Source: Sermons of Hafiz Muhammad Ishaq Zahid, compiled by: Tauheed.com
Today's Friday sermon topic is "The Noble Character of the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ."
And when we talk about the character of the Holy Prophet ﷺ, the first thing that should remain in our minds is that he ﷺ is the Messenger of Allah, indeed the leader of all the Prophets and Messengers, peace be upon them. And the training of the Messenger is done by Allah Himself, and He purifies him in such a way that he becomes the highest example and the best model in character and conduct. And since the trainer of the Messenger is Allah, He has sworn by two things in the Holy Quran to bear witness to the noble character of the Chief of the Messengers, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Allah Almighty says:
ن ۚ وَالْقَلَمِ وَمَا يَسْطُرُونَ ﴿١﴾ مَا أَنتَ بِنِعْمَةِ رَبِّكَ بِمَجْنُونٍ ﴿٢﴾ وَإِنَّ لَكَ لَأَجْرًا غَيْرَ مَمْنُونٍ ﴿٣﴾ وَإِنَّكَ لَعَلَىٰ خُلُقٍ عَظِيمٍ ﴿٤﴾
Reference: (Surah Al-Qalam)
"N. By the pen and what the angels write. You are not mad by the grace of your Lord. And indeed, for you is a never-ending reward. And indeed, you are of a great moral character."
And since the Messenger always follows the revelation, therefore the Divine revelation itself is his character. That is why when Hazrat Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) was asked about the character of the Prophet (peace be upon him), she said: (( كَانَ خُلُقُہُ الْقُرْآن )) "The character of the Prophet (peace be upon him) was the Qur'an," meaning that the Prophet (peace be upon him) was the practical embodiment of the Qur'an. It should be noted that the testimony of the noble character of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) is not only present in the Qur'an but also in the previous heavenly scriptures. Ata bin Yasar (may Allah have mercy on him) narrates that he met Hazrat Abdullah bin Amr bin Al-As (may Allah be pleased with him) and asked him to tell him about the attributes of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned in the Torah. He said: Yes, by Allah, some of his attributes mentioned in the Qur'an are also mentioned in the Torah. Thus, in the Qur'an it is stated: ﴿يَا أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ إِنَّا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ شَاهِدًا وَمُبَشِّرًا وَنَذِيرًا ﴿٤٥﴾
Reference: (Surah Al-Ahzab: 45)
"O Prophet! Indeed We have sent you as a witness, a bringer of good tidings, and a warner."Similarly, these attributes are also mentioned in the Torah. In addition, it states: "You will be a fortress for the Arab people, you are My servant and My messenger, I have named you Mutawakkil (One who trusts in Allah)." Also, it describes your attributes as: (( ليس بفظ ولا غليظ، ولا سخاب بالأسواق، ولا يدفع السيئة بالسيئة، ولكن يعفو ويصفح ،))
Reference: ( Sahih al-Bukhari: 4838 )
"You are neither ill-tempered nor harsh. You do not raise your voice in the markets. And you do not respond to evil with evil but forgive and pardon." After the testimony of the Holy Quran and the Torah regarding the noble character of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), now let us listen to some more testimonies related to this.
Testimony of Hazrat Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her)
When the first revelation was sent down to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and he returned home in a state of great distress, to the extent that he said he feared for his life, Hazrat Khadijah رضي الله عنها comforted him by saying:
( كَلَّا، أبْشِرْ فَوَاللَّهِ لا يُخْزِيكَ اللَّهُ أبَدًا ، فَوَاللَّهِ إنَّكَ لَتَصِلُ الرَّحِمَ ، وتَصْدُقُ الحَدِيثَ ، وتَحْمِلُ الكَلَّ ، وتَكْسِبُ المَعْدُومَ ، وتَقْرِي الضَّيْفَ ، وتُعِينُ علَى نَوَائِبِ الحَقِّ ، )
Reference: ( Sahih al-Bukhari: 4953 )
Meaning: "Never, you have glad tidings. By Allah! Allah will never disgrace you. By Allah! You maintain ties of kinship, speak the truth, bear burdens, give to the poor out of your earnings, are hospitable to guests, and assist in matters of truth (all these good qualities)."
Testimony of the Quraysh disbelievers
Even before prophethood, the Prophet ﷺ was known among the people by the title "As-Sadiq Al-Amin," meaning they acknowledged that the Prophet ﷺ always spoke the truth and did not betray trusts.
Then after prophethood was granted, when this verse was revealed upon you, ﴿وَأَنذِرْ عَشِيرَتَكَ الْأَقْرَبِينَ﴾
Reference: (Surah Ash-Shu'ara: 214)
, you climbed the Safa hill and called the Quraysh. When they came to you, you said:"If I inform you that a cavalry army is going to attack you from behind this hill, will you confirm my statement?" They all unanimously said: (( ما جَرَّبْنَا عَلَيْكَ إلَّا صِدْقًا ))
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari: 4770)
"We have always found you to speak the truth."And during the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, when the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ sent a letter to the Roman Emperor (Heraclius) inviting him to accept Islam, at that time a Quraysh caravan led by Abu Sufyan ibn Harb was in Rome. Before reading the letter of the Prophet ﷺ, Heraclius called Abu Sufyan and the others in his caravan to his court and asked them some questions about the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Abu Sufyan ibn Harb was not a Muslim at that time, but he answered Heraclius honestly. One of his questions was whether Abu Sufyan had ever accused Muhammad ﷺ of lying before he claimed prophethood. Abu Sufyan said: No. He asked: What does he command you to do? Abu Sufyan said:
(( يقولُ: اعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ وحْدَهُ ولَا تُشْرِكُوا به شيئًا، واتْرُكُوا ما يقولُ آبَاؤُكُمْ، ويَأْمُرُنَا بالصَّلَاةِ والزَّكَاةِ والصِّدْقِ والعَفَافِ والصِّلَةِ ))
Reference: ( Sahih al-Bukhari: 7 )
"They command us to worship Allah alone and not to associate anyone with Him. And to abandon the practices of our forefathers. They also command us to perform prayer, speak the truth, remain chaste, and maintain kinship ties."
After hearing the answers to all the questions, Heraclius also explained his reasoning. He said, "You said that before claiming prophethood, they did not lie, so I am certain that if they did not lie to people, they cannot lie about Allah either. And you said that they command you to worship Allah alone and forbid associating partners with Him. They also command you to pray, speak the truth, maintain chastity, and uphold ties of kinship. If what you say is true, then soon they will become the owners of my throne of kingship as well. And I was certain that they were coming, but I did not think they would be from among you. So if I had been sure that I could reach you, I would have certainly tried to meet you. And if I had reached you, I would have washed your feet..."
Similarly, Saib Al-Makhzumi, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that I came to the presence of the Prophet, peace be upon him, and people began praising me and mentioning me. The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said: (( أَنَا أَعْلَمُکُمْ بِہ )) "I know him better than you." I said: May my parents be sacrificed for you, you have spoken the truth. You were my partner in business during the time of ignorance. So you were a very good partner; you neither opposed me nor argued with me."
Imam Khattabi, in the explanation of this hadith, writes that Saib, may Allah be pleased with him, is describing the ease in dealings and the excellent character of the Prophet, peace be upon him.
Testimony of Hazrat Abdullah bin Salam, may Allah be pleased with him
When the Noble Prophet, peace be upon him, migrated to Madinah Munawwarah, according to the statement of Hazrat Abdullah bin Salam, may Allah be pleased with him, the Prophet, peace be upon him, was addressing the people:
(( أَفْشُوا السلامَ ، و أطْعِمُوا الطعامَ ، وصِلُوا الأرحامَ ، وصَلُّوا بالليلِ والناسُ نِيَامٌ ، تَدْخُلوا الجنةَ بسَلامٍ ))
Reference: (Sahih Al-Jami': 7865)
"Spread peace, feed food, maintain pleasant relations with relatives, and pray at night when people are asleep. In this way, you will enter Paradise in safety."
The Testimony of Hazrat Anas (RA)
Hazrat Anas (RA), who served the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) for ten years, narrates that
(( لم يكنْ رسولُ اللهِ صلَّى اللهُ عليه وسلَّمَ سبَّابًا، ولا فحَّاشًا ، ولا لعَّانًا ، وكان يقولُ لأحدِنا عند المَعتِبةِ: ما له، تَرِبَ جَبينُه ))
Reference: (المسند لشعيب: 12463)
"The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) neither spoke ill nor engaged in frivolous talk nor cursed anyone. And if he wanted to reprimand any of us, at most he would say: What has happened to him? May his forehead be dusted."
Similarly, he narrates that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, had the best character among people. One day, he sent me for some task, and I verbally said that I would not go, but in my heart, I intended to go according to the command of the Noble Prophet, peace be upon him. So I set out. I passed by some children who were playing in the market (and I also started playing with them). Suddenly, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, came and grabbed my neck from behind. When I looked at him, he was smiling. He said: (( يا أُنَيْسُ ، أَذَهَبْتَ حَيْثُ أَمَرْتُكَ؟ ))
Reference: ( Sahih Muslim: 2310 )
"O dear Anas! Did you go to the place where I commanded you to go?" I said: Yes, O Messenger of Allah! I am going there now.Testimony of Hazrat Abdullah bin Amr, may Allah be pleased with him
Hazrat Abdullah bin Amr, may Allah be pleased with him, narrates that (( لَمْ يَكُنْ رَسولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عليه وسلَّمَ فَاحِشًا ولَا مُتَفَحِّشًا ، وإنَّه كانَ يقولُ: إنَّ خِيَارَكُمْ أحَاسِنُكُمْ أخْلَاقًا ))
Reference: ( Sahih al-Bukhari: 6035 )
’’Indecent talk was neither the habit of the Holy Prophet ﷺ nor did he ever attempt it. And he used to say: The best among you is the one with the best character.’’
Testimony of Hazrat Safiya bint Huyy رضي الله عنها
You are among the pure wives of the Holy Prophet ﷺ and the mothers of the believers
Reference: ( رضي الله عنها )
. You say that (( ما رأيت أحدًا أحسنَ خلُقًا من رسولِ اللهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ))
Reference: ( Fath al-Bari by Ibn Hajar: 665/6 )
’’I have not seen anyone with better character than the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.’’
Besides the testimony of the Holy Quran and the Torah, the various testimonies we have mentioned include both your followers and your enemies, your family members and servants. In other words, both insiders and outsiders have testified that Hazrat Muhammad ﷺ holds the highest rank in good character.
➊ Generosity and Magnanimity
Hazrat Jabir bin Abdullah (RA) narrates that (( ما سُئِلَ رَسولُ اللهِ صلَّى اللَّهُ عليه وسلَّمَ شيئًا قَطُّ ، فَقالَ: لَا ))
Reference: (Sahih Muslim: 2311)
"Whenever the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was asked for anything, it never happened that he said 'no' to the questioner."◄ Hazrat Anas (RA) narrates that whenever the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was asked for anything on the condition of accepting Islam, he would grant it, even when a man came to him, the Prophet (PBUH) gave him so many goats that they could fill the space between two mountains. Then he returned to his people and said: (( يا قَوْمِ أَسْلِمُوا، فإنَّ مُحَمَّدًا يُعْطِي عَطَاءً لا يَخْشَى الفَاقَةَ ))
Reference: (Sahih Muslim: 2312)
"O my people! All of you accept Islam because Muhammad (PBUH) gives so generously as if he has no fear of poverty."◄ Similarly, he narrates that
(( کَانَ رَسُوْلُ اللّٰہِ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم لَا یَسْأَلُ شَیْئًا إِلَّا أَعْطَاہُ إِیَّاہُ أَوْ سَکَتَ ))
Reference: ( Narrated by Ahmad and Ibn Hibban, etc., and it is authentic )
"Whatever was asked from the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, he would grant it or remain silent."◄ It is narrated in Sahih Muslim from Ibn Shihab al-Zuhri that after the conquest of Mecca, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ reached Hunayn with his companion Muslims, where a battle took place with the disbelievers, and Allah granted victory to His religion and the Muslims. On that day, the Prophet ﷺ gave Safwan bin Umayyah one hundred head of cattle, then another hundred, and then another hundred.
Ibn Shihab states that he was told by Saeed bin Al-Musayyib that Safwan said:
( لقَدْ أَعْطَانِي رَسولُ اللهِ صلَّى اللَّهُ عليه وسلَّمَ ما أَعْطَانِي وإنَّه لأَبْغَضُ النَّاسِ إلَيَّ ، فَما بَرِحَ يُعْطِينِي حتَّى إنَّه لأَحَبُّ النَّاسِ إلَيَّ )
Reference: ( Sahih Muslim: 2313 )
"By Allah! The Messenger of Allah ﷺ gave me what he gave me when I was most disliked by him. Then he kept giving me repeatedly until the Messenger of Allah ﷺ became the most beloved to me among the people."
◄ Hazrat Sahl bin Saad (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that a woman came to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) with a cloak and said: O Messenger of Allah! This is for you to wear. The Prophet (peace be upon him) accepted it, and since he needed it, he immediately wore it. Afterwards, one of the companions (may Allah be pleased with them) saw him wearing that cloak and said: O Messenger of Allah! This cloak is very good, please let me wear it. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Very well. Later, when the Prophet (peace be upon him) had left, the companions (may Allah be pleased with them) reproached him and said: You did not do well. You knew that the Prophet (peace be upon him) needed that cloak and that was why he accepted it, yet you asked for it! And you also knew that when the Prophet (peace be upon him) is asked for something, he does not keep it for himself but gives it to the one who asks! He said: ( رَجَوْتُ بَرَكَتَهَا حِينَ لَبِسَهَا النبيُّ صَلَّى اللهُ عليه وسلَّمَ، لَعَلِّي أُكَفَّنُ فِيهَا )
Reference: ( Sahih al-Bukhari: 6036 )
"When the Prophet (peace be upon him) wore it, I asked for it hoping for its blessing, perhaps I would be shrouded in it."From this hadith, it is proven that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ not only gave away things that were surplus to his needs but also gave away items that he himself needed. This is the character of the Imam of the Prophets, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Whereas today, our condition is such that we are not even willing to give away things that are surplus to our needs, let alone the things we actually need!
➋ Humility and Modesty
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is the Master of mankind and the Imam of the Prophets. Despite holding such a high status, he ﷺ was a very humble and modest person. He mingled with the companions, may Allah be pleased with them, always stayed close to them, and there was no intermediary between him ﷺ and them; rather, anyone could meet him whenever and wherever they wished.
Hazrat Abu Huraira (RA) narrates that Hazrat Jibra'il (AS) was sitting with the Holy Prophet (SAW) when they saw an angel coming down from the sky. Then he said: This angel has never descended before since he was created. When he arrived, he said: O Muhammad (SAW)! Allah Almighty has sent me with this message: Do you want to be a 'King Prophet' or a 'Servant Prophet'? Then Hazrat Jibra'il (AS) said: ( تَوَاضَعْ لِرَبِّكَ ) "Be humble for your Lord." Accordingly, the Prophet (SAW) said: ( لَا بَلْ عَبْدًا رَسُوْلًا ) "No, I want to be a servant messenger only."
And the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to supplicate: (اللهُمَّ أحْيني مِسكينًا، وأمِتْنِي مِسكينًا ، واحْشُرنِي في زُمْرَةِ المساكينِ يومَ القِيامةِ )
Reference: (Dhaeef At-Targhib: 1855)
"O Allah! Keep me alive in a state of poverty and cause me to die in that state, and raise me on the Day of Resurrection among the group of the poor." Once, Hazrat Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) heard him making this supplication and said: O Messenger of Allah! Why is this? He replied: (إنَّهمْ يَدخلونَ الجنةَ قبْلَ أغنيائِهمْ بِأربعينَ خرِيفًا)
Reference: (Dhaeef At-Targhib: 1855)
"Indeed, the wealthy will enter Paradise forty years after the poor." Then he said: "Aisha! Do not send away a poor person empty-handed, even if it is only half a date. Aisha! Love the poor and bring them close to you, so that Allah will grant you nearness to Him on the Day of Resurrection." On this basis, the Prophet (peace be upon him) was of a very humble nature. So let us look at some examples of the humility of the Prophet (peace be upon him).◄Hazrat Suhail bin Haneef (RA) narrates that ( كان رسولُ اللهِ صلَّى اللهُ عليه وسلَّمَ يَأتي ضُعفاءَ المسلمينَ، ويزورُهم، ويعودُ مَرضاهُم، ويَشهدُ جنائزَهم.)
Reference: (Al-Mustadrak ala al-Sahihain:3781)
"The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to visit weak Muslims, meet them, visit the sick among them, lead the funeral prayer for those who passed away, and participate in their burial."◄Hazrat Anas bin Malik (RA) when passing by children, would greet them and they used to say: (کَانَ رَسُوْلُ اللّٰہِ صلي الله عليه وسلم یَفْعَلُہُ) "The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to do the same."
◄Hazrat Anas (RA) narrates that
((كان رَسولُ اللهِ صلَّى اللهُ عليه وسلَّم يَزورُ الأنصارَ، ويُسَلِّمُ على صِبيانِهم ويمسَحُ برُؤوسِهم،)
Reference: (Al-Ahadith al-Mukhtara:1602)
"The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to go to meet the Ansar, greet their children, and stroke their heads."◄Hazrat Anas bin Malik (RA) narrates that ( إِنْ كَانَتِ الأَمَةُ مِن إِمَاءِ المَدِينَةِ لَتَأْخُذُ بِيَدِ النبيِّ ﷺ، فَتَنْطَلِقُ بِهِ حَيثُ شَاءَتْ.)
Reference: (Narrated by Bukhari)
"One of the slave girls of Madinah used to come and hold the hand of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and take him wherever she wished (and converse with him)."◄Similarly, it is narrated that a woman whose mental balance was not sound came and said: O Messenger of Allah! I have a matter to discuss with you, so the Prophet ﷺ said: (يا أمَّ فُلان انظُري أيَّ السِّكَك شِئتِ، حتى أقضيَ لكِ حاجَتَكِ)
Reference: (Narrated by Muslim)
"O Umm so-and-so! Take me to whichever street you wish so that I may fulfill your need." Then the Prophet ﷺ went with her until her matter was resolved.In Sunan Abi Dawood, these words are mentioned:
( يا أُمَّ فلانٍ، اجلسي في أيِّ نواحي السِّكَكِ شئتِ حتى أجلسَ إليك.)
Reference: (Sahih Abi Dawood:4818)
"O Umm so-and-so! Sit wherever you want in the corner of the street so that I can sit near you and listen to you." Then she sat down. You also sat with her until she informed you about her need. Consider! This woman was mentally unbalanced and obviously had no status in society, but when she needed help, she came directly to the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, without begging a gatekeeper or secretary for an appointment. Then you showed her full respect and called her 'Umm so-and-so' and gave her the opportunity to speak privately so that she could inform you about her need without fear or hesitation. This is the humility and modesty of the Leader of the Prophets, Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. Whereas today, our condition is such that if any one of us holds a minor position, he places a secretary or the like between himself and the needy, who does not even allow them the opportunity to meet him, or after humiliating them for hours or sometimes days, gives them a chance to meet, and often without giving a bribe, there is no hope of meeting the 'master.' Forget about the needy; even his subordinate employees fear speaking in front of him!◄Hazrat Anas (RA) narrates that when the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) finished the morning prayer, the servants of Madinah Munawwarah would come with their vessels filled with water. The Prophet (PBUH) would dip his hand in every vessel (for blessing). And sometimes in the winter season, when the water was cold, he (PBUH) would still dip his hand in the vessels.
Reference: (Sahih Muslim:2324)
◄Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas (RA) narrates that (يَجْلِسُ عَلَى الْأَرْضِ، وَ يَأْكُلُ عَلَى الْأَرْضِ، وَ يَعْتَقِلُ الشَّاةَ ، وَ يُجِيبُ دَعْوَةَ الْمَمْلُوكِ عَلَى خُبْزِ الشَّعِيرِ)
Reference: (Narrated by Al-Tabarani in Al-Mu'jam Al-Kabir, authenticated by Al-Albani in As-Sahihah:2125)
"The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to sit on the ground and eat on the ground. He would tie the goat and accept the invitation of a servant who had bread."
◄Hazrat Anas (RA) narrates that
(لم يكن شخصٌ أحبَّ إليهم من رسولِ اللهِ قال : وكانوا إذا رَأَوْهُ لم يقوموا لما يعلمونَ من كراهتِه لذلك)
Reference: (Mukhtasar Ash-Shama'il:289)
"The noble companions, may Allah be pleased with them, did not love anyone more than the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him. Yet, when they saw him, they would not stand up because they knew that he disliked it." This is the character of the Master of the Messengers, Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, that he disliked people standing upon seeing him. Whereas today, among the followers of the Prophet, if any subordinate employees do not stand before their officer or students do not stand before their teacher, the 'master' becomes upset and the employees and students suffer! It is as if they like people standing and saluting upon seeing them. Shame on this vile trait that has corrupted the manners of so many people! While the noble saying of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, is: "Whoever has an atom's weight of arrogance in his heart will not enter Paradise."
◄Hazrat Anas رضي الله عنه narrates that
(دخَلَ رَسولُ اللهِ صلَّى اللهُ عليه وسلَّمَ مكَّةَ يومَ الفَتحِ وذَقَنُه على رَحْلِه مُتخَشِّعًا)
Reference: (المستدرك على الصحيحين:4419)
"On the day of the conquest of Makkah, when the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم entered Makkah, the state of humility and modesty was such that (you were bent over and sitting on the mount) and your chin was touching the hump of the camel." That is, on that day you did not enter Makkah in an arrogant and victorious manner, but rather with great humility and modesty.
➌ Compassion
The Holy Prophet صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم was very compassionate, gentle, and merciful.
Allah the Exalted says: ﴿ فَبِمَا رَحْمَةٍ مِّنَ اللَّهِ لِنتَ لَهُمْ ۖ وَلَوْ كُنتَ فَظًّا غَلِيظَ الْقَلْبِ لَانفَضُّوا مِنْ حَوْلِكَ ۖ فَاعْفُ عَنْهُمْ وَاسْتَغْفِرْ لَهُمْ وَشَاوِرْهُمْ فِي الْأَمْرِ﴾
Reference: (Surah Al-Imran:159)
"You are gentle with them because of Allah’s mercy. If you had been harsh and hard-hearted, they would have dispersed from around you. So pardon them, ask forgiveness for them, and consult them in affairs."
There are many examples of this character of yours صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم present in the books of Hadith.
◄Hazrat Malik bin Huwayrith (RA) narrates that we, a group of young men of the same age, came to the presence of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and stayed with him for twenty nights. Then he felt as if we were eager to meet our families, so he inquired about our families. We told him everything. And since he was very gentle and compassionate, he said:
(ارْجِعُوا إلى أهْلِيكُمْ، فَعَلِّمُوهُمْ ومُرُوهُمْ، وصَلُّوا كما رَأَيْتُمُونِي أُصَلِّي، وإذَا حَضَرَتِ الصَّلَاةُ، فَلْيُؤَذِّنْ لَكُمْ أحَدُكُمْ، ثُمَّ لِيَؤُمَّكُمْ أكْبَرُكُمْ)
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari:6008)
"Return to your families, then teach them and convey my commands to them. And pray as you have seen me praying. And when the time for prayer comes, let one of you call the Adhan, then the eldest among you should lead the prayer."
◄Hazrat Abu Hurairah (RA) narrates that a villager started urinating in the corner of the mosque, so people rushed towards him to beat him. The Noble Prophet (PBUH) said: ( دَعُوهُ، وأَهْرِيقُوا علَى بَوْلِهِ ذَنُوبًا مِن مَاءٍ -أوْ سَجْلًا مِن مَاءٍ- فإنَّما بُعِثْتُمْ مُيَسِّرِينَ ولَمْ تُبْعَثُوا مُعَسِّرِينَ.)
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari:6128)
"Leave it and pour a bucket of water over his urine. Indeed, you have been sent as one who brings ease, not hardship."
◄The Noble Prophet ﷺ said:
(إنِّي لأدخلُ في الصَّلاةِ فأريدُ إطالتَها، فأسمعُ بُكاءَ الصَّبيِّ فأتجوَّزُ في صَلاتي، مِمَّا أعلمُ من وَجدِ أمَّهِ من بُكائِهِ)
Reference: (Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah:3/112)
"I stand for prayer intending to prolong it, but when I hear the cry of a child, I shorten the prayer, because I know that the mother feels pity for him due to his crying."◄Hazrat Abu Mas'ud رضي الله عنه narrates that a man came to the Prophet ﷺ and said: I delay going for the morning prayer because 'so-and-so' imam makes us pray very long. I have never seen the Prophet ﷺ so angry in admonition and advice as I saw that day. He said:
( يا أيُّها النَّاسُ، إنَّ مِنكُم مُنَفِّرِينَ، فأيُّكُمْ ما صَلَّى بالنَّاسِ فَلْيَتَجَوَّزْ، فإنَّ فِيهِمُ المَرِيضَ والكَبِيرَ وذَا الحَاجَةِ)
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari:6110)
"O people! Indeed, among you are those who cause dislike, so whoever among you leads the prayer should make it brief (lead a light prayer) because among the worshippers are the elderly, the sick, and those who have to leave quickly for their work."
◄Muawiyah bin Hakim Al-Salmi, may Allah be pleased with him, narrates that I was praying behind the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, when a person sneezed. So I said: (یَرْحَمُكَ اللّٰہُ) Upon this, people started staring at me intensely. I said: May my mother be lost for me! What has happened to you that you look at me like this! Then they began hitting their hands on their thighs. When I saw that they were trying to silence me, I became quiet.
When the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, finished the prayer, my parents, may they be sacrificed for you: (ما رَأَيْتُ مُعَلِّمًا قَبْلَهُ ولَا بَعْدَهُ أحْسَنَ تَعْلِيمًا منه، فَوَاللَّهِ، ما كَهَرَنِي ولَا ضَرَبَنِي ولَا شَتَمَنِي)
Reference: (Sahih Muslim:537)
I have never seen anyone who taught better than you before or after you, by Allah! You neither scolded me, nor hit me, nor spoke ill of me, rather the Prophet, peace be upon him, said:(إنَّ هذِه الصَّلَاةَ لا يَصْلُحُ فِيهَا شيءٌ مِن كَلَامِ النَّاسِ، إنَّما هو التَّسْبِيحُ والتَّكْبِيرُ وقِرَاءَةُ القُرْآنِ)
Reference: (Sahih Muslim:537)
"Indeed, this prayer is such an act of worship in which there is no talking among people. It is only glorification, takbeer, and recitation of the Quran."
➍ Forgiveness and Forbearance
The beloved Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, was extremely patient and tolerant in nature, and if anyone caused him harm, he would endure it and forgive the one who caused the harm. There are many examples of this as well.
◄Hazrat Anas رضي الله عنه narrates that I was going with the Prophet Muhammad صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم. He was wearing a Najrani cloak with thick edges. Suddenly, a Bedouin villager came and grabbed the cloak of the Prophet صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم and pulled it so hard that I saw the marks on his neck. Then he said: ( يا مُحَمَّدُ مُرْ لي مِن مَالِ اللَّهِ الذي عِنْدَكَ)
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari:6088)
"O Muhammad صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم! Order me to give from the wealth that Allah has given you." The Prophet صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم looked at him, then smiled and ordered that he be given wealth.◄ Similarly, Hazrat Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that I started serving the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) from the age of eight and continued for ten years. During this time, he never blamed me for anything that was damaged by my hands. And if any of his family members blamed me, he would say: (دعوهُ فإنَّهُ لو قُضِيَ شيءٌ كان)
Reference: (Ahmad 13442)
"Leave him, for what is destined to happen will happen anyway."◄ Hazrat Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that we set out with the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) towards a battle in Najd. Then we met the Prophet (peace be upon him) at a place where there were many thorny trees. So the Prophet (peace be upon him) dismounted from his mount under a tree and hung his sword on one of its branches and slept. The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) scattered around, and whoever found shade rested there. Then the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) told us: (إنَّ رَجُلًا أَتَانِي وَأَنَا نَائِمٌ، فأخَذَ السَّيْفَ فَاسْتَيْقَظْتُ وَهو قَائِمٌ علَى رَأْسِي، فَلَمْ أَشْعُرْ إِلَّا وَالسَّيْفُ صَلْتًا في يَدِهِ، فَقالَ لِي: مَن يَمْنَعُكَ مِنِّي؟ قالَ قُلتُ: اللَّهُ، ثُمَّ قالَ في الثَّانِيَةِ: مَن يَمْنَعُكَ مِنِّي؟ قالَ قُلتُ: اللَّهُ، قالَ: فَشَامَ السَّيْفَ فَهَا هو ذَا جَالِسٌ،) ((ثُمَّ لَمْ یُعَاقِبْہُ رَسُوْلُ اللّٰہِ صلي الله عليه وسلم))
Reference: (Sahih Muslim:843)
"When I was asleep, a man came to me and took my sword. When I woke up, suddenly I saw him standing over my head holding a naked sword. He said to me: (مَن يَمْنَعُكَ مِنِّي؟) Who will save you from me? I said: Allah will save me. He then said: (مَن يَمْنَعُكَ مِنِّي؟) Who will save you from me? I again said that only Allah will save me. Then he sheathed the sword. And look! This is that person." Hazrat Jabir رضي الله عنه narrates that the Prophet ﷺ did not punish him. That is, he forgave him.
◄Hazrat Aisha (RA) narrates that some Jews came to the Messenger of Allah (SAW) and said: (السَّامُ علَيْكُم) "Death be upon you." I understood their words. So I said: (عَلَيْكُمُ السَّامُ واللَّعْنَةُ) "Death and curse be upon you." The Holy Prophet (SAW) said: (مَهْلًا يا عَائِشَةُ، فإنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ الرِّفْقَ في الأمْرِ كُلِّهِ) "Aisha! Be calm (show gentleness) because Allah loves gentleness in every matter." Hazrat Aisha (RA) said: O Messenger of Allah! Did you not hear what they said? The Prophet (SAW) said: Did you not hear that I returned their words to them by saying (وعلَيْكُم)?
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari:6256)
In this hadith, observe that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ tolerated the slander of the Jews and responded to them only as much as they spoke, not uttering a single word more. This is the patience and forbearance of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Furthermore, he ﷺ instructed Hazrat Aisha رضي الله عنها to adopt a gentle attitude towards them. This indicates that if such behavior is commanded regarding the Jews, then Muslim brothers are even more deserving of such conduct.
➎ Good conduct and smiling with people
◄Hazrat Jarir رضي الله عنه narrates that
( ما حَجَبَنِي النبيُّ صَلَّى اللهُ عليه وسلَّمَ مُنْذُ أسْلَمْتُ، ولَا رَآنِي إلَّا تَبَسَّمَ في وجْهِي)
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari:3035)
"Since I embraced Islam, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ never forbade me from entering his house, and whenever he saw me, he smiled in my presence."
◄Hazrat Anas رضي الله عنه narrates that I have never seen anyone start speaking into the ear of the Prophet Muhammad صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم and the Prophet would withdraw his head before the person stepped back. Nor have I ever seen anyone hold the hand of the Prophet صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم and the Prophet let go of the hand before the person did.
Reference: (Sunan Abi Dawood: 4794. Hasanah Al-Albani)
This was the manner of the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم in interacting and meeting with people: he never forbade anyone from coming to him, stayed close to his companions, made them feel a sense of belonging during meetings, and supported them in their needs.◄Hazrat Jabir bin Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that when my father (Abdullah bin Haram, may Allah be pleased with him) passed away, he had a large amount of debt. I requested the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to speak to the creditors so that they might forgive some of the debt. The Prophet (peace be upon him) spoke to them, but they refused to forgive any debt. Then he instructed me to go to the date palm orchard, pick the fruits, and separate each type of dates into different groups. I did as the Prophet (peace be upon him) commanded. Then I sent a message to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), and he came, sat in the middle of the orchard, and said: "Now start giving each creditor dates equivalent to the amount of their debt." I began distributing the fruits to them until all the debts were paid off, and so many dates remained that it seemed as if none had been taken from it (or as if it had not been touched at all).
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari: 2127, 2405)
In another narration in Bukhari, it is mentioned that Hazrat Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) said that his father was martyred on the day of Uhud and had debts. The creditors demanded their rights insistently. Hazrat Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) said that I went to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and requested him to ask the creditors to accept as much fruit from my orchard as they could and forgive the rest of the debt of my father. The Prophet (peace be upon him) spoke to them, but they refused. Then the Prophet (peace be upon him) said to Hazrat Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him): "Wait for me in your orchard in the morning." The next morning, the Prophet (peace be upon him) came to the orchard early, walked around it, and prayed for the blessing of its fruits. Hazrat Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that after that, he picked the fruits and distributed them among the creditors according to their debts, and still a large amount of fruit remained.
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari: 2395)
➏ Good Treatment of Family Members
The Holy Prophet ﷺ exhibited excellent manners with ordinary people outside the home, and similarly, he treated his family members very well inside the home. He expressed love for them, took full care of their rights, and even helped with household chores. When Hazrat Aisha رضي الله عنها was asked what the Prophet ﷺ used to do at home, she said: (كانَ في مِهْنَةِ أهْلِهِ، فَإِذَا حَضَرَتِ الصَّلَاةُ قَامَ إلى الصَّلَاةِ.)
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari:6039)
"The Prophet ﷺ used to serve his family. Then when it was time for prayer, he would stand up for it." And in another narration, it is mentioned that (كان يَخيطُ ثوبَهُ ، ويخصِفُ نعلَه ، ويعملُ ما يعملُ الرجالُ في بيوتِهم)
Reference: (Sahih al-Jami’:4937)
"He used to mend his torn clothes, repair his shoes, and do every task that other people do in their homes."➐ Good Treatment of Servants
◄Hazrat Anas رضي الله عنه narrates that (خَدَمْتُ النبيَّ صَلَّى اللهُ عليه وسلَّمَ عَشْرَ سِنِينَ، فَما قالَ لِي: أُفٍّ، ولَا: لِمَ صَنَعْتَ؟ ولَا: ألَّا صَنَعْتَ؟)
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari:6038)
"I served the Prophet Muhammad صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم for ten years, during which he never said even 'uff' (a mild expression of displeasure) to me. Nor did he say, 'Why did you do this?' or 'Why did you not do that?'"◄Hazrat Aisha رضي الله عنها narrates that (ما ضَرَبَ رَسولُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عليه وسلَّمَ شيئًا قَطُّ بيَدِهِ، وَلَا امْرَأَةً، وَلَا خَادِمًا؛ إلَّا أَنْ يُجَاهِدَ في سَبيلِ اللهِ، وَما نِيلَ منه شَيءٌ قَطُّ، فَيَنْتَقِمَ مِن صَاحِبِهِ؛ إلَّا أَنْ يُنْتَهَكَ شَيءٌ مِن مَحَارِمِ اللهِ، فَيَنْتَقِمَ لِلَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ)
Reference: (Sahih Muslim:2328)
"The Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم never struck anything with his hand, neither a woman nor a servant. Except when he was engaged in Jihad in the way of Allah. And whenever he was harmed, he did not retaliate against the one who harmed him. However, if any of Allah's sanctities were violated, he did take revenge for the sake of Allah's pleasure."
➑ Compassion towards Children
The Prophet Muhammad صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم was very compassionate towards children, loved them greatly, would hold them in his lap, and would kiss them.
◄Hazrat Anas bin Malik (RA) narrates that ( ما رأَيْتُ أحَدًا أرحَمَ بالعيالِ مِن رسولِ اللهِ صلَّى اللهُ عليه وسلَّم ) "I have not seen anyone more compassionate towards children than the Messenger of Allah (PBUH)."
He also said that the son of the Prophet (PBUH), Hazrat Ibrahim, used to suckle at the home of a woman in a neighborhood (Awali) of Madinah Munawwarah. Therefore, the Prophet (PBUH) used to visit her to see him. We used to accompany him as well. The woman’s husband was a blacksmith, so there was smoke in the house. Still, the Prophet (PBUH) would go to her house, pick up the child, kiss him, and then return.
And when he passed away, the Prophet (PBUH) said:
((إنَّ إبْرَاهِيمَ ابْنِي، وإنَّه مَاتَ في الثَّدْيِ، وإنَّ له لَظِئْرَيْنِ تُكَمِّلَانِ رَضَاعَهُ في الجَنَّةِ))
Reference: (Sahih Muslim 2316)
"Indeed, Ibrahim was my son, and he died during the period of suckling. Now, there are two women in Paradise who will complete his suckling."
While in another narration from Sahihain, it is mentioned that the Prophet (PBUH) said at the time of Ibrahim’s death:
((تَدْمَعُ العَيْنُ وَيَحْزَنُ القَلْبُ، وَلَا نَقُولُ إِلَّا ما يَرْضَى رَبَّنَا، وَاللَّهِ يا إِبْرَاهِيمُ إنَّا بكَ لَمَحْزُونُونَ))
Reference: (Sahih Muslim: 2315)
"Tears are flowing from the eyes and the heart is sorrowful. Yet, we can only say what pleases our Lord. By Allah! O Ibrahim, we are saddened by your separation."
◄ Hazrat Abu Qatada (RA) narrates that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) came to us in such a state that he was carrying his granddaughter, Imamah bint Abi Al-As, on his shoulder. Then he started the prayer in that condition; when he went into ruku (bowing), he would put her down to sit, and when he stood up, he would lift her again.
◄ Hazrat Abu Hurairah (RA) narrates that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) kissed Hazrat Hasan bin Ali (RA). At that time, Hazrat Aqra bin Habis (RA) was also sitting with you. He said: I have ten children, but I have never kissed any of them. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) looked at him and said:
((مَنْ لَّا یَرْحَمْ لَا یُرْحَمُ)) "He who does not show mercy to others will not be shown mercy."
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari 5997, Sahih Muslim: 2318)
➒ Fulfilling Rights
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) fulfilled the rights of people. If he borrowed something from someone, he would return it with something better at the time of repayment and also pray for the lender. Sometimes, he would buy something from someone, pay the price, and then return the item to them.
◄Hazrat Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that a man came to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to demand his debt (which was one camel) and spoke harshly to him. The companions of the Prophet (may Allah be pleased with them) moved towards him, but the Prophet said: ((دَعُوهُ فإنَّ لِصَاحِبِ الحَقِّ مَقَالًا))
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari: 2306)
"Leave him, for the one who has the right can speak harshly." Then the Prophet (peace be upon him) said (( أَعْطُوهُ سِنًّا مِثْلَ سِنِّهِ)) "Give him a camel like his camel." The companions (may Allah be pleased with them) said: O Messenger of Allah! We have a better camel than him, not one like his. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: (( أَعْطُوهُ، فإنَّ مِن خَيْرِكُمْ أَحْسَنَكُمْ قَضَاءً)) "Give him that one, for the best among you is the one who is best in repayment."◄ Hazrat Abdullah bin Abi Rabi'ah (RA) narrates that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) borrowed from me an amount which was forty thousand. Then when wealth came to him, he repaid me the loan and said: ((بارَكَ اللهُ لكَ في أهلِكَ ومالِكَ، إنَّما جَزاءُ السلَفِ الحَمدُ والأداءُ))
Reference: (Takhreej Zad al-Maad: 1/159)
"May Allah bless your family and your wealth. Indeed, the reward of a loan is that the borrower should thank the lender and repay the loan."◄Hazrat Jabir bin Abdullah (RA) narrates that while returning from Makkah to Madinah, I was riding a camel that was extremely tired, so I intended to leave it behind. But the Messenger of Allah (SAW) came behind me, prayed for me, and struck it. Then it walked in a way it had never walked before. Later, the Prophet (SAW) asked: How is your camel now? I said: It is fine now, and your blessing has affected it. The Prophet (SAW) said: Sell it to me. I said: No, it is a gift for you. The Prophet (SAW) said: No, sell it to me. I gave the same answer again that it is a gift for you. He said for the third time: No, sell it to me. I said: Okay, I have to give some dirhams to a man; you take the responsibility and buy this camel. Yes, I will give you the camel when we reach Madinah. He said: Okay. When we reached Madinah Munawwarah, I gave the camel to you, and you paid me its price. (In a narration in Muslim, it is mentioned that the Prophet (SAW) ordered Bilal (RA) to give me one uqiyah of gold and some more, so he gave me one uqiyah and one qirat.) Then when I left, the Prophet (SAW) called me back and said: ((لكَ الثَّمَنُ، وَلَكَ الجَمَلُ))
Reference: (Sahih Muslim: 715)
"The price is yours and the camel is also yours." In one narration, he said: ((خُذْ جَمَلَكَ وَدَرَاهِمَكَ؛ فَهو لَكَ))
Reference: (Sahih Muslim: 715)
"Take your camel and also take the dirhams; both things are yours."➓ Humor and Wit
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ sometimes used humor for cheerfulness.
◄ Hazrat Anas رضي الله عنه narrates that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ called him (( یَا ذَا الْأُذُنَینِ)) "O two-eared one," meaning he joked with him.
◄ Nizooh narrates that a man from the villagers named 'Zahir' used to give something as a gift to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ from the village, and when he was about to return, the Prophet ﷺ would give him some items and would say: (( إنَّ زاهرًا بادِيتُنا، ونحنُ حاضِرُوه))
Reference: (Sahih al-Jami': 2087)
"Indeed, Zahir is our villager, and we are his townspeople."The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ loved him even though he was short in stature and not very handsome. One day, the Prophet ﷺ came to him while he was selling some of your belongings. He went behind him and embraced him. He could not see him. He said: "Let me go, who is this?" Then he turned around and realized that it was the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. So when he saw that the blessed chest of the Prophet ﷺ was touching his back, he did not try to free himself from the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. And the Prophet ﷺ said: (( من يشتري هذا العبدَ؟ )) "Who will buy this servant?" He said: "O Messenger of Allah! Then you will find me very cheap!" The Prophet ﷺ said: ((لكن عند اللهِ لستَ بكاسدٍ؟)) "But you are not cheap in the sight of Allah," or he said: ((لکنْ أنت عند اللهِ غالٍ)) "But you are very expensive in the sight of Allah."
Reference: (Narrated by Ahmad and it is authentic)
◄Hazrat Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that a person requested the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) to provide him with a mount. He said: I will give you a baby she-camel.
He said: O Messenger of Allah! What will I do with a baby she-camel? The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: ((وهل تَلِدُ الإِبِلَ إِلَّا النُّوقُ))
Reference: (Sunan Abi Dawood: 4998, Sunan al-Tirmidhi: 1991, Sahih al-Albani)
"A camel is also born from a she-camel."These were some aspects of the noble character of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him). We all should strive to adopt the excellent manners of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and embrace those praiseworthy habits and qualities that he adopted. May Allah grant us all the ability to do so.
It is obligatory upon a Muslim to, in the light of the noble character of the Holy Prophet ﷺ, not only reform beliefs and actions but also ensure the purity of morals and conduct, because on the Day of Judgment, when a person's deeds are weighed, after the belief in the Oneness of Allah, the heaviest thing on the scale of good deeds will be good character. The Holy Prophet ﷺ said: ((إِنَّ أثقَلَ شيءٍ في الميزانِ يومَ القيامَةِ الخلُقُ الحسَنُ))
Reference: (Narrated by Ahmad and Ibn Hibban, and it is authentic)
"On the Day of Judgment, the heaviest thing on the scale will be good character." We pray to Allah Almighty to grant us the ability to adopt the excellent character of the Holy Prophet ﷺ. Ameen.
