BEHAVIOUR DURING FASTING
Abdullah bin Amr narrated that the Prophet said, 'The best amongst you are those who have the best character.' (saheeh of bukhaari)
Abu Darda narrated that Allah's Messenger said, 'There is nothing which is heavier upon the balance than the good character.' (musnaad of ahmad)
Indeed the most honored ones before Allah are those with the most Taqwa of Him. With increasing Taqwa we are able to increasingly bring our speech and actions in check until they are beautified and adorned with good manners, noble conduct and righteous behavior.
Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet said, 'The believers with the most complete Emaan are those with the best character.' (musnaad of ahmad; sunan of abu dawood)
Nawwaas ibn Samaan narrated that the Prophet said, 'Righteousness is good character.' (saheeh of muslim)
Our behavior towards others is a reflection of the state of our Emaan. We should realize that Emaan is placed in the heart, so the recipient of this Emaan needs to be worthy of receiving such a precious belonging. As our character and manners are perfected, Allah continues to place further Emaan in our hearts until our Emaan is perfected.
Hudhaifa narrated that the Prophet said, 'A man will be admired for his intelligence, good manners and strength, yet he will not even have a mustard seed of Emaan in his heart.' (saheeh of bukhaari)
Abu Hurairah narrated that Allaah's Messenger said, 'Two characteristics are not found together in a hypocrite: good manners and understanding of the Religion.' (sunan of tirmidhi)
The link between good manners and Emaan is essential for only then will we be able to exhibit the true character of the believer. We may hear that this person is well mannered or that person has a good character yet the person neither performs the obligatory acts nor abstains from the prohibited ones. In fact there are those who do not even have a mustard seed of Emaan in their hearts but are counted amongst those who have good characters by the ignorant folk. And there are those who display good manners in front of others while concealing hypocrisy with hearts devoid of religious understanding. Let it be known that good character is only that which is accompanied with Emaan and understanding of the religion.
And with the understanding of the religion we are able to further improve our character for only then will we know which behaviors are required in relation to our speech and actions. If we read through the Quran and Ahaadeeth and implement the teachings, adorning ourselves with the various attributes of the believers, we will witness our behaviors changing; from the contents of our speech to its tone and volume; from controlling our desires and anger to having Sabr and showing forgiveness. The various attributes of the Muslim character can only be correctly understood and acquired by having knowledge of that which is sought after.
The Prophet said, 'All that some people gets from their fasting is hunger and thirst.' (sunan of ibn Maajah)
Behavior is an important aspect of fasting and the two are closely linked. With the fast comes Taqwa of Allah and the realization that we are fasting for Him with the goal to draw closer to Him. It is not merely leaving off wordily desires without concerning ourselves with our relationship with Allah.
Abu Hurairah narrated that the Messenger of Allah said, "Fasting is not (merely) to leave off eating and drinking, but it is to abstain from vain talk and obscene behavior. Therefore if anyone insults you or behaves foolishly towards you, then say, 'I am fasting, I am fasting.'" (saheeh of bukhaari)
So during the fast we should be exceptionally careful with regards to our behavior and conduct. We should control our speech and leave all kinds of evil talk from using obscene language to lying and backbiting. We should also abstain from any kind of obscene behavior from displaying anger and arrogance to annoying and upsetting others. Likewise if someone insults or annoys us we should inform them that we are fasting and refrain from retaliation with obscene language and behavior ourselves. Generally we should try to repel evil with good, even more so during Ramadaan when we have our fasts to protect.
The Messenger of Allah said, 'Whoever does not abstain from deceitful speech and actions, Allah is not in need of him leaving his food and drink.' (saheeh of bukhaari)
Without good behavior and manners during the fast Allah may not accept our fast. He may reject them and all that we would have acquired is thirst and hunger. The believers are ever concerned about their deeds being accepted by Allah, even more so when their deeds have become polluted and corrupted with blameworthy actions.
We ask Allah to help us improve our manners and behavior this Ramadaan and allow us to draw closer to Him. We ask Him to bestow us with righteous noble qualities and allow them to firmly settle in our hearts until our personalities naturally display the true character of the Muslimah.
Written by Kamillah Khan
