Muhammad: An Exalted Example of Character

Muhammad An Exalted Example of Character

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful;

All the praise and thanks is due to Allāh, the Lord of al-‘ālamīn. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allāh, and that Muhammad, Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam, is His Messenger

Referring to Prophet Muhammad (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) Allah, states in Qur’an:

In addition, you (stand) on an exalted standard of character. [Al-Qalam 68: 4].

Ye have indeed in the Messenger of Allah a beautiful pattern [of conduct] for any one whose hope is in Allah and the Final Day, and who engages much in the praise of Allah. [Al-Ahzab 33: 21]

Muhammad: A Unique Character.

The uniqueness of the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) is that he was not only a great person in his own time, but he is great for all times, for all people of any race, color, nationality or geographical location. His example was good for the 7th century Arabs and it is good for the humanity living now at the beginning of this 21st century. He is an excellent example for the rich and poor, for young and old, for rulers and ruled, for the most intelligent as well as the most common people. Allah sent him as His Prophet for all humanity.

Allah also says:

Say: ‘O people! I am sent unto you, all, as the Messenger of Allah, to whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth: there is no god but He: it is He that gives both life and death. So believe in Allah and His Messenger, the unlettered Prophet, who believed in Allah and His Words: follow him that (so) you may be guided. [Al-A’raf 7: 158]

Prophet Muhammad (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) practiced what he preached. He very carefully and meticulously followed the Qur’an, Allah’s Word that was revealed to him. He followed and lived the Qur’an at every moment in every detail of his life. His life was the reflection of Allah’s Words. He became the Qur’an in person, the embodiment of the Qur’an or one may even say in a metaphorical sense “the Word in flesh”.

It is reported in a Hadith: Sa’ad ibn Hisham (radiyallāhu’anhu) said that he asked ‘Aishah, Prophet’s wife (radiyallāhu’anha) “Tell me about the character of the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam).” She said, “His character was the Qur’an.” [Musnad Ahmad, Hadith No. 24139].

Some of His Attributes.

The morality of the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) was not restricted to just a few moral attributes, but included diverse traits and aspects of life. The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) was kind, compassionate, caring, generous and humble, but he was also strong, brave, eloquent, wise and insightful. The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) was a great planner, organizer and thinker, yet he was also a man of faith, trust and devotion to Allah. He (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) was involved and active with his family and community but he did not neglect his prayers, fasting and devotion to Allah. Actually, he prayed so much that no one prayed like him. He was exemplary as a teacher, preacher, Imam, leader, statesman, and judge, commander of the armies as well as a husband, a father, a grandfather, a businessperson, a neighbor and a friend.

Before he received the honor of nubuwwah (Prophethood), he was known among the people of Makkah as Al-Amin, the most honest and trustworthy person. He kept this character throughout his life. He never broke a pledge or promise. Even his enemies could not accuse him of being dishonest.

The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) was a most humble person. He (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) used to mingle with the poor and sit with them. He stopped people standing up for him. He used to sit wherever there was a place available in an assembly and never sought a prominent or elevated place. The newcomers sometimes would not know who the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) among the people was. When he entered the city of Makkah as a conqueror leading a big army, he entered in a most humble manner. In a unique demonstration of humility, his forehead was touching the saddle of his camel!

Muhammad: A Mercy to Mankind

The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam)  was the most merciful person. Allah called him as a mercy to the worlds [Al-Anbiya’ 21: 107] He was merciful to his family, followers, friends, even enemies. The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam)  was merciful to young and old, to humans and to animals. He forgave those who persecuted him in Makkah and killed his relatives and his followers, when they were defeated in the battles and brought as captives. He did not ever take revenge or retaliated. He was the most forgiving person. Constancy was a very important aspect of his moral behavior. Once he established some good way or practice, he used to follow it and adhere to it always. The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam)  used to say: “The dearest deed to Allah is the one that is performed regularly, even if it was a little.” [Al-Bukhari, No. 5983]

His Names

The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) has many names reflecting his attributes and qualities. Some of the most beautiful names of the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) mentioned in both the Qur’an and Hadith are the following:

Muhammad (the praised one), Ahmad (most praiseworthy), Hamid (the giver of praise and thanks), Ar-Rasul (the Messenger), An-Nabi (the Prophet), Shahid (the witness), Rashid (the righteous), Bashir (the giver of good news), Nadhir (the warner), Da’i (the caller to Allah), Hadi (the guide), Mahi (the remover of evil), Fatih (the conqueror), Ra’uf (the compassionate), Rahim (the merciful), Mujtaba (the chosen one), Mustafa (the selected one), Murtada (the well-pleasing in the sight of Allah), As-Sadiq (the truthful), Al-Amin (the trustworthy), Musaddiq (the confirmer of truth), Habibullah (Allah’s beloved one), Safiullah (the one selected by Allah), Najiullah (the one protected by Allah), Shakur (the most grateful one), Karim (the noble one), Hakim (the wise one), Sayyid (the leader), Siraj Munir (the shining lamp), Jawwad (the generous one), `Adil (the Just), and Khatam Ar-Rusul (the final Messenger).

Allah command us to observe salawat to the Prophet(Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam):

“Allāhumma salli ‘ala Muhammad wa ‘ala āli Muhammad kamā sallaita ‘ala āli Ibrāhīm; Wa bārik ‘ala Muhammad wa ‘ala āli Muhammad kama bārakta ‘ala āli Ibrāhīm, fil-‘ālamīn; Innaka Hamīdun Majīd”

(O Allāh! Send Prayers upon Muhammad and the members of his household as You Sent Prayers upon the members of Ibrahim's household; And Send Blessings to Muhammad and the members of his household as You  granted Blessings upon the members of the household of Ibrahim, among all the nations’ Verily You are Most Praiseworthy, Full of Glory)”.[Muslim]

And Allāh Almighty Knows best.