Let us ponder on this noble Hadith where the Prophet (SAW) was asked about the Akhlaq (ethics/morals) of the believer and some of its attributes.? From Safwan ibn Sulaiman, ?It was said to the Messenger of Allah (SAW);
Can the believer be a coward?
He (SAW) said, "Yes"
So it was said to him (SAW); Can the believer be a miser?
He (SAW) said, "Yes"
So it was said to him (SAW); Can the believer be a liar?
He (SAW) said, "No"
(Mentioned by Imam Malik in Al-Muwatta' (2/990) and Al-Baihaqi (4622) Portion on Faith/Iman)
In this Hadith, the Prophet (SAW) points to an issue of far reaching importance, something that many of those who remind us about Akhlaq have forgotten. We rephrase the meaning of this Hadith in the form of another question; Is it mandatory for every Muslim to be brave? Is it mandatory for every Muslim to be charitable? Being brave and being charitable are often mentioned as important elements of Akhlaq. Although these two elements are important, the above Hadith points out that they are not obligatory.
The Prophet (SAW) indicates to us that there are elements of Akhlaq that the Muslim has no latitude to abstain from; indeed these elements are a fundamental part of his character and belief system and are tied to his faith (Iman). There are also other elements of Akhlaq that completes his character and faith as a believer.
On the question of courage and bravery, the Prophet (SAW) clearly indicated that it is permissible for the believer to not always be brave and courageous.? Not all Muslims have the capacity to come forward and fight courageously all the time.? Even during the early generation of the companions, not all of them were known for their courage and bravery.? There was the companion who even uttered words to indicate that he had reneged back to the old religion for fear of continued torture and persecution.? (Surah An-Nahl; 16-106)
On the question of being miserly, the Prophet (SAW) again indicated that it is permissible. Being charitable is undoubtedly very encouraged in Islam and is a special trait of the Muslim behavior. Nevertheless, we even hear about a companion who was stingy. Abu Sufyan (RA) was greedy and miserly before Islam. When he became Muslim and his commitment to the Islamic practices and behavior improved, this negative trait in his character did not change much for the better. His wife Hind (RA) complained about him to the Prophet (SAW). "O Rasulullah (SAW), verily Abu Sufyan is a miserly man. He does not give me what is sufficient for me and my son except what I took from him without him knowing." He (SAW) said, "Take what is sufficient for you and your son rightly." [Narrated by Al-Bukhari]
However on the third question about morals, the Prophet (SAW) firmly indicated that it is not permitted for a believer to become a liar. Lying is sinful. It is morally wrong and cannot be part of the character of the believer.
Akhlaq is a fundamental part of the message of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). There are elements of morality that are fundamental and take precedence; these elements cannot be compromised under any circumstance. Examples include lying, cheating, slandering and corruption. Then there are elements of morality that are secondary and make the Muslim behavior perfect. Courage and being charitable are examples of morality that really refines the Muslim morals and character to perfection although the Muslim is not faulted if at times he or she shows some cowardice or behaves miserly. On the other hand, truthfulness is a fundamental moral that shapes the Muslim character and he or she must remain truthful at all times, as the Prophet (SAW) indicated that the believer will never be a liar.