Character and good conduct are the key and glory of life. It is not enough in merely asserting faith in Islam.
Besides expression of certainty of faith in Allah and his Prophet (PBUH), every Muslim and every citizen is required to build high character and develop very good conduct in social, civil and public life. Every person should follow and walk in straight path and adopt righteousness and shun all the despicable behavior, bad manners by adopting correct posture. Good behavior, excellent character and good conduct is required to be cultivated from childhood. A great responsibility rests on the shoulders of parents, relatives and teachers in molding the character and conduct of a child. Thus education and knowledge therefore refines a person. “Tell me your friends, I will tell you what you are” is an adage. Company makes or mars a man. One should draw a line between good and improper behavior. One needs to caution oneself every now and then by self examination and self inquiry. Politeness and gentle behavior has to be practiced day in and day out. For which patience and fortitude is necessary. All these things can be achieved by developing compassion and kindness in one’s self. Remembrance of Allah, of His Bounties and filling the heart with His awe, wonder and fear will help in cultivating good manners and developing good character and conduct.
The life of Prophet (PBUH) is an excellent model for us to emulate. Holy Quran vouches for the excellence of Prophet’s life and commands every Mussalman to follow the footsteps of our Prophet (PBUH). Then we have the lives of Prophet’s companions and saints to guide us forever and ever to live a virtuous and good life.
For one to develop sterling character, one needs to have before him a great personality like our Holy Prophet (PBUH) and saints for guidance. The need to purify oneself everyday, every moment and every breath is necessary. To develop remorse and repent for past sins, mistakes and bad behavior and every moment think of improving oneself for better and better perfection of one’s own self. You have to be your own policeman to check the evil tendencies in your mind, heart and soul and for its purification. Therefore love and love alone can bring a change in the character and conduct of man.