It was in no way hard to understand. He glorified the bounty of Allaah; even if it were little. If he had no liking for someone's food, he would neither praise nor criticize.
He was always in full control of his temper and he would never get angry unless it was necessary. He never got angry for himself nor did he avenge himself. It was only when Allaah's sanctity was violated that he got angry.
When he pointed at a thing he would do so with his full hand-palm, and he would turn it round to show surprise. If he were angry he would turn both his body and face aside. When he was pleased, he cast his eyes down. His laughter was mostly smiling. It was then that his teeth which were like hail-stones were revealed. He never spoke unless it was something closely relevant to him.
He established brotherhood among his Companions; and eliminated all causes of enmity from their midst. He honoured and respected those who were honourabe among their people and assigned them as governors over their own peoples
His cheerfulness was never withdrawn at anyone's face; even at those whom he warned his people from or those whom he himself was on the alert of. He visited friends and inquired about peoples' affairs. He confirmed what was right and criticized the awful and tried to undermine it. He was moderate in all affairs. He was equal to others and was not privileged. He would never act heedlessly, lest others should get heedless. Each situation was dealt with in its proper due.
Righteousness was his target; so he was never short of it or indifferent to it. People who sat next to him were the best of their people and the best of them all were - for him - those who provided common consultations. For him, the greatest ones and the highest in ranks were the best at providing comfort and co-ordination and succour. Remembrance of Allaah was a thing he aimed at and established whenever he sat down or stood up.
No certain position was assigned for him to sit on. He sat at the end of the group, seated next to the last sitter in the place. He ordered people to do the same.
He treated his audience in social gatherings with the utmost equality so much so that the one he addressed would think that he was the most honourable in his sight. Whenever a person approached him for advice or a need, that person would be the first to speak and last to speak. The Prophet would listen to him patiently until he ended his speech. The Prophet never denied a request to anyone.
His magnanimity, broad-mindedness and his tolerance embraced all people; a trait that made him the father of all. In (ie regarding) justice, all of them were equal. Nobody was better than another except on the criterion of piety.
The Prophet was the most pious and most righteous. His assembly was a meeting of compassion, modesty, patience and honesty. In his presence,
voices were not raised and sacred things were never violated.
The Messenger of Allaah was always cheerful, easy, pleasant-tempered and lenient. He was never rude or rough nor clamorous or indecent. He was neither a nagger nor a flatterer. He overlooked what he did not desire, yet you would never despair of him.
Three qualities he disposed of: hypocrisy, excessiveness, and what was none of his concern. People did not fear him in three areas: - for they were not qualities or habits of his -: He never disparaged, or reproached nor did he seek the defects or shortcomings of others. He only spoke in righteous words. When he spoke, his companions would attentively listen, casting down their heads. They only spoke when he was silent. They did not have disputes or arguments about who was to speak first. He who talked in his presence would be listened to by everybody until he finished his talk. Their talk would be about the topic discussed or delivered by their first speaker.
The Messenger of Allaah used to laugh at what they laughed at and admired what they used to admire. He would always show patience with a stranger's harshness at talk. He used to say:
Kharijah bin Zaid said: "The Prophet was the most honoured among the people with whom he sat.
His limbs could hardly be seen. He was often silent and rarely talked when speech was not a necessity. He turned away from those whose speech was rude or impolite. His laughter was no more than a smile. His speech, which was decisive, was neither excessive nor incomplete. Out of reverence and esteem and following the example of their Prophet, the Companions' laughter at his presence - was smiling, as well."
On the whole the Prophet was ornamented with peerless attributes of perfection. No wonder for him to be like that, for he was nurtured, educated and taught by Allaah, the Lord of Majesty. He is even praised by his Lord:
"And verily,
you (O Muhammad) are on an exalted standard of character." [68:4]
Those were the attributes and qualities that the Prophet enjoyed that endeared him to hearts and souls. Those traits made him so popular that the restraint and enmity of his people dwindled and they started to embrace Islam in large crowds."
Details of the Prophet Muhammad's excellent life are certainly beyond any human's coverage.
The preceding was the extent to which the writer could go in the light of what time and resources could permit, for a detailed explanation of his traits would require the writing of a voluminous book.
The reader should feel free to contact us for any clarifications, elucidations, suggestions or comments.
We beseech Allaah to bestow blessings and peace upon the Prophet Muhammad, the Messenger of Guidance and Mercy and upon his companions and members of his household and all those who follow his guidance until the Day of Resurrection