Perfecting one’s character is something every Muslim must strive for. In doing so, one must be conscious of internalizing values such as integrity, honesty, compassion, justice and tolerance. However, it must all begin with faith: the essential character of a Muslim.

Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him (pbuh), once said, “Truly I was sent as a Prophet for the purpose of perfecting human character.” In the Quran, the holy book of Islam, God mentions that He sent Muhammad (pbuh) as a “Mercy to the worlds” (21:107) and that he possesses an “exalted” character (68:4).

Therefore, Muslims focus on bettering themselves by following the Quran, the holy book of Islam, and the teachings of the final prophet, Muhammad (pbuh).

Islam is a way of life; as a result, while worship and core rituals are extremely important, so are the purity of one’s character, the quality of one’s interaction with others, and one’s contribution to their surroundings. After all, one’s good character will impact others and therefore improve society as a whole. This dynamic change all begins at the individual level.