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In the footsteps of the Last Prophet

These qualities are the traits of the best individual that ever set foot on earth: the beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Whether Muslim or non-Muslim, whoever has read about the life of Muhammad (peace be upon him) open-mindedly, has been amazed by his character. In this month of sacrifice and effort, we have a great opportunity to be like the noble prophet.

In the words to follow, we will dwell upon the character of the holy Prophet and analyse ways in which we can adopt his character in this glorious month.

Allah the Most High says in the Quran: "Surely, you are of tremendous nature." (68:4). The Most Blessed has also declared: "Those who suppress their anger, and forgive other people — assuredly, Allah loves those who do good.’ (Quran, 3:134)

So here Allah the Almighty shows us a great way of earning His Love. The first verse talks about the character of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He carried himself in a very dignified manner. As a matter of fact, Abdallah ibn Amr (may Allah be pleased with him) related: "The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, was never immoderate or obscene. He used to say, ‘Among those who are most beloved to me are those who have the finest character.’" (Bukhari and Muslim)

The righteous wife of the Prophet, Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said, ‘Never was the Messenger of Allah given the choice between two things without choosing the easier of them, as long as it entailed no sin. If it did entail sin, he was of all people the most remote from it. Never did he seek revenge for something done against himself; but when the sanctity of Allah was challenged, he would take vengeance for His sake alone.’

Regarding good character, Imam Bayhaiqi (may Allah have mercy on him) writes: "The meaning of good character is the inclination of the soul towards gentle and praiseworthy acts. The slave of Allah has an open and welcoming heart for His commandments and prohibitions, and does what He has imposed on him happily and easily, and abstains from the things which He has forbidden him with full contentment, and without the least dissatisfaction. He likes to perform optional good acts, and abstains from many permitted things for the sake of Allah Most High whenever he decides that to abstain in that way would be closer to perfect slavehood to Him. This he does with a contented heart, and without feeling any resentment or hardship.

"In dealing with other people he is tolerant when claiming what is his right and does not ask for anything which is not; but he discharges all the duties which he has towards others. When he falls ill or returns from a trip and no-one visits him, or when he gives a greeting which is not returned, or when he is a guest but is not honoured, or intercedes but is not responded to, or does a good turn for which he is not thanked, and in all similar cases, he does not grow angry, or seek to punish people, or feel within himself that he has been snubbed, or ignored; neither does he try to retaliate with the same treatment when able to do so, but instead tells himself that he does not mind any of these things, and responds to each one of them with something which is better and closer to goodness and piety and is more praiseworthy and pleasing.

He remembers to carry out his duties to others just as he remembers their duties towards himself, so that when one of his Muslim brethren falls ill he visits him, if he is asked to intercede, he does so, if he is asked for a respite in repaying a debt he agrees, and if someone needs assistance he gives it, all without looking to see how the other person had dealt with him in the past."

These were the ways of the noble Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as have been stated by the learned Imam. It is important to note that the above-mentioned shortcomings exist in us and this month of sacrifice and honour can help us rid ourselves of social ills.