Always act with a purpose

Islam Teaches About Good Behaviour

Human nature desires a society based on morals and manners which provides a stable and secure life leading to liberty and happiness for all people. Attitude comes down to choice, you can choose whether to have a good or a bad attitude and whether external things can affect it or not. With this in mind, I’ve come up with a few ways to help improve your attitude when you are struggling to turn a bad day into a good one. Allah says:

وَأَنَّ هَٰذَا صِرَاطِي مُسْتَقِيمًا فَاتَّبِعُوهُ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا السُّبُلَ فَتَفَرَّقَ بِكُمْ عَن سَبِيلِهِ ذَٰلِكُمْ وَصَّاكُم بِهِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ

“And that, this (is) My straight path, so follow it. And (do) not follow the (other) paths, then they will separate you from His path. That (He) has enjoined on you [with it] so that you may become righteous.” (Surah Al-An`am 6:153)

Allah has created us and given us countless gifts so that we may live happy and peaceful life. Good Behaviour provides us with a stable and flawless set of values that remain unaltered under all circumstances. Moreover, by making the “pleasure of God” the object of man’s life, the highest and noblest objective is set before humanity. Allah says:

وَلَا تَسْتَوِي الْحَسَنَةُ وَلَا السَّيِّئَةُ ادْفَعْ بِالَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُ فَإِذَا الَّذِي بَيْنَكَ وَبَيْنَهُ عَدَاوَةٌ كَأَنَّهُ وَلِيٌّ حَمِيمٌ

“And not (are) equal the good (deed) and the evil (deed). Repel by (that) which [it] (is) better; then behold! One who, between you and between him, (was) enmity, (will become) as if he (was) a friend intimate.” (Surah Fussilat 41:34)

Life is a gift of our Almighty Creator, and none may take it from any of His creations. Taking the life of one individual is considered equivalent to taking the lives of the whole of humanity. Islam’s fundamental attitude toward life, the universe and of man’s place therein determines the real and ultimate goal which should be the object of all the endeavours of mankind and which may be termed briefly as “seeking the pleasure of God”.

Here are some ways to improve your attitude:

    1. Behave for the fear of Allah and always speak the truth
    2. Behave left an enduring impression on the history 
    3. Behave for forgiving others for their mistakes
    4. Behave for good morals and perfect character
    5. Behave for a walk on the earth with humility
    6. Behave for respecting other people’s rights
    7. Behave to be dutiful towards your parents
    8. Behave love, and respect for all mankind
    9. Behave for responsible for fellow beings
    10. Behave for lawful and righteous deeds
    11. Behave for causing no harm to others
    12. Behave to possess a noble character
    13. Behave for restraining anger
    14. Behave to protect orphans
    15. Behave for good to others
    16. Behave to honour the guests
    17. Behave for production relations
    18. Behave for have love and fear of Allah 
    19. Behave for ways to help the needy people
    20. Behave for having a purified heart and soul
    21. Behave for a judge with justice between people
    22. Behave for Muslims should have great moral values 
    23. Behave to avoid Jealousy, backbiting, and falsehood
    24. Behave for fear of Allah, continue seeking what pleases Him 
    25. Behave for should be responsible towards God and fellow beings

The unique characteristic of Islam is the conviction that belief in the Oneness of God unites the Muslim community with all of humanity – because He created every human being, irrespective of their religion, tradition or background. And on the Day of Judgment, all the inhabitants of the world are to be judged, regardless of their sectarian affiliation or moral performance. Allah says:

وَاقْصِدْ فِي مَشْيِكَ وَاغْضُضْ مِن صَوْتِكَ إِنَّ أَنكَرَ الْأَصْوَاتِ لَصَوْتُ الْحَمِيرِ

“And be moderate in your pace and lower [of] your voice. Indeed, (the) harshest (of all) sounds (is) surely (the) voice (of) the donkeys.” (Surah Luqman 31:19)

Good Behaviour is a collective name for voluntary actions. A voluntary action is an action that a man could have done differently if he had so chosen. The ability to restrain anger and suppress retaliation not only signifies a refined and developed psyche but control and self-denial are also pre­ requisites for spiritual development.

Seek out those who share your positive attitude:

  • If you fail, figure out what went wrong
  • Use setbacks to improve your skills
  • Be grateful for everything you have
  • Spend time with a positive attitude
  • Have strategies to defeat the urge
  • Do not ridicule one another
  • Always act with a purpose
  • Become aware of self-talk
  • Treat all creations kindly
  • Live in the present moment
  • Write down all your obstacles
  • Don’t take yourself so seriously
  • Don’t compare yourself to others
  • Take the first step, even if it’s a small one
  • Take advantage of moments of inspiration
  • Get solution-oriented, not problem-oriented
  • Identify your triggers and replacement habits

The Quran refers to moral as well as to religious obligations. While universal guidance indicates that moral standards underpin human well-being, specific guidance indicates the necessity for human beings to exercise their volition in matters of personal faith, if for no other reason than because any attempt to enforce faith would lead to its negation. Allah says:

كَدَأْبِ آلِ فِرْعَوْنَ وَالَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ كَذَّبُوا بِآيَاتِنَا فَأَخَذَهُمُ اللَّهُ بِذُنُوبِهِمْ وَاللَّهُ شَدِيدُ الْعِقَابِ

“Like behaviour (of the) people (of) Firaun and those from before them. They denied Our signs, so they were seized by Allah for their sins. And Allah (is) severe (in) [the] punishment.” (Surah  Al-Imran 3:11)

Good Behaviour stipulates for man a system of life that is based on all good and is free from all evil. It is interesting to note how Allah addresses humanity, regardless of their beliefs, compared to how He addresses believers. It is, therefore, our duty to thank Allah and worship Him.

Quranic verses teach us about behaving, Allah Almighty says in The Holy Quran:

  • “Do no favour seeking gain.” (Quran 74:6)
  • “Say, my Lord has enjoined justice.” (Quran 7:29)
  • “O you who believe! Stand firmly with justice.” (Quran 4:135)
  • “Serve Allah, being sincere to Him in obedience.” (Quran 39:2)
  • “Measure with justice and do not shorten the balance.” (Quran 55:9)
  • “Do not ascribe purity to yourselves. Allah knows best who is righteous.” (Quran 53:32)
  • “You cannot attain to righteousness unless you spend (in charity) out of those things which you love.” (Quran 3:91)
  • “Woe to those who pray but are unmindful of their prayers, who do good to be seen.” (Quran 107:4-6)
  • “The servants of the Beneficent (Allah) are those who walk on the earth in humility.” (Quran 25:63)
  • “Do not turn your face away from people in contempt, nor go about in the land exultingly.” (Quran 31:18)
  • “It is most hateful in the sight of Allah that you say things which you do not do.” (Quran 61:3)
  • “O you who believe, keep your duty to Allah, and be with the truthful people.” (Quran 9:119)

وَعِبَادُ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الَّذِينَ يَمْشُونَ عَلَى الْأَرْضِ هَوْنًا وَإِذَا خَاطَبَهُمُ الْجَاهِلُونَ قَالُوا سَلَامًا

“And (the) slaves (of) the Most Gracious (are) those who walk on the earth (in) humbleness and when addressing them the ignorant ones, they say, “Peace.” (Surah Al-Furqan 25:63)

The Quran does not deny the variety of religions, nor that contradictions might exist between them regarding beliefs and practices. At the same time, it emphasizes the need to recognize the ‘oneness’ of humanity created by Him, and the need for all to work towards a better understanding between the followers of the different faiths. Allah says:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَقُولُوا قَوْلًا سَدِيدًا

“O you who believe! Consciously revere Allah and speak a word right.” (Surah Al-Ahzab 33:70)

However, if you have a good attitude, you’ll be the kind of person who works hard, is a believer in the fact that life is for a living, and you will live the kind of life many would aspire to. Avoid some situations where you normally do your old habit. As a Muslim, you have your role model in the messenger of Allah. Islamic teaching describes these commendable qualities. Allah says:

وَإِن كَذَّبُوكَ فَقُل لِّي عَمَلِي وَلَكُمْ عَمَلُكُمْ أَنتُم بَرِيئُونَ مِمَّا أَعْمَلُ وَأَنَا بَرِيءٌ مِّمَّا تَعْمَلُونَ

“And if they deny you then say, “For me (are) my deeds, and for you (are) your deeds. You (are) disassociated from what I do, and I am disassociated from what you do.” (Surah Yunus 10:41)

Fairness and justice are observable characteristics of elevated and purified souls, for those who are fair do not wrong others and avoid selfish or self-centred actions. Muslims understand that Islam and the Holy Book Quran is a complete package that tells us how to spend our lives in the best manner. We ask Allah for His Guidance and Help to let you achieve what you have set out for.