EASTERN THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE

Rajabari, Jorhat, Assam

M. TH -1 Christian Ministry (Pastoral Care and Counselling)

Course Title : Theories of Personality and Personality Development
Course Code : MCM013
Topic : Islamic View of Personality
Presenter : M. Khodao Lotha
Guide : Dr. Phanenmo Kath
Date : 4/6/2021___________________________________________

Content

Introduction
1. Brief Understanding of Islam
1.1. The Prophet Muhammad – The Example of Islamic Personality
1.2. Five Pillars of Islam 
1.3. Jihad
2. Islam View on Personal
3. Status of Women
4. Traditional Family Lifestyle
5. Islam View of Personality
Evaluation
Conclusion

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Introduction
Islam is a religion of submission to Allah. The people who follow the religion of Islam are called
Muslim. It’s a monotheistic religion base on one God- the creator and eternal. It was profess by
Muhammad Ibn Abdullah. Muhammad united Arabia into a single Muslim polity, with the
Quran as well as his teaching and practices forming the basis of Islamic Religious belief.
1. Brief Understanding of Islam
Islam (Arabic ‘‘submission’’) aligns itself with the monotheistic religions of Judaism and
Christianity and the belief in the prophets whose attestation to the sovereign, ongoing and active
purpose of the one God: ‘‘We believe in God and that which was revealed to us; in what was
revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the tribes; to Moses and Jesus and the other
prophets of the Lord’’. (It is founded upon a succession of religious vision experiences by
Muhammad around 610 CE while meditating in a cave in Mount Hira near Mecca (Saudi
Arabia), he receives revelations from the angel Gabriel. The angel ‘‘who is powerful and
mighty’’ (Sura 53.5) imparts the ‘‘Book’’ into the heart of Muhammad who is instructed to ‘iqra,
‘‘Recite’’ (Al-Quran, ‘‘The Recitation’’).1
1.1. The Prophet Muhammad – The Example of Islamic Personality
From the Prophetic example, we can begin to understand and define the beliefs, behaviors, and
attributes comprising the Islamic personality. Unlike other models and concepts of personality,
which rarely provide a human example from which to draw, the Islamic notion of ideal
personality is based on the life and actions of the Prophet of Islam himself, and from him further
examples can be drawn from his closest companions and exceptional Muslims throughout
history. In the Quran, God makes clear the standard of character of the Messenger in the words:
“And you (Muhammad) stand on an exalted standard of character”. As the Quran is, to Muslims,
the literal word of God as told to the Prophet through Archangel Gabriel, Muhammad is seen by
Muslims as the full personification of the Quran, and consequently, the will of God. The Prophet
of Islam taught the importance of developing moral character through his everyday actions in all
aspects of life, which was manifested through his personality. Prophet Muhammad, according to
Muslims, was the example of good moral character and personality.2

1
Jeffrey B. Pettis, “Islam”, in Encyclopedia of Psychology and Religion, edited by David A Leeming,
Kathryn Madden, and Standon Marlon. (New York: Springer, 2010) 445.
2
Abdul-Lateef Abdullah, “Toward a Concept of Islamic Personality”, https://spychology-of-
islam.blogspot.com/2012/02/toward-concept-of-islamic-personality.html. (Accessed 29/5/2021).

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1.2. Five Pillars of Islam 
The Five Pillars of Islam are five duties that every Muslim must follow in order to live a good
and responsible life according to Islam.
 Shahadah is the Muslim declaration of faith. The words of the Shahadah are repeated
multiple times during the day. It is the basic creed of Islam that must be recited
under oath with the specific statement or “I testify that there is no god but God,
Muhammad is the messenger of God”.
 Salah is prayer. It is compulsory for Muslims to pray five times a day. It consists of a
daily paryers. Fajir (dawn), Dhuhr (noon), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (evening), and Isha
(night). Muslim must wash before paryer, this washing is called wudu (purification).
 Zakah, or charitable giving, encourages generosity and compassion. Zakah alms-giving is
the practice of charitable giving. The word zakah can be defined as purification and
growth because it allows an individual to achieve balance and encourages new growth. It
is the personal responsibility of each Muslim to ease the economic hardship of others and
strive towards eliminating inequality.
 Sawm is the obligation to fast during Ramadan. It teaches Muslims self-discipline,
bringing them closer to Allah. Rituals fasting, as compensation for repentance, encourage
a feeling of nearness to God, develop self-control/restraint, and think for the needy.
 Hajj is the pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca). The trip is compulsory at least once in a
lifetime for Muslims as long as they are fit and healthy and can afford to make the trip.3
1.3. Jihad
One of the greatest misconceptions promulgated against the noble religion of Islam is the false
propaganda that Islam is synonymous with war in that it urges its adherents to fight with the
sword against non-Muslims in order to convert them to the faith. Jihad means "to strive or
struggle" (in the way of God). Jihad, in its broadest sense, is exerting one's utmost power, efforts,
endeavors, or ability in contending with an object of disapprobation. Depending on the object
being a visible enemy, the Devil, and aspects of one's own self (such as sinful desires), different
categories of jihad are defined. Jihad also refers to one's striving to attain religious and moral
perfection.4 Religious Fundamentalism and Political Extremism view Religion as the willingness
3
The Five Pillars of Islam-Practice in Islam. https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zhbpfcw/revision/1.
(Accessed 26/5/2021).
4
Imam Kalamazad Mohammed, “True Meaning of Jihad”,
https://www.aaiil.org/text/articles/others/truemeaningjihad.shtml. (Accessed 20/5/2021).
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to sacrifice for one’s faith may be a requirement in most religions but it is only in Islam that
there is such an explicit doctrine of fighting for the faith and a doctrine too that is so deeply
ingrained in the popular mind.5
2. Islam View on Personal
2.1. Purity and Cleanliness
Cleanliness and purity are considered to be part of Islam’s faith and it is has given much stress in
Islam. Cleanliness and purification are necessary for Muslims to practice in their lifestyle. In
Islam, the cleanliness is not meant to be just physical cleanliness but it is also obligatory in
spiritual terms. The Muslim must perform an ablution (Purifying/Cleansing) before each of the
five daily prayers. Prayer must be offered with a pure heart and mind, with clean body and
clothes, with pure intentions and on pure ground.6
2.2. Ritual Washing
The Arabic word for purity is tahara and it means to be free from filth, both spiritual and
physical.  Purity is the key to prayer. Spiritual tahara means being free from sin and idolatry and
denotes believing in the Oneness of God.  It is as important as physical cleanliness.  Before a
person stands before God in the special connection that is prayer, he must ensure that his heart is
free from sin, arrogance, and hypocrisy. “O you who believe!  When you intend to offer the
prayer, wash your faces and your hands (forearms) up to the elbows, wipe your heads, and
(wash) your feet up to the ankles.  If you are in a state of Janaba (i.e. had a sexual
discharge) purify yourself.”  (Quran 5:6).7
2.3. Diet
Diet is important in keeping a pure heart, a sound mind, a healthy body, and a soul bound for
eternity. Islam teaches that God forbids certain foods and drinks. Forbidden foods include meat
of dead animals and birds, flesh of swine, and anything with the invocation of any name other
than that of God. Meats should be slaughtered under Halal guidance; pork is not allowed.
Generally, foods that are kosher are also accepted under Halal. The major exception is alcohol,
which is banned under Halal.8
5
Leonard Weinberg and Ami Pedahzur, Religious Fundamentalism and Political Extremism. (London:
Frank Cass Publishers, 2004), 75.
6
“ Purity and Cleanliness in Quran and Hadith”, https://blog.learnquraan.co.uk/purity-cleanliness-in-quran-
hadith/. (Accessed 27/5/2021).
7
Aisha Stacey, “Personal Hygiene (Part 1 of 2): Cleanliness is half of Faith”, 4 October 2009,
https://www.islamreligion.com/articles/2149/viewall/personal-hygiene/. (Accessed 27/5/2021).
8
Penny Hammond, “Religious dietary guidelines and restrictions”, http://www.chewfo.com/philosophical-
reasons-for-food-choices/religious-dietary-restrictions/. (Accessed 27/5/2021).
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2.4. Family Life
Home plays a very important role in the civilised life of mankind. It is a small world in itself. An
individual is born, brought up, and trained in family atmosphere and this naturally leaves an
everlasting impression on him/her. Character and habits are developed at home, and in the
family, and these factors are responsible for his future career. This is the reason why the Quran
has laid so much emphasis on family life, and has touched (for guidance) even the minute
aspects of it in most elaborate form. A good family order serves as a model for the society and its
people determines future of a nation.
2.4.1. Nikah (Marriage)
Man and woman agree together to lead married life and this agreement is called nikah
(marriage), and the two parties accept the responsibilities and obligations and thus live together
as husband and wife. For nikah it is necessary that both man and woman have attained the age of
puberty-the age of full bloom and strength. Nikah is not possible without mutual consent of both
the parties in the presence of at least two witnesses, one from the side of the man and the other
from the side of woman. The criterion for selection of spouse should be the unanimity of
ideology and faith in Islam, and this is the reason why a momin (Believer-man) is forbidden to
marry a mushrika (Unbeliever-woman) vice versa.
2.4.2. Husband-Wife Relationship
Husband and wife, particularly as father and mother, are the two significant pillars upon whom
the entire structure of the family rests. It is, therefore essential that their relationship should be
cordial as well as harmonious to achieve happiness and prosperity of the family so that the home
may serve as model for others in the society. Such relationship creates an impact on younger
members particularly the children. From the beginning itself the relationship between these two
life partners should be cordial if not ideal.
The main object of married life is that the husband and wife live together honourably and
harmoniously in love and affection, and thereby make home a place of peace and an abode of
rest and pleasure -- a heaven on earth. Both should respect and be complementary to each other.
The relationship between the two should be most intimate. The Quran has so beautifully
described the type of their homogeneity when it says that husband and wife are garments for
each other.
2.4.3. Talaq (Divorce)

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It has been stated earlier that nikah is an agreement, with full consent between a man and a
woman (fully matured and sane) for leading married life. This aims at a happy family life. When
possibility of maintaining married life does not remain, both the parties are permitted to cancel
their nikah - marital tie; and a relief from this bond is called talaq (divorce). In the matter
of nikah only two individuals-man and woman are involved, and therefore, it is confined to these
two individuals only. The matter of talaq is not so confined to two individuals alone; sometimes
besides them, their children’s interest will be affected, and thus it becomes a common matter of
the society.
2.4.4. Monogamy and Polygamy
It is a misunderstanding that Islam has permitted polygamy (to marry and keep four wives at a
time). The fundamental principle is to have one wife at a time. The Quranic instructions is that if
one decides to marry another woman in place of his existing wife he has to divorce (as per the
given procedure) and this itself clarifies that no one is allowed to have more than one wife at one
time. This should not lead to think that whenever a person wants to marry another woman in
place of his existing wife, he might divorce her and go for another marriage (for sex enjoyment
or for other reasons). Second marriage is not permitted until and unless differences between
husband and wife have reached the climax, ending up by declaring talaq (divorce) and the wife
is divorced
To have more than one wife, up to a maximum of four at a time has been permitted under extra-
ordinary circumstances and for valid reasons. For example, as a result of war when a
considerable number of women became widows including those of very young age, and large
number of children becomes orphans, and when their economic, social, ethical, and sexual
problems cannot be solved by any other satisfactory means, the Islamic State can allow an
exception to the general rule of monogamy. Such an exemption has to fulfill two conditions viz.
Such a person will have to do justice and give equal treatment to all his wives, He should be
economically sound enough to bear the burden of such a large family.9
3. Status of Women
In terms of obligations, such as the daily prayers, fasting, and pilgrimage, women are no
different from man. Generally, Islamic interpretations hold that the rights and responsibilities of

9
Mir Mustafa Hussain, “Family Life in Islam”, https://www.islamawareness.net/Talaq/family.html.
(Accessed 25/5/2021).
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women are equal to those of man, but they are not necessarily identical with them. In some cases
indeed, women has certain advantages over man. For Example, woman is exempted from fasting
and daily prayers and attending services during her menstrual periods and forty days after
childbirth. She is also exempted from fasting during her pregnancy and when she is nursing the
child.10
The veil/purdah has been associated with Muslim women, which is a matter of honor, dignity,
purity and chastity. A women’s behavior, in particular reflects upon her family’s honor and
reputation. Furthermore, there are certain things where some of the Islam women find difficult to
practice these culture. It is obligatory for a woman in Islam to observe hijab (cover and veil).
This is so because if a woman dresses up herself, she may tempt men to seduce and molest her.
In order to protect and guard her integrity and dignity, Islam instructs the ladies to cover and hide
their physical assets. A woman ought to be thought of as a human being with a will and intellect
rather than just as an object of entertainment which can be placed anywhere to attract people.11
4. Traditional Family Lifestyle
The Muslim family is usually large, strong and closely knitted. It is usually a patriarchal family
with the father as the head and the mother as the home nurturer. Discipline is strict, and children
are taught to respect their parents and elders. Parents often play an important role in the choice of
a vocation and in securing a mate for their children.
4.1. Greeting and Postures
The traditional greeting is salam alekum (Peace be on you). The response is we alekum salam
(and on you be peace). Greetings are religious obligation. Tradition is precise about sitting
arrangements. When in public worship in the mosque, sitting is on the floor/carpets. One never
exposes the bottoms of one’s feet/shoes towards others. Often the shoe is removed upon entry of
the building.
4.2. Virtues and Vices
Muslims are to cultivate social virtues and avoid social vices. Islam does not condone lying,
slander, arrogance, boasting, insult etc. Rather it encourages kindness, generosity, honoring

10
Jamal Badavi, “The Status of Women in Islam”,
https://www.islamswomen.com/articles/status_of_women_in_islam.php. (Accessed 27/5/2021).
11
Aziz-ur-Rehman Saifee, “Status, Identity and Privileges of Women in Islam”,
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/294571626_Status_identity_and_privileges_of_women_in_Islam.
(Accessed 26/5/2021).
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other, peaceful relations etc. A Muslim should be the first to give greeting and should restrain
anger.
5. Islam View of Personality
5.1. Muslim Attitude towards God
One of the most distinguishing features of the Muslim is his/her deep faith in God and his/her
conviction that whatever happens in the universe and whatever befalls him/her, only happens
through the will and the decree of God. He/she feels constant need of the help and support of
God. He/she also has no choice in life but to submit to the will of God, worship, and strive
towards the right path and do good deeds. This type of mentality will guide him/her to be
righteous and upright in all his deeds, both in public and in private.
5.2. Muslim Attitude towards Self (Mind, Body and Soul)
Two major ideal types of the human “self” have been identified for thousands of years, which are
the good and the evil types. However, logically speaking, a spectrum of possibilities lies between
the two types. The Holy Quran tells us that God has given the human being the freedom to
choose, through his/her inherent ability to differentiate between good and evil deeds, and through
his/her ability to choose between them.
The Arabic word mind aql does not appear in the Holy Quran as a noun in the singular form.
Rather, its verb aqala is used instead, meaning to understand, comprehend, and distinguish. It
also means to tie, tighten, control, or restrict. Thus, minding or reasoning means subjecting one’s
thinking to known restrictions, rules, laws, and controls in order for one’s behavior to become as
educated, safe, wise, and intelligent as possible.12
Muslim philosophers considered the quest for knowledge as a divine command, and knowledge
of the soul, and particularly of the intellect, as a critical component of this quest. 13 A Muslim
pays due attention to his/her body’s physical need taking good care of it and promoting its good
health and strength. He/she does this by being active, not eating excessively. He/she also pays
attention to his/her personal hygiene. His/her appearance is always neat and clean. For this
reason, the life of a Muslim revolves around the worship and remembrance of God, five daily
prayers, fasting the month of Ramadan etc.
12
Hassan Ali El-Najjar, “Spirit, Soul, Mind, Self, and Happiness, from an Islamic Perspective”,
http://aljazeerah.info/Islamic. (Accessed 27/5/2021).
13
“Arabic and Islamic Psychology and Philosophy of Mind”, https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/arabic-
islamic-mind/. (Accessed 26/5/2021).

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5.3. Muslim Attitude towards People
With his/her parents, the Muslim is an example of sincere obedience and love. He/she treats
them with kindness and respect, infinite compassion, utter politeness and deep gratitude. He/she
recognizes their status and knows his/her duties towards them through God command. With
his/her children, the Muslim is a parent who understands his/her great responsibility towards
them. He/she pays attention to anything’s that may influence their Islamic development and give
them a proper education. This is so that they may become active and constructive elements in the
society and be a source of goodness for their parents and community. With his/her relatives, the
Muslim maintains the ties of kinship and knows his/her duties towards them. He understands the
high status given to relatives in Islam.
Evaluation
Each human personality is unique. In fact, personality is the sum total of all behavioral and
mental characteristics by which an individual is recognized as being unique. In Islam, the Quran
expounds in very clear terms a distinct concept of individual growth and development. A human
being is body and soul, matter and spirit. It is the unique balance between these that makes
humans uniquely what we are, which, according to Islamic belief, is the highest of all created
beings.
The topic of personality from the Islamic perspective gives us an opportunity to view our
personality in a broader sense especially as we attempt to understand our shortcomings as a
community, because human being is full of uncertainty in nature. The nature of human
personality strives to improve relations and conduct between people throughout the world at
large. Personality development, especially as it relates to youth, must become an issue of the
highest priority. The challenges facing the younger generations are enormous, regardless as to
whether they are from east or west, rich or poor, or Muslim or non-Muslim backgrounds. A
combination of factors is hard at work pressing for their developmental failure and the
perpetuation of social ills, self-destruction and spiritual decay. In the case of Islam view of
personality, the Muslim must first understand that personality can and must be Islamic for Islam
to be the foundation for success of the Muslims.
Like any other religion, Islam as a religion has influenced and impacted the believers in their
personality in many ways. As given in the Quran, it teaches Islam as a system and Muslim as a
people to live with their neighbors illustrating good treatment and consideration of others feeling

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and sensitivities. These are the qualities and attitudes that every Muslim strives to make as parts
of their character and personality.
Conclusion
With this paper an attempt has been made to extend a concept and initial understanding of
Islamic personality. In an attempt to provide an understanding of the foundation of Islamic
personality, the paper next explored the idea of moral character and its role in the forming of
personality development emphasizing on the family and its greater impact to the society. The
paper then attempted to provide a brief understanding of the Self as the fountainhead for all
psychological phenomena. Finally, the notion of Islamic personality was explored using the real-
life example of the Prophet of Islam as the perfect model of personality.

Bibliography

Pedahzur,Leonard Weinberg and Ami. Religious Fundamentalism and Political Extremism.

London: Frank Cass Publishers, 2004.

Pettis, Jeffrey B. “Islam”, in Encyclopedia of Psychology and Religion, edited by David A

Leeming, Kathryn Madden, and Standon Marlon. New York: Springer, 2010.

Abdullah, Abdul-Lateef. “Toward a Concept of Islamic Personality”, https://spychology-of-

islam.blogspot.com/2012/02/toward-co. Accessed 29/5/2021.

Badavi, Jamal. “The Status of Women in Islam”,

https://www.islamswomen.com/articles/status_of_women_in_islam.php. Accessed 27/5/2021.
10 | P a g e
El-Najjar, Hassan Ali. “Spirit, Soul, Mind, Self, and Happiness, from an Islamic Perspective”,
http://aljazeerah.info/Islamic. Accessed 27/5/2021.

Hammond, Penny. “Religious dietary guidelines and restrictions”,

http://www.chewfo.com/philosophical-reasons-for-food-choices/religious-dietary-restrictions/.
Accessed 27/5/2021.

Hussain, Mir Mustafa. “Family Life in Islam”,

https://www.islamawareness.net/Talaq/family.html. Accessed 25/5/2021.

Mohammed, Imam Kalamazad. “True Meaning of Jihad”,

https://www.aaiil.org/text/articles/others/truemeaningjihad.shtml. Accessed 20/5/2021

Saifee, Aziz-ur-Rehman. “Status, Identity and Privileges of Women in Islam”,

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/
294571626_Status_identity_and_privileges_of_women_in_Islam. Accessed 26/5/2021.

Stacey, Aisha. “Personal Hygiene (Part 1 of 2): Cleanliness is half of Faith”, 4 October 2009,
https://www.islamreligion.com/articles/2149/viewall/personal-hygiene/. Accessed 27/5/2021.

“The Five Pillars of Islam-Practice in Islam”.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zhbpfcw/revision. Accessed 26/5/2021.

“ Purity and Cleanliness in Quran and Hadith”. https://blog.learnquraan.co.uk/purity-

cleanliness-in-quran-hadith/. Accessed 27/5/2021.

“Arabic and Islamic Psychology and Philosophy of Mind”.

https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/arabic-islamic-mind/. Accessed 26/5/2021.

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