Three Signs of Righteousness – Dhu’n Nun al-Masri


In the Name of Allah, the Benevolent, the Merciful

 

Three Signs of Righteousness (birr)

Good character is the essence of virtue

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Dhu’n Nun al-Masri said,

 

“Three things are distinguishing signs of righteousness (birr):

 

(1) righteousness to parents, by excellence in obedience; humility; and spending one’s money on them;

(2) righteousness to children, by instilling proper manners (adab) and guiding them towards good;

(3) righteousness with people, by being cheerful and keeping their company in a good way.”

 

[Bayhaqi, Shu`ab al-Iman, 6.187]

 

This is spelling out the reality mentioned by the Beloved Messenger of Allah (peace & blessings be upon him & his folk) that, “Righteousness is good character.” (al-birr husn al-khuluq) [Muslim, Tirmidhi, and others]

 

 

قال ذو النون ثلاثة من أعلام البر : بر الوالدين بحسن الطاعة لهما ولين الجناح وبذل المال ، وبر الولد بحسن التأديب لهم والدلالة على الخير ، وبر جميع الناس بطلاقة الوجه وحسن المعاشرة

(3) شعب الإيمان ج: 6 ص: 187