The Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessing be upon him) was sent as a role model for people who will come until the Day of Judgment and as a guidance to follow. “Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example for whoever has hope in Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah often.”[1] For this reason, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has a superior morality that encompasses every aspect of life: “And indeed, you are of a great moral character.” [2]
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would first greet the people he met on the way, shake hands with the men, and would not let go unless the person let go of his hand. While talking to the other person, he would turn with his whole body and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would not turn his face unless that person turned his face.[3]
He used to say nice words to people, show a smiling face and say that it is a reward (of obedience to Allah) to behave like this.[4] No bad words would come out of his mouth. He used to indicate that those with good morals are good people.[5]
He would respond to the invitation of those who invited him to their homes and would perform nafl prayer (supererogatory prayer) there to make them feel pleased. When he saw someone’s bad behavior or inappropriate clothing, he would not tell him about his mistake instead he would prefer others to make this warning in order not to embarrass him.[6]
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did not raise his hand against any woman or slave during his lifetime. He would not take revenge for the injustice done to him.[7] When Aisha (Peace be upon her) talked about the morality of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), she said that he did not respond to evil with evil, he forgave people and ignored their faults.[8]
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was known for his truthful words and would not go back on his words. A young man (Abdullah bin Abdula Hamsa (PUH)) reported that he bought something from Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) before he received his Prophetic commission and as there was something still due to Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) he promised that he would bring it to his place. But the young man (Hamsa) forgot about it and remembered three days later. He went to that place and found Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) there waiting for him. The Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) said, “You have caused me great trouble and inconvenience. I have been here three says waiting for you.” [9]
Although the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) sympathized with the rudeness and faults inflicted on him, but he did not tolerate those who were not content with the worships he recommended and tried to do more prayers or those who tried to avoid behaviors that he thought it was okay to do. He was angry at people who said, “We are not like you; Allah has forgiven all your sins.” and stated that he is the one who fears Allah the most and knows Him best.[10] The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) felt sorry for the disrespect of a person who said that he was not treated fairly while distributing the booty, and the prophet Muhammed(PBUH) endured by stating that Prophet Musa(PUH) was patient with more severe insults.[11]
He would come to the aid of anyone in need of help, encourage orphans to be taken care of, and said that those who help widows and the poor would earn rewards as if they had fought in the way of Allah.[12] Expressing that the slaves were amanat (something that is very expensive and precious to its possessor, and is given to a faithful person to keep it safe.), he stated that the slave owners should feed them from what they ate and clothe them from what they wore, and he wanted them not to do things that they could not afford.[13]
He was respectful to the elderly and kind to children. He was very affectionate towards children. He could be a child with children and had quite a few friends among the children. He hugged and kissed them and embraced them.[14] He did not care if the babies who were given to him make his lap get dirty to pray.[15] He would take his grandchildren and grandchildren to the mosque, and even pray while they were on his shoulders.[16] He did not like laziness and idleness.[17]
Aisha (PUH) stated that the morality of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the morality of the Qur’an. (His way of life (khuluq) was the Qur’an”)[18] Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)also stated that he was sent to complete moral virtues.[19]
[1] Al-Ahzab,21
[2] Al-Qalam,4
[3] Al-Tirmidhi, Chapters on the description of the Day of Judgement ,46
[4] Al-Tirmidhi, Birr, 36
[5] Al-Bukhari, Al-Adab,38
[6] Abu-Dawood, Al-Adeb,4
[7] Muslim, Fadhail,79
[8] Al-Tirmidhi, Birr,69
[9] Abu-Dawood, Al-Adeb,82
[10] Al-Bukhari,Iman,13
[11] Al-Bukhari, Al-Maghazi,56
[12] Al-Bukhari, Iman,22; “Büyû”, 34,”; “Al-Nafaqah”, 1, “Al-Adeb”, 24; Muslim,”Zuhd”,41
[13] Al-Bukhari, Iman,22
[14] Al-Bukhari, Al-janaiz (funerals),32
[15] Al-Bukhari, Ablutions(wudu),59
[16] Al-Bukhari, Prayer(Salat),106
[17] “Take advantage of your health for your illness, your life for your death. don’t waste your time”, Al-Bukhari,to make the Heart Tender (Ar-Riqaq),3
[18] Muslim, Musafir,139
[19] Ahmed Bin Hanbel, Musned II, 381