The personal character and behavior of the Prophet of Islam
- Updated On Saturday, 21 June 2014
- Written by Dr. Mohammad Ali Shomali
- Editor Faisal Shaheen
- Supervisor Sayyed Roohullah Musavi
- Published on Wednesday, 07 May 2014
- Hits: 567 views
- Hits: How did the Prophet behave with others?
The personal character and behavior of the Prophet contributed greatly to the progress of Islam. He was known to be an honest, trustworthy and pious individual from childhood. During his prophethood, he always lived by his principles and values. During periods of difficulty and security, ease and fear, peace and war, as victor and defeated; he always manifested humility, justice and confidence. His humility was reflected in that he never admired himself, never felt superior to others and never lived a life of luxury. Whether he was alone and powerless or when he ruled the Arab peninsula and led the entire Ummah, he behaved the same. He lived very simply and was always among the people, especially the poor. He had no palace or guard. When he was sitting with his companions no one-could distinguish him from others by considering his seat or clothes. It was only his words and spirituality that distinguished him from others. His commitment to justice was as such that he never ignored the rights of anyone, even his enemies. He personified in his life the Qur'anic command, "O you who believe! Be upright for God, bearers of witness with justice, and let not hatred of a people incite you not to act equitably; act equitably, that is nearer to piety" (5 : 8). Prior tothe ensuing battle, he always instructed his soldiers not to harm women, children, the elderly, and those who had surrendered, not to destroy farms and gardens, not to chase those who had escaped from the war front, and to be kind to their captives. Just before his departure from the world, the Prophet announced in the Mosque: "Whoever among you feels that I have done injustice to him, come forward and do justice. Surely, enacting justice in this world is better in my view than being taken account of in the Hereafter in front of the angels and the Prophets." Those present in the Mosque wept, for they were reminded of all the sacrifices that the Prophet had made for them and all of the troubles that he had undergone in order to guide them. They knew that he never gave any priority to his own needs and never preferred his comfort and convenience over that of others. They responded with statements of deep gratitude and profound respect. One among them, however, Sawadah b. Qays, stood up and said: "May my father and mother be your ransom! O Messenger of God! On your return from Ta'if, I came to welcome you while you were riding your camel. While you moved your stick to ride your camel, you hit me by it unintentionally.The Prophet then asked Bilal to go to the house of Fatimah and bring the same stick. After the stick was brought, the Prophet told Sawadah to retaliate by hitting him back. Sawadah said that the stick had struck the skin of his stomach. The Prophet therefore lifted his shirt so that Sawadah could in return strike his skin. At that moment, Sawadah asked: "O Messenger of God! Do you allow me to touch my mouth to your stomach?" The Prophet gave him permission. Sawadah then kissed the stomach of the Prophet and prayed that because of this act of his, God would protect him from fire on the Day of Resurrection. The Prophet said: "O Sawadah! Will you pardon me or do you still wish to retaliate?" He replied: "I pardon you." The Prophet then prayed: "O God! Pardon Sawadah b. Qays as he pardoned Your Prophet, Muhammad!"