Class 6
TRAITS THAT YOU SHOULD & SHOULDNT HAVE
TRAITS OF A BELIEVER AND THEIR EVIL OPPOSITES
1. Haya vs. Shamelessness
Haya is more than modesty or shyness — it is a spiritual sensitivity that prevents a person from displeasing Allah. It is a shield that guards the heart from sin and the eyes from transgression. Ibn al-Qayyim reported that some of the Salaf said: “If a person does something in secret that he would be ashamed of in public, it means he holds himself in no regard.” (Madarij as-Salikin, 2/353)
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Faith has over seventy branches, and haya is one of the branches of faith.” (Agreed upon)
Haya belongs to both men and women. The Prophet ﷺ once heard a man advising his brother, “You are too shy!” and said: “Leave him, for haya is part of faith.” (Bukhari)
When haya weakens, the door to every sin opens.
The Evil Opposite: Shamelessness
Shamelessness (fahsha) destroys societies. It begins with small compromises — vulgar language, indecent jokes, or dressing to attract attention — and ends with public immorality. Allah says: “Indeed, those who love that immorality should be spread among the believers will have a painful punishment.” (An-Nur 24:19)
We can get out of the mess our lives have come to by making haya as our number one concern in both individual as well as public lives. There is no Islamic life without Islamic morality. There is no Islamic morality without haya.
2. Gheerah vs. Dayyooth Behaviour
Gheerah is a noble protectiveness over what Allah has made sacred — family, dignity, and morality. It is not jealousy born of insecurity but honour born of faith. The Prophet ﷺ had the greatest gheerah for his wives and companions. Allah says: “Men are the protectors and maintainers of women.” (An-Nisaa 4:34)
The Evil Opposite: Dayyooth Behaviour
The Prophet ﷺ said: “There are three whom Allah will not look at on the Day of Resurrection: the one who disobeys his parents, the woman who imitates men, and the dayyooth (the man who has no protective jealousy for his womenfolk).” (Saheeh al-Jaami‘ 3066)
The dayyooth feels no shame or concern when his wife or daughters display themselves immodestly or flirt with non-mahrams. Society normalizes this under “freedom” and “confidence,” but the Prophet ﷺ called it a sign of a heart stripped of faith.
An example now adays is that of a husband or father watches his wife/daughter post pictures that other men will see, he sees the women dress up and go out that attract bad stares saying, “She should be free.” These are modern signs of dayyoothiyyah — a disease that kills honour.
Ask yourself: Do I guard the dignity of my household the way I guard my phone or wallet? True gheerah protects both men and women — it is honour for the Ummah, not oppression.
3. Humbleness vs. Arrogance
Humility is the fragrance of faith. The word “Muslim” itself means to submit oneself in ultimate humbleness to Allah. To be Muslim is to submit one’s ego before Allah. The Prophet ﷺ said: “No one humbles himself before Allah but Allah will raise him in status.” (Muslim)
True humility means accepting the truth, even when it comes from a child or a person we dislike.
The Evil Opposite: Arrogance
Arrogance (kibr) is the disease of Iblees. When Allah commanded him to bow to Adam, he said, “I am better than him.” (Al-A‘raaf 7:12) The Prophet ﷺ said: “No one who has an atom’s weight of arrogance in his heart will enter Paradise.” (Muslim 91)
Some examples, a successful person looks down on labourers or those less financially blessed. A religious person belittles others who are still in their journey and they are struggling to get better.
Remember, Pride whispers, “You’re better.” Or “You cannot be wrong” Humility whispers, “I’m still learning.”
4. Providing Ease vs. Hardship and Extremism
Islam is the religion of mercy and kindness, the religion of tolerance and ease. Islam is mercy and balance. Allah says: “Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity.” (Al-Baqarah 2:286)
Islam is Easy
‘Aishah (radiyAllahu ‘anha) said: “The Prophet ﷺ never chose between two matters except that he chose the easier of them, so long as it was not sinful.” (Bukhari)
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Religion is easy, and no one overburdens himself in his religion but he will be unable to continue in that way. So do not be extremists, but try to be near perfection and receive the good tidings that you will be rewarded. Gain strength by worshipping in the mornings and afternoons and during the last hours of the night.” (Bukhaari & Muslim).
“You are an ummah for whom I want ease.” (Musnad Ahmad)
“The best of your religion is that which is easiest, the best of your religion is that which is easiest.” (Musnad Ahmad).
The Evil Opposite: Harshness and Extremism
Some people make religion hard for themselves and others. The Prophet ﷺ warned: “Beware of exaggeration in religion, for those before you were destroyed by exaggeration.” (Ahmad)
Some examples, a father forbids his family from every permissible joy in the name of “piety.” A young Muslim abandons worship because someone told him, “If you miss one prayer, you’re doomed.” Both lose balance — one by excess, one by despair.
Hence the Prophet ﷺ enjoined and encouraged moderation, and urged us to be moderate and so we reach our goal. (Sahih Bukhari)
Then he ﷺ enjoined avoiding extremism and trying to be near perfection, and encouraged people to be hopeful and not to yield to despair.
“Make things easy (for people) and do not make things difficult, give glad tidings and do not put people off.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
5. Being Helpful vs. Selfishness and Malicious Exposure
Helping others is one of the quickest paths to Allah’s help. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever relieves a believer of one hardship, Allah will relieve him of one hardship on the Day of Judgment.” (Muslim)
The Evil Opposite: Selfishness and Exposing Others
The opposite of helpfulness is indifference and gossip. Instead of aiding the one who errs, we expose them. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever conceals the faults of a Muslim, Allah will conceal his faults in this world and the Hereafter.” (Muslim)
When someone asks for help, do you step forward or scroll past? Your reaction reveals how much mercy lives in your heart. “The Messenger of Allah ﷺ was never asked anything whatsoever to which he said no.” (Bukhari and Muslim).
6. Morals & Ethics vs. Corruption of Character
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“I was only sent to perfect upright moral character.” (Ahmad)
“There is nothing which is heavier upon the Balance than good character”. (Ahmad & Abu Daawood).
Good manners (akhlaq) include truthfulness, kindness, patience, and mercy — toward Allah and creation.
The Evil Opposite: Corruption of Character
Bad character is not only in words but in attitude — mocking others, gossiping, or harming through sarcasm. The Prophet ﷺ declared in his Farewell Sermon: “Your blood, property, and honour are sacred.” (Bukhari)
Do people feel safe from your tongue? “The Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hand the people are safe” (An-Nisa’ii)
7. Patience vs. Impatience and Despair
Sabr is the backbone of faith. Allah says:
“Indeed, Allah is with the patient.” (Al-Anfaal 8:46)
“Give glad tidings to the patient.” (Al-Baqarah 2:155)
The Evil Opposite: Impatience and Despair
Impatience makes people complain against Allah, saying, “Why me?” Despair shuts the door of hope. Allah warns: “None despairs of relief from Allah except the disbelievers.” (Yusuf 12:87)
When life tests you, do you surrender or persevere? Remember — relief is often hidden behind the patience you show today.
8. Forbearance vs. Vindictiveness
Hilm (forbearance) is calmness when anger tempts you. The Prophet ﷺ said to Ashajj ibn Qays: “You possess two qualities Allah loves: forbearance and patience.” (Muslim)
Today we will not give a second thought when given a chance to have a go at someone who had troubled or oppressed us but the Prophet showed time and again this great trait of forbearance by forgiving the people of Taif, Quraysh and many more.
The Evil Opposite: Vindictiveness
Vindictiveness destroys families and communities. Allah says: “Whoever forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is with Allah.” (Ash-Shuraa 42:40)
The worst effect of this is seen in families, where they tend to fight at every little mistake and end up severing ties of kinship. We have to make things easy for people, let go, overlook some of the things. Think again, when someone wrongs you, do you wait for revenge or for Allah’s reward? True strength lies in letting go. You will be happier in life, people will love you and all this will be part of the Reward for having the Trait of Forbearance that Allah Loves. But the real size of the reward is with Allah.
9. Cooperation vs. Disunity and Sinful Alliance
Allah commands cooperation: “Help one another in righteousness and piety, but do not help one another in sin and transgression.” (Al-Maa’idah 5:2)
Allah has created man weak, and he needs to cooperate continuously with others throughout his life. Cooperation builds communities and strengthens faith.
The Evil Opposite: Division and Cooperation in Sin
When Muslims unite for gossip or injustice instead of good, they betray this verse. Disunity weakens the Ummah. Allah says: “Do not dispute, lest you lose courage and your strength depart.” (Al-Anfaal 8:46)
Do you bring people together or drive them apart? Be a bridge, not a barrier. Remember, the Prophet ﷺ said, Should I not tell you what is better in degree than prayer, fasting, and charity." He ﷺ said,"Reconciling people, for grudges and disputes are the razor (that shaves faith)." (Ahmad, Abu Dawood, & At-Tirmithi)
10. Courage vs. Cowardice
Courage is not strength of the body. A man may be strong physically, but weak in heart. Rather, courage is the strength of the heart and its steadfastness. Courage is one of the noblest characteristics of men. For this reason, the strong believer is better and more loved by Allaah S.W.T. than the weak one. The Prophet ﷺ was the bravest of men and said: “The strong one is not he who defeats others, but he who controls himself when angry.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
The Evil Opposite: Cowardice
Cowardice (jubn) makes one silent before injustice. The Prophet ﷺ sought refuge saying: “O Allah, I seek refuge in You from cowardice and miserliness.” (Bukhari)
How many times do we see a witness stay silent when someone is bullied because they are scared.
Remember cowardice is not humility; it is fear of creation over the Creator. So ponder when truth costs you comfort, do you still speak? Courage isn’t loud — it’s quiet strength rooted in faith.
11. Justice vs. Oppression and Injustice
Justice is commanded by Allah: “Indeed, Allah commands justice and excellence.” (An-Nahl 16:90)
And in Hadith Qudsi: “O My servants, I have forbidden oppression for Myself and made it forbidden among you.” (Muslim 2577)
The Evil Opposite: Zulm (Oppression)
Zulm includes denying others’ rights, financial cheating, verbal abuse, and emotional manipulation. Allah warns: “Do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly.” (Al-Baqarah 2:188)
So one needs to be just and fair to
Himself/Herself
Husband / Wife or Wives
Children, by not preferring one over the other
Employees, by giving them their rights on time and in fairness.
Neighbors
Relatives
Society
Do you give people their due — time, respect, fairness? Remember, oppression in this world becomes darkness on the Day of Judgment.
12. Positive Thinking vs. Negativity and Despair
Islam teaches husn al-zann — good opinion of Allah and others. Allah says in a Hadith Qudsi: “I am as My servant thinks of Me.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
The Evil Opposite: Negativity and Cynicism
Constant negativity closes the heart. Allah says: “O you who believe, avoid much suspicion; indeed, some suspicion is sin.” (Al-Hujuraat 49:12)
We must realize that none of us is entirely good or entirely bad so it is not for us to focus on the bad side and be cynical about it rather it is for us to look at the good in others and have good opinion about them and always expect good and positive things from them.
Remember a person who always thinks about bad things in his mind and imagines that bad things will happen to him thinks unjustly and unfavorably about Allah and ends us getting bad things. A person, who has good thoughts, thinks favorably about Allah, because everything comes into existence through the creation of Allah, is bestowed with goodness.
13. Generosity vs. Miserliness
Generosity is one of the attributes that people like and it pleases Allah. Allah says: “The example of those who spend in the way of Allah is like a seed that grows seven spikes.” (Al-Baqarah 2:261)
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Protect yourself from Hellfire even with half a date.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
"Allaah, the Exalted, Says, `Spend, O son of Aadam, you will also be spent upon.'' [Al-Bukhaari & Muslim]
The Evil Opposite: Miserliness
Miserliness (bukhl) leads to poverty of the soul. Allah says: “Whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul — they are the successful.” (Al-Hashr 59:9)
A rich man hoards wealth but refuses to help his struggling relatives. A woman withholds kind words or time, saying, “I’m too busy.” True generosity extends beyond money — it’s a mindset of giving.
We can show generosity by:
Spending Money.
Spending time.
Helping the ones in need of physical help
Helping by counseling one who is distressed
Being nice and greeting with a smile
Helping with home chores
Praying for others
Educating people
Teaching someone a skill they can earn from
Giving Gifts
Assisting a coworker
14. Obedience vs. Rebellion
Obedience (ta‘ah) to Allah and His Messenger ﷺ is the foundation of faith. Allah says: “It is not for a believing man or woman, when Allah and His Messenger have decided a matter, that they should have any choice in it.” (Al-Ahzaab 33:36).
Apart from Allah & His Messenger ﷺ we are commanded to obey…
To Parents
Allah says, “Worship none but Him and be kind to parents.” (Al-Israa 17:23)
The Prophet ﷺ said, “The major sins are: associating partners with Allah, disobedience to parents, murder, and false oath.” (Tirmidhi)To Rulers
Prophet ﷺ said, “Whoever obeys the ruler has obeyed me; whoever disobeys him has disobeyed me.” (Bukhari & Muslim). Obedience is conditional upon righteousness — “No obedience to creation in disobedience to the Creator.”
To Husbands
The Prophet ﷺ said, “If a woman prays her five, fasts her month, guards her chastity and obeys her husband, she may enter Paradise from any gate she wishes.” (Saheeh al-Jaami‘ 660)
The Evil Opposite: Rebellion and Disobedience
Rebellion brings chaos to the home and community. When people follow ego over command, blessings disappear.
Take stock and think, do you resist authority out of pride, or obey out of love for Allah? Submission is strength, not weakness.
To Conclude
We would like to remind, that every virtue in Islam guards us from its opposite vice. Haya shields us from shamelessness. Gheerah protects our honour. Humility lifts us above arrogance. Patience heals despair. Generosity softens greed. And obedience connects us to Allah.
Before you finish this course, pause and take honest stock of yourself. Reflect on these traits — not to judge others, but to purify your own heart. Do any of the evil opposites hide within you, even in small traces? Recognizing them is the first step toward change.
Now resolve: seek Allah’s forgiveness, make a plan to uproot one failing at a time, and replace it with the virtuous opposite. Start correcting what you can today and then use daily moments as opportunities: at home, at work, online, in your relationships. Habit by habit, action by action, polish your character until your heart reflects the light of faith.
Character is built through small, sincere efforts done consistently for His sake. As the Prophet ﷺ said, “The best of deeds are those done regularly, even if small.” (Bukhari)
Check your heart for signs:
Does it tremble at sin or delight in it?
Does it give or withhold?
Does it forgive or seek revenge?
Each answer shows how alive your faith truly is. Let this reflection not end in words, but in action — so that we meet Allah with hearts polished by repentance and lives illuminated by faith.
Remember he Prophet ﷺ said, “Indeed, in the body there is a piece of flesh; if it is sound, the whole body is sound. If it is corrupt, the whole body is corrupt — indeed, it is the heart.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
May Allah purify our hearts, adorn us with beautiful character, protect us from the evils within ourselves, and gather us among those whom He loves.
TIPS FOR THE TEST
Do not have to memorise the ayahs or hadeeths word for word and their references, but remember their meanings and the msg being given.
Remember the signs of but more importantly try to get it out of your life (if you find any in yoursef).
ASSIGNMENT
There will be an Assignment Question asked in the Test. Marks will be given based on the following: -
I. Invite atleast 10 people to the course (can invite via WhatsApp, Facebook, Email, telegram or word of mouth) 4 Marks. (check the note below for exceptions)
Note:
Those who have already invited whether on Whatsapp, Email or FB, do not need to invite again.
It does not matter, whether people join or not, our job is to invite.
II. Reflect on yourself and make changes in your actions/attitude to get closer to the Sunnah. Repent to any of the mistakes that you have done and make intention of not repeating it for the sake of Allah. 10 Marks.
III. Talk to 5 people (friends or family) about any three topics from the course - (5 Marks)
IV. Pray for the Ummah, pray for the ease of all the poor & oppressed Muslims and Maghfirah of the Muslims who passed away. Pray that Allah make us all strong in imaan and give us the hidayah to work for the aakhirah and to help each other. - 1 Mark
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