Muslim men practice their religion through the five pillars of Islam. These pillars are:
Shahadah – This is known as the Muslim declaration of faith. This declaration expresses two simple important beliefs: “There is no God but God. Muhammed is the Prophet of Allah.”
Salat – This refers to the Muslim prayers. Salat is performed five times a day every day at specific times. The most important prayer of the week is the midday prayers on Friday (Jummah).
Zakat – This refers to almsgiving.
Saum – This refers to the fasting period during the holy month of Ramadhan. During this period, adult male Muslims are required to abstain from food, drink and any sexual relations (if married) during the day. There are however exceptions for serving soldiers, illness and travelers.
Hajj – This refers to the pilgrimage to Mecca, the holy city of Islam. At least one in his lifetime, a Muslim man must make this pilgrimage during the month of Dhu al-Hijja.
Qualities of a Good Muslim man
There are many qualities that can be used to identify good Muslim men. However I have narrowed down to the main qualities that Muslim men should try and adhere to. Most of these qualities are tied into the faith and what Islam expects of a man:
- He should always be in pursuit of knowledge. Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) was illiterate but he always encouraged people to read and learn more. Through reading one gains knowledge. Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) said: “He who travels in search of knowledge, to him God shows the way of paradise.”
- He should always be focused and work towards Jannah. Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) said: “Live in this world (as if you are) a wayfarer or a stranger.” This means that a Muslim man should focus on doing bettering himself and following his deen ensuring his entry into Jannah. He should not get caught up in the desires, entrapments and ways of this world.
- He should always be gentle but firm. Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) said: “He is not strong and powerful who throws people down, but he is strong who withholds himself from anger.” “Deal gently with people, and be not harsh; cheer them and condemn not.” This is a delicate balance, a Muslim man should be diplomatic, not quick to anger, not raise his voice unnecessarily or to prove a point.
- He should always keep his tongue from evil. A Muslim man should always avoid situations whereby he may engage in gossip, slander and backbiting which are considered great sins.
- He should always honour his word. A Muslim man should always be truthful, sincere and honest. Whatever he promises to do, he should see it through. He should always endeavor to be trustworthy.
- He should always respect and treat women well. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said in a famous hadith: 'Paradise lies at the feet of your mother' [Musnad Ahmad, Sunan An-Nasâ’i, Sunan Ibn Mâjah]. This lays the foundation upon which women are held in high esteem and should always be respected and treated with respect. A good Muslim man will lower his gaze as a beautiful woman walks by him. He will respect his mother, his sisters, his wife and his daughters and treat them the way they deserve to be treated.
- He should always take care of himself. He should be neat. He should be able to fend for himself and his family once he has one.
- He understands that trials and tribulations are a part of life.