As a flawless religion Islam stresses the value of akhlaq (morality) in addition to regulating aspects of belief (aqidah) and practicals (sharia). A Muslims personality is shaped by two primary factors that are intricately linked: akhlaq and faith. Faith will not be complete without good akhlaq and akhlaq will not mean anything if it is not strong. The relationship between faith and akhlaq is examined in this article from the standpoint of Islamic teachings.
A Mirror of Faith in Akhlaq
Akhlaq and faith are inextricably linked in Islamic teachings. Faith is the basis for creating noble akhlaq and akhlaq is a reflection of ones faith. It is easy for someones akhlaq to waver if they lack a strong faith. On the other hand strong akhlaq enhances a Muslims faith in life. The core belief in Allah ﷻ His messengers and everything taught in Islam is known as aqidah and it is the foundation of faith. Akhlaq however is how this belief is expressed in day-to-day activities. Faith must be demonstrated by actions and behavior that are consistent with Islamic principles rather than just being a conviction in the heart. A sincere follower of Islam will demonstrate good akhlaq. His goal was to perfect human morality as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated in Hadith narrated by Ahmad and Al-Baihaqi:
Indeed I was sent to perfect noble character.
This suggests that akhlaq is a crucial component of faith in practice rather than an extra component.
Also read:Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as a Role Model of Character Education
Akhlaq Formation and the Impact of Aqidah
A sound aqidah is the main source of akhlaq for Muslims of all backgrounds. A person who practices correct aqidah is motivated to follow Allah ﷻ’s instructions and abstain from His prohibitions. Akhlaq becomes an expression of faith in Allah ﷻ prophets holy texts angels the Day of Judgment and divine destiny. An individual’s level of faith is reflected in the quality of their akhlaq. Islam teaches that in reality faith must lead to good deeds that demonstrate admirable akhlaq. A Muslim must display their faith by acting in ways that uphold Islamic principles such as justice compassion patience honesty and civility. Many scholars also emphasize the connection between faith and akhlaq.
Strong faith inherently creates good character as demonstrated by Imam Al-Ghazalis description of akhlaq as a quality ingrained in the soul that causes one to act naturally without conscious thought. On the other hand, poor akhlaq indicates a lack of faith. A persons aqidah and akhlaq are not connected when they act dishonestly violate trust or commit injustice while professing to be a believer. As a result in Islam akhlaq improvement frequently coincides with aqidah strengthening. In conclusion. Moreover akhlaq in Islam includes relationships with Allah ﷻ oneself and the environment in addition to relationships with other people. Akhlaq rooted in faith includes deeds like sincerely worshiping keeping oneself clean preserving trust and acting justly in all facets of ones life.
Also read:Faith (Iman) and It’s Relationship with Mental Health
To Strengthen Faith is to Strengthen Akhlaq
The development of aqidah is inextricably linked to moral education in Islam. A person will be inspired to continuously better themselves and work toward noble character (akhlaqul karimah) if they have a strong aqidah. In conclusion there is a close connection between akhlaq and Islamic faith. Faith is the basis of akhlaq and akhlaq is a reflection of faith. They are inextricably linked and support one another. A genuine Muslim incorporates both into their day-to-day activities. In addition to strengthening their faith Muslims who practice good akhlaq and correct aqidah also set an example for society. Let’s align our iman with our akhlaq and become explementary Muslim.
Also read:Can Faith (Iman) Really Increase and Decrease?
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References
Amelia Sandres, Putri Nabila, Dede Juliansyah, Dwi Noviani. (2023). Hubungan Antara Akidah Dan Akhlak Dalam Islam. UIN Raden Fatah Palembang. https://doi.org/10.1234/sell
Fathir, A. (2024). Hubungan Aqidah dan Akhlak dalam Islam. Kompasiana. https://www.kompasiana.com/adrianfathir4149/672f992b34777c7d58344a43/hubungan-aqidah-dan-akhlak-dalam-islam
Redaksi Washliyah. (2022). Keterkaitan Akhlaq dengan Aqidah. Washliyah.or.id. https://washliyah.or.id/blog/2022/03/08/keterkaitan-akhlaq-dengan-aqidah/
Tambahpinter. (2020). Hubungan Aqidah, Syariah dan Akhlak. https://tambahpinter.com/hubungan-aqidah-syariah-dan-akhlak/