Narrated Abu Hurayra reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and
grant him peace, said, "Do you know what it is that makes most people enter
Hellfire?" "Allah and His Messenger know best," they said. He said, "The
two empty ones:
the genitals and the mouth. Do you know what it is that
makes most people enter Paradise? Taqwa of Allah and good character."
Narrated 'Abdullah ibn 'Amr said, "There are four qualities such that if
you were to be given them, you will not be harmed even if the world were
to be taken away from you. They are:
good character, restraint in food,
truthful speech, and upholding a trust."
Umm ad-Darda' said, "Abu'd-Darda' stood up in the night to pray.
He was weeping and said, 'O Allah! You made my physical form good, so make
my character good!' until morning. I said, 'Abu'd-Darda', your only supplication
for the entire night was for good character!' He replied, 'Umm ad-Darda',
the Muslim perfects his character until good character
enters him into Paradise; and taints his character until
his bad character enter him into Hellfire. The Muslim is forgiven while
he is asleep.' I asked, 'Abu'd-Darda', how can be forgiven while he is
asleep?' He said, 'His brother arises in the night, performs the night
prayer, and supplicates to Allah Almighty and is answered. He
supplicates for his Muslim brother and his supplication is answered.'"
Ibn 'Abbas said, "The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him
peace, was asked, 'Which religion does Allah Almighty love the most?' He
replied, 'The simple Hanifiyya one.'"
