One of the most evident differences between a Muslim who abides by the Qur'an and an ordinary person is that a Muslim displays a noble character under all circumstances and never departs from good morality even in situations that conflict with his interests. The behavior of a Muslim who is devoted to God with love does not change according to the conditions he is in, the gains he will obtain or the losses he will face. A truly religious person maintains the same good morality not only when things are going well, but also when he faces difficulties, is wronged, his interests are harmed and he encounters various trials.


A person who appears cheerful, affectionate, understanding and helpful when his interests are not affected in any way may change beyond recognition at the slightest harm to his interests if he has not adopted the morality of the Qur'an. The courtesy he previously displayed may be replaced by anger, understanding by intolerance and helpfulness by selfishness. Some people may even cast aside all their humane values in the face of a very minor loss of interest. This shows that the good behavior displayed is based not on a sound moral foundation, but on personal interests.


However, a person who possesses the morality of the Qur'an displays the same character both in difficult times and in times of ease. He never departs from good morality when the situation he is in becomes difficult or when things are going well. He is the same person in poverty and in wealth. His behavior does not change when he is powerful or when he is in a weak position. In both situations, he is pleased with the destiny created by God. He gives thanks to God with the same sincerity both when he possesses something he desires and when he does not. He is happy and content under all circumstances. What is important to him is to preserve his bond, closeness and friendship with God and to strengthen this bond at all times. His priority is not for the blessings of the world to be perfect, but to fulfill his servitude to God in the best manner.

 

For this reason, true good morality cannot be measured solely by how a person behaves under good conditions. The true measure is how he behaves when his interests conflict with the values he believes in. A person may be kind toward those who do good to him. He may love and help people who benefit him. However, being able to act justly toward those who wrong him, being able to preserve his morality even toward those who cause him harm and being able to do good without expecting anything in return are indications of a truly good character.


The Qur'an clearly reveals what true good morality should be like. For example, verse 8 of Surat al-Ma'ida provides important guidance on how hatred felt toward a people must not lead people to injustice:

“You who believe! Show integrity for the sake of God, bearing witness with justice. Do not let hatred for a people incite you into not being just. Be just. That is closer to piety. Fear [and respect] God. God is aware of what you do.” (Surat al-Ma`idah, 8)

In another verse, one is commanded to uphold justice even if it is against oneself, one's parents or one's relatives:

“You who believe! Be upholders of justice, bearing witness for God alone, even against yourselves or your parents and relatives. Whether they are rich or poor, God is well able to look after them. Do not follow your own desires and deviate from the truth. If you twist or turn away, God is aware of what you do." (Surat an-Nisa', 135)

In another verse, it is stated that a person should not grieve excessively over what has slipped out of his hands, nor become arrogant over the blessings bestowed upon him. This reveals that a believer should display a balanced character in the face of both losses and gains. A person should not become arrogant because of what he possesses, nor should he allow what he loses to change his morality and personality.

“That is so that you will not be grieved about the things that pass you by or exult about the things that come to you. God does not love any vain or boastful man.”  (Surat al-Hadid, 23)

As in all matters, the Prophets are the finest examples for believers in this regard as well. They faced the severest forms of oppression, hardships, and threats, and under all circumstances, they acted with profound devotion to God and exemplary morality. For example, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) treated even those who showed hostility towards him with good moral conduct. When he gained victory over those who had persecuted him and the Muslims for years at the Conquest of Mecca, he did not choose the path of revenge.

 

 

It is stated in the Qur’an that our Prophet (peace be upon him) treated people gently by the mercy of God:

 

“It is a mercy from God that you were gentle with them. If you had been rough or hard of heart, they would have scattered from around you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them, and consult with them about the matter. Then when you have reached a firm decision, put your trust in God. God loves those who put their trust in Him.” (Surah Al ’Imran: 159)

These verses show how exemplary the morality of the Prophets was not only in matters of faith and worship, but also in their relationships with other people. When Prophet Joseph (peace be upon him) gained the upper hand over his brothers, who had wronged him for years and caused him great suffering in his life, he did not seek revenge but forgave them. In verse 92 of Surah Yusuf, he showed them mercy by saying: “No blame will there be upon you today.”

“He said, ‘No blame at all will fall on you. Today you have forgiveness from God. He is the Most Mercifulof the merciful.” (Surah Yusuf, 92)
 

The Prophet Joseph (pbuh), who remained patient while in a position of weakness and did not depart from compassion and mercy when he gained power, set a fine example for believers.

 

This world is temporary and fleeting; sooner or later, every person will encounter death and stand in the Presence of God. What matters is being able to depart for the Hereafter with good deeds that will earn God's approval. The secret to this lies in being wholeheartedly and passionately devoted to God, desiring above all else to draw closer to Him, and living one's life in accordance with love for God. When a person turns to God with such devotion, good moral qualities will become firmly established in his character and will be reflected in his conduct under all circumstances.

A person who does not lose his devotion to God or his good moral character in times of abundance or hardship, when strong or weak, or when gaining or losing, proceeds along a firm path, following in the footsteps of the prophets. A person who devotes himself wholeheartedly to God, places His approval above everything else, and demonstrates this devotion through his good moral character is a noble servant of God under all circumstances. Even if the world changes and circumstances change, his devotion to God and his good moral character remain unchanged. This is what it means to remain the same person under all circumstances: never to abandon the conduct required by faith, whatever the circumstances may be. This is true nobility, true strength, and true servitude to God.