When together with the Real (al-Ḥaqq), it is truthfulness (ṣidq).
Vāsitī says: The “great character” (ḥuluq-i ʿaẓīm) mentioned in the verse refers to not showing enmity due to the intensity of knowing Allah, nor being subjected to enmity oneself. (ʿAwārif, 138)
Creation (khalq) is of two kinds: The first is the creation of decree (taqdīrī khalq). This is when the Real (al-Ḥaqq) gives precedence to creation and postpones the command, i.e., when the divine command is given precedence: "Unquestionably, His is the creation (khalq) and the command (amr)." (al-Aʿrāf 7:54). The other kind of creation is in the sense of origination (ijāda, bringing into being). Even if, in terms of rank, it comes before creation, the divine command accompanies creation. The divine command concerning origination is between two creations: the creation of decree and the creation of origination. The creation related to His command is the creation of origination. (Futūḥāt, IV, 212)
We say concerning character (akhlāq): It is a disposition (malaka) established in the nafs (the lower self), from which actions emerge easily, without compulsion or deliberation. Intellectually and according to the sharia (the sacred law), that which is good is called good character, and that which is not is called bad character. These two types of character are distributed in a balanced way among three faculties: knowledge, anger (ghaḍab), and desire (shahwa). (Rawḍa, 444)
There are four principles of character: wisdom (ḥikma), courage (shajāʿa), chastity (ʿiffa), and justice (ʿadāla). Wisdom is a faculty of the nafs by which, in all voluntary actions, one distinguishes right from wrong. Justice...