Superior Manners of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) ~ The Noble Islam

Superior Manners of Prophet Muhammad (SAW)

Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was always cheerful, genial, and pleasant-tempered. He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was never rude or rough.

He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) only spoke things that brought rewards from Allah Almighty. When he (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) spoke, the listeners would listen to his words with attention. They did not feel any inclination to engage him in heated arguments. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) would always show patience with a stranger’s roughness of manners or harshness at talk. He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to say,

"When you see a person seeking an object earnestly, assist him to get his need."(Al-Baihaqi)

And no wonder Allah Almighty said of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him),

{And verily, you [O Muhammad] are on an exalted standard of character.} (Al-Qalam 68:4)

A person’s face not only reflects the feelings of the heart, but also signals his attitude to the world around him. Indeed one may even say that the total personality of a person is mirrored in the face. And to speak about Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), his smiling face was a source of solace and comfort to all those who came to meet him. Not just his words and actions, but the very expressions on his face shed rays of peace and tranquility into the hearts of those who were distressed by the pressures of life or tormented by the afflictions of the soul.

Abdullah ibn Hareth reported:

"I have never seen anyone more in the habit of smiling than Allah’s Messenger." (At-Tirmidhi)

The Prophet’s smiles had spread such an aura of indescribable joy among his Companions to the extent that they forgot all their anxieties and worries in his presence and became totally fascinated with the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) himself. Because the reason was that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was a perfect personality that always exuded a charisma of charm and geniality. His way was one of harmony and compassion. He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was polite and considerate to every one and always kept a smiling face. Once, he (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) told his companions,

"Smiling at your brother is a charity."(At-Tirmidhi)

There was an interesting incident reported by Sa'd ibn abi Waqqas:

"Umar bin Al-Khattab asked permission of Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) to see him while some Quraishi women were sitting with him and they were asking him to give them more financial support while raising their voices over the voice of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). When 'Umar asked permission to enter, all of them hurried to screen themselves the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) admitted 'Umar and he entered, while the Prophet was smiling. 'Umar said, "May Allah always keep you smiling, O Allah's Messenger! Let my father and mother be sacrificed for you !" The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, "I am astonished at these women who were with me. As soon as they heard your voice, they hastened to screen themselves." 'Umar said, "You have more right, that they should be afraid of you, O Allah's Messenger!" And then he ('Umar) turned towards them and said, "O enemies of your souls! You are afraid of me and not of Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)?" The women replied, "Yes, for you are sterner and harsher than Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)." Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, "O Ibn Al-Khattab! By Him in Whose Hands my life is, whenever Satan sees you taking a way, he follows a way other than yours!" (Al-Bukhari)

Jarir ibn `Abd-Allah said: "Since the time I accepted Islam, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) never once failed to notice me. Whenever he saw me, he would smile at me." (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

All persons who knew the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) were fascinated and enchanted by the dignity and greatness of his character. His sweet and amiable expression made a profound impression on every stranger who met him. No other person in history was privileged to have so many extraordinary qualities, and naturally his Companions were ready to sacrifice their lives to protect him. His hospitality and generosity were matchless; and he was the last man to get upset or angry. Indeed he was so generous that he would never deny anything he was asked. The forgiveness and general amnesty given by the Prophet to the Quraishites of Makkah who had been insulting and persecuting him for over two decades is well-known.

William Muir the Orientalist historian wrote,

"The magnanimity with which Muhammad treated a people who had so long hated and rejected him is worthy of all admiration."

Even the enemies of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) acknowledged his justice and honesty: Long before he received prophet-hood, he was called Al-Ameen (i.e. the truthful, the trustworthy). And so his people always approached him for judgment and consultation.

He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) did not allow people to stand up at sighting him out of respect as they usually did before kings or leaders. Visiting the poor and the unfortunate and entertaining them were his constant habits. He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) had no hesitation in accepting the invitation of even a slave. He used to sit among the people like any one of them.

Simplicity, sincerity, and geniality were the keynotes of his noble character. The Prophet’s wife, `A’ishah, said that he (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to repair his shoes, sew his clothes, and share the domestic chores. He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was most merciful, gentle, and amiable to all.

He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was eager to serve any one who served him. He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was always in full control of his temper and he never got angry unless it was absolutely necessary. If at all he (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was angry, it was for the sake of Allah and His religion, and not for his own sake. The Prophet’s magnanimity, broad mindedness, and tolerance embraced all people and entitled him to be a father to all of them. He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was careful to maintain an equal status with others and did not desire privileges: In an assembly he would seat himself at the least covetable position, next to the last person.

Whenever people came to meet him, he (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) received them with honor and respect, so that each person addressed by the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) would think that there was no one more honored by the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) than himself. No questioner was disappointed when seeking an advice from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). To him the most favored one was the most pious one among the people. As for those persons who held high positions with their peoples – the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was attentive to honor and respect them. He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) never ignored his friends Moreover, he used to visit them even in busy days and to inquire about their conditions.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) always chose the via media as far as the circumstances possible: Indeed, he (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) adopted a moderate approach to all matters. He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) always chose the easier and the more pleasing way to solve problems.

While on his deathbed, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) sent for the money in his house and distributed it among the poor. Immediately before he breathed his last, he had it publicly announced if anyone owed him anything, he may claim it; and if any one was offended by him, he (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) could have instant revenge.

Such was the noble Prophet of Islam, Hazrat Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).