THE CHARACTER OF THE PROPHET (SALLALLAAHU 'ALAIHI WASALLAM)

One day, Hadhrat 'Aisha (Radiyallahu anha) was asked to describe the character of the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam), and she replied without hesitation:

"His character is encompassed in the Qur'an."

This means that his way of thinking, his actions, his decisions, his advice, and his words were all based on the Qur'an, and that he modelled his daily life on the Qur'anic or divinely inspired teachings. In short, he personified all the virtues stated in the Qur'an, and everything he did was in accordance with the Book of Allah.

Thus, as Muslims who have accepted him as the Perfect Guide, showing us the path to a perfect and happy life, it is essential that we instil in ourselves reverence and respect for his habits and sublime character. We must establish the morals of the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) in our hearts so that love for him and the desire to imitate him dominate our innermost being. To aid in this, some verses of the Qur'an and Ahaadith will be quoted, Insha'Allah.

Allah Ta'ala says:

"There is certainly an excellent example in the Messenger of Allah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) for the one who fears Allah and the Last Day, and who remembers Allah abundantly." (33:21)
"Verily, you are upon an exalted character." (68:4)
"Enter when you are called and disperse once you have eaten without engaging in conversation. Indeed, this hurts the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam), but he is shy for you. Allah does not shy away from the truth." (33:53)

This verse refers to a particular incident when some companions (Radiyallahu anhum) stayed longer than necessary at the house of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam), who was eager to retire for the night. Although the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) was inconvenienced by their late presence, he refrained from asking them to leave, not wanting to hurt their feelings. This reluctance was related to his personal obligations, not to matters of Tabligh.

Let us now examine the main characteristics of the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) as preserved in the traditions:

1. Never, with his blessed hand, did he hit a woman or one of the slaves. Hadhrat Anas (Radiyallahu anhu), who served him for ten years, narrates:

"He never blamed me nor reproached me in the slightest; he never said to me, 'Did you do this?' or 'Why didn’t you do that?'"

Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) was naturally the kindest of people. Once, Hadhrat Anas (Radiyallahu anhu) was asked to go and do something, but he refused, although in his heart he intended to do it. Later, when he went on the errand, he passed by some children who were playing in the marketplace and mingled with them.

Suddenly, the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) appeared, and, while laughing, grabbed his neck, saying:

"Are you going?"

Anas (Radiyallahu anhu) replied:

"Yes, I am going now!"(Muslim)

2. Hadhrat Abu Zarr (Radiyallahu anhu) heard the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) proclaim:

"These are your brothers, those servants whom Allah has placed under your authority. Whoever is the master of his brother should give him from what he himself eats and clothe him as he clothes himself."

3. Hadhrat Anas (Radiyallahu anhu) narrates:

"I was walking with Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam), who was wearing a heavy shawl made of Najran. As we walked, we encountered a Bedouin who grabbed the shawl and pulled it so hard that the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) found himself near the Bedouin's stomach. The Bedouin then said:

'O Muhammad (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam)! Order that I also be given from the goodness of Allah that is with you.'"

The Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) smiled and ordered that a gift be given to him. (Bukhari, Muslim)

4. Hadhrat Jaabir (Radiyallahu anhu) said that the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) never refused to give anything that was asked of him. If he had it, he would give it. If he did not have it, he would apologise and promise to give it at a later time. (Bukhari, Muslim)

5. Hadhrat Anas (Radiyallahu anhu) reports that a man asked the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) for the sheep that belonged to him. These sheep were between two hills, and the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) gave them to him. The man then returned to his people, saying:

"O people! Accept Islam. Verily, Muhammad gives so much in charity that he is not afraid of poverty." (Muslim)

6. Hadhrat Jubeir bin Mut'im (Radiyallahu anhu) said that once, while returning from Hunayn, he was walking with the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) when a group of Bedouins surrounded him to ask him (the Prophet [Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam]) for gifts. They took everything from the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam). Eventually, they even took his shawl from his body. Thereupon, the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) said:

"At least give me back my shawl... If I had camels as numerous as the trees, I would have distributed them among you; and you would not have found me stingy or small-hearted." (Muslim)

7. Hadhrat Anas (Radiyallahu anhu) narrates that after the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) finished Salat-ul-Fajr, the servants of the people of Madinah would bring vessels of water in which he would dip his blessed hand. This was done for the sake of barakah (blessing). Even on extremely cold mornings, he would still dip his hand into the vessel filled with water. (Muslim)

8. Hadhrat Anas (Radiyallahu anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) was not of a harsh nature and never cursed anyone. When someone needed to be reprimanded, he would exclaim (at worst):

"What is the matter with him? Let the dust accumulate on his forehead."(Bukhari)

This phrase, "Let the dust accumulate on his forehead," is not a curse. In fact, during Salah, dust accumulates on the forehead during Sajdah when the head touches the ground. In a way, this saying was a Du'a (supplication) for the betterment of the person. It suggested that the sinful would find rectitude through regular Salah, as Salah prevents evil and shameful actions. This is emphasised in the Qur'an, where Allah Ta'ala says:

"... Establish Salah. Verily, Salah prevents immoral behaviour and evil..." (29:45)

9. Hadhrat Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri (Radiyallahu anhu) narrates that the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) was more shy and modest than a virgin in seclusion – "Pardah Nasheen."

10. Hadhrat 'Aisha (Radiyallahu anha) said:

"Never did the hand of the Messenger of Allah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) touch the hand of a woman, unless she belonged to him." (Bukhari)

11. Hadhrat Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri (Radiyallahu anhu) said:

"When the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) saw something detestable, we could recognise it by the effect it had on his face." (Bukhari, Muslim)

He usually did not mention it, due to his great modesty, but when he was happy, his face would shine like a part of the moon, as reported by Hadhrat Abdullah Bin Ka'b (Radiyallahu anhu).

12. Hadhrat Aswad (Radiyallahu anhu) narrates that he once asked Hadhrat 'Aisha (Radiyallahu anha):

"What did the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) use to do at home?"

She replied:

"He used to join his wives in housework. And when the time for prayer came, he would go and pray." (Bukhari)

Some of the household chores that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) used to do are mentioned in the Hadith below.

13. Hadhrat 'Aisha Siddiqah (Radiyallahu anha) reports that the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) used to mend his shoes, sew his clothes, and do housework just like any of you. He also used to patch his clothes, milk the goats, and engage in various tasks. (Tirmidhi)

14. Hadhrat 'Aisha (Radiyallahu anha) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) did not kill anything with his own hands, nor did he strike any servant. It is true, however, that Jihad in the path of Allah was an exception. He did not strike anyone in anger, nor did he inconvenience anyone unnecessarily or out of a spirit of revenge. However, when the commandments of Allah were disregarded, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) would take the necessary measures for the sake of Allah Ta'ala.(Muslim)

15. Hadhrat Anas (Radiyallahu anhu) narrates:

"I was eight years old when I entered the service of the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam). I served him for ten years. When I damaged something with my hands, he never scolded me. Even if someone from his family did it, he would defend them, saying:
'If something else had been decreed, it would have happened.'" (Baihaqi)

16. Hadhrat Anas (Radiyallahu anhu) narrates that the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) would visit the sick and attend funeral services (Janazah). (Ibn Maajah, Baihaqi)

17. Hadhrat Anas (Radiyallahu anhu) reported that when engaging in Musafahah (shaking hands) with someone, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) would never withdraw his hand before the other person withdrew theirs; nor would he turn his face away before the other person turned theirs. The Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) was never seen stretching his feet in front of others. (Tirmidhi)

18. In the book "Shamaail Tirmidhi", there are two long narrations, some of which are quoted here:

Hadhrat Hassan (Radiyallahu anhu) and Hadhrat Hussein (Radiyallahu anhu), the two grandsons of the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam), reported on the authority of their father, Hadhrat 'Ali (Radiyallahu anhu):

"At home, the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) divided his time into three parts. In one part, he devoted himself to the Ibaadah of Allah (Azza wa Jal). During the second part, he attended to the rights of his family. The final part was reserved for himself, which was further subdivided between himself and others. The blessings and barakah of this time spread among the people through the Sahabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallahu anhum).

During this time reserved for others, the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) would allow some distinguished Sahabah to sit in his company. He had a preference for the distinguished Sahabah (Radiyallahu anhum) above others, because during this time they would engage together in matters concerning deen and the Ummah. They would come with the intention of benefiting from Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam). In addition to the benefits of knowledge, they would share meals with the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam). When they departed from his company, they would leave as guides of the Deen."

This was the atmosphere of the Prophet’s (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) special and distinguished gatherings.

As for the time he spent away from home, Hadhrat Hassan (Radiyallahu anhu) and Hadhrat Hussain (Radiyallahu anhu) narrate, on the authority of Hadhrat 'Ali (Radiyallahu anhu), that the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) was always pleasant and smiling. People did not quarrel in his presence. He would not speak until his companion had finished speaking. He would overlook any disrespect in the conversation of a stranger. He would not interrupt a conversation unless it exceeded the limits. At that point, he would intervene, bringing it to an end either by prohibiting it immediately or by leaving the company.

This was his attitude towards the general public, i.e., those with whom he had ties, such as the Sahabah (Radiyallahu anhum). Regarding his attitude towards his enemies, something will be mentioned shortly.

19. Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (Radiyallahu anhu) narrates that once someone asked Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam):

"O Prophet of Allah! Curse the idolaters."

The Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) replied:

"I have not been sent as one who curses, but as a mercy." (Muslim)

He even used to make Duas for the betterment of his enemies, but at times he would supplicate to Allah Ta'ala to protect him from his enemies.

20. In a long Hadith narrated by Hadhrat 'Aisha (Radiyallahu anha) regarding the incident of Taif, the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) referred to the hardships he had suffered from the kuffaar on that occasion as being more severe than the sufferings he had endured during the Battle of Uhud. On that occasion in Taif, Hadhrat Jibra'il Amin (Alaihis Salaam) presented him to the angel in charge of the mountains. The angel greeted him and said:

"O Muhammad! I am the angel of the mountains. Allah has sent me to you so that you may command me. If you command me, I will crush the people of Taif between these two mountains."

However, the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) replied:

"No! I hope that Allah will create from them men who will worship none but Allah and will not associate anyone with Him."

Even at that critical moment, the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) did not think of revenge. He had only to give the order, and his enemies would have been annihilated. However, he chose to forgive them and prayed for them. He confronted his adversaries with love and affection.

21. In a Hadith recorded by Baihaqi, Hadhrat 'Ali (Radiyallahu anhu) narrates an incident involving a Jew who, at the time, was a subject of the Muslim state of Madinah. The Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) owed him a sum of money. The Jew came to demand repayment before the agreed deadline and confined the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) in the Masjid from Zuhr until Fajr. The Sahaabah (Radiyallahu anhum) began to protest against the Jew, but the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) stopped them, saying:

"Allah has forbidden me to be unjust to those with whom I have a treaty and to those with whom I do not have a treaty."

Late in the night, the Jew declared:

"I bear witness that there is no deity except Allah, and I bear witness that you (O Muhammad) are indeed the Messenger of Allah."

He then explained:

"I did this to the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) because his description appears in the Taurah. The Taurah describes him as Muhammad, son of Abdullah. His birthplace will be Makkah, and his place of emigration will be Madinah. His rule will extend over the land of Shaam (the Levant). He will not be harsh. He will not raise his voice in the markets. He will not commit immodest acts. I wanted to confirm that this man is indeed the Muhammad mentioned in the Taurah."

These are just some of the noble traits of the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam). If these few Ahaadith are read daily, as advised by Hadhrat Maulana Shah Ashraf 'Ali Saahib (Rahimahullah), one will quickly witness a transformation towards piety within oneself, Insha Allah.

يَا رَبِّ صَلِّ وَسَلِّمْ دَائِمًا أَبَدًا * عَلٰى حَبِيْبِكَ خَيْرِ الْخَلْقِ كُلِّهِمْ

[English version of "LE CARACTÈRE DU PROPHÈTE (Sallallaahou A'laihi Wasallam)" – Al Haadi – Vol. 2 No. 7]