do not be arrogant of your success, rather inculcate humility and gratitude for success, for it could be taken away if one is not grateful.
- Build: Accountability Mindset
- It said (68:35–36) → “Will We treat Muslims like criminals?”
- This means that Life is not random and Justice will happen.
- Therefore, think long-term and prefer آخِرَة (Hereafter) over dunya (wordily life)
- Before doing anything, ask: “How will this look before Allah?”
When one incorporates these traits in himself, he is sure to reform himself and would always prefer his character over his reputation, for a strong character is more enduring as it comes from within than the reputation which is always short lived and is always dependent on external factors which are borrowed to please others, and not oneself - what to talk of our Creator.
Core Takeaway
Remember, True success is not: Wealth, Status, or Approval by others, Rather it is the Strong character rooted in awareness of Allah.
In time we will add more selected ayat / verses from this surah.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.
Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.
You may also refer to our exclusive reference page: Selected verses from selected Surahs of Al-Qurʾān for compiled verses from other surahs.
For verses on Selected Subjects, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from Al Qur'an about a Specific Subject (Reference Page) to know more about what Qur'an says about specific subjects and our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an.
An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of Al-Qurʾān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.
In addition, other sources which have been explored and views of other scholars have been incorporated while explaining meaning of a verse. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.
Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors. If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.
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