The first to carry the responsibility of this Ummah was none other than the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Allah sent him at a time when revelation had ceased, as a mercy to the worlds. He delivered the message, strove in Allah’s cause with full devotion, advised the Ummah sincerely, and worshipped his Lord until certainty (death) came to him.
He is the best of all creation, the noblest of messengers, the Prophet of Mercy, the leader of the God-conscious, the bearer of the banner of praise, the owner of the intercession, the one granted the Praised Station, and the one with access to the blessed reservoir (al-Ḥawḍ). On the Day of Judgment, Adam and all prophets beneath him will be under his banner. He is the greatest of all Prophets, his nation is the best of nations, and his companions are the greatest people after the prophets.
His religion is the noblest, his miracles were wondrous, his character unmatched, and his intellect perfect. His lineage was the most honourable, his appearance the most beautiful, his generosity unrivalled, his courage absolute, his patience abundant, his knowledge vast, his actions elevated, his fear of Allah unmatched, and his piety exemplary.
He was the most eloquent of all mankind and the most complete in human virtue. He was far removed from base qualities and free from any physical or moral defect.
This Was the Character of the Prophet ﷺ
- He was gentle and frequently smiled.
- He would listen to both the young and the old.
- He never said “uff” to his servant, even if they fell short in service.
- He maintained the ties of kinship and honoured his relatives.
- He would initiate conversation with those around him and listen attentively.
- If a companion was absent from the mosque for three days, he would inquire about him. If the companion was travelling, he would pray for him; if he was at home, he would visit him; and if he was ill, he would attend to him.
- He shared food with the poor, enjoyed their company, and invited them to eat the best food he had.
- He would greet every believer he met, initiate the handshake, and would not withdraw his hand until the other person did.
- He never interrupted someone speaking, as long as they were speaking goodness.
- He greeted the children of his companions, spoke with them, and answered their questions.
- When he spoke, he would repeat his words three times to ensure they were understood. If he were asked a question, he would repeat it three times to ensure clarity.
- He engaged in the conversations of those around him. If they spoke of religious matters, he joined in. If they discussed worldly affairs, he also participated.
- He forgave those who wronged him, especially when he had the power to retaliate.
- He prayed for the guidance of those who bloodied his feet and body and harmed him in countless ways.
- When he joined a gathering, he would sit wherever the circle ended, and wherever he sat, he became the heart of the gathering. He gave each person their share of attention, and no one sitting with him ever felt that anyone was dearer to him than they were.
- When he saw something he liked, he would say: “Praise be to Allah, by whose blessing good deeds are completed.”
(Reported by Ibn Mājah) - When he saw something he disliked, he would say: “Praise be to Allah in every circumstance.”
(Also reported by Ibn Mājah) - And when something amazed him, he would say: “O Allah, there is no life except the life of the Hereafter.”
(Narrated by al-Bukhārī and Muslim) - He was awe-inspiring, courageous, and the closest of people to the enemy when the fighting intensified.
- He would be the first to advance and protect the Muslims from any threat.
- He always fulfilled his promises.
- He would give to those who deprived him and maintain ties with those who cut him off.
- He never ate unless he was hungry, and he would stop eating before becoming full.
- He worshipped Allah during the night while the people slept.
- He was the greatest and most honoured human being Allah ever created.
