Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the last Prophet and Messenger of Almighty Allah, who was born in 570 A.D in the city of Makkah. The Noble Quran was also revealed on Prophet Muhammad (SAW). He (PBUH) received a revelation from Allah (SWT) when the angel named Jibrael (AS) was sent down by Allah to disclose the very first five Ayahs from Surah Al-Alaq upon him which is translated as: “Read in the name of your Lord who created, created man from a clot. Read, for your Lord is most Generous, Who teaches by means of the pen, teaches man what he does not know.” (Quran, 96: 1-5). Muslims are advised to follow the Sunnah of Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in all aspects of life. In order to follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), we need to know the personality characteristics of Him. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) taught to love, kindness and compassion to His people and was seen to be the most loving, kind, and compassionate of all of them. The Holy Quran mentions His kind and gentle behavior in these words: “O Messenger of Allah! It is a great Mercy of God that you are gentle and kind towards them; for, had you been harsh and hard-hearted, they would all have broken away from you” (Quran, 3:159).Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is regarded as the noblest Prophet of all due to His great character. There never was anyone like Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) whose life has been recorded in such accurate detail, and also there never was anyone in history like the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) whose exemplary deeds are so closely followed in their daily lives by so many people from different countries and regions of this world, to present day.
Who is Prophet Muhammad(SAW)
Almighty Allah gives value to man and his life in the Holy Quran in these words: “Killing one man unjustly is like killing all of mankind; giving life to one person is like giving life to all people.” The Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said and practically proved to the people that not only living people, but a dead person as well needs to be shown respect even if he is a member of another religion. The kindness and good manners of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) are well known as He (SAW) was not the only kind-hearted to other fellow human beings particularly to the children but also to the animals. It was the time when the Arabs used to feel shame in being loving and affectionate to their kids. There is a hadith related to the kindness and love of Prophet (PBUH) towards kids: “The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) performed Salah (prayer) while he was carrying an infant girl named Umaamah, daughter of Abul-Aas. When He bowed, He put her on the ground, and when He stood up, He would carry her again” (Bukhari).
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) did not even want his intense enemies who made His life miserable and insulted Him in every way to abandon this world without faith. In fact, Holy Prophet (PBUH) commanded that the idolaters who died in the battle of Badr be buried in a way that would not damage their honor and He addressed the dead idolaters. This is because our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did not want anyone who came to this world, regardless of who he was, to die as an idolater. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was the first who taught people to give up alcohol, drugs and all kinds of unclean foods. It was none other than Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) who for the first time in history established women’s rights by allowing them to own property, inherit, question authorities, reject arranged marriages, and seek a divorce when they had reasons for doing so.
Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was always sincere in His relationships and always abstained from useless quarrels. It is stated in the Holy Quran, the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) always treated people well; He (SAW) used kind words and avoided rude and aggressive behavior towards all people no matter to what religion they belong to. The Holy Prophet (SAW) condemned racism and nationalism, established laws to protect animals, trees, and the environment; He (PBUH) established workers’ rights and banned interest. When our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) spoke, He (PBUH) spoke to the purpose or else He (SAW) kept quiet. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was the first to greet a person, and He (SAW) was not the first to withdraw his hand from a handshake. In the bottom line, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was a kind-hearted, honest, and respected person, equally showing his followers that he too feels pain for humans as well for animals. Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was well known for his humbleness and humility as he (PBUH) never said no to anybody seeking his help. His openness and candidness also played a vital role in spreading Islam as Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) treated everyone alike regardless of their statuses. “A woman from the people of Madinah who was partially insane said to the Prophet (PBUH): ‘I have to ask you [your help] about something.’ He helped her and took care of her needs.” (Bukhari). The personality or character of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is not only a huge source of inspiration for the Muslims but for all human beings. All the societal issues and evils could be eliminated if we all follow his teachings and act like him. May Almighty Allah give us all strength to follow the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Ameen!
(The author is a freelancer. Views are his own [email protected])
