Let us read few hadith on Character of Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam:
Muhammad Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam was the most generous.
Ibn ‘Abbaas Radiyallahu ‘Anhu says:”Rasulullah Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam was the most generous among people in performing good deeds (No one could compare with him in generosity. He himself led a simple life, but in giving he would put a king to shame. At a time of great need a woman presented him a sheet, and he wore it as he was in need of it. A person came to him, and asked him for it, he presented the sheet to that person. Taking of loans and fulfilling the needs of others, when the creditors came, and if something had come from somewhere, he would pay the debts, and did not go home till everything was given to the needy. There exists many incidents of this nature, so much so that it is not possible to enumerate them). Particularly in the month of Ramadaan, he would be more generous till the month ended. (His generosity in this month exceeded all the other months). In this month when Jibra-eel ‘Alayhis Salaam came and recited the Qur-aan to Rasulullah Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam, at that time his generosity exceeded the wind that brings forth heavy rains”.(1)
2. Muhammad Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam had the best of Speech.
‘Aayeshah Radiyallahu ‘Anha reports, that:”It was not the nature of Rasulullah Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam to talk indecently, nor did he engage himself in the use of obscene language. Nor did he shout and talk in the bazaars (which is against dignity). He did not avenge a bad deed with a bad one, but forgave it, and thereafter did not even mention it”.(2)
3.Muhammad Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam had the best character amongst all People.
Anas bin Maalik Radiyallahu ‘Anhu says:”I remained in the service (of Rasulullah Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam for ten years. He never once told me ‘Oof’. When I did something, he never asked me, why did you do so? When I did not do a certain task, he never asked me why I did not do it. Rasulullah Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam had the best character among all people. (and also possessed the most excellent features, so much so,) that I never felt a silk cloth, nor pure silk, nor any other thing softer than the palm of Rasulullah Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam. Nor did I smell any musk or any other fragrance, more sweet smelling than the sweat of Rasulullah Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam”.(3)
4. Muhammad Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam was always happy and easy mannered.
Imaam Hasan Radiyallahu ‘Anhu says, (my younger brother) Husayn said:”I asked my father (Sayyidina ‘Ali Radiyallahu ‘Anhu) about the conduct of Rasulullah Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam in his assemblies’ He replied.. ‘Rasulullah Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam was always happy and easy mannered. There was always a smile and a sign of happiness on his blessed face. He was soft-natured and when the people needed his approval, he easily gave consent. He did not speak in a harsh tone nor was he stone-hearted. He did not scream while speaking, nor was he rude or spoke indecently. He did not seek other’s faults. He never over-praised anything nor exceeded in joking, nor was he a miser. He kept away from undesirable language and did not make as if he did not hear anything. If he did not agree with the next person’s wish he did not make that person feel disheartened, nor did he promise anything to that person. He completely kept himself away from three things: from arguments, pride and senseless utterances. He prohibited people from three things. He did not disgrace or insult anyone, nor look for the faults of others, he only spoke that from which thawaab and reward was attained. When he spoke, those present bowed their heads in such a manner, as if birds were sitting on their heads. (They did not shift about, as birds will fly away on the slightest move).
When he completed his talks, the others would begin speaking. (No one would speak while Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu’Alayhi Wasallam spoke. Whatever one wanted to say, it would be said after he had completed speaking). They did not argue before him regarding anything. Whenever one spoke to him the other would keep quiet and listen till he would finish. The speech of every person was as if the first person was speaking. (They gave attention to what every person said. It was not as is generally found that in the beginning people pay full attention, and if the talk is lengthened they became bored, and begin to pay less attention). When all laughed for something, he would laugh too.
The things that surprised the people, he would also show his surprise regarding that. (He would not sit quietly and keep himself aloof from everyone, but made himself part of the gathering). He exercised patience at the harshness and indecent questions of a traveller. (Villagers usually ask irrelevant questions. They do not show courtesy and ask all types of questions. Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam did not reprimand them but exercised patience). The Sahaabah would bring travellers to his assemblies (so that they themselves could benefit from the various types of questions asked by these people, and also hear some questions regarding which they themselves, due to etiquette, would not ask). Rasulullah Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam’ would say: ‘When you see a person in need, then always ‘help that person’. (If someone praised him, he would detest it).
If someone, by way of thanks praised him, he would remain silent, (because it is necessary that one ‘thank a person for a good favour or good deed. It is like one fulfilling one’s duty. Some of the ‘ulama have translated this as: ‘If one did not exceed in praising him, he would keep silent’. That means if he exceeded he would prohibit him). He did not interrupt someone talking and did not begin speaking when someone else was busy speaking. If one exceeded the limits he would stop him or would get up and leave (so that that person would stop)”(4)
5.Muhammad Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam made every one feel very special.
Amr ibnul ‘Aas Radiyallahu ‘Anhu reports:”(Rasulullah Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam gave attention, spoke and showed love to the worst person of a nation. So that, the person may feel he is being given special attention). He used to give attention, and spoke to me also in a manner, that I began to feel that I was the best among the community. (Therefore one day) I asked: ‘O Messenger of Allah, am I better or is Abubakr better?’ He replied: ‘Abubakr’. I then asked: ‘Am I better, or ‘Umar?’ He replied. “Umar’. I asked: ‘Am I better or ‘Uthmaan?’ He replied: ‘Uthmaan’. When I asked him these questions, Rasulullah Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam told me the truth. (He did not tell me I was better to keep me happy. Afterwards I felt ashamed of myself on this deed). I felt I should not have asked such a question”.(5)
Reference:
- Ash-Shama’il Al-Muhammadiyah 352
- Ash-Shama’il Al-Muhammadiyah 346
- Ash-Shama’il Al-Muhammadiyah 344
- Ash-Shama’il Al-Muhammadiyah 350
- Ash-Shama’il Al-Muhammadiyah 343
Also read : 40 hadith on shamail muhammadiya
