al-Khuluq al-Hasan fi Daw al-Kitab wa al-Sunna
- Author died
- 1440 AH
- Editions
- Safir Press
al-Khuluq al-Hasan fi Daw al-Kitab wa al-Sunna (Good Character in Light of the Quran and Sunna) is a concise treatise on Islamic ethics and personal conduct by Saeed bin Ali bin Wahf al-Qahtani (d. 1440 AH / 2018 CE), completed on Thursday afternoon, 4 Rabi al-Awwal 1431 AH (18 February 2010 CE).
Purpose and Scope
The work was composed as part of al-Qahtani's thematic series examining Islamic subjects in light of the Quran and the prophetic Sunna. It aims to define good moral character, outline its spiritual and practical virtues, identify the means by which it is cultivated, and detail its individual branches and ethical manifestations.
The author defines character (khuluq) as an ingrained state of the soul from which actions issue without the need for prolonged deliberation, dividing it into an innate temperament and a trait acquired through habit, training, and practice. Behavior (suluk), he notes, represents the outer visible manifestation of this inner condition.
Structure
The treatise is structured into twenty-two distinct sections (mabahith):
- Definition of good character (taʿrif al-khuluq al-hasan)
- Virtues of good character (fadail al-khuluq al-hasan)
- Means of acquiring good character (turuq iktisab al-khuluq al-hasan)
- Branches of good character (furuʿ al-khuluq al-hasan)
- Generosity and magnanimity (al-jud wa-l-karam)
- Justice (al-ʿadl)
- Humility (al-tawaduʿ)
- Sincerity (al-ikhlas)
- Truthfulness (al-sidq)
- Exemplary role-modeling (al-qudwa al-hasana)
- Beneficial knowledge (al-ʿilm al-nafiʿ)
- Wisdom (al-hikma)
- Wise conduct (al-suluk al-hakim)
- Uprightness (al-istiqama)
- Experience and practical expertise (al-khibarat wa-l-tajarib)
- Wise governance and policy (al-siyasa al-hakima)
- Treating people according to their standing (inzal al-nas manazilahum)
- Forbearance and pardoning (al-hilm wa-l-ʿafw)
- Deliberation and verification (al-anaʾa wa-l-tathabbut)
- Gentleness and leniency (al-rifq wa-l-lin)
- Patience (al-sabr)
- Mercy (al-rahma)
Method
Al-Qahtani supports each topic primarily through textual proofs from the Quran and authentic hadiths. In discussing virtues and branches of character, he relies on reports highlighting the Prophetic example, such as the Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ description as possessing sublime character ( وَإِنَّكَ لَعَلَىٰ خُلُقٍ عَظِيمٍ —"And indeed, you are of a great moral character") and A'isha bint Abi Bakr's remark that his character was the Quran. He also emphasizes the practical role of good manners in inviting people to Islam (da'wa), presenting historical incidents where the Prophet's leniency, forbearance, and generosity led individuals and tribes to embrace the faith.
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