The Creation of Muhammad, Peace and Blessings be upon Him
In a country where there is no government or law, where bloodshed and murder are common, where the inhabitants resemble beasts in savagery and plunder, and are worse than animals in ignorance and irrationality, making a claim that would seem strange to the entire country and ignite immediate opposition among all tribes was not easy. Yet this claim flourished in such a state that millions of people, despite extreme opposition, wholeheartedly, with their lives, wealth, and possessions, agreed for years to uphold it. This is absolute proof of divine support.
The brilliance of the Prophet ﷺ’s morals, virtues, qualities, and commendable traits shines like gold in sand, and these very events indicate that the one who lives a life of equal simplicity and poverty amid contrasting states of oppression and power can only be the one whose heart is seized by the sanctity of God and who has been purified from worldly attachments.
The blessed events of the Prophet ﷺ’s life are the best example and model for every country, every individual, and every group. Under this premise, I will briefly mention the morals of the Noble Prophet ﷺ, which are the best divine discipline. The phrase “The Character of Muhammad ﷺ” has become a metaphor for the best elders to express habits, manners, and traits. Here, I will not mention the perfections of prophethood or the special characteristics of the Prophet ﷺ. I only intend to write about simple circumstances that any fortunate person can adopt as a model.
لقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِي رَسُولِ اللَّهِ أَسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةً
There is for you in the Messenger of Allah ﷺ an excellent example.
The Master of the Messengers ﷺ was unlettered, knew neither reading nor writing, and until the time of revelation and prophethood, had no access to any scholar’s company. Poetry, horsemanship, spear-throwing, rhymed speech, eulogy, and genealogy were arts of that time which every young nobleman of a noble family learned to gain fame and honor, and without which no person, country, or nation could gain respect or distinction. The Prophet ﷺ did not acquire any of these arts (by learning) nor did he show interest in any of them. Regarding the Prophet ﷺ, the European professor Sidiou writes:
The Noble Prophet was cheerful, sociable, mostly silent, frequently mentioning Allah, avoiding frivolity, abhorring vulgarity, possessing excellent judgment and intellect.
In matters of justice, the Prophet ﷺ treated the near and far equally, loved the poor, was happy living among the destitute, never belittled a poor person for their poverty, nor considered a king great because of kingship. He reconciled those who sat with him, was patient with the actions of the ignorant, never left a person until they left first, loved the companions immensely, sat on the bare ground without any (seat or carpet), tied his own shoes, mended his own clothes.
He greeted enemies and disbelievers with an open face
Hujjat al-Islam Ghazali writes:
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ fed the livestock himself, tied the camels, cleaned the house, milked the goats, ate with servants, helped servants with their chores, went to the market himself to buy things, carried them himself, greeted every noble and wise person first, walked holding the hand of whoever accompanied him, made no distinction between slave and master, Abyssinian and Turk, wore the same clothes day and night, accepted invitations from even the humblest person, ate eagerly whatever was placed before him, did not save food from dinner for breakfast or from breakfast for dinner. He was good-natured, generous, quick to anger but did not laugh, sorrowful but not sulky, humble without meanness, dignified without harshness, generous but not wasteful, merciful to all, bore no grudge, kept his noble head bowed.
Shah Waliullah writes: Whoever came suddenly before the Noble Prophet ﷺ was struck with awe, and whoever sat near him became a devotee.
(This phrase is a translation of the poetry of Syedna Ali Murtaza ؓ, who says: (من راه بهدیه هابه دمن خالطه محبةعشقه) He was very kind to family members and servants. Anas ؓ served him for ten years and during that time he never even said “uff” (a mild expression of annoyance) to him. No foul or abusive words ever came from his blessed tongue. He never cursed anyone. He was extremely patient with others’ pain and suffering. He was very merciful to all creation, and no harm came from his blessed hand or tongue. He paid great attention to the reform of his family and the correction of his nation, and was aware of the value and status of every person and thing. He always kept his gaze fixed on the heavenly kingdom.
The Noble Prophet ﷺ gave glad tidings to the obedient, warned the ignorant, provided refuge to the unaware, was a servant and messenger of Allah, left all affairs to Allah, was neither harsh nor severe, did not shout, took revenge for evil with kindness, forgave those who sought forgiveness, pardoned sinners. His mission was to correct the faults of religions; his teachings gave eyes to the blind, ears to the deaf, and lifted the veils from heedless hearts. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ was adorned with every virtue, possessed all noble morals, tranquility was his garment, goodness his motto, piety his conscience, wisdom his speech, justice his conduct. His Shariah was complete, his nation Islam, and guidance his leader. He removed misguidance, elevated the unknown, made the obscure famous, turned scarcity into abundance, and poverty into wealth.
Silence and Speech
The Holy Prophet ﷺ often remained silent. He would never speak without necessity. The Holy Prophet ﷺ was extremely sweet-spoken and perfectly eloquent. There was no flaw in his speech. His conversation was so captivating that it would seize the heart and soul of the listener. This attribute of the Holy Prophet ﷺ was so well-established that even opponents testified to it, and ignorant enemies used to call it magic and sorcery.
The sequence of his speech was arranged in such a way that there was no disruption between word and meaning. The words were uttered in such order that if the listener wished, he could count the words.
Laughing and Crying
The Holy Prophet ﷺ never liked to laugh out loud, nor did he laugh himself. His laughter was only a smile. Sometimes, during the Tahajjud prayer, the Holy Prophet ﷺ would weep. He would become tearful upon the death of a sincere person. The son of the Holy Prophet ﷺ, Ibrahim (peace be upon him), passed away while still nursing. When he was laid in the grave, tears filled the eyes of the Holy Prophet ﷺ. He said:
تدمع العين ويحزن القلب ولا نقول الامايرضى ربنا و انا علیک یا ابراہیم محرونون۔
“There is moisture in the eyes, sorrow in the heart, yet we say what pleases our Lord. Ibrahim, we are grieved because of you.”
Once, he held his granddaughter who was dying (the daughter of Zainab) in his lap. At that moment, tears filled the eyes of the Prophet ﷺ. Saad رضي الله عنه asked, O Messenger of Allah ﷺ! What is this? He replied: This is the mercy that Allah fills in the hearts of His servants, and Allah will also have mercy on those servants who are merciful.
Once, Ibn Masood رضي الله عنه was reciting the Holy Quran to the Holy Prophet ﷺ. When he reached this verse:
فكيف إذا جتنا مِن كُلِّ أُمَّةٍ بِشَهِيْدٍ جِئْنَا بِكَ عَلَى هَوَلا شَہیدًا
“Then how will it be when Allah will appoint a witness over every nation, and He will appoint you as a witness over all these nations.”
The Prophet ﷺ said: Wait. When Ibn Masood رضي الله عنه looked up, tears were flowing from the eyes of the Prophet ﷺ.
Guidance Regarding Food
He forbade sleeping hungry at night and stated that doing so causes old age.
He used to forbid sleeping immediately after eating.
He encouraged reducing food intake. He used to say that one-third of the stomach should be left for food, one-third for water, and one-third for the stomach itself.
He recommended the consumption of fruits and vegetables along with these beneficial things.
Disease and the Sick
He protected against many diseases and instructed healthy people to be cautious of them.
He ordered the sick to seek treatment from a skilled physician.
And he commanded to observe abstinence.
Ignorant Physician
The ignorant physician used to be prohibited from practicing medicine and held responsible for the harm caused to the patient
.
Using forbidden substances as medicine was prohibited. It is stated: Allah has not placed healing in forbidden things for you.
.
Visiting the Sick
Among the Companions, whoever became ill, they used to visit him. During the visit, they would sit close to the patient. They would comfort the sick لابأس طهور (یا كفارة) ان شاء اللہ and ask the patient what he desired. If that thing was not harmful to him, they would arrange for it. A Jewish boy used to serve the Prophet ﷺ, and he also visited him during his illness.
Treatment
He Himself prescribed the use of medicine during illness and also instructed people to seek treatment:
يا عباد الله تدادوا فان الله عز وجل لم يصنع داء الا وضع له شفاء غير دار واحد قالوا ما هو قال الهرم
O servants of the Lord! Use medicine. For Allah has appointed a cure for every disease except one. People asked, what is it? He said old age (senility).
Recitation of the Sermon
He used to deliver sermons standing on the ground or on a pulpit, riding a mule or a she-camel. The sermon would begin with Tashahhud and end with seeking forgiveness. The Holy Quran was always included in this sermon, and the teachings of Islamic rules were imparted through it.
كان يخطب في كل وقت بما تقتضيه حاجة المخاطبين ومصلحتهم
The sermon always included matters that were immediately necessary for the Muslims, and depending on the time and need, everything was explained in the sermon.
Such sermons were not limited only to Fridays; rather, whenever there was a need and opportunity, people were benefited from the Holy Quran. During the sermon, he would hold a staff in his hand, sometimes a bow, and would sometimes rest on them while praising in his speech. The sword was never held in the hand during the sermon, nor was it used for support.
Allama Ibn Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) says:
“The ignorant say that the Prophet ﷺ used to stand on the pulpit holding a sword. Although there was an indication that the religion was established by the sword.”
The esteemed scholar states:
This statement of the ignorant is incorrect.
1. It is not proven that the sword was leaned upon during the sermon.
2. The commencement of delivering sermons began in Medina, and Medina was conquered through the Quran, not by the sword. Then the esteemed scholar also explains that the religion was established through revelation.
Charity and Gift
Never use anything from charity. However, gifts were accepted. The sincere companions, as well as Christians and Jews, would send items, and the Prophet ﷺ would accept them and also send gifts in return. But he refused to accept gifts from the polytheists. The mule sent by Muqawqis, the king of Egypt, was ridden by the Prophet ﷺ, and on the day of the Battle of Hunayn, that same mule was with the Prophet ﷺ. However, he refused to accept the horse sent by Amir bin Malik and stated that we do not accept gifts from polytheists.
The valuable gifts that used to come to the Prophet ﷺ were often distributed by him among his companions.
His Praise
He did not like such praise of himself that would imply a deficiency in another prophet, and he said:
لا تخیر وامین الانبیاء
Do not adopt such a style in mentioning the prophets that one appears inferior to another.
He attended a wedding where little girls were singing the historical achievements of their elders. They also sang, “Among us is a prophet who tells tomorrow’s matters today.” The Prophet ﷺ said, do not say what you used to say before, keep saying the same.
Correction of Expression of Reality or Good Faith
Sayyiduna Ibrahim, the son of the Messenger ﷺ, passed away. On that day, there was also a solar eclipse. People said that the sun was eclipsed because of Ibrahim’s death. The Prophet ﷺ delivered a sermon among the people and said that the sun and moon are not eclipsed because of anyone’s death or life.
Consideration of Public Interest
When the Quraysh built the structure of the Kaaba before Islam, they left some space outside the original Abrahamic structure. Then they placed the Chair (Miqsad) so high that steps had to be used, and the Kaaba had only one door. One day the Prophet ﷺ said to Aisha Tayyibaؓ:
ان قومك حديث عهدهم بكفر لنقضت الكعبة فجعلت لها بابين باب يدخل الناس وباب ارجون منه
Imam Bukhari titled this hadith chapter with these words: “Fear that some people might misunderstand,” this is in the Book of Knowledge.
The Quraysh had only recently become Muslims. Otherwise, I would have demolished this structure and placed two doors in the Kaaba, one for entering and one for exiting. When the mischievous acts and movements of the hypocrites exceeded limits, Umar Farooqؓ suggested that they should be killed. The Prophet ﷺ said, “No” (lest ignorant people say that Muhammad ﷺ started killing his own companions).
Humanity and Prophethood
The Prophet ﷺ always endeavored to distinctly separate those rulings that manifest the dignity of prophethood from the actions and sayings that are established as part of his humanity.
1. Once he said: I am a human being. Disputes arise before me, and one person presents his case better than the other, which leads me to believe that he is truthful, and I decide in his favor. So if a person receives something from a Muslim’s share based on this judgment, he should consider it a piece of fire. Now he may take it or leave it.
The Prophet ﷺ recommended Mughith, the husband of Barira the slave girl, who had become separated from her due to her emancipation. Barira asked: O Messenger of Allah ﷺ! Are you giving a command? He replied: No, I am recommending. She said: I do not need Mughith.
The people of Medina used to put the pulp of unripe dates on ripe dates. The Prophet ﷺ said: What is the need for this? The people of Medina stopped this practice. As a result, fewer fruits grew on the trees. People requested the Prophet ﷺ about this. He said: You know the affairs of the world better than I do; when I inform you of something related to religion, then follow it.
Kindness to children
When passing near children, he would greet them himself by saying As-Salamu Alaikum. He would place his hand on their heads and lift them into his lap.
Kindness to the Elderly
After the conquest of Mecca, Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) brought his elderly, weak, and blind father to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to pledge allegiance to Islam. The Prophet ﷺ said: Why did you trouble the elderly man? I would have gone to him myself.
1 – Saad bin Muadh (رضی اللہ عنہ) who was severely wounded in the trench. When he reached the mosque, he said to his companions (رضی اللہ عنہم) who were from the Aws tribe: قوموالِی سَيْدِكُمْ (Go to lead your chief). The people went and brought him forward.
2. Hassan (رضی اللہ عنہ) bin Thabit used to compose poems in support of Islam and in response to opponents. For him, a pulpit was placed in the Prophet’s Mosque ﷺ on which he would recite these poems.
Prayer for the servant
Anas bin Malik (رضی اللہ عنہ) served the Holy Prophet ﷺ for ten years in Medina. During this period, he never said to him why this work was not done. One day, he prayed for him: اللهم اكثر ماله وولده وبارك له ما اعطيته الہی ! May he be given much wealth and many children, and may whatever is granted to him be blessed.
Etiquette and Humility
1. Never sat with legs stretched out in the gathering.
2. Whoever he met, he would greet them first.
3. He would extend his hand first for a handshake.
4. He called the Companions by their kunyah (nickname) (this is the way of respectful address in Arabia).
5. He never interrupted anyone’s speech.
6. If he was praying Nawafil and someone sat beside him, he would shorten the prayer, fulfill the person’s need, and then resume the prayer.
7. He often remained smiling.
8. The Prophet’s ﷺ she-camel was named ‘Adba’. No animal could pass it. An Arab came on his mount and passed ‘Adba’. The Muslims found this very difficult. The Prophet ﷺ said:
ان حقا على الله عزوجل ان لا يرفع شيئاً من الدنيا الا وضعه
In this world, it is Allah’s way that whoever He raises, He also humbles.
9. A person came and called the Prophet ﷺ یا خیر البرية (the best of creation). The Prophet ﷺ said this status belongs to Ibrahim (peace be upon him).
10. A person came and trembled from the awe of the Prophet ﷺ. The Prophet ﷺ said:
هون علیک فالی لست بملک امما انا ابن امراة من قريش ناقل القديد
Have some courage, I am not a king. I am the son of a poor woman of Quraysh who used to eat dry meat.
Compassion and Mercy
Aisha Siddiqah (RA) says:
1- No person had better character than the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Whether a companion called him or a family member, the Prophet ﷺ would always respond with “Labbaik” (present).
2. He used to perform voluntary prayers (Nafl) secretly so that it would not be difficult for the Ummah to perform so much worship.
3. When two options were presented in a matter, he would choose the easier one.
4. He made a covenant with Allah that if he cursed or insulted anyone, that curse would become a means of forgiveness, mercy, and closeness to Allah for that person.
5. He said: Do not tell me about each other’s faults. I want to leave this world with a clean heart from everyone.
6. He would sometimes give advice and admonition so that people would not become arrogant.
7. Once there was a solar eclipse. During the eclipse prayer, the Prophet ﷺ was crying and supplicating.
رب الم تعدنی ان لا نعزبھم وانا فيهم وهم يستغفرون ونحن نستغفرك
Translation: O Lord! You have promised that these people will not be punished (in any case),
1. As long as I am among them.
2. As long as they keep seeking forgiveness. Now, O Allah! I am present and all are seeking forgiveness.
لکل نبي دعوة يدعو ابها فاستجيب لها فجعلت دعوت شفاعة لامعى يوم القيامة
Translation: Every prophet had a special supplication; they struggled and their prayers were accepted. I have reserved my supplication for the intercession of my Ummah on the Day of Judgment.
Justice and Mercy
If there is a dispute between two enemies, justice is administered, and if a person has a matter with the Prophet ﷺ, mercy is shown:
(1) A woman named Fatimah stole in Mecca. People interceded through Usama رضي الله عنه, who was very dear to the Prophet ﷺ. The Prophet ﷺ said: Do you intercede in the limits set by Allah? Listen! If Fatimah bint Muhammad ﷺ had done this, I would have carried out the punishment.
(2) Sawad bin Umar رضي الله عنه says that one day he came before the Prophet ﷺ wearing colorful clothes. The Prophet ﷺ reprimanded him and also struck his stomach with a stick. I said: O Messenger of Allah ﷺ! I will seek retribution. The Prophet ﷺ immediately exposed his own stomach before me.
Mercy on Enemies
1. There was a severe famine in Makkah, to the extent that people began eating carrion and bones. Abu Sufyan bin Harb (who was an enemy and a staunch opponent at that time) came to the Prophet ﷺ and said, “Muhammad (ﷺ), you used to teach people to maintain ties of kinship (good treatment of relatives). Look! Your people are perishing. Pray to Allah.” The Prophet ﷺ prayed, and there was abundant rainfall.
2. Thumamah ibn Uthal blocked the grain supply from the mosque to Makkah because the people of Makkah were enemies of the Prophet ﷺ. The Prophet ﷺ forbade him from doing so.
3. In the field of Hudaybiyyah, the Prophet ﷺ was leading the Muslims in Fajr prayer when seventy men secretly descended from Mount Taneem intending to kill the Muslims while they were praying. All of them were captured, and the Prophet ﷺ released them without any ransom or punishment.
Generosity and Benevolence
(1) Never reject a beggar, never utter a harsh word from the blessed tongue, even if there is nothing to give, make excuses to the beggar as if someone is asking for forgiveness.
(2) A person came and asked, he said, “I have nothing at the moment, take a loan in my name and then I will repay it.” Umar Farooq (RA) said: Allah has not burdened you to do beyond your capacity. The Prophet ﷺ remained silent. An Ansari nearby said, “O Messenger of Allah ﷺ! Please respond, the Lord of the Throne is the Owner, what is there to fear from hardship?” The Prophet ﷺ smiled, happiness appeared on his blessed face, and he said: “Yes, this is the command I have received.”
(3) Once, a beggar was given half a wasq of grain on loan. When the borrower came to demand repayment, the Prophet ﷺ said: “Give one wasq of grain, half is the loan, and half is from us as charity.”
(4) He used to say: If a person dies indebted and leaves no wealth, we will pay his debt. And if someone dies leaving wealth, it is the right of the heirs.
Modesty and Shyness
Abu Saeed Hudri (رضی اللہ عنہ) says that the Prophet ﷺ was more modest than a veiled girl; when something was said in front of the Prophet ﷺ that caused him discomfort, it was immediately evident from his blessed face.
(2) Aisha Tayyiba (رضی اللہ عنہا) narrates: If the Prophet ﷺ did not like someone’s action, he would not forbid it by naming the person but would generally disapprove of that action or deed.
(3) In habits and dealings, he would endure hardship himself but would not ask another person to do something out of shame.
(4) When an excuse-maker came forward seeking forgiveness, the Prophet ﷺ would lower his blessed neck out of shyness.
(5) Aisha Tayyiba (رضی اللہ عنہا) said that she never saw the Prophet ﷺ naked.
Patience and Forbearance
1. Zaid bin Sa’na was a Jew. The Prophet ﷺ had to pay him a debt. One day he came, and as soon as he arrived, he took off the cloak from the Prophet’s shoulder, grabbed his clothes, and started crying: “The people of Abdul Muttalib are very ignorant.” Umar Farooq رضي الله عنه sharply rebuked him. The Prophet ﷺ smiled and said: Umar, you should have treated me and him differently; you should have advised me to pay properly and taught him to ask properly. Then the Prophet ﷺ addressed Zaid and said: “There are still three days left in the promise.” Then he told Umar رضي الله عنه to pay his debt, and to give twenty Sa’ extra because you threatened and scared him as well.
2. An Arab came and forcefully pulled the cloak of the Prophet ﷺ, which had a thick edge. That edge got stuck around the Prophet’s neck and left a mark. The Arab then said: Muhammad! This wealth of Allah that you have is neither yours nor your father’s; give me a camel from it once. After a brief silence, the Prophet ﷺ said: The wealth indeed belongs to Allah and I am His servant. Eventually, he ordered that one camel be given to him once, and another camel be given to him in dates.
3. The Prophet ﷺ went to Ta’if for preaching and admonition. The people there threw mud at the Prophet ﷺ, shouted insults, and threw so many stones that he became covered in blood and fainted. Yet he said: I do not wish for the destruction of these people, because if they do not accept faith, there is hope that their children will become Muslims.
Forgiving and Merciful
1- Aisha Tayyiba (RA) narrated that the Prophet ﷺ did not take revenge from anyone regarding his blessed self.
2- In the Battle of Uhud, the disbelievers broke the Prophet’s ﷺ teeth, injured his head, and he even fell into a cave. The companions suggested cursing them, but the Prophet ﷺ said: I was not sent to curse; Allah sent me to call people to His presence. After that, he prayed: O Allah, guide my people, for they do not know (me).
3- The Prophet ﷺ fell asleep under a tree, hanging his sword on a branch. Ghuraith bin Al-Harith came, took out the sword, and rudely woke the Prophet ﷺ, saying: Who will save you now? The Prophet ﷺ replied: Allah! Ghuraith stumbled and fell. The Prophet ﷺ picked up the sword and said: Who can save you now? He was astonished. The Prophet ﷺ said: Go! I do not take revenge.
4- Hubara struck the Prophet’s ﷺ daughter Zainab (RA) with a spear; she fell from the litter and miscarried. Ultimately, this shock caused her death. Hubara pleaded for pardon and was forgiven.
5- The Prophet ﷺ said: From the time of ignorance until now, regarding the matters that caused mutual wars and disputes among tribes, I abolish all of them and first forgive the blood claims of my family and the debts owed to my uncle.
Truthfulness and Trustworthiness
1. Even the sworn enemies of the Prophet ﷺ acknowledged these qualities; from childhood, the title of truthful and trustworthy was given to the Holy Prophet ﷺ. Because of these very qualities, even before prophethood, people used to bring their disputes and cases to the Holy Prophet ﷺ for resolution.
(2) One day Abu Jahl said, “Muhammad (ﷺ), I do not consider you a liar, but my heart does not accept your teachings.”
(3) On the night of Hijrah, the disbelievers conspired and agreed to kill the Holy Prophet ﷺ, and the Prophet ﷺ left his cousin Ali (رضی اللہ عنہ) behind to settle their trusts and return.
Chastity and Greatness
The Holy Prophet ﷺ said: Among the customs of the days of ignorance, I never participated in any. Only twice did I intend to, but Allah Himself saved me. I was ten years old. I told the shepherd with whom I used to graze goats: If you take care of my goats, I will go to Mecca (inside the town), like other young people who tell and listen to stories, I too will tell and listen to stories. With this intention, I came to the city. As soon as I reached home, drums and tambourines were playing; there was a wedding in that house. I started watching them, but sleep overcame me and I fell asleep. When the sun rose, I woke up. Once again, I came with the same intention, and again sleep came and time passed. Except for these two incidents, I never intended any of the detestable customs of ignorance.
This is mentioned before the Prophethood. Zaid bin Amr bin Nufail invited the Prophet ﷺ, and meat was brought on the dining cloth. The Prophet ﷺ said:
اني لا اكل مما تذبحون على انصابكم ولا اكل الاماذكر اسم الله علیہ۔
I do not eat meat that has been sacrificed to idols or at their places; I only eat meat on which the name of Allah has been mentioned at the time of slaughter.
The prayer of the Holy Prophet ﷺ was:
يا رب جوع يوما وا شبع يوما فاما اليوم الذي اجوع فيه فاتضرع اليك وادعوك، واما اليوم الذي اشبع فيه فأحمدك فااثنى عليك
O Allah! Let me be hungry one day, and fed the next; let me beg before You in hunger and ask from You, and after eating, praise and glorify You.
(2) Siddiqa (RA) says: For one whole month, the fire was not lit on our stove; the family of the Prophet ﷺ lived on water and dates.
(3) Sayyida Aisha (RA) says: After the Prophet ﷺ came to Medina, he did not eat wheat bread for three consecutive days.
(4) When the Prophet ﷺ passed away, his armor was with a Jew in exchange for a pair of shoes.
(5) On the last night of the Prophet ﷺ in this world, Aisha Siddiqa asked the neighbor for oil for the lamp.
(6) He used to pray: O Allah! Give the family of Muhammad (ﷺ) only as much as they can put in their stomachs. It should be remembered that all these forms of asceticism were voluntary; there was no compulsion. The purpose of this asceticism was not to create any prohibition on the use or benefit of any lawful thing. Only once did the Prophet ﷺ stop using honey, and the reason was that one wife said the smell of honey was against her nature. Allah Almighty told the Prophet ﷺ that one should not go that far.
The Weaker Sex (Support and Comfort of Women)
Umm al-Mu’minin Safiyyah رضي الله عنها used to accompany on a journey. She would cover her entire body with a cloak and sit on the front seat of the camel with the Prophet ﷺ. When she was about to mount the camel:
یجلس عند بعید فيضع ركبته فتضم صفیه رجلها على ركبته حتی ترکب
the Prophet ﷺ would extend his knee forward, and Safiyyah رضي الله عنها would place her foot on the Prophet’s knee and climb onto the camel.
(2) Once, the camel’s foot slipped, and both the Prophet ﷺ and Umm al-Mu’minin Safiyyah رضي الله عنها fell down. Abu Talhah رضي الله عنه ran quickly towards the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. The Prophet ﷺ said, “عليك بالمراة” “You first check on the woman.”
(3) On a journey, women were riding on the camel’s humps. The camel driver, who held the reins of the camels, began to recite poetry loudly. ‘Adi would recite poetry in such a tone that the camels would start moving faster. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Be careful not to break the glass vessels.”
In this statement, the Prophet ﷺ likened women to glass utensils. Besides delicacy and refinement, the reason for this simile is the weakness of their creation, due to which they always deserve comfort and ease.
Care of Prisoners of War
Prisoners of war were treated like guests. One of the prisoners who remained captive with the Muslims in Medina for a few days after the Battle of Badr narrated: May Allah have mercy on the Muslims, they used to treat us better than their own family and cared for our comfort before their own. When prisoners were brought captive, the Prophet ﷺ would first attend to their clothing.
Manly Exercises
They used to encourage enthusiasm for manly exercises. Rukanah was the strongest wrestler of the Arabs; he made accepting Islam conditional upon being defeated by the Prophet ﷺ. The Prophet ﷺ defeated him three times.
Archery
People used to be encouraged to take an interest in archery; for archery practice, people were divided into two groups. Once it was said: Shoot arrows, I will be with this party. Upon hearing this, the other party stopped shooting arrows. When asked why, they said: When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ is with this party, how can we compete against them in shooting arrows? The Holy Prophet ﷺ said, Shoot arrows! I am with all of you, ارمواوَ أَنَا مَعَكُمْ
Horse Racing
Horse races were held by the command of the Prophet ﷺ. The long race was 5 or 4 miles, and the short race was one mile long.
Census
The Prophet ﷺ said:
اكتبوالى من تلفظ بالا سلام من الناس،
All those who recite the Kalima should have their names recorded for my observation. This order was carried out, and at that time the number of Muslims reached one and a half thousand. Upon this number, the Muslims thanked Allah and celebrated. The Muslims said: Now we have reached one and a half thousand; what fear do we have now? We have seen the time when any one of us would pray alone, and… he would be afraid of enemies from all sides.
It is regrettable that this narration does not indicate in which year this count was made. From other narrations in Sahih Bukhari, it is understood that this was the third census (of Muslims). In the first count, the number of Muslims was 500; in the second, the number was between 400 and 700.
