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Possessing a knowledge of the different temperaments really enables us to bear with our fellow human beings more patiently. When we are able to realize that much of what we may consider as "defects" in others is really a consequence of the temperament that Allah has bestowed upon them, we can excuse them more readily and we will not so easily be excited or angered by them.
Islamic medicine has relied heavily on the concept of temperament since the time of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The four temperaments again are:
The Sanguine
Sanguines are self-composed - seldom showing signs of embarrassment - and can be "forward" or bold. They like to be heard and are eager to express themselves before groups. Keenly alive to their social and physical environments, they are often easily influenced by those around them or by their surroundings. Not very selective in choosing friends, they make new acquaintances easily from their wide range of companions.
This temperament type often turns from activity to activity in quick succession, with little perseverance, and experiences many fluctuations of mood. Sanguines are optimistic, overlook difficulties, and are always sure of success.
They seem to remain free of the violent passions of cholerics, and the pusillanimity and anxiety of melancholics. However, an immature sanguine can lack depth in religion as well as other areas of life, and feels so happy when praised that they are very susceptible to flattery. In their desire to enjoy life, such a person can also be very frivolous.
In the realm of work, sanguines often complain or are unhappy. Not because they are truly dissatisfied, but because everything that requires limits, great perseverance, or a denial of gratification is very hard on sanguines. They adore activity, but they hate the word "work;" thus, they often try to make their work more "fun."
In relationships, sanguines are very helpful to neighbors and friends, and are always willing to lend a hand. They are sociable, easily making new contacts. They are entertaining to listen to and usually very willing to please.
In the realm of personal improvement, sanguine persons must give themselves to reflection on spiritual as well as temporal affairs by performing the five prayers each day without fail. They must continually struggle against those faults to which they are so inclined by their natural disposition such as vanity and self complacency; love of particular friendships; sentimentality; sensuality; jealousy; levity; superficiality, inconsistency and instability.
Sanguine children must be looked after; they must be told that they are not allowed to leave their work unfinished. Their assertions, resolutions, and promises must not be taken too seriously; they must continually be checked on to determine whether they have really carefully executed their work. These children must be kept under strict supervision and guidance; they must be carefully guarded against bad company, because they can easily be influenced.
The Choleric
Cholerics are people of enthusiasm and passion. They are not satisfied with the ordinary, but aspire after the great and lofty. They crave great success in temporal affairs - seeking large fortunes, vast businesses, elegant homes, distinguished reputations, and predominant positions.
In spiritual matters, cholerics are swayed with a consuming fire for holiness; they are filled with a yearning desire to make great sacrifices for Allah and for neighbors, and to lead many souls to heaven. However, cholerics see only one road - often not noticing that another road may be easier.
Cholerics rely too much on their own knowledge and abilities. They refuse the help of others, preferring to work alone; partly, because they do not like to ask for help and, partly, because they believe themselves to be more capable than others, and sure to succeed without the help of others. It is not easy to convince cholerics that they are in need of Allah's help - even in little things.
Spiritually, if cholerics develop their faculties and use them for good and noble purposes, they may do great things for the honor of Allah, for the benefit of their fellow human beings, and for their own temporal and eternal welfare.
When striving for personal improvement, cholerics need high ideals and noble thoughts, which they must draw from prayer, khutbah, and the reading of spiritual materials as well as from their own life experiences. They will make still greater progress if they can learn to humble themselves to ask others - at least, their superiors - for instructions and direction.
In the work force, cholerics are very patient and firm in the endurance of physical pain and are willing to make sacrifices. This often makes them good workers, but they are also susceptible to being "work-a-holics." Choleric persons need to make sure they take vacation time to spend with their family and friends.
The Melancholic
Melancholic individuals are typically self-conscious, easily embarrassed, and may be timid, or bashful. They may perhaps be confident, yet reclusive. They avoid talking before groups; when obliged to, they find it difficult. They are attentive to details and very careful. Melancholics are deliberative and slow in making decisions; perhaps, overcautious even in minor matters.
In the realm of relationships, they tend to be detached from their environment, and reserved and distant except with intimate friends. They incline towards depression, and are frequently moody or gloomy. They are very sensitive and easily hurt. They do not form acquaintances readily; they prefer a narrow range of friends, and tend to exclude others. Melancholics do not feel at home among crowds for any length of time, and they love silence and solitude. People close to melancholics must understand these needs and not feel offended by them.
Their serious view of life, love of solitude, and inclination to reflection are a great help in acquiring the interior life of prayer. In the area of personal improvement, they spend too much time worrying over possible misfortune and crossing bridges before they come to them. They are secretive, reclusive, and not inclined to speak unless spoken to. They need to make more effort to improve their communication skills and to share themselves with the people around them. In the training of melancholic children, special care must be taken to always be kind and friendly, and to encourage and keep them busy.
The Phlegmatic
People with a predominant phlegmatic temperament are deliberative, slow in making decisions, and over cautious in minor matters. They are usually indifferent to external affairs, having very little interest in what is going on around them, and they are reserved and distant. They are slow in movement, but have a marked tendency to persevere and are usually appreciated for their constancy of mood. Phlegmatic persons are not at all, or only weakly, touched by those trying to make impressions. Their reaction is feeble or entirely missing, and those impressions that are made fade away very quickly. They are not easily exasperated by offenses, or by failure or suffering.
Training phlegmatic children is very difficult, because external influence has little effect on them and inner personal motives are lacking. It is necessary to explain everything in the most minute detail to them, and repeat it again and again, so that at least some lasting impression can be made, and to accustom them, with patience and clarity, to strictly following a well-planned life.
Phlegmatic types have a quiet will of iron. They may seem quiet and "pushovers" at times, but they can turn into a wall when pushed against their will. They may resist change and appear lazy at times, and they may not be the most exciting people to be around. However, they are kind and easy to get along with, inoffensive, they spend time with their friends and family, are good listeners, show compassion and concern, and do not get upset easily. Phlegmatics are often unappreciated since they do not provide the "glitter" and "glamour" that attracts a lot of people, but they are usually appreciated by friends and family who know they can be depended on. In their spiritual pursuits, they may not exceed; yet, they will be steady.
Sources:
- Chisti, Hakim G.M., N.D. The Traditional Healer's Handbook: A Classic Guide to the Medicine of Avicenna
- Thomson, John. Natural Childhood. Keirsey, David. Please Understand Me II.
- Littaner, Florence. Personality Plus.
- Between Heaven and Earth Chinese Medicine
- Culpeper. Complete Herbal and English Physician
Other Sources:
- Hydebrand. Childhood: The Study of the Growing Soul
- Spock, Marjorie. Teaching as a Lively Art.
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