Can there be any greater testimony to the character of Nabi Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam than the above verse wherein the King of all kings affirms the magnificent character of Nabi Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam? We cannot possibly comprehend the true significance of this verse; his character is measured not according to any human standard, but according to the benchmark set out by Allah Ta’aala. Which other human being could possibly live up to such a measure? Not only does Allah Ta’aala affirm the nobility of his character, He also instructs us to emulate the character of Nabi Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam.   “Indeed in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam), you have a good example to follow.” (33:21)

 

Some of his outstanding attributes are:

 

Politeness:

He was at all times gentle, civil and well-mannered. Everyone felt comfortable in his presence; no one feared ridicule, insult, or disrespect in his company.  “Nabi Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam did not swear anyone, nor was He rude, nor did He curse anyone…” (Bukhari) Allah refers to the gentle nature of Nabi Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam, “It is part of the Mercy of Allah that you deal gently with them, if you were severe or harsh-hearted, they would have scattered away from you…” (3:159)

 

Love for children:

He was extremely compassionate towards children. He enjoyed their company and played with them to make them happy. Nabi Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam kissed Hasan ibn ‘Ali h while Al-Aqra’ ibn Habis At-Tamimi Radhi-Allahu anhu was sitting with him. Al-Aqra’ Radhi-Allahu anhu said, “I have ten children and have never kissed one of them.” Nabi Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam cast a glance at him and said, “Whoever is not merciful to others will not be treated mercifully.” (Al-Bukhari) Anas Radhi-Allahu anhu says: “I never saw anyone who was more compassionate towards children than Allah’s Messenger Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam…” “The children would come running to him (whilst he was lying on the floor), some would fall on his chest, others would fall on his belly. He would embrace them and kiss them.” (Khasaail-Nabawi)

 

Treatment of women:

Nabi Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam has linked the worth of an individual to his treatment of his wife. Nabi Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam said:  “The best among you are those who are best to their wives.” (Tirmidhi) During the farewell pilgrimage he cautioned people thus: “O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you.  Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under a trust from Allah and with His permission.” (Bukhari)

 

Honesty:

Nabi Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam was called ‘as-Sādiq al-Amīn’ (the Truthful, the Trustworthy). Even though his enemies rejected his message, they still trusted him with their most valuable possessions. Aisha i said that (during the migration) Nabi Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam instructed ‘Ali Radhi-Allahu anhu to stay behind in Makkah, in order to return all the trusts Nabi Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam had of the people. There was nobody in Makkah (even among his enemies!) who had valuables that he feared for, except that he kept them with Nabi Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam, due to the honesty and trustworthiness that was known (to all) about him…” (Bayhaqi)

 

Unbiased:

In the farewell pilgrimage, Nabi Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: “All mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; a white has no superiority over a black, nor does a black have any superiority over a white; (none have superiority over another) except by piety and good action.  Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood.” (Bukhari)

 

Selflessness:

Nabi Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: “Whoever relieves the distress of a believer in this world, Allah will relieve him from a difficulty of the difficulties in the Hereafter. Whoever fulfils the needs of a needy person, Allah will alleviate his needs both in this world and in the Hereafter…”  (Muslim)

 

Nabi Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam is the paragon of virtue and is the perfect model for the human race. He stood out from the rest of creation because of his modesty, truthfulness, kindness, patience, loyalty, honesty, courage, bravery, generosity, and wisdom. His lofty character, coupled with his amazingly simple lifestyle, captured the hearts of his companions and all those who follow him. He was a man of beauty and perfection. One of his companions, Hassaan bin Thaabit Radhi-Allahu anhu describes him with the following couplets:

 

My eyes have never seen anyone more perfect than you,

No woman has given birth to anyone more handsome than you,

You have been created free from all defects,

As if you were created the way you wished.