The Different Dimensions of Akhlaq

When people think of having good akhlaq, some of them only think of the human-human interaction dimension. They forget that there are three other dimensions when it comes to akhlaq:

1) Human vs. Allah: Your akhlaq with Allah entails submission to His commands, and that you make dua to Allah and pray to Allah in the manner and respect that He commands.

2) Human vs. Self: As some say, “if you cannot respect yourself, how can you respect others?” Be patient during trials, organize and respect your time, strive to be good and precise at everything you do, make sure there is wisdom and logic behind all your actions, etc.

3) Human vs. non-Human Creation: Do not mistreat animals, do not pollute the environment, do not destroy public property, etc.

Akhlaq covers all these dimensions and should not be reduced to merely smiling at people and being diplomatic during discussions.