Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,
My dear brothers and sisters, I wish to speak with you from the heart—not with complexity, but with simplicity and honesty—about something we all desire deep down: how to become a good person.
This is a question people ask frequently, not only in words but in their struggles, in their pain, and in their silent duas. Let me tell you, becoming a good person isn’t about perfection—it’s about sincerity, struggle, and returning to Allah again and again.
I’m not here to claim I’ve achieved perfection, but as a student of the Deen and someone who has experienced much in life, I want to share with you what I’ve learned—both from scholars and from personal experience.
1. It Begins with Sincerity (Niyyah)
In our Hanafi tradition, goodness starts with intention (niyyah). If your heart is sincere, and you strive to please Allah in your actions—even if you make mistakes along the way—Allah will open doors for you.
I remember a young man named Bilal who used to come to the madrasa late and often seemed distracted. People called him lazy, even rude. But one day, he stayed after class and said, “Maulana, I want to become a good Muslim, but I don’t know how. I try, but I keep falling.”
I told him, “The fact that you’re still trying—despite your stumbles—is a sign of goodness. Don’t give up.”
We began working together—one habit at a time. He started praying on time, then controlling his anger, then helping at home. A year later, Bilal was leading others in khidmah (service) during Ramadan.
Goodness isn’t a switch—it’s a journey.
2. Character Is the Foundation
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“The best of you are those with the best character.” (Bukhari)
Goodness isn’t about how much you speak or how many books you read—it’s about how you treat people, especially those who cannot benefit you.
I once met an old widow who told me, “I don’t know big words or deep Islamic knowledge, but I sweep the masjid floor every day because it makes me feel close to Allah.”
That simple act, my brothers and sisters, may weigh heavier on the Scale than a thousand empty speeches.
3. Honesty, Humility, and Forgiveness
Becoming a good person means:
- Being honest, even when it’s uncomfortable.
- Lowering your gaze, holding your tongue.
- Giving when no one sees.
- Forgiving when it’s hard.
I recall a moment in my own life that changed me. Years ago, someone spread a false rumor about me that hurt my family and students. I was angry, humiliated—I wanted to respond harshly.
But then I remembered the story of Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (رضي الله عنه), when people slandered his daughter Aisha (رضي الله عنها), yet he still gave charity to the one who wronged him.
When I reflected on the verse:
“Let them pardon and forgive. Do you not love that Allah should forgive you?” (Surah An-Nur 24:22)
I cried and said, “Ya Allah, I forgive him, so You forgive me.” That moment was painful but freeing.
Goodness means letting go—not for the other person, but for yourself and your connection with Allah.
4. Humility Over Pride
Imam Abu Hanifa (رحمه الله) was once corrected by a student in public. Instead of getting angry, he said, “You’re right, and I was wrong.”
Look at that! A giant of knowledge humbled himself for the truth.
How often do we argue, raise our voices, and hurt our families just to protect our pride?
Good people aren’t those who never fall—they are the ones who stand up again with humility. They ask Allah for forgiveness every night. They don’t look down on others.
I’ve seen cleaners in masjids with more nur on their faces than some people with long lectures.
5. Kindness Is the Key
Goodness lies in kindness:
- One smile to your mother.
- One glass of water for your father.
- One message of concern to a friend.
- One sincere dua for someone struggling.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Fear Allah wherever you are, follow a bad deed with a good one—it will erase it, and treat people with good character.” (Tirmidhi)
This is the formula: Taqwa, tawbah, and good manners.
6. Never Underestimate the Power of Repentance
I’ve seen people far from Islam—even involved in sinful habits—but because of one moment of sincere repentance, one tear in Tahajjud, one act of kindness to a parent, they became beloved to Allah.
A man once came to me after years of missing Salah, drinking, and living without Deen. He said, “I feel lost.”
I told him, “Say Astaghfirullah, and begin again.”
He started coming to Fajr. He stopped drinking. He began caring for his sick mother. Within a year, he was leading youth sessions.
I watched him transform—not because he became perfect, but because he was sincere.
Final Advice: Start with Your Heart
If you ask me how to become a good person, I’ll say:
- Start with your heart. Clean it from arrogance, greed, and hatred.
- Fill it with kindness, gratitude, and humility.
- Hold onto your prayers.
- Keep the company of the pious.
- Avoid haram speech.
- Never stop making dua for yourself.
And if you fall, rise. If you slip, repent.
Because goodness isn’t a destination—it’s a path.
May Allah make us among the people of ihsan (excellence)—whose hearts are soft, whose deeds are sincere, and whose company spreads peace. Ameen.