CHAPTER 1: EMULATING THE PROPHET – PART 1
Section Two: Aspects of Emulating the Prophet’s Example
A person who contemplates the Prophet’s life finds that it includes every aspect of etiquette and good manners that are considered decent by all righteous and noble people.
The Prophet of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, was an Example in Good Manners:
Allah the Exalted Says (what means): «And indeed, you are of a great moral character.» [Quran: 68:4]
The Prophet’s manners were based on the Quran.(Reported by Muslim (746) on the authority of ‘Aa’ishah.) He, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, was pleased by whatever the Quran stated was good, and he was angered by whatever the Quran stated was evil and he, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, was neither harsh nor loud. (Reported by Al-Bukhaari (3559) and Muslim (2321) on the authority of ‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Amr.) He, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, used to forgive and not reply to a transgression with a similar transgression. (Reported by At-Tirmidhi (2016) on the authority of ‘Aa’ishah.)
Safiyyah (the wife of the Prophet of Allah, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)
said, “I have seen nobody with better manners than the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.” (Reported by At-Tabaraani in his book Al-Awsat (6578).)
Anas (a companion) said, “I served Prophet Mohammad, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, for nine years. (During these nine years) he never asked as to why I did this or did not do that.” (Reported by Al-Bukhaari (2768) and Muslim (2310).)
Anas also said, “Prophet Mohammad, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, had the best behaviour and the best manners of all. One day he sent me somewhere on some business, but I said to myself, “I won’t go now” although I did [eventually] intend to go to where he commanded me. I came to the market (on my way) and passed by some children playing. Suddenly, the Prophet of Allah, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, appeared from behind me and held me by the neck. I looked behind and he was smiling. He, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “O Anas, did you go where I told you to go”. I said, “I will go [now], O Prophet of Allah.” (Reported by Muslim (2310).)
He, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, was also an example in tolerance:
Allah Says (what means): «So by mercy from Allah, [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you.» [Quran: 3:159]
Anas said, “I was walking with the Prophet of Allah, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, and he was wearing a Najraani robe that had rough sides. A Bedouin came upon him and pulled him by his robe very roughly, so I looked at the side of the Prophet’s neck, and the side of the robe had left a mark from the strong pull. He then said: ‘O Muhammad, give me some of Allah’s money that you have.’ So the Prophet of Allah, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, looked at him, laughed and ordered that he be given some.” (Reported by Al-Bukhaari (3149) and Muslim (1057).)
He, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, was an example in kindness and mercy:
Allah The Exalted Says (what means): «And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.» [Quran: 21:107]
Abu Tharr (a companion) said, “One night the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, prayed and continued to recite the verse (which means): «If You should punish them – indeed they are Your servants; but if You forgive them, indeed it is You who is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.» until morning. I asked him about this, he, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, responded: “I asked my Lord to permit me to intercede for my nation. He, The Exalted, granted me my wish. By Allah’s will I will intercede for whoever takes no partners with Allah.”” (Reported by Ahmad (20821).)
Maalik bin Al-Huwayrith (a companion) reported, “We came to the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, and we were all young men of nearly equal ages. We stayed with him for twenty nights, and the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, was extremely kind and tender-hearted” (Reported by Al-Bukhaari (628) and Muslim (674))
He, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, was a good example in maintaining an appreciation for past relationships:
‘Aa’ishah (the wife of the Prophet) said: “I did not feel jealous of any of the wives of the Prophet as much as I did of Khadeejah though I did not see her, but the Prophet used to mention her very often, and whenever he slaughtered a sheep, he would cut its parts and send them to the women friends of Khadeejah. When I sometimes said to him: “’As if there is no woman on earth except Khadeejah!’ he would say: “Khadeejah was such-and-such [i.e. saying words of praise about her], and from her I had children.”” (Reported by Al-Bukhaari (3818) and Muslim (2435).)
He, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, was an example in humbleness:
Allah The Almighty ordered His Prophet, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, Saying (what means): «And lower your wing to those who follow you of the believers.» [Quran: 26:215] Meaning: be kind to them. Allah The Exalted ordered the Prophet of Allah, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, to be humble, gentle and kind to poor and rich believers. He, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, was so humble that he used to greet children when passing by them.(Reported by Al-Bukhaari (6247) and Muslim (2168) on the authority of Anas.) As humble as he was, a young girl servant would take him by the hand and go wherever she pleased (to ask her questions).(Reported by Ahmad (11530).)
He, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, would mend his sandals with his own hands, patch his clothes (Reported by Ahmad (24228) on the authority of ‘Aa’ishah.), milk his lamb (Reported by Ahmad (25662 on the authority of ‘Aa’ishah.) , sit (socialize) with poor people(Reported by Muslim (2413).) and he used to walk with the orphans, widows (Reported by An-Nasaa’i (1414) on the authority of ‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Abu Awfa.) and accept the invitation of whoever invited him.(Madaarij As-Saalikeen (328/2))
He, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, would visit the ill, attend funerals and accept the invitation of a servant.
He, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, was an example in bravery:
‘Ali ibn Abu Taalib (a companion and the fourth Caliph) said, “During the Battle of Badr, we used to seek refuge with the Prophet of Allah, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. He was the toughest among us, and he, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, used to bravely approach the rows of the enemy and would be the closest among us to them.” (Reported by Ahmad (1045).)
Al-Baraa’ ibn ‘Aazib (a companion) said, “By Allah! When things become difficult during battle we used to seek refuge with him. The bravest among us were those who used to keep up with him (meaning the Prophet of Allah, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).” (Reported by Muslim (1776).)
Anas also said, “Allah’s Messenger, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, was the best of people, the most generous amongst them and he was the bravest of men. One night the people of Madinah felt disturbed and set forth in the direction of a sound when Allah’s Messenger, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, met them on his way back as he had gone towards that sound ahead of them. He was on the horse of Abu Talhah which had no saddle over it, and a sword was slung round his neck, and he, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, was saying: “There is nothing to be afraid of”, and he, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, also said: “We found it [this horse] like a torrent of water”, whereas the horse had been slow before that time.” (Reported by Al-Bukhaari (2908) and Muslim (2307).)
He, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, was an example in generosity:
Ibn ‘Abbaas (a companion) said, “The Messenger of Allah, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, was the most generous of people. And he was most generous during Ramadhan when Gabriel would meet him every night to study the Quran with him. The Messenger of Allah, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, was more generous than a sent wind.” (Reported by Al-Bukhaari (6) and Muslim (2308).)
Jaabir ibn ‘Abdullaah (a companion) said, “The Messenger of Allah, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, was never asked for something and said: No.” (Reported by Al-Bukhaari (6034) and Muslim (2311).)
Anas ibn Maalik said, “A man asked of the Prophet of Allah, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, so he gave him a flock of sheep filling a valley between two mountains. The man returned to his people, saying: ‘O people, embrace Islam. By Allah, Muhammad gives like one who fears no poverty.””(Reported by Muslim (3312).)
He, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, was an example in being ascetic and abandoning worldly gains:
One day ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattaab came into the house of the Prophet of Allah, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, to find him lying on a simple mat which had left its marks on his body. ‘Umar started to sob. “Why are you crying? O ‘Umar”, asked the Prophet of Allah, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. ‘Umar said, “I thought of Caesar and Chosroes sitting on thrones of gold, wearing silk. And you are the Messenger of Allah, yet here you are sitting on this simple mattress.’ Thereupon the Prophet of Allah, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “O ‘Umar, are you not satisfied that they have this world and we have the next?” (Reported by Al-Bukhaari (5843) and Muslim (1479).)
The Prophet of Allah, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, encouraged his companions to be ascetic, and to be more attached to the Hereafter. He, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, performed Hajj while sitting on a worn-out saddle cloth and wearing a garment that was not worth four Dirhams (silver coins). (Reported by Ibn Maajah (2890) on the authority of Anas ibn Maalik.)
He, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, was an example in being steadfast and certain of Allah’s Promise
Somebody asked Al-Baraa’ ibn ‘Aazib (a companion): “Did you flee deserting the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, during the Battle of Hunayn?” Al-Baraa’ replied, “But the Messenger of Allah did not flee. The people of the Tribe of Hawaazin were good archers. When we met them, we attacked them, and they fled. I saw the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, on his white mule and Abu Sufyaan ibn Al-Haarith was holding its reins and the Prophet of Allah, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, was saying: “I am the Prophet in truth: I am the son of ‘Abd Al-Muttalib.”” (Reported by Al-Bukhaari (2864) and Muslim (1776).)
He, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, was an example in being patient with people and forgiving wrongdoers
He, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, was described as: “Neither stiff nor harsh. He, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, did not raise his voice in markets. He did not retaliate mischief, but pardoned and forgave.” (Reported by Al-Bukhaari (2125).)
He was an Example in repentance and seeking forgiveness:
Abu Hurayrah (a companion) heard the Prophet of Allah, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, say: “By Allah! I ask Allah for forgiveness and I repent each day more than seventy times.”(Reported by Al-Bukhaari (6307).)
He, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, was an example in performing acts of worship:
‘Aa’ishah said, “The Prophet of Allah, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, used to stand in prayer at night until both his feet (or legs) swelled.” (Reported by Al-Bukhaari (4837) and Muslim (2820).)
‘Ubayd ibn ‘Umayr (a Follower belonging to the generation succeeding the companions) asked ‘Aa’ishah, “Please tell us of the most amazing thing you ever saw about the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.” She paused, then said, “One night he, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, told me: “Will you let me worship my Lord tonight?” I said, “By Allah, I love you to be next to me, and I love that you pray to your Lord.” She said: “He, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, stood and made ablution without using much water and then stood and prayed and continued crying until his beard was wet from his tears, and then prostrated and continued crying until the earth was wet from his tears. And then he, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, turned and lay down and continued crying until Bilaal came to call for the dawn prayer.” When he saw him crying he asked about the reason he cried so hard, to which he, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, replied: “O Bilaal, and why shouldn’t I cry and it has been revealed tonight (the verse which means): «Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alteration of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding.» [Quran: 3:190]” (Reported by Ibn Hibbaan (620).)
He, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, was an example in how much he used to remember Allah (perform Thikr):
He, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, was the most perfect human being in performing Thikr. He would remember Allah in every condition: standing, sitting, walking, riding, while travelling and while in residence.
He, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, called us to follow his example in performing prayer, fasting and marriage:
Anas said, “Three people went around the houses of the wives of the Prophet of Allah, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, to ask about how the Prophet of Allah, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, worshipped. When they were told, it was as if they thought their worship was little [in comparison] and said: ‘Where are we in relation to the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, who has been forgiven for his past and future wrong actions?’ One of them said: ‘I will pray all night every night.’ Another said: ‘I will fast all the time and not break the fast.’ The other said: ‘I will withdraw from women and never marry.’ The Messenger of Allah, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, came to them and said: “Are you the ones who said such-and-such? By Allah, I am the one among you with the most fear and awareness of Allah, but I fast and break the fast, I pray and I sleep, and I marry women. Whoever disdains my way is not from me [i.e., I am free from him].””(Reported by Al-Bukhaari (5063) and Muslim (1401).)
Ibn Hajar (a scholar) said, “The way of the Prophet was the simple way. He would eat in order to gain strength for fasting. He would sleep in order to gain strength to pray at night. And he would marry to break his lust, gain chastity, and increase his offspring. This Prophetic narration directs us toward following the example of people of high status.”(Fat-h Al-Baari (106/9).)
He, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, was an example regarding rituals of Hajj (pilgrimage):
The necessity of adhering to the Prophet’s way could not be more evident than in Hajj. He, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, ordered us to follow his example in performing Hajj saying: “Take your Hajj rituals from me. Perhaps I will not perform Hajj again.” (Reported by Muslim (1297).)
Following the Prophet’s example must not be limited to imitating aspects of his personality. It must include aspects of his practical life.
By Muhammad Saalih Al-Munajjid
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