Development of Personality in the Context of Islam
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Development of Personality in the Context of Islam

In Islamic perspective personality is directly linked to the practice of Islam, as Islam teaches its adherents to acquire good moral behavior

Post by on Tuesday, June 15, 2021

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SHOWKAT LONE

 

Personality is defined as enduring characteristics and patterns of thoughts, feelings and behaviors’ that make a person unique. Personality is the totality of behavior of an individual with a given tendency system. Tendency means there is consistency. That is, generally, the individual remains fairly consistent throughout life. There are different theories that have emerged to explain different aspects of personality. Some theories focus on explaining how personality develops, while others are concerned with individual differences in personality.

 

The biological perspective suggests that much of one’s personality is a result of genetic inheritance. The trait theories focus on identifying core traits that can be used to describe the personality. According to behaviorists, human personality is composed of traits. All behaviors are learned, and learning can be effective in changing maladaptive behavior. The social-cognitive theory has added the notion that we acquire personality by observing others (imitation, role models) and building a sense of self-efficacy.

 

In Islamic perspective personality is directly linked to the practice of Islam, as Islam teaches its adherents to acquire good moral behavior. Moral character is not simply a goal within the life of a Muslim, but the end goal of the Islamic faith itself. In today’s parlance our mindsets have deviated from the true essence of Islamic teachings and we are overpowered by selfish worldly desires. Islam encourages social justice, compassion, lofty spiritualism, cooperation in the deeds of righteousness and well being of a nation with ceaseless struggle against evil and devilishness. These are the important principles and elements of our glorious Islamic civilization. Our moral principles based on righteous character can be summed up in three words i.e. justice, mercy and fulfilment of agreements.

 

 

Islam has emphatically called upon people to adopt good moral character and the following Hadiths reinforce this characteristic: The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was asked, ‘Which Muslim has the perfect faith?’ He answered: ‘He who has the best moral character’ (Tibrani). Another tradition has it, ‘They asked the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) what the best thing is given to man?’ He replied, ‘Best moral character’ (Tirmidhıˆ). Abdullah bin’ Amar (RA) has reported: ‘I have heard the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as saying: “Should I not tell you who amongst you are the most likeable person to me? And who will be the nearest to me on the Day of the Judgment?” He repeated this question twice or thrice. The people requested him to tell them about such a person. He said “He who amongst you has the best moral character”’ (Ahmed).

 

That is, every Muslim, in essence, should demonstrate good interpersonal behavior and conduct, character and morality. It is worth noting that personality is an aspect of spiritual development. There is evidence to suggest that spirituality functions as a personality trait. The ideal Muslim character embodies a particular way of thinking, feeling and behaving based on the teachings of the Quraan and the Sunnah and sayings, actions and the approvals of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in all aspects of his lifestyle and behavior.

 

 The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) epitomized virtuous and righteous character traits and is a living example for all humans to follow as a role model for personality development. Islamic personality, according to Siddiqi (2012) is not rigid, parochial, racial or nationalistic but is universal, wholesome, dynamic and balanced. A Muslim should strive to attain a strong body, good character, cultured thought. He should be able to earn a living, have pure belief, and correct worship. He should be able to control his desires, be careful about his time, organized in his affairs, and beneficial to those around him. These comprise the duties of every Muslim as an individual. So we can say that ideal Muslims are of the highest moral character in their relation with their Allah (SWT) and his Messenger, themselves, family, parents, relatives, friends and the rest of the society. They strive to improve their characters daily by the teachings of Islam.

 

(Author is PHD Research Scholar at DAVV Indore. Feedback: Loneshowkat440@gmail.com)

 


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