In the name of Allah, Most Beneficent, Most Merciful

by Istafiah Is'harc

People have described the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wassalam) as being of between tall and medium height, of a slim build with broad shoulders. His skin was light and his hair black and slightly curly reaching to his ear lobes. He also had a beard. Even in old age he hardly had any grey hair. His eyes were very dark with long lashes and arched eyebrows. Between his shoulder-blades there was a birthmark which was the 'Seal of Prophethood'. When he walked, he strode and the earth seemed to roll away from under his feet. When standing or walking, his body leaned forward slightly. He often smiled, although underlying that was an expression of gravity. When he turned to talk to somebody, he turned his whole body to face the person and his manner was always courteous humble and gentle. His most notable feature, was the radiance that shone from his face and eyes.

When people first met him, they would be filled with awe. But in a short time they found themselves completely charmed by him and very soon after that they would become devoted to him. The Ummah has a deep and unwavering love for their Prophet. Even most of his enemies, in the end, pledged their allegiance to him. He did not like people to flatter him, and forbade them to prostrate themselves before him - or after his death, at his tomb. When somebody called him 'Lord', he replied quickly that only Allah (swt) was 'Lord'. It is Muslim practice to regularly pray for the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wassalam), as well as the other prophets out of gratitude for everything we we have received from him and through him.

He was known for his great love, compassion and patience, and for always speaking the truth - even Abu Sufyan who was one of the Prophet's worst enemies until he became a Muslim, said that the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wassalam) had never told a lie. The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wassalam) was always ready to be supple and yielding in order to make peace as long as it did not go against Islam and the Will of Allah (swt). He always carried out the terms of any treaty he had agreed, and always trusted the Almighty. In all dealings he was just and fair. He was never the aggressor in any war.

He had a very tender heart. When someone once related to him how a father had buried his young daughter while she was crying out to him, the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wassalam) dissolved into tears. He never took revenge on anybody who had hurt him, and even allowed the woman who had tried to poison him, to go without punishment. Truly, he was an example of compassion.

The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wassalam) had great humility and helped with the housework, mended his own clothes and shoes, milked the goat, cooked occasionally and looked after the children. He was a loving father and husband and encouraged the male members of his Ummah to also treat their wives and children with tenderness and understanding. He told them that the greatest charity they could do was to look after and care for them.

[ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ] [ Next Page ]