How Was the Walk of the Prophet Muhammad?
The Walking of the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) Alone
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) had the best of gaits. He walked with humility, dignity, and deliberation. This walk was described by Allah, the Exalted, in His saying: "And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth easily". However, this does not imply laziness, sluggishness, or weakness in walking. The Prophet (peace be upon him) was far from that. Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: "The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to walk in a manner where there was no laziness".
His walking was filled with activity, movement, and speed. There are many narrations indicating this. Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: "When he walked, he leaned forward as if descending from a slope". Leaning forward here implies a slight inclination forward. It's also reported by Ali ibn Abi Talib that he said: "When he walked, he lifted his feet, meaning that the Prophet (peace be upon him) would raise his feet from the ground and then lower them, neither dragging nor pulling them, indicating humility in his walk". Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: "When he walked, it was as if he was descending". Descending here means he would quicken his pace without running or hurrying, and he wouldn't speak during that time. This quickening implies reliance on the staff. Although he quickened his pace, it didn't mean he would disturb himself by moving his whole body, thus exhausting himself. His walking was the most just and moderate. It didn't tend towards swaying and slowness nor disturbance and excessive speed.
The Prophet's Walking with His Companions
When the Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him) walked with his companions, he would walk behind them. This is the characteristic of a responsible shepherd tending to his flock. He disliked walking in front of them like kings and sultans, whom people would follow and walk behind like servants. This is indicated by the saying of the Prophet (peace be upon him): "Walk in front of me". Therefore, the companions (may Allah be pleased with them) would walk to his right, left, and only in front of him.
He walked with his companions in this manner for several reasons. One reason is his complete humility before Allah, the Exalted. Another reason is that the angels would walk behind him, as he said, "Leave my back for the angels". Additionally, by stepping behind his companions, he could observe their conditions and movements, teaching, nurturing, disciplining, and admonishing them in accordance with the rulings and teachings of the Sharia.
Etiquette of Walking in Isalm
There are many etiquettes encouraged by Islam while walking, including:
Initiating and returning greetings to everyone: It is reported by Abdullah ibn Amr (may Allah be pleased with him) that a man asked the Prophet (peace be upon him): "Which aspect of Islam is best?" He replied: "Feeding others and spreading the greeting of peace to those you know and those you don’t".
Avoid throwing filth and rubbish on the road: Especially harmful objects such as stones and thorns. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "There should be no harming or reciprocating harm". Such objects are encouraged to be removed from the path.
Exercising caution and avoiding danger: As Allah says, "And do not throw yourselves with your [own] hands into destruction". It's important to warn others of danger, signal it, or remove it if possible, as part of enjoining good and forbidding evil, which the Prophet (peace be upon him) highlighted as a right of the road.
Lowering the gaze: Preserving it from prohibited sights, as commanded in the Quran for both men and women. Islam encourages this to prevent the misuse of vision, which can lead to transgressions against others or facilitate illicit behavior.
Humility and gentleness in walking: Avoid arrogance, as Allah says: "And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth modestly". Maintaining a moderate walking speed is also recommended, neither too slow, which may indicate arrogance, nor too fast, which might compromise dignity and balance.
Walking with both shoes: The Prophet (peace be upon him) advised against walking with one shoe, suggesting that one wear both or remove both. Read more about the shoes of the Prophet Muhammad.
