Akhlaaq (Sublime Character) and Nisbat (special connection with Allah Ta’ala)

Hazrat Shaikh Moulana Muhammad Zakariyya (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) mentioned:

Nisbat and Akhlaaq (sublime character) are both distinct attributes. Each one is unique in its own way. As far as Nisbat is concerned, it is a special connection one has with Allah Ta’ala. The more one strengthens one’s relationship with Allah Ta’ala (through carrying out pious deeds), the stronger one’s nisbat grows. On the contrary, if one falls short in this relationship (through committing sins), his nisbat with Allah Ta’ala weakens. On the other hand, Akhlaaq (sublime character) relates to the beloved lifestyle of Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). Emulating the mubaarak lifestyle of Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) and inculcating his mubaarak qualities is referred to as sublime character. At this juncture Hazrat Shaikh recited these couplets:

The colour of henna will only show its true effect once it permeates (i.e. the beauty of the Sunnah will only show itself through a person’s sublime character, when the sunnah permeates a person’s heart and life) (Malfoozaate Hazrat Shaikh 1/111)