“The most complete of the believers in faith, is the one with the best character among them. And the best of you are those who are best to your women.”
Hadith Reference
Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1162 - The Book on Suckling
Textual Analysis
"The most complete of the believers in faith, is the one with the best character among them." This establishes a direct correlation between the perfection of faith and excellence of character, indicating that true faith manifests in noble conduct.
"And the best of you are those who are best to your women." This specifies a particular manifestation of good character, emphasizing the treatment of women as a measure of spiritual excellence.
Scholarly Commentary
Imam at-Tirmidhi classifies this hadith as hasan sahih (good and authentic). The scholars explain that completeness of faith refers to its perfection and comprehensive implementation, not merely its existence.
Al-Mubarakfuri in Tuhfat al-Ahwadhi comments that good character encompasses all virtuous traits: patience, humility, honesty, and fulfilling the rights of others.
Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali notes that being "best to your women" includes kindness, proper maintenance, gentle speech, patience with shortcomings, and fulfillment of marital rights according to the Shariah.
Practical Implications
This hadith establishes that Islamic spirituality is fundamentally practical, measured by interpersonal conduct rather than mere ritual observance.
It particularly elevates the status of women in Islam, making their proper treatment a criterion for spiritual excellence and leadership in the community.
The conjunction between the two parts indicates that treatment of women is among the most significant manifestations of good character and complete faith.