The Best of Believers

A guide to the best qualities of a believer

The Qur’an and Sunnah guide us towards the qualities and actions that a believer should strive towards. This page brings together reminders from the Qur’an and sayings of the Prophet ﷺ, organised into different categories such as character, charity, cleanliness and more.

As you explore each section, take a moment to reflect on your own character and actions, recognise your strengths, and consider the areas where you can continue to grow.

At the end of the page, you will also find a FREE printable workbook, The Muslim Character, designed to help you reflect more deeply and work through these qualities at your own pace.

Character

A man asked the Prophet (ﷺ), "What Islamic traits are the best?" The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Feed the people, and greet those whom you know and those whom you do not know." (Bukhari)

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said ''The best among you are the best in character (having good manners)." (Bukhari)

Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "The most perfect man in his faith among the believers is the one whose behaviour is most excellent; and the best of you are those who are the best to their wives." (Tirmidhi)

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The best of you are those best in conduct.' And the Prophet was not one who was obscene, nor one who uttered obscenities." (Tirmidhi)

The Prophet (ﷺ) said “Take on only as much as you can do of good deeds, for the best of deeds is that which is done consistently, even if it is little.” (Ibn Majah)

The Prophet (ﷺ) said “The best of you are those who, when they are seen, Allah the Mighty, the Majestic, is remembered.” (Ibn Majah)

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Allah loves kindness in all matters.” (Bukhari)

"For Allah loveth the righteous (the pious)." (Qur'an 9:4)

"For Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him)." (Qur'an 3:159)

Charity

"A man said: 'O Messenger of Allah, which kind of charity is best? He (ﷺ) said: 'Giving charity when you are in good health, and feeling stingy, hoping for a long life and fearing poverty."' (An Nasai)

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The best of charity is that which is given when you are self-sufficient, and start with those for whom you are responsible." (An Nasai)

Cleanliness

"Allah loves those who keep themselves pure and clean." (Qur'an 2:222)

Knowledge

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The best among you (Muslims) are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it." (Bukhari)

Obligations

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "The best Jihad for you women is Hajj Mabrur (i.e., one accepted by Allah)." (Bukhari)

The Prophet (ﷺ) said “The best of you - or among the best of you - are those who pay off their debts in the best manner.” (Ibn Majah)

Repentance

"For Allah loves those who turn to Him constantly (in repentance)" (Qur'an 2:22)

Patience

"And Allah Loves those who are firm and steadfast." (Qur'an 3:146)

Strength

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “The strong believer is better and more loved by Allah than the weak one, but they are both good.” (Muslim)

Want to reflect more deeply on your own character?

The Muslim Character is a FREE printable workbook designed to help you explore the qualities a Muslim should strive for, reflect on your own behaviour, recognise your strengths and identify areas for improvement.

Click the image below to download the PDF workbook and begin your reflection.