This article is going to briefly deal with some aspects of morality and moral principles in accordance with some of the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (P).
In this article it is going to be briefly mentioned some of the Islamic moral principles, based on some of the sayings and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (P). Reading these Hadiths quoted from the Prophet of Islam one can understand that how important is morality and ethics in the Islamic teachings.
First of all, the Prophet Muhammad (P) says that "I have been designated as a prophet to perfect moral standards." [1] It shows that how vital and significant is the Morality and ethical values in Islamic teachings, as the Prophet (P) stated that the promotion of the moral standards is the main purpose of his divine mission.
One of the important moral principles, which is emphasized in the Prophetic traditions, is the amiability and hospitality towards people. For instance, the Prophet (P) says
"Verily, a servant can gain the rank of one who both fasts during the day and keeps vigil at night, keeping up prayers, through his amiability." [2]
Piety and good temper are some other Islamic moral values that must be observed. Prophet Muhammad (P) stated that “the things through which my Ummah (nation) can enjoy Heaven, most of all, are piety and good temper." [3] In this Hadith the Prophet (P) says that without being pious and having good temper no one can enjoy Heaven.
Tolerance and showing leniency towards people is one of the other Islamic moral principles in accordance with the sayings of the Prophet of Islam as he says:
"Tolerance towards people secures half of one’s faith, and showing leniency towards them is half of one’s life." [4]
There are some Hadiths in which the Prophet of Islam (P) forbids his Followers from some immoral practices or activities. In one of his sayings the Prophet (P) says "If you were among a group of people who are backbiting someone, you should help the backbitten person, prevent them from backbiting him, and leave them." [5] In another Hadith the Prophet of Islam (P) says:
"Expecting praise from people makes the eye blind and the ear deaf." [6]
The aforementioned moral principles are some of the Islamic moral values and rules which must be observed by all Muslims, otherwise, they cannot be considered as true Muslims or followers of the Prophet Mohammad (P).
Notes:
[1] Mizan al-Hikma, v1, p 804. رسول الله (ص): إنّما بُعِثْتُ لِأتَمِّمَ مَکارِمَ الأَخْلاقِ
[2] Behar al-Anwar, v71, p373. رسول الله (ص): إنَّ العَبْدَ لَیُدْرِکُ بِحُسْنِ خُلْقِهِ دَرَجَةَ الصَّائِمِ القَائِمِ
[3] Kafi, v2, p100. رسول الله (ص): أکثَرُ مَا تَلِجُ بِهِ أُمَّتِی الْجَنَّةَ تَقْوَی اللهِ وَحُسْنُ الْخُلقِ
[4] Kafi, v2, p117.رسول الله (ص): .مُداراةُ النّاسِ نِصْفُ الإیمانِ، وَ الرِّفقُ بِهِْم نِصْفُ العَیْشِ
[5] Kanz al-Ummal, v3, p586. رسول الله (ص): إذا وُقِعَ فی الرَّجُلِ وَأنْتَ فی مَلَأٍ فَکُنْ لِلرَّجُلِ. ناصِراً وَلِلْقَوْمِ زاجِراً وَقُمْ عَنْهُم
[6] Nahj al-Fasaha, p283, hadith number 1341.رسول الله (ٌص): حُبُّ الثَّناءِ مِنَ النّاسِ یُعمِی وَ یُصِمّ