The Tayyibiyya-Qaribiyya Order

The Perfection of Character

Dr. Mohammed Fatih Qaribullah

Islam, as you know, is the religion of mercy, equality, and justice. The character of the Messenger of Allah (swt), was put forth in the Qur’an. Character is a reference to one’s manner in worship, and any worship that does not lead to a character of justice, equality and mercy needs to be redefined. The Companions of the Prophet (s) are the models of such excellence of character for us, exemplified by Abu Bakr Siddiq (r), the one who freed Bilal (r), who was called “the Friend”.

Precedence in Islamic society is not determined by race or color, but according to fear of Allah and good character. Believers are brethren, and their community is one. And the theme of this conference is unity, and Allah said your community is one. And we must therefore strive to acquire good character and good qualities.

Remnants of the Days of Ignorance
Unfortunately, strife is part of human nature, and this spilled over into the Islamic era from the time of ignorance, illustrated by some of the incidents among the Companions, such as between Abu Dhahr (r) and Bilal (r).

When Abu Dharr had insulted Bilal and called him an epithet, the Prophet (s) rebuked Abu Dharr and said, “You have a remnant of the time of ignorance in you.” Abu Dharr was instantly and deeply affected by the Prophet’s r rebuke, and replied, “I will place my cheek on the ground and ask Bilal to step over my neck. That is because there is no preference for an Arab over a non-Arab, as the Prophet (s) has said.”

And the Prophet (s) said, “Do not return to the behaviors and ways of the time of ignorance, for it is rotten.” But the differences or the factionalism that has risen in modern society is something that Islam rejects.

Abyssinia Given Precedence
After there was dissent and discord in Mecca, the Prophet (s) sent some of his Companions to emigrate to Abyssinia, a country whose population was black, and whose king the Prophet desribed as “a just ruler”. It was the first country after Mecca where the Qur’an was recited, where many of the first Caliphs set foot as well as the daughter of the Prophet (s), Sayyida Ruqayya (as). The Prophet (s) chose a place uncharacteristic of the people’s expectations to demonstrate precedence over other cultures that appeared to have preference. He preferred the King of Abyssinia and his country and people to the Quraysh and Mecca at that time, despite their preeminence.

The Chosen People
Qur’anic verses were then revealed, describing the Abyssinians as those who, “When they hear the verses of Allah being recited to them, you will see their eyes flooded with tears, and they will recognize the Truth.” And another verse said, “Be patient and hold fast to the company of those who call unto Allah in the day and the night, morning and evening.”

It is said that these verses were revealed concerning Suhayb al-Rumi and Bihija who is also from Sudan, and Bilal also. This means that the Prophet (s) taught the Companions to live together as equals. And it is narrated that the Prophet (s) entered paradise and heard there the sound of footsteps and he asked, “Whose footsteps are these?” and he was told, “Bilal’s.” And he then asked Bilal, after telling him this, “How did you enter paradise before me?” And although it is established that the Prophet (s) is the first to enter paradise, this is a sign that the he gave immense importance to good qualities and characteristics over the person’s race.

Remaining Within the Divine Mercy
And the Prophet (s) also said, “Creation are Allah’s dependents, and the best among them are those who are helpful and kind to his dependents.” Shaytan was expelled from the Divine Presence because he preferred himself over someone from another kind. To do such a thing expels one from the Divine Mercy. If we reject racial discrimination among non-Muslims, then be sure we reject it even more strongly among Muslims.

To discriminate against a person of color negates this principle of non-discrimination. One who is happy and shows a good disposition only to people of his own color and not to people of another group is very far from the religion. To acquire the quality of ihsan, we must follow the example set by the Prophet (s) and not commit the mistake that Shaytan committed out of pride.

Dr. Qaribullah was a featured speaker at the 2nd International Islamic Unity Conference in Washington DC; the transcribed session of which produced these excerpts.