An Islamic Treasury of Virtues
12. Islamic Character
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12. ISLAMIC CHARACTER
SUPPRESSING ONE’S ANGER IS A SIGN OF
GOOD CHARACTER
When the Prophet was once asked which action
was best, he said that there was nothing better
than good character. The questioner then
approached him from the right and put the
same question to him. Again the Prophet
answered: “Good character.” Then, approaching
from the left, the man once again addressed the
Prophet and asked him which virtue was best.
The Prophet told him for the third time that
good character excelled all other actions. When
the man came from behind and asked the
Prophet once again which virtue was best, the
Prophet replied: “How is it that you do not
understand what is meant by good character?
As far as you are able, you should not become
angry: that is what is meant by having a good
character.”
(MUHAMMAD IBN NASR AL-MARWAZI)
