Muhammad’s (SAW) Character

Assalamualaikum wbt. Dear fellow friends, today let’s look upon our prophet Muhammad (SAW) life. A brief description about a person whom Mahatma Ghandi (a political and spiritual leader of the Indian independence movement) regards as a man with rigid simplicity, and intense devotion to his friends and followers, besides being fearless in trusting God in his own mission.

Unlike the founders of great faith traditions prior to his time, the Prophet Muhammad is much more a recognizable historical figure as his companions and family members recorded many stories (hadith) from his life for the next generations.

What did he look like?

Muhammad SAW was an Arab of noble lineage with a white complexion and rosy tinge. He was a little taller than average and well built with broad shoulders. His belly never protruded out from his chest. He walked briskly and firmly.

Muhammad’s (SAW) companions described him as a handsome person with prominent forehead, high tipped nose, long eyelashes, large black eyes with well set teeth and a pleasant smile. He had slightly curly hair and a thick beard.

His companions indicated that he had a friendly bright face that looked like a full moon. He did not laugh loudly; his laugh was mostly a smile that would show his teeth a bit like hailstones. His cheerfulness and open personality were felt by all people.

His nature

Muhammad (SAW) was unfailingly cheerful, easy going by nature, and mild mannered. He had a refined way about of speaking, never resorting to offensive speech or obscenities. He did not found fault with others nor did he overly praise the others.

The way he spoke

Muhammad (SAW) did not speak unnecessarily and what he said was always to the point and without any padding. His sayings were precise and concise, having complete meaning in a few words. He spoke with excellence, and there was no excess in it and no abnormal brevity.

When he emphasized a point, he used to repeat it three times with a gesture. He spoke of nothing unless he hoped a reward from Allah for it. He told his companions:

“I am a guarantor for a house in the heart of the Paradise for those who quit arguing even if they were right and I am a guarantor for a house in the middle of the Paradise for those who quit lying even if they were kidding and I am a guarantor for a house in the highest part in the Paradise for those who behave with good manners.” (Sahih Abu Daud)

His passions

Muhammad (SAW) kept his feelings under firm control. When annoyed, he would turn aside or keep silent. When someone committed an act that violates God’s law, he used to show serious anger and firm stand. No one would stand against his anger in matter of Lord’s truth being opposed; he would stand fast in protecting the truth until he had convinced another of the rightness of God’s truth as revealed in the Holy Quran. Muhammad (SAW) never got angry for his own sake.

His interactions with people

Muhammad (SAW) was always the first to greet others and would not withdraw his hand from a hand shake until the other man withdrew his.

Whoever saw him unexpectedly would admire and respect him. And whoever socialized or associated with him familiarly, loved him. He was gentle by nature. He was neither coarse nor arrogant to anyone.

When he looked at the others, he looked at them in full face. If someone called him, he didn’t turn his face only, but gave attention with his whole body. Nevertheless, once, Muhammad (SAW) did ignored a blind man, Allah revealed first few verses of surah ‘Abasa to comment on his action.

When he would go to visit a group, he would sit in the nearest available spot. He ordered his companions to follow his practice. He would give those seated near him his full share of attention in such a way that no one would think others had been given precedence over him. He did not reserve fixed places among the people to be seated. He was fair with his companions and all people. They were distinguished only by virtue and devotion to Allah.

His living style

Everything he did was in moderation, without excess or contrariness. He never criticised the food or drink that was prepared for him, nor did he overly praise it.

When at home, he would divide his time into three parts; one for Allah, one for family and one for himself. He always joined in household work and would at times mend his clothes, repair his shoes and sweep the floor. He used to dress well and smell good. (Sahih Bukhari, chapter: Kitabul Adab)

After al-fajr prayer, he would remain sitting in the mosque reciting the Holy Quran and praises of Allah, till the sun rose. After midnight, he used to get up for tahajjud prayers which he never missed even once in his life. (Sahih Bukhari)

He declared unlawful for himself and his family anything given by people by way of the alms (zakat) given by Muslims for the welfare to those in need. He was so particular about this, that he would not appoint any member of his family as a collector of alms for the community.

His house was nothing but a hut with walls of unbaked clay and a thatched roof of palm leaves covered by camel skin.

Muhammad (SAW) said: What do I have to do with worldly things. My connection with the world is like that of a traveller resting for a while underneath the shade of a tree and then moving on.

When he died, he did not leave a cent or any wealth except his white mule (donkey) and a piece of land which he had dedicated for the benefit of the Muslim community. (Sahih Bukhari)

No wonder Michael H. Hart ranks our prophet Muhammad (SAW) as the most influential person in history. Looking on this mere simple article about him, we would simply say that Muhammad (SAW) is the man who devoted his life for a noble cause and described himself humbly as the final brick that completed a beautiful building, which represented all prophets and messengers Allah sent to humanity, to guide them to the truth and protect them from falling astray. 

Allahuakbar!

Penulis:

Amin Anuar

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Medical University of Warsaw