True Muslims

True Muslims are strong in their belief and in their adherence to good manners, yet they never accept compromises when it comes to their faith. If anyone came to him and asked for something, he would give it to him or her or at least respond with kind words. His good attitude extended to everyone, and he was like a father to others. The people who gathered around him felt that they were truly equal, yet distinguished only by their level of taqwa (piety and fear of Allah). They learned to be humble, respectful of the elderly, compassionate toward the young, mindful of the needy, and generous with the strangers.

There are other characteristics that made the Prophet deserve Allah's praise. Almighty Allah says:

"...." (Al-Qalam 68:4)
These characteristics involve the following manners:
• He never looked for anyone's faults.
• He never tended to be argumentative.
• He never scorned anyone.
• He never disgraced anyone.
• He never talked too much.
• He never concerned himself with matters that were not of his business.

The Prophet never said anything unless it was for the sake of Allah. When he spoke, the people around him would listen attentively. They would speak only when he was silent. They never argued with one another in his presence. They would smile at whatever he smiled at. They would be impressed by whatever impressed him.

He used to be patient with those strangers who might have been harsh in their requests or questions. (His Companions used to ask those strangers to speak gently.) He never interrupted anyone who was speaking; he would wait until the person indicated that he or she had finished.

He was skilful in softening others' hearts and in showing them — through his kind words and sincere deeds — the way to winning people's love and admiration.

Aishah narrated that he used to be cautious of the bad and evil people. Nevertheless, he would speak gently to them and treat them well, not because he feared them, but because he was setting an example for his followers on how to deal with violent and vicious people. Such people should be treated with gentleness and caution so as not to stir the evil in them. The Prophet once told `A'ishah:

"O Aishah, the worst of people is the one whom people avoid [or are gentle toward] because they fear his [or her] slander." (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

True Muslims should follow in the footsteps of their Prophet and imitate his dealings with all people. If those people are good, this will help them accept the message of Islam. If they are bad, they will at least view this message in neutral terms and we will avoid their harm.