Islam As It Is
Islamic Character
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TWO TYPES OF CHARACTER
From the Islamic viewpoint, human character is
either noble or ignoble. Those who fall into the
latter category do not acknowledge any hard and
fast principles which are to be adhered to at all
times, preferring to allow themselves to be moulded
by particular situations and allowing themselves to
be blown in whatever direction the winds of fortune
take them. Theirs is an impulsive, changeable, un-
dependable nature.
A man of this type treats with utter contempt
anyone whom he considers his inferior, while
anyone who appears his superior becomes an object
of jealousy. He forges friendships whenever he
expects to profit thereby, but adopts an attitude of
indifference towards those who do not hold out any
promise of advantage. One who treats him well will
receive exemplary treatment, but anyone who treats
him badly may be sure of even worse treatment in
return. If it happens that he succeeds in improving
his status, his arrogance knows no bounds. But if
high status eludes him, he sinks into despair. He is
generous to those he likes, but quite the opposite to
