(Mohammad Masood Ahmed (2025), Would You Like To Know Something About Islam, Second Edition, Crescent Books Inc., New York, USA. Pg. 327-344)

Every civilization has a system of morality by which it lives. Due to various interpretations of virtues and vices, I believe it is necessary to draw your attention to their unique definitions as outlined in the Qur’an and Sunnah.

To Enjoin Good and Forbid Evil

This unique act is not only a great virtue in Islam, but it is an important duty for Muslims. Indeed, the Muslim community is recognized as "the best of all ummahs that appeared for mankind.” Islam not only calls upon Muslims to behave well and steer clear of wrongdoing, but also mandates them to promote good and prevent evil to the best of their capacities.

In Islam, individuals cannot advocate for things they do not practice themselves. The effort to promote good and prevent evil is a type of jihad. It is significantly rewarded as it protects both the doer and others from straying and facing ultimate failure in the Hereafter. This represents the greatest kindness one can offer oneself and others, and there are three methods to embody this virtue.

• If anyone sees any wrongdoing or evil occurring, they must intervene and attempt to stop it physically.
• If one cannot physically prevent a wrongdoing or evil due to a lack of strength or the impracticality of using force, then one must express their opposition to that injustice.
• If the situation does not allow for either of the two options above, then one must, at the very least, regard what took place as wrong in their heart and distance themselves from it.

Islam seeks to encourage good and eliminate evil, particularly through the virtues and responsibilities. The good deeds that a Muslim leaves in this world continue to generate rewards as others engage in and gain from them. Conversely, any evil left behind also brings them a share of its consequences.

Regrettably, many self-identified Muslims currently contribute significantly to various ills, injustices, and other sinful activities occurring in their societies because they have either ignored this virtue or misapplied it. Muslims residing in non-Muslim countries can promote this virtue within their communities. Yet, when sins are prevalent around them, their primary responsibility lies in safeguarding their own families. If necessary, they always have the option to relocate.

Ikhlas

Ikhlas literally means sincerity/purity. However, ikhlas in Islamic practices means performing an act with the pure intent of pleasing Allah. As mentioned earlier, any action performed solely for the sake of Allah’s pleasure becomes part of worship. Ikhlas is essential in everything undertaken to receive appropriate rewards.

Muslims who engage in good deeds merely to gain recognition, earn titles, or seek fame lack true ikhlas. If their actions are driven by a motive for any material gain, they do not embody genuine ikhlas. Such efforts, fueled by impure intentions, do not attract rewards from Allah, as Allah’s pleasure was not their primary goal. Muslims understand that ultimately, they will return to Allah; hence, their hearts should be solely dedicated to pleasing their Creator. It is clear that ikhlas is fundamental to achieving Allah’s pleasure. Nevertheless, it is essential for Muslims to recognize that they have no authority to judge anyone’s intentions, as only Allah knows a person’s true ikhlas.

Sidq

Sidq means honesty, veracity and truthfulness. In Islam, sidq is regarded as one of the highest virtues. Muslims who attain the utmost level of sidq earn the designation of sadiq, which translates to truthful and trustworthy. Being a Muslim entails being honest and truthful in every situation. Allah embodies truth and commands His followers to associate with the truthful ones (sadiqun).

It is believed that lying leads to a deficiency in the heart, hindering its ability to reflect and observe divine attributes. Humans are designed to be Allah's vicegerents on Earth, necessitating the reflection of His attributes, which is only achievable through being sadiq. Muslims are required to speak the truth, uphold honesty, support integrity, and be genuine in their actions and intentions when honoring their commitments. Honesty and truthfulness are essential elements of a Muslim’s life. In fact, it is through Sidq that Muslims reach the status of a mu’min (devout believer), with honesty and truthfulness being synonymous with iman (belief). Muslims who are not sadiq fail to earn trust. It is considered disgraceful for a Muslim to neglect the practice of sidq. Prior to his declaration of prophethood, Prophet Muhammad was recognized for his characteristic of sidq among the Quraysh tribe of Makkah, who referred to him as ‘Sadiq’ (truthful) and ‘Amin’ (trustworthy).

Tawakkul

Tawakkul is to trust, depend and rely on. Muslims should depend solely on Allah and place their trust in Him, as He is sufficient for them. The virtue of tawakkul is extremely important in the sight of Allah. Those who trust and rely on Him will never be disappointed, and He will always meet their needs. When the faithful place their trust in Allah, it demonstrates their belief that He is always present where they need Him.

Being faithful, trusting, and relying on Allah doesn't imply that Muslims should become complacent or neglect the resources available to them. Rather, it entails maximizing their efforts while not fully depending on these resources. They should sincerely acknowledge that while their endeavors might not succeed, Allah’s Strength and Will are unwavering. For instance, individuals may hire skilled lawyers and trust them, yet there is always a risk of loss. Nevertheless, a lawyer's expertise can enhance the client's peace of mind and confidence. By placing their faith in Allah, Muslims attain complete tranquility, knowing they cannot be vanquished. With Allah, success is assured, for He is the All-Powerful.

Allah commands His true servants to place their trust in Him. Tawakkul does not suggest neglecting efforts to reach goals, nor does it encourage carelessness or jeopardizing oneself, or disregarding life's routines. Instead, tawakkul involves trusting Allah and, when circumstances exceed one’s control, maintaining that trust and being content with the outcome. Muslims need to trust Allah both prior to and after taking action. Often, resources may be scarce while ambitions are vast; in such cases, Muslims should not retreat but advance with unwavering faith in Allah. Allah never abandons those who depend on Him. Tawakkul serves not only as a significant virtue for Muslims but also as a powerful mechanism for attaining success.

Humility

Humans are nothing when compared to Allah’s awesome Power of Creation and of Absolute Control. He is our Creator, and we cannot resist His will. We are naturally weak. While we may appear strong, the truth is we lack control over anything. Alone, we cannot even scratch our backs or lift both legs simultaneously to remain suspended in the air. We rely on Allah’s help at every moment of our lives and beyond. Allah likes for us to embody humility and recognize our insignificance in light of His immense power. He does not like for us to be proud or arrogant because we possess nothing, not even the ability to move; He owns everything.

The virtue of humility is evident when Muslims engage in their obligatory prayer (salah). In this act, they physically bow and prostrate (placing their forehead on the ground), while spiritually their hearts bow and prostrate before Allah, acknowledging His greatness and their own limitations. Humility fosters compassion, friendship, and closeness among people. Conversely, pride and arrogance create divisions and may lead one to disdain those who are truly honorable in the sight of Allah. Humility is a fundamental teaching of the Quran and is fully embodied by Prophet Muhammad through his actions.

Love

Love is the central virtue in Islam. Indeed, love represents the ultimate virtuous act. It offers numerous advantages to both individuals and society while yielding great rewards from the Lord Almighty. Virtues such as brotherhood, tolerance, forgiveness, respect, benevolence, gratitude, sacrifice, loyalty, charity, friendship, hospitality, and sympathy stem from love. A heart that is void of love is lacking in these essential qualities. Given that these virtues are significant in the Roster of Deeds and fall under the broader umbrella of worship in Islam, the significance and elevated status of love in Islam becomes abundantly clear.

In Islam, love for worldly possessions should come after the love for Allah and His honored Prophets , especially Prophet Muhammad . It is this love for Allah and the Holy Prophet that facilitates Muslims’ adherence to divine laws and nurtures genuine belief. When selfless devotion to others yields positive outcomes, it is certain that loving the Almighty similarly brings rewards. Those who sincerely love Allah receive His love in return; what greater reward could they ask for? Genuine love for our Benefactor ensures our salvation is both easy and guaranteed. Regardless of the blessings He has already bestowed or the expectations we may have for future rewards, He deserves our love, and we ought to express gratitude to Him in every situation.

Fear and Hope

Fear and hope are two important virtues in Islam. While hope is clear, how can fear be considered a virtue? Given that preparing for the afterlife is a vital purpose of life, anything that aids in achieving success in the Hereafter is valuable. Here, fear refers to fearing Allah, Judgment Day, and potential punishment, with the utmost concern being the fear of displeasing Allah. This apprehension about being accountable for sinful deeds keeps a Muslim aligned with the righteous path. Therefore, the fear of Allah emerges as a virtue that paves the way for success.

Hope is universally acknowledged as a vital virtue in all societies. Allah disapproves of those who abandon hope. A true Muslim never gives up hope. Fear and hope are often discussed together as two interconnected virtues. For example, faith can be likened to a bird with two wings—fear and hope serve as these wings. Just as a bird requires both wings to fly properly, individuals need to keep the fear of accountability and the hope of salvation in harmony to sustain their faith. On one hand, a lack of fear regarding accountability and an overabundance of hope for salvation may prevent fulfilling their duties. Conversely, excessive fear paired with a complete lack of hope can lead to the same negative consequences. Even a small imbalance can change one’s direction, and any deviation can result in decline and gradual collapse. Striking a balance between fear and hope on the righteous path enables Muslims to achieve a favorable outcome.

Patience and Preservation

No one came claim that life is smooth or worry-free. At many times in life, circumstances may not align with one's desires or preferences. For Muslims, Islam emphasizes the virtues of patience and perseverance. Allah tests His servants through challenges and difficult situations. Those who remain steadfast, maintain their faith, and avoid impatience or surrender will ultimately triumph. Even if their rightful wishes are not realized in this life, they will receive complete rewards in the Hereafter.

At times, good deeds may not yield the expected benefits, leading to a weakening of faith. While this can be challenging, the eventual rewards of patience and resilience are profound and gratifying. For Muslims, these enduring qualities earn Allah’s pleasure and, ultimately, success in the Hereafter.

Correcting The Base Self

All of us are travelers and are simply passing through this world to reach the Hereafter. Our time here is finite, and our love for this world can heavily cloud our judgment, obstructing our capacity to reflect on our true purpose. Our base nature leans towards material cravings and exhibits negative traits, often attempting to mislead us and divert our journey. Essentially, it serves as a tool of Satan.

Islam requires Muslims to remain vigilant against the deceptions of our base self and to avoid becoming enslaved by it. Islam provides Muslims with the necessary tools to maintain self-control and discipline. Muslims strive against Shaytan and seek to overcome and control the Nafs-al-Ammara, the base self. Muslims must triumph in this battle against their formidable enemies to achieve success in this world and the Hereafter. This struggle is also referred to as Jihad bin Nafs, as discussed earlier.

Bearing Death In Mind

Who could consider that even remembering death is a virtue? Islam emphasizes that remembering death often and its impact on life is a virtuous act. Since the timing of death is unknown, Muslims are encouraged to remember death at all times. This provides them an opportunity to concentrate on performing good deeds, as no one wants to be caught dead in sin. While life is uncertain, death is inevitable. Frequently reflecting on their eventual departure from this world serves as a reminder to Muslims that one day they will meet their Lord. Consequently, they become steadfast in leading a pious life, which enables them to fulfill their life's purpose. There are numerous benefits to keeping death in mind.

Gratitude

Often, favors cannot be returned in the same manner they are received. At the very least, a favor is repaid with gratitude. Islam teaches that if a person cannot be grateful to those who do favors for them, they cannot be grateful to the Lord ¹. No matter how minor a favor is, it deserves appreciation, as Allah dislikes ungrateful and arrogant individuals. ²³

Allah has bestowed numerous blessings upon His creations, deserving appreciation more than anyone else. Simple verbal expressions of gratitude are inadequate. The most basic form of thankfulness arises when a believer uses a blessing according to Allah's guidance. For instance, when government officials receive vehicles for official duties, they must not use them for personal purposes; doing so constitutes the unlawful use of government property, which is a crime. In the same vein, Allah’s bounties are His possessions; any misuse of them is sinful and truly ungrateful. In Islam, ingratitude is considered as significant a vice as gratitude is seen as a virtue.

Fulfilment Of Promises

Allah reveals many verses pertaining to the importance of fulfilling promises. In about 6,600 verses, the Holy Qur’an effectively conveys the knowledge and wisdom essential for individuals to attain salvation in the Hereafter. Each verse carries importance and presents valuable insights. The importance of keeping promises is encapsulated in the following verses of the Quran. Allah says:

...وَأَوْفُوا بِعَهْدِي أُوفِ بِعَهْدِكُمْ     ۝  40⁴

...And (you) fulfill My covenant, that I may fulfill your covenant...

قَدْ أَفْلَحَ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ 1 وَالَّذِينَ هُمْ عَلَى صَلَوَاتِهِمْ يُحَافِظُونَ 8⁵

Without doubt, the faithful ones became successful. and they are mindful of their trusts and covenants.

...وَأَوْفُوا بِالْعَهْدِ إِنَّ الْعَهْدَ كَانَ مَسْئُولًا 34⁶

...Keep fulfilling your covenant; certainly, covenants will be asked about.

Honoring commitments and adhering to agreements are virtues consistently espoused and exemplified by all the Prophets of Allah. The Quran also mentions:

...إِنَّهُ كَانَ صَادِقَ الْوَعْدِ وَكَانَ رَسُولًا نَبِيًّا 54⁷

…without a doubt, he (Isma’il) was true to his promises and was a Prophet (giver of news of the unseen.)

Throughout his life, Prophet Muhammad consistently honored his promises and upheld his agreements. One notable instance was when a Byzantine emperor, questioning whether the Holy Prophet ever broke a promise, received a definitive NO in reply. ⁸ The Holy Prophet always acted on his commitments, even if it resulted in losses for himself or his followers, an example of which can be seen in the Treaty of Hudaybiya

In Islam, breaking promises is viewed as hypocrisy and considered sinful. While many may evade the repercussions of failing to keep commitments today, Muslims firmly believe that Allah is All-Hearing and All-Knowing. Islam places a significant obligation on Muslims to fulfill their promises and trusts. Throughout history, this value has profoundly shaped the Muslim conscience. The fulfillment or violation of promises will be assessed on Judgment Day, underscoring their crucial role in faith and their status as one of the great virtues.

Simplicity

The merit of Simplicity and embracing a straightforward lifestyle protects individuals from numerous unexplained challenges in life. Simplicity shields individuals from being enslaved by desires, aspirations, and societal pressures. Embracing a simple Islamic lifestyle illustrates that this earthly existence is fleeting, while the real life is in the Hereafter.

Simplicity results in fewer requirements and facilitates their easy fulfillment, thereby conserving precious time and resources for other noble pursuits. The Holy Prophet's Companions (Sahaba) gave up everything for Islam and were always prepared to act at a mere signal from him. Despite the opportunity to live more lavishly than any monarch, Prophet Muhammad opted for complete simplicity in food, shelter, clothing, and other aspects of life. He even chose to ride less expensive animals, turning down offers of magnificent horses and camels. This simplicity characterized the lives of his Companions , even as they governed much of the Earth and enjoyed vast power and prestige. Regrettably, such exemplars have become rare, even among Muslims.

Cleanliness

In a Hadith of the Holy Prophet , it is mentioned that cleanliness constitutes half of faith, implying that those who uphold cleanliness meet half of Islam’s obligations. Maintaining both physical and spiritual cleanliness is crucial for shaping a Muslim's character and facilitating improved interactions among individuals. When people draw closer together, the strength of the human community increases. This proximity paves the way for achieving shared goals of peace, prosperity, and happiness.

Islam places significant emphasis on the cleanliness of the body, heart, and mind. For instance, it is the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet to wash hands before and after meals. Today, good hygiene is recognized across cultures as essential in cultivating attractive traits and personalities. In Islamic belief, a clean heart signifies the absence of arrogance, envy, greed, hatred, jealousy, prejudice, revenge, hypocrisy, enmity, and other negative qualities. The heart of a mu’min (devout believer) serves as a dwelling place for the Lord. Cleanliness not only illuminates the heart and inner self but also enhances physical appearance, which is why it is considered “half of Islam".

Islam encompasses a lengthy list of virtues. Here, I have focused on several key ones. Additionally, it is crucial to clarify some significant vices, illustrating why Islam deems them harmful and advises against them.

Excessive/Useless Talk (Gossip)

According to Hadith, “Because of the tongue (its misuse) many will be tossed into the Hellfire” ⁹. Imam al-Ghazali, a renowned scholar and philosopher, remarked, “Excessive talking causes the heart to die, losing its ability to receive divine manifestations.” ¹⁰. In Islam, it is crucial to control one’s tongue and restrict its use. Engaging in pointless chatter is strongly discouraged. Constantly speaking can harm both oneself and others, inflict irreversible damage, and hinder entry into Heaven.

Muslims are encouraged to speak positively, steer clear of harmful conversations, and maintain silence most of the time. It’s widely acknowledged that loose talk and gossip can ruin relationships and often result in enduring family disputes, to say the least. Among various vices, this is possibly the most detrimental. Fabrications, backbiting, unnecessary arguments, and ridicule are just a few of the negative consequences of frivolous talking.

Lying

Islam considers lying to be one of the great vices, as do others, too. Prophet Muhammad stated that lying is sinful and inappropriate for a Muslim’s character ¹¹. True faith and deception cannot coexist in the heart of a sincere believer. Similar to other vices, lying harms the heart. Even when joking, lying is discouraged.

Lying is considered the root of all vices. Islam denounces liars and their deceit, asserting that a liar’s testimony is inadmissible in legal proceedings ¹². The religion forbids lying in all forms and encourages honesty in communication.

Backbiting

Allah states:

يَاأَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اجْتَنِبُوا كَثِيرًا مِنَ الظَّنِّ إِنَّ بَعْضَ الظَّنِّ إِثْمٌ وَلَا تَجَسَّسُوا وَلَا يَغْتَبْ بَعْضُكُمْ بَعْضًا أَيُحِبُّ أَحَدُكُمْ أَنْ يَأْكُلَ لَحْمَ أَخِيهِ مَيْتًا فَكَرِهْتُمُوهُ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ تَوَّابٌ رَحِيمٌ 12¹³

O believers! Avoid much suspicion. Indeed, some suspicions are sinful. And do not spy nor backbite one another. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it. And be God-conscious (in such matters). Indeed, Allah is the Most-Relenting, the All-Merciful.

In this context, backbiting is likened to consuming the flesh of a deceased brother, which is a detestable act. Prophet Muhammad stated that backbiting is more sinful than adultery ¹⁴. This behavior involves speaking negatively about someone in their absence, which can cause them emotional pain if they were to overhear it. Light-heartedly or spitefully mocking someone’s height, weight, appearance, or intelligence—whether through words, gestures, or eye-rolling—is considered backbiting. This act is sinful and can lead to irreversible harm.

Islam encourages its followers to uphold each other’s dignity. However, it allows Muslims to share detrimental information about someone as a means to warn and protect others. Rather than seeking out faults in others, Islam instructs Muslims to focus on their own flaws, correct them, and seek forgiveness. We may look for faults in others because we believe ourselves to be faultless, despite the fact that this belief represents a significant flaw for which we must urgently seek remedy. For Muslims, the only proper repentance for the sin of backbiting is to seek forgiveness from the person who was slandered and then to ask for forgiveness from Allah.

Anger

Most form of anger are prohibited in Islam. Anger resembles a ball of fire that one should keep at a distance. A hadith states:

Knocking out a wrestler does not make a person strong. Strength is when a person knocks out his anger at the time of rage. ¹⁵

Just as a bitter liquid spoils the sweetness of honey, anger undermines faith ¹⁶. It breeds foul language, hatred, and jealousy; it invades privacy, defames, and leads to numerous other sins. Typically, in moments of anger, individuals utter words that genuinely hurt others' feelings, which runs contrary to the spirit and ethics of Islam.

Islam acknowledges that feelings of anger can arise in reaction to injustices and sinful actions or environments. It teaches that anger must be managed through self-control and should only be expressed to rectify wrongs, as prescribed by Islamic law. True bravery is found in mastering control of one's anger, rather than allowing anger to control one.

As per another hadith:

In the sight of Allah, the best thing for Muslims to swallow is anger. ¹⁷

Allah generously rewards individuals who manage their anger and are forgiving towards those who provoke it, especially when it involves subordinates and employees. He instills peace in their hearts, reinforces their faith as Muslims, and enhances their standing within the community.

Arrogance/Pride

It was due to arrogance and pride that the enmity of Satan took hold against man. when the first man, ‘Adam , was created, Allah instructed the angels to bow down to him. Iblis (Satan), a jinn who resided among the angels, defiantly refused due to his arrogance and pride. Upon questioning by Allah regarding his refusal, Satan responded, “I am superior to ‘Adam (). You made me from fire, while ‘Adam () was created from earthly soil/dust; hence, I am better.” Allah greatly disapproves of arrogance and pride.

There’s no need to detail how this most destructive vice has resulted in immense suffering for humanity across history and is still the main cause of violence. Millions of innocent people—men, women, and children—have lost their lives due to various forms of superiority complexes. This atrocity was initially sparked by Satan and has been sustained by humanity. Throughout history, the world has seen countless tyrannical pharaohs and dictators, all characterized by their arrogance and pride.

The Almighty Lord created us human, but many now resemble junior “satans.” If we do not acknowledge our arrogance or pride, how can we eliminate this vice from within? The essence of every Islamic teaching aims to protect us from pride, hatred, arrogance, feelings of superiority, anger, prejudice, and enmity, among others.

Jealousy and Malice

Typically, ungrateful individuals feel jealousy, demonstrate malicious behavior towards others, and wish harm and misfortune upon them. Jealousy is the most harmful affliction of the heart and is strictly forbidden in Islam. Those who feel jealous are often dissatisfied with Allah’s allocation of wealth and bounties, showing ingratitude for His favors. The pain of jealousy affects the jealous person more than their targets. The Holy Prophet stated, “Jealousy eats up good deeds like fire eats up wood” ¹⁸. One must completely overcome jealousy to truly become a devoted believer. Indeed, the greatest fool is the one who inflicts harm upon themselves.

Bukhl (Miserliness)

Spending lavishly and wastefulness are not permitted in Islam. Likewise, bukhl i.e., being cheap and stingy, is one of the fatal diseases of the heart as well. Allah states in the Holy Quran:

وَلَا يَحْسَبَنَّ الَّذِينَ يَبْخَلُونَ بِمَا آتَاهُمُ اللَّهُ مِنْ فَضْلِهِ هُوَ خَيْرًا لَهُمْ بَلْ هُوَ شَرٌّ لَهُمْ سَيُطَوَّقُونَ مَا بَخِلُوا بِهِ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ وَلِلَّهِ مِيرَاثُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَاللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرٌ 180¹⁹

And let those not think who become stingy in what Allah has given them by His grace that (it) is better for them; instead, (it) is harmful to them. Very soon, on Judgment Day, what their greed held back will be shackled to them. And Allah, indeed, is the Owner of the heavens and Earth, and Allah is quite aware of what you do.

Prophet Muhammad said:

Save yourself from stinginess because it has destroyed previous nations. ²⁰

A Muslim should never be miserly; such behavior could lead to Hell. Stinginess stems from an overwhelming attachment to material possessions that diminishes one’s love for Allah. When a miser passes away, his heart is filled with affection for the wealth he leaves behind, lacking any true love for Allah, which is crucial for salvation in the Hereafter. Throughout his life, he does not desire to meet Allah, choosing instead to cling to his riches; yet this desire has never come true for anyone.

While being frugal can help individuals amass material wealth, it often results in significant emotional tolls for themselves and those who emulate them. They may lose sight of life’s true purpose and forget their inevitable meeting with Allah, which for Muslims signifies death itself. Additionally, the pursuit of unnecessary riches fosters a sinful way of life that complicates the practice of faith, patience, and self-control in the face of sinful acts. This stance runs counter to the fundamental teachings of Islam.

The deeper the heart’s attachment to material wealth, the more painful death can feel. Typically, the farewell of a miser is steeped in sorrow, grief, and regret. Muslims who avoid stinginess do not indulge excessively; instead, they spend joyfully and moderately, allowing their love to be directed towards Allah rather than material possessions. They transition from this life peacefully, facing death with ease because the prospect of meeting Allah holds more value for them than anything else. The faithful willingly relinquish worldly possessions and only take what benefits them in the Hereafter. Being stingy or intentionally adopting a life of scarcity does not equate to wisdom in the case of a miser.

Love For Name And Fame

Allah states:

تِلْكَ الدَّارُ الْآخِرَةُ نَجْعَلُهَا لِلَّذِينَ لَا يُرِيدُونَ عُلُوًّا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا فَسَادًا وَالْعَاقِبَةُ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ 83²¹

The bounties of the Hereafter are for those who do not desire name, fame, or worldly prestige nor want to cause mischief.And the good end belongs to those who are God-conscious.

Prophet Muhammad stated:

A wolf in a herd of sheep cannot do as much harm as the love of wealth, name, and fame can do to the faith of a believer. ²²

It is vital to recognize that a love for name and fame constitutes an internal affliction. This obsession breeds hypocrisy, hostility, and resentment. A genuine believer does not seek to gain recognition; however, should they achieve it, they remain humble. Yearning for fame and status in this transient world is a foolish desire. The honor and status conferred by the Lord are eternal, impervious to loss, even through death. The titles and esteem granted by Allah ensure respect and success both in this life and the Hereafter.

Those who are intelligent and wise do not seek fame in this world; they prefer to be honored in the Hereafter. We should take heed from the many who were crowned in life but now lie in the ground, having failed to use their power and status to achieve lasting renown in the Hereafter—thus, they were not truly wise.

Superiority Complex

Superiority complex falls in the category of pride. The main distinction lies in that pride leads an individual to see themselves as superior to others, while a superiority complex convinces a person of their own perfection and supremacy. Consequently, someone with a superiority complex often views the bounties of the Lord as their entitlement, lacking gratitude towards Him. They remain unaware that the One Who gives can also take away, a truth the world has repeatedly demonstrated. Therefore, superiority is a complex for creatures, not an actual state. Genuine superiority is reserved for the Creator, not for His creations.

Riya (To Show Off)

Riya literally means to show off. In Islam, it technically refers to performing an act to show off to people, either to deceive them or to gain praise and fame. Riya is the opposite of ikhlas (sincerity/to act only to please Allah). It is necessary for a Muslim to perform an act with ikhlas, and not to let riya enter it. Riya is like shirk (polytheism, making partners with Allah), because with riya the act is performed for someone or something other than Allah ²³. It is like placing someone other than the Lord in His place.

The Holy Prophet stated:

Any act that has the slightest riya will be unacceptable in the court of Allah. ²⁴

How can one determine if a person exhibits riya when only Allah knows what lies in his heart? Of course, we have no right to nor can we accurately assess someone’s intentions; however, it is not difficult to recognize riya in an action. It can be discerned by analyzing a person’s overall character and behavior. We have no right to label anyone as pretentious, but we can at least protect ourselves from following their example.

An everyday practice of some is to dress like pious individuals while lacking true piety in their hearts, to worship like devoted servants yet have no intention to please Allah, to talk, walk, and eat like Sufis but remain unaware of the essence of Tasawwuf (Islamic spirituality/mysticism), to perform good and noble acts only in the presence of others, while neglecting the responsibilities laid down by the Lord when alone, and to spend wealth within society without seeking Allah’s pleasure, instead desiring public praise. Such individuals are filled with riya; they deceive themselves and others, and accumulate fire in the Hereafter.

Hypocrisy

Three kind of people are mentioned in the Quran: believers, dis-believers, and hypocrites ²⁵. Hypocrites are individuals who profess to believe but, in truth, lack faith in Allah and the Last Day, unlike genuine believers. They are, in essence, disbelievers and are often considered the most despicable among people. These hypocrites are seen as traitors trying to mislead Allah and the Muslim community ²⁶.

Allah states:

...وَمَا يَخْدَعُونَ إِلَّا أَنْفُسَهُمْ وَمَا يَشْعُرُونَ 9²⁷

...They deceive no one except themselves, and they do not realize it.

Munafiqun (hypocrites) feign adherence to Islam while never genuinely accepting its principles. ²⁸. They oppose the Lord's will and opt to follow their own desires. Instead of staying loyal to Islam, they undermine it. They mingle with followers yet plot against them ²⁹. While they publicly express what Muslims believe, they quietly ridicule Islamic ideology and beliefs. They twist the Quran to suit their interpretations and lack sincerity in adhering to its teachings. Although they recite the fundamental tenets of Islam and engage in obligatory prayers, it is merely superficial compliance and physical activity. The deepest level of Hell is reserved specifically for them. Allah states:

فِي قُلُوبِهِمْ مَرَضٌ فَزَادَهُمُ اللَّهُ مَرَضًا وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ بِمَا كَانُوا يَكْذِبُونَ 10³⁰

In their hearts is a disease, so Allah lets them progress in their disease, and for them is torment, a painful one, for they spoke lies.

They are not easily recognizable among Muslims because they appear and behave like devout believers. Among other characteristics, one is that they do not practice what they preach. ³¹ A true believer’s heart is never drawn to them, and they cannot conceal their true nature for long. Nonetheless, hypocrites and their hypocrisy have no place in Islam. They are condemned in the Holy Quran ³², and true Muslims are aware of their treachery. Although it is difficult to identify and label anyone as a Munafiq, since the Quran mentions them, they must exist within the Muslim community.

While it is neither feasible nor essential to identify and elaborate on every flaw of the base self, the vices discussed earlier have been highlighted in the Holy Quran and in the ahadith. Muslims should strive to become familiar with these. The aim of detailing these vices is to deepen the understanding of those eager to learn about Islam so that can attain the virtues and stay away from the vices.

• ¹  Sahih Muslim
• ²  Holy Quran, Al-Mu'min, 40: 76
• ³  Sahih Muslim
• ⁴  Holy Quran, Al-Baqarah, 2: 40
• ⁵  Holy Quran, Al-Mu'minun, 23: 1, 8
• ⁶  Holy Quran, Al-Isra, 17: 34
• ⁷  Holy Quran, Maryam, 19: 54
• ⁸  Al-Bukhari
• ⁹  Al-Bukhari
• ¹⁰  “Kimiya al-Sa’adat” by Al-Ghazali
• ¹¹  Al-Bukhari
• ¹²  Holy Quran, An-Nur, 24: 2
• ¹³  Holy Quran, Al-Hujurat, 49: 12
• ¹⁴  Al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim
• ¹⁵  At-Tabarani
• ¹⁶  Kanz al-Ummal
• ¹⁷  Abu Dawud
• ¹⁸  Abu Dawud
• ¹⁹  Holy Quran, Aal-e-Imran, 3: 180
• ²⁰  Abu Dawud and al-Nasa’i
• ²¹  Holy Quran, Al-Qasas, 28: 83
• ²²  At-Tirmidhi
• ²³  Holy Quran, Al-Maun, 107: 5-6
• ²⁴  Al-Bukhari and At-Tirmidhi
• ²⁵  Holy Quran, Al-Baqarah, 2: 3-10
• ²⁶  Holy Quran, Al-Baqarah, 2: 9
• ²⁷  Holy Quran, Al-Baqarah, 2: 9
• ²⁸  Holy Quran. Al-Baqarah, 2: 8
• ²⁹  Holy Quran, Al-Baqarah, 2:14
• ³⁰  Holy Quran, Al-Baqarah, 2: 10
• ³¹  Holy Quran, At-Tawbah, 9: 67-68
• ³²  Holy Quran, Al-Baqarah, 2: 11-16