The Qualities of a Mu’min

Imam Zain-ul-’Abidin (as) says: A Mu’min remains silent that he desires to protect himself from sinning. He speaks with a purpose of getting reward from Allah. Whatever is told to him in confidence he never reveals to his best of friends. What he bears witness to, he doesn’t hide from his friends. Whatever good deed a Mu’min does has no element of stealth in it. He is never ashamed of performing an act of prayer and obedience. If people praise him for his good qualities, he expresses fear that the praises might go to his head. At such time he does istighfar seeking Allah’s protection from the Satan that the person praising him is not aware of his faults. He doesn’t remain oblivious of his own faults not to get carried away by the talk of others. A Mu’min is always conscious of the the record keeers of his deeds (the karamain Katibain)
Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (as) says: A Mu’min is steadfast in his affairs of religion. Every moment he has the thought of the Hereafter in his mind. He behaves softly and affably with others. In faith he will be in the stage of firm belief. He will be always seeking knowledge on facts and the understanding of Allah (Maarifath). He enjoys tasks that help to enhance his knowledge. He performs good deeds with patience and justice.
Despite possessing vast knowledge, he is humble in his behaviour with others. Although intellectually superior, he never makes a show of this trait to others. In the cause of truth he is bold and just. Even if he is rich, he adopts an equanimous way of life. If he is poor, he takes pride in his poverty. He is generous to a fault and forgives when others cause him some harm. Revenge is not in his nature. He considers goodwill for other Muslims as obedience to Allah. He controls evil desires with great courage.
Despite the pleasures of sin, he keeps himself away from such acts. He has great desire for Jehad. While at prayer, his mind is totally dedicated to Allah. In times of great difficulty he is patient. He is never overwhelmed with the worldly hardships. He is thankful to Allah for the comforts and blessings available to him. He never does backbiting about others. He always thinks well of his kinsmen and friends. He is never tardy in doing a good deed. He is never short tempered and rude in his behaviour with others. He controls his eyes and whenever he views anything Allah’s goodwill is always in his mind.
To satisfy his palate he never does taboo things. Carnal desires never overwhelm him. He is free of all desire of jealousy. He is not a spendthrift but is always ready to help others to the extent possible. For making others comfortable, he is ready to bear some hardship. He doesn’t run after worldly fame and pomp. He is never scared of the hardships that confront him. He can never be faulted for any act of his. When asked for his advice, he gives a considered opinion on matters. The poor and impecunious always look forward to his help. He abstains from foolish, bawdy and useless talk.
Someone asked the Prophet of Islam (S), “Kindly tell me about the qualities of a Mu’min.” He said, “A Mu’min has twenty qualities. A person is not a Mu’min if he doesn’t have these traits, his faith (Iman) will not be perfect. These traits are: A Mu’min prays regularly, gives Zakat, feeds the hungry, is kind to orphans, wears neat and clean clothes, does supplication to Allah with great fervor, never tells lies, he always keeps his promises, shows great integrity, always upholds the truth, supplicates during the nights, lives boldly during the days, makes sincere effort in the way of truth, remains awake in the nights and fasts during the day, is kind to his neighbors, is helpful to widows, joins the funeral processions, takes part in Jehad and walks on the land with humility. May Allah help us to acquire the traits of a Mu’min.”
Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (as) narrates that someone asked the Prophet of Islam (S) to give a description of good pewople. The Prophet (S) replied: A good person is one from whose hands and tongue people are safe. A good person is one who thanks Allah for the bounties endowed on him. In times of difficulty he should be patient and equanimous. When someone inflicts hardship on him unnecessarily, he should bear it patiently and forgive the person. When he commits a sin, he should seek Allah’s forgiveness (Astaghfar)