by Mufti Taqi Usmani DB
Akhlaq are certain inner moral qualities, states and traits which arise within a person’s heart or mind. It is necessary for everyone to develop some of these attributes, for example, it is obligatory to be grateful (to Allah Ta’ala) (شکر) at the times of gratefulness, it is obligatory to observe Sabr (صبر, patience, steadfastness) at the times of Sabr, it is obligatory to adopt Tawazu’ ( تواضع, humility), it is obligatory to develop Ikhlas ( اخلاص, purity of intention). These are all mental actions, or acts that are performed within a person’s heart/mind. It is obligatory to develop these inner moral attributes. These are called Akhlaq-e-Fadhila (اخلاقِ فاضلہ).
On the other hand, there are some undesirable moral qualities or attributes which we are expected to avoid or remove from our inner-self if they exist in us. For example, it is obligatory to avoid Takabbur (arrogance), it is obligatory to avoid Riya (show-off), it is obligatory to avoid Hasad (jealousy), it is obligatory to avoid Bughz (holding a grudge). All of these moral or spiritual attributes are Haraam (unlawful). These are called Akhlaq-e-Razilah (اخلاقِ رذیلہ).
So, trying to develop and enhance Akhlaq-e-Fazilah, and trying to suppress or eliminate Akhlaq-e-Razilah, from one’s inner-self, is the crux of Tasawwuf (Islamic Spirituality).
[Islahi Majaalis, Vol. 7]
Note: Most people think that Akhlaq refers to just the outward behaviour and etiquettes, whereas these outward manners are just the manifestation of the inward condition of the person’s heart and soul and depend on the level of one’s Tazkiya and Spirituality. Without fixing one’s inner self, it is not possible to attain real, natural and long lasting improvement in manners and etiquettes.
