Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) showed exceptional traits of an unbeaten principal in both religious services as well as in handling a lot of secular issues using his leadership skills. Today’s renowned scholars talk about the leadership qualities of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) his powerful mission to keep the religion powerful today and the decisions made by him in different circumstances which made success to overcome critical issues. Allāh says:
يَا أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ جَاهِدِ الْكُفَّارَ وَالْمُنَافِقِينَ وَاغْلُظْ عَلَيْهِمْ وَمَأْوَاهُمْ جَهَنَّمُ وَبِئْسَ الْمَصِيرُ
“O Prophet! Strive (against) the disbelievers and the hypocrites and be stern with them. And their abode (is) Hell, and wretched (is) the destination.” (Surah At-Taubah 9:73)
Description: Prophet Muhammad (Sallallāhu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam) is known to have observed a very simple life not seeking material gains, greatness, glory, or power but forever with Fear of Allāh, sincere humility was ingrained in his heart until he died. The noble characteristics and the Sunnah which the Muslims must uphold. He said, “Allāh has sent me as an apostle so that I may demonstrate the perfection of character, refinement of manners and loftiness of department”. Allāh says:
وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ إِلَّا رَحْمَةً لِّلْعَالَمِينَ
“And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.” (Al-Anbiya’ 21: 107)
Even today, Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) is considered to be the finest leader with the highest moral values. He was sent to the world with the huge responsibility of spreading Allah’s word and guiding the entire humanity to the right path. It was his upright character and integrated personality which impressed people and helped them see the truth in an era when the world was immersed in the gloom of kufr. Allāh says:
وَلَمَّا رَأَى الْمُؤْمِنُونَ الْأَحْزَابَ قَالُوا هَٰذَا مَا وَعَدَنَا اللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُ وَصَدَقَ اللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُ وَمَا زَادَهُمْ إِلَّا إِيمَانًا وَتَسْلِيمًا
“And when saw the believers the confederates, they said, “This (is) what Allah promised us and His Messenger, and Allah spoke the truth and And not it increased them except (in) faith and submission.” (Surah Al-Ahzab 33:22)
We being Muslims should have as much awareness about the life of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as possible because He (PBUH) is the most honourable person that ever existed in this world. So below are a few things that we should know about our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
- Compassionate and Merciful: Allah’s Messenger (SAW) was compassionate towards everyone. He (SAW) forgave His enemies and treated them gently. Even when the people of Taif made the children of their neighbourhood make fun of Him and throw stones at Him, He (SAW) prayed for them: “The Prophet (SAW) resembled a Prophet who was harmed by His people. He (SAW) wiped the blood from His face and said: ‘O God! Forgive my people, for they know not!” (Bukhari)
- Profession: When Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was young, He (SAW) used to work as a shepherd. As He (SAW) grew older, He (SAW) became a successful merchant. Thus, it can be said that the profession of our Prophet (PBUH) was trading. Allah’s Messenger (SAW) was asked what type of earning was best and He (PBUH) replied, “A man’s work with his hand, and every business transaction which is approved.” (Al-Tirmidhi)
- The Trustworthy: He (SAW) was called truthful and trustworthy long before Islam. People called Him (SAW) Al-Ameen (the trustworthy). This title is given to Him due to His honest behaviour with people in business and also when speaking about Allah Almighty. He (PBUH) was the most truthful and trustworthy person. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said about the truthfulness in one of His hadiths in these words: “Fulfill the trust for the one who entrusted you and does not cheat the one who created you.” (Al-Tirmidhi)
- Moderation and Social Reforms: Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) life teaches us to be moderate in our life. As we all know that excess of everything is bad, that’s why it’s important to do all things in moderation. And this is something we can learn from the Seerah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW). We have to do social justice as He (SAW) did in his life. He (SAW) recommended social reforms on many levels, including gender and racial equality, religious freedom, and mandatory education for all Muslims.
- Forgiveness: Holy Prophet (PBUH) preached forgiveness. Forgiveness was one of the most outstanding qualities of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Non- Muslims used to maltreat our beloved Prophet (PBUH) and His companions, they used to threaten Him (PBUH), beat Him, they even threw stones at Him but He (PBUH) forgave them all and taught everyone that forgiveness is better for them to revenge. We should also adopt this trait of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in our lives.
- Condemned Racism and Tribalism: Prophet (SAW) condemned racism and tribalism. Racism can destroy societies that why our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said in His last address that “All mankind is from Adam, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor a non-Arab has superiority over Arab, also a white has no superiority over black, nor a black has superiority over white except piety and good deeds”.
- Loving Family Man: He (PBUH) was kind and loving towards His family. He (SAW) used to help His family with household chores. He (PBUH) would also mend His sandals, and patch and sew His garments by himself. It is reported that when Aisha (RA), one of the Prophet’s wives, was asked about His (SAW) role at home, she said He “would do chores for his family and he would go out when it was time for prayer.”
- He (SAW) treated animals with kindness: Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was kind to both humans and animals. He (SAW) taught us that we should never hit an animal as we know that animals can’t speak and can’t explain their pain. So, we should always be kind towards them.
- Seal on the letter: He (PBUH) used the seal of His ring on letters to foreign dignitaries. The ring consisted of three words Allah, Rasool, and Muhammad. His love and devotion to Allah Almighty pushed Him to put “Allah” as the top word and his name at the bottom. (Muhammad is the messenger of Allah) to verify that the letter was from Him.
- Warned Extremist: Holy Prophet (SAW) was against extremism. It is not allowed in Islam to commit any awful action in the name of Allah and this can never be a part of Islam. Islam teaches us the lesson of peace, not war. We should create a peaceful society for all mankind.
- The name of Prophet (SAW): His (SAW) name is one of the most popular names in the world. Muhammad is a beautiful name and is among the top 10 most popular names in the UK and also in the top 50 worldwide. The meaning of Muhammad is “Praised”.
- Mode of Living: Prophet Muhammad (Sallallāhu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam) is known either before or during his mission as a Prophet of Allāh to have observed a very simple life not seeking material gains, greatness, glory, or power, but forever with Fear of Allāh, sincere humility was ingrained in his heart until he died.
- Mode of Living: Prophet Muhammad (Sallallāhu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam) is known either before or during his mission as a Prophet of Allāh to have observed a very simple life not seeking material gains, greatness, glory, or power, but forever with Fear of Allāh, sincere humility was ingrained in his heart until he died.
- The Prophet’s Eating and DrinkingAnas bin Mālik (radiyallāhu’anhu) said: “The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam) used to lick his three fingers after having eaten.” [At-Tirmidzi]
- Daily Routine: On the authority of ‘Ali, Tirmidzi has recorded that the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam) had carefully apportioned his time according to the demands on him for:
- Offering worship to Allāh
- Public affairs, and
- Personal matters.
Beautiful Qualities of Prophet Muhammad (May Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him). Listed below are a few of his personality traits that all Muslims must know and try to adopt:
- Allah comes first: Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) gave utmost priority to Allah’s orders. He would follow His commands with devotion and love. He endured every hardship with patience because, for him, the duty he was assigned by Allah was greater than his comforts. As Allah had ordered him in Qur’an: “Say, Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for God, Lord of the worlds. No partner has Him. And this I have been commanded and I am the first (among you) of the Muslims.” (6:162-163)
- Truthful: Even before the advent of Islam and any revelation, Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) was known as Sadiq (the truthful one) and Ameen (trustworthy). Everyone who knew him could give testimony to his honesty.
- Did as he preached: He was the perfect Muslim. He taught the ways of Islam by following every one of Allah’s orders and then by asking the ummah to follow them. His exemplary personality would impress people into adhering to Islamic teachings.
- Compassionate and merciful: Allah’s Messenger (P.B.U.H) was compassionate toward everyone. He forgave his enemies and treated them gently. Even when the people of Taif made the children of their neighbourhood make fun of him and throw stones at him, he prayed for them: “The Prophet (P.B.U.H) resembled a Prophet who was harmed by His people. He wiped the blood from His face and said: ‘O God! Forgive my people, for they know not!” (Bukhari)
- Concern about animals: He was not only good for humans but also animals. Multiple incidents from hadith tell about this quality of his: During a journey, somebody picked up some birds eggs. The bird’s painful note and fluttering attracted the attention of the Prophet (P.B.U.H) who asked the man to replace the eggs. (Al-Bukhaari)
- Simplicity: Hazrat Muhammad (P.B.U.H) led a simple life. He would do all his chores himself, eat simple food, and live in small houses. Even after conquering Makkah, he did not change his lifestyle. Umar b. al-Khattab said: “I entered the Messenger (P.B.U.H)’s house and I found him sitting on a mat. He had a leather pillow stuffed with fibres. He had a pot of water by his feet, and there were some clothes hung on the wall. His side had marks due to the mat that he lay on. Umar wept when he saw this, and the Messenger (P.B.U.H) asked him: ‘Why do you weep?’ Umar said: ‘O Prophet of God! Khosrau and Caesar enjoy the best of this world, and you are suffering in poverty?!’ He said: ‘Aren’t you pleased that they enjoy this world, and we will enjoy the Hereafter?” (Bukhari)
- Generous: He was a generous person and loved helping others. Abu Dharr (R.A) said: “I was walking with the Prophet (P.B.U.H) in the Harrah (volcanic region) of Madeenah and we faced the mount of Uhud; the Prophet (P.B.U.H) said: ‘O Abu Dharr!’ I said: ‘Here I am O Messenger of God!’ He said: ‘It would not please me to have an amount of gold equal to the weight of Mount Uhud until I spend and give it out (in the sake of God) within a night or three nights. I would keep a single silver piece of it to help those who are in debt.” (Bukhari)
- Pleasant persona: He was so gentle in his manners and always friendly towards others that people would talk to him easily and respectfully. Abdullah bin al-Harith said: “I have never seen a man who smiled as much as the Messenger of God (P.B.U.H).” (Tirmidhi)
- Modest: Allah’s Apostle (P.B.U.H) was modest in his manners and clothing. He strongly opposed vulgarity. Hazrat Ibn Mas’ud reports that the Holy Prophet said: “Verily, amongst the words people have obtained from the sayings of the past prophets is that when you are immodest (unashamed) then do whatever you desire.” (Ibn Maajah)
- Patient: Hazrat Muhammad (P.B.U.H) was tested by Allah in various ways but he never complained. He always remained patient when faced with hardships. When he gained power over his enemies, he didn’t take any revenge but forgave them all, presenting the greatest example for the entire humanity.
- Fair and just: He not only advocated justice but carried it out well. On one occasion, a woman of noble birth was caught stealing. Her family members sent Usama Bin Zaid (R.A) to ask Muhammad (P.B.U.H) to let go of the punishment. Allah’s Messenger (P.B.U.H) said:‘People before you were destroyed because when the noble among them stole, they would let him go; and if the poor and weak stole they would punish him. By God! If Fatimah, the daughter of Muhammad stole, I would cut her hand off.’ [Bukhari]
- Spread goodness and forbade evil: Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) practised good deeds and spread it devotedly, and stopped people from evil ones. In a hadith, he said: “Whoever of you sees an evil action, let him change it with his hand; and if he is not able to do so, then with his tongue; and if he is not able to do so, then with his heart…” (Muslim)
- Easy on himself, without transgressing the limits of Allah: Islam doesn’t require one to burden himself. We can choose the easy path so long as it is within the limits of Islam. Aisha (R.A) said: “The Prophet (P.B.U.H) was not given a choice between two matters, except that he chose the easier of the two, as long as it was not a sinful act. If that act was sinful, he would be the farthest from it. By God! He never avenged himself. He only became angry when people transgressed the limits and boundaries of God; in that case, he avenged [for the sake of God].” (Bukhari)
- Ethical and well-mannered: Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) never had any formal schooling. He had been taught by the Lord of the worlds and, indeed, He knows the best. Muhammad (P.B.U.H)’s mannerisms and ethical values were outstanding and Allah was pleased with them. He says in Qur’an: “And indeed, you are of a great moral character” (68:4)
- Content at heart: Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) did not lead a life of riches. He lived simply but contentedly. He was happy with whatever the worldly things Allah had blessed him with and never uttered a word of complaint.
- Generosity: Anas bin Mālik (radiyallāhu’anhu) reported: “It never happened that Allāh’s Messenger (Sallallāhu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam) was asked anything for the sake of Islam and he did not give. There came to him a person and he gave him a large flock (of sheep and goat) and he went back to his people and said, “My people, embrace Islam, for Muhammad gives so much charity it is as if he has no fear of poverty.” (Muslim)
- Justice: As the supreme judge and arbiter, as the leader of men, as generalissimo of rising power, as a reformer and apostle, he had always to deal with men and their affairs. He had often to deal with mutually inimical and warring tribes when showing justice to one carried the danger of antagonizing the other.
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Equality: The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam) asked people to shun notions of race, family or any other form of superiority based on mundane things and said that righteousness alone was the criterion of one’s superiority over another.
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A Mercy for the Believers: The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam) without a shadow of a doubt was the epitome of mercy. This is not only due to Allāh describing him as such, but due to the manifestation of mercy in his character.
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A Mercy for Women: Prophet Muhammad (Sallallāhu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam) was also very kind and affectionate towards women. Women were very badly treated in those times. The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam) gave them honour and dignity at par with men in the community. ‘Umar (radiyallāhu’anhu) reported: “We did not have much regard for women while we were at Makkah, but they were better treated in Madinah. Allāh’s Messenger established women’s rights through his sayings and commandments, which improved their position and status.”
قُلْ إِنَّمَا أَنَا بَشَرٌ مِّثْلُكُمْ يُوحَىٰ إِلَيَّ أَنَّمَا إِلَٰهُكُمْ إِلَٰهٌ وَاحِدٌ فَاسْتَقِيمُوا إِلَيْهِ وَاسْتَغْفِرُوهُ وَوَيْلٌ لِّلْمُشْرِكِينَ
Say, “Only I am a man like you, it is revealed to me that your god (is) God One; so take a Straight Path to Him and ask His forgiveness.” And woe to the polytheists.” (Surah Fussilat 41:6)
Allah’s last Messenger, فَكَيْفَ إِذَا جِئْنَا مِن كُلِّ أُمَّةٍ بِشَهِيدٍ وَجِئْنَا بِكَ عَلَىٰ هَٰؤُلَاءِ شَهِيدًا, had the most upright character and a personality like none other. We can never be as perfect as him but we must strive to follow in his footsteps to achieve greater rewards in the hereafter. Prophet Muhammad (Sallallāhu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam) preached to the people to trust in Allah.
وَمِنْهُمُ الَّذِينَ يُؤْذُونَ النَّبِيَّ وَيَقُولُونَ هُوَ أُذُنٌ قُلْ أُذُنُ خَيْرٍ لَّكُمْ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَيُؤْمِنُ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَرَحْمَةٌ لِّلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنكُمْ وَالَّذِينَ يُؤْذُونَ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ
“And among them (are) those who hurt the Prophet and they say, “He is (all) ear.” Say, “An ear (of) goodness for you, he believes in Allah and believes the believers, and (is) mercy to those who believe among you.” And those who hurt (the) Messenger (of) Allah, for them (is) a punishment painful.” (Surah At-Taubah 9:6)
His whole life was an inspirational example of the precept. In the loneliness of Makkah; amid persecution and danger; in adversity and tribulations; and in the thick of enemies in the battles of Uhud and Hunain, ‘the complete faith and trust in Allāh Almighty’ are the feature in his life. However great the danger that confronted him, he never lost hope and never allowed himself to be unduly agitated.