-
AlGhazalisIhya-Book_of_Discipline_of_the_Soul_Character_Sick, page : 3
And he said: “The most beloved of you to me on the Day of Resurrection, and the
ones who shall sit closest to me, will be the best of you in character.”
The Narratives
Luqman the Wise once asked his father: “Father, what is the finest single trait in
a man?” “Religion,” he replied. Then he asked: “And the finest three?” “Religion,
wealth and modesty.” And if they should be four?” “Religion, wealth, modesty
and good character.” And if they should be five?‟ And he replied: “Religion,
wealth, modesty, good character and generosity.” And if they should be six?” “O
my son,” he replied, “When these five traits come together in a man, then he is
pious and pure, one of Allah ‟s awlia (those close to Allah), and is quit of satan.”
Ibn al-Mubarak was once accompanied on a journey by a man of bad character,
and treated him with forbearance and politeness. When they parted (Ibn al-
Mubarak) wept. Upon being asked why he did so, he replied: “I weep out of
compassion for him: I have left him, but his character is still with him, and has not
departed from his company.”
ones who shall sit closest to me, will be the best of you in character.”
The Narratives
Luqman the Wise once asked his father: “Father, what is the finest single trait in
a man?” “Religion,” he replied. Then he asked: “And the finest three?” “Religion,
wealth and modesty.” And if they should be four?” “Religion, wealth, modesty
and good character.” And if they should be five?‟ And he replied: “Religion,
wealth, modesty, good character and generosity.” And if they should be six?” “O
my son,” he replied, “When these five traits come together in a man, then he is
pious and pure, one of Allah ‟s awlia (those close to Allah), and is quit of satan.”
Ibn al-Mubarak was once accompanied on a journey by a man of bad character,
and treated him with forbearance and politeness. When they parted (Ibn al-
Mubarak) wept. Upon being asked why he did so, he replied: “I weep out of
compassion for him: I have left him, but his character is still with him, and has not
departed from his company.”