10 Qualities of Prophet Muhammad

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was the best of people in character. He would play with children and treat them kindly. He was also known for his generosity, spending in the way of Allah, and helping the poor and needy. He would prefer others over himself, even if he had nothing to eat. He was the most courageous of people and would forgive those who wronged him. He treated his companions with love, joked with them, accepted invitations, visited the sick, and never criticized or looked down on anyone. He was also the most dedicated to the Hereafter and lived a life of asceticism, not being attached to worldly pleasures.

He was the most knowledgeable about Allah and the best in his dealings with others. He never sought revenge for himself, was extremely modest, and became angry only when the sanctities of Allah were violated. He did not differentiate between people and never complained about food; he ate whatever was available without being picky. He served his household, was extremely humble, loved the poor, attended their funerals, and never belittled a needy person.

1. Truthfulness and Trustworthiness

The Prophet (peace be upon him) was the most truthful of people. He was known among his people for his honesty, and no one ever doubted his truthfulness. Even Heraclius, the Roman emperor, acknowledged that he couldn't lie about Allah because he had never lied to people. Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) said that the Prophet was the most truthful in speech, and Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) said:

"He was the most truthful in speech, even his enemies admitted it. Throughout history, none of his opponents ever accused him of a single lie, whether big or small”.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) was also known for his trustworthiness in all aspects of life, both before and after his prophethood. His people called him "Al-Amin" (the Trustworthy) even before he received revelation. He was chosen to arbitrate between the tribes of Quraysh when they disputed over placing the Black Stone in the Kaaba. His marriage to Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (may Allah be pleased with her) was also due to his honesty and good character, as he was known among traders for his integrity and truthfulness. After receiving revelation, his greatest act of trustworthiness was delivering Allah’s message completely, despite enduring hardship and suffering. He ensured that all entrusted items were returned to their rightful owners, even when Quraysh would leave their valuables with him for safekeeping.

2. Mercy

The Prophet (peace be upon him) was extremely merciful to his nation. He would pray to Allah for the salvation of the Muslims, often shedding tears for them. One aspect of his mercy was his command not to ask unnecessary questions about religious matters that had not been revealed, so as not to make things harder for the people.

He was also merciful toward women, advised kindness toward them, and was patient with their speech, even when they raised their voices at him. He was gentle with children, showing affection by embracing them, playing with them, and making them feel loved.

3. The Prophet’s Smile and Laughter

The Prophet (peace be upon him) frequently smiled and rarely laughed aloud. As narrated by Lady Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), she said:

"I never saw the Prophet laughing so much that I could see his uvula; he would only smile”.

(Reported by Al-Bukhari)

4. Kindness and Gentleness

The Prophet (peace be upon him) was easygoing and gentle in all his words and actions. He encouraged people to practice kindness and praised those who embodied it. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that the Prophet said:

"Allah is Gentle and loves gentleness in all matters”.

He also said:

"Whenever kindness is added to something, it beautifies it; and whenever it is removed from something, it makes it defective”.

5. Asceticism (Zuhd)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) was the most ascetic of people regarding worldly life. He was content with delivering his message and lived a simple life. He often survived on dates and water, and his bread was made of barley. He did not seek luxury, and after his passing, he left nothing behind of material wealth. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said:

"The Prophet (peace be upon him) passed away while there was nothing in my house that a living being could eat except for a handful of barley on a shelf. I ate from it for a long time until it finally ran out”.

(Reported by Al-Bukhari)

6. Patience

The Prophet (peace be upon him) exhibited immense patience. He endured the harm of the Quraysh, who accused him of lying, sorcery, and soothsaying. Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:

"While the Prophet was prostrating in prayer, a group from Quraysh placed the entrails of a slaughtered camel on his back. He remained in prostration until his daughter Fatimah came and removed it, then she cursed those who had done it”.

He also exercised patience with the hypocrites, as well as the loss of his loved ones. His uncle Abu Talib, his wife Khadijah, and all of his children except Fatimah passed away during his lifetime. His beloved uncle Hamza was also martyred.

7. Generosity and Giving

The Prophet (peace be upon him) was known for his generosity, particularly in the month of Ramadan. He would give abundantly to the poor and those in need, spending everything he had for the sake of Allah. His generosity was not only in giving charity but also in softening hearts toward Islam and establishing the principles of giving in his nation.

8. Courage

The Prophet (peace be upon him) was the ultimate example of bravery. He opposed Quraysh’s idol worship and never prostrated to an idol, even as a child. His courage increased after receiving revelation, as he bore the responsibility of delivering Allah’s message. He remained composed and fearless in battle, always standing firm in the face of danger.

During the migration to Medina, he reassured Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) when they were hiding in the cave, reminding him to trust in Allah. In battle, he never fled, wielding his sword and fighting without hesitation, even when injured.

9. Good Treatment of Wives

The Prophet (peace be upon him) was the best of people in his family. He managed his wives with wisdom, love, and kindness. He would joke with his wives and show them affection. For instance, he once raced with Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) for fun.

He was fair in his treatment of them, taking them all with him on his farewell pilgrimage. He showed patience, uplifted them, and ensured their happiness. He also educated them in matters of religion in a gentle and understanding manner. He never woke them up without reason and was protective of them.

10. Trust in Allah

The Prophet (peace be upon him) had immense trust in Allah. Even in the most difficult times, he remained steadfast and strong-willed. He persistently called people to worship Allah, even in hostile environments. His unwavering trust in Allah gave him the strength to endure hardships, knowing that Allah would always protect him.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was sent to perfect noble character. He was the best example of truthfulness, trustworthiness, asceticism, courage, patience, gentleness, and kindness.

Characteristics of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

There are characteristics of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that distinguished him from his followers. Among these characteristics are:

• The obligation is to perform Duha prayer, Witr prayer, Tahajjud prayer, and use the Miswak.
• Special attributes in the Hereafter, such as his right to intercede for his followers and entering Paradise before anyone else.
• Numerous miracles of the Prophet Muhammad, such as the splitting of the moon.
• Being the final prophet and messenger, and that no one's faith is complete unless they believe in his message.
• A praiseworthy status, being the leader and preacher of all prophets, and that his nation is the best among nations.

Allah honored the Prophet (PBUH) with many special attributes, including the obligation of Duha and Tahajjud prayers and the miracles he performed, such as the splitting of the moon. In the Hereafter, he will have a unique status, as he will enter Paradise before anyone else.

Following the Example of the Prophet (PBUH)

Every Muslim is required to follow the example of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in all aspects of life, including his sayings, actions, character, etiquette, Sunnah, and rulings. This also includes faith and monotheism. However, there are certain aspects exclusive to the Prophet, such as:

• Prophethood and divine revelation.
• Being allowed to marry more than four wives.
• The prohibition of marrying his wives after him.
• Continuous fasting without breaking it.
• Not leaving inheritance after his death.
• Not accepting charity.