THE JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME WITH PROPHET MUHAMMAD THE PROPHET OF ALLAH 078 THE PROPHET’S DESCRIPTION by Khadeijah A. Stephens Copyright © 1984-2012 by Allah.com Muhammad.com Mosque.com Khadeijah A. Stephens Bismillah Ir Rahman Ir Raheem The Prophet’s Description Although we were not fortunate to be blessed to be alive during the life time of Prophet Muhammad (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam), and therefore unable to see him, or taste his presence, we are able to get a fragrant glimpse of his physical description and characteristics which were preserved by the Companions and passed down to us by the great scholars of Islam. The best description of Prophet Muhammad (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) was given by Lady Ayesha when she was asked to describe the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam). She said, “His example and character were those of the Koran.” And so it is that he was and is and will be forever, our best living, exemplary model. Prophet Muhammad's Genealogy His parents were Aminah, daughter of Wahb and Abdullah, son of Abd Al Muttalib, the son of Hashim, son of Abd Manaf, son of Ksay, son of Kilab, son of Murrah, son of Ka'b, son of Lu'ayy, son of Ghalib, son of Fihr, son of Malik, son of Nadir, son of Kinanah, son of Khuzayma, son of Mudrikah, son of Ilyas, son of Mudar, son of Nizar, son of Ma'aad, son of Adnan, up to Prophet Ishmael, son of Prophet Abraham, to Prophet Adam. Between Prophet Abraham and Prophet Adam there were approximately 30 generations amongst whom were prophets. Peace be upon all the prophets. The Honoring of the Prophet By Allah Allah says, "By the star when it plunges, your companion is neither astray, neither errs, nor does he speak out of desire. Indeed it is not except a Revelation which is revealed taught by one who is stern in power. Of might, he stood firm while he was in the highest horizon; then he drew near, and became close, he was but two bows' length or even nearer, so (Allah) revealed to His worshiper that which he revealed (to Prophet Muhammad). His heart did not lie of what he saw. What, will you dispute with him about what he sees! Indeed, he saw him in another descent at the Lote Tree of the Ending close to the Garden of Refuge. When there comes to the Lote Tree that which comes his eyes did not swerve, nor did they stray for indeed he saw one of the greatest signs of his Lord." Chapter 53:1-8 It is clear that Allah established on oath His guidance of the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam), his truthfulness in the recitation of the Koran, which was sent down with the Archangel Gabriel, who is strong and powerful, to him directly from Allah, and that the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) is rendered free from all self-desire. Then, Allah reiterates the excellence of the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) in the events of the Night Journey and tells of his reaching the Lote tree near the Garden of Refuge, and the certainty of his unswerving sight upon seeing one of the greatest signs of His Lord. Allah also tells us of this great event in the opening verses of the chapter "The Night Journey." Allah revealed to the Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, His Mighty Unseen Kingdom where he saw the wonders of the angelic realm that can neither be expressed in words nor yet possible for human intellect to endure hearing, not even in its minutest atom. In the verse, "so (Allah) revealed to His worshiper that which He revealed" there is, in the opinion of scholars, a subtle indication to the high estimation Allah has for His Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) as it is a most eloquent form of expression. Allah says, "he saw one of the greatest signs of his Lord". Our limited understanding is unable to grasp the details of what was actually revealed and ultimately becomes lost in any attempt to define what the great sign was. In these verses Allah mentions Prophet Muhammad's absolute state of purity and the protection he received during this miraculous journey. In reference to his heart, Allah says, "His heart did not lie of what he saw", of his tongue He says, "nor does he speak out of desire", of his eyes He says, "his eyes did not swerve, nor did they stray." Oaths of Allah Pertaining to the Greatness of His Prophet Allah says, "Rather, I swear by the returning, orbiting, disappearing; by the night when it approaches and the morning when it extends, it is indeed the word of an Honorable Messenger, of power, given a rank by the Owner of the Throne obeyed, honest. And your Companion is not mad, in truth he saw him on the clear horizon, he is not grudging of the Unseen. Nor is this the word of a stoned satan" Chapter 81:15-25). Scholars explained that the meaning of these verses refer to Gabriel when Allah swears that this is the word of "an Honorable Messenger" who has an honorable rank with Him, "having the power" to communicate the Revelation, and that his position is both "secure" and firm with his Lord. He is "obeyed" in the heavens and "trusted" to deliver the Revelation. So the qualities are Gabriel's and that "In truth he" means Prophet Muhammad (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) "saw him" means Gabriel in his true form. It continues, "he is not grudging of the Unseen" means that Prophet Muhammad, (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) does not doubt the Unseen. Whereas others say it means he was not grudging with his supplication to Allah. Allah Swears that Prophet Muhammad Has the Greatest Code of Ethics Another great oath is found in the chapter "The Pen" in which Allah starts with the mystical letter "Noon". "Noon. By the Pen and that (the angels) write, you are not, because of the favor of your Lord, mad. Indeed, there is an unfailing wage for you. Surely, you (Prophet Muhammad) are of a great morality" (68:1-4). The Eliteness of the Prophet’s Disposition Allah says, "TaHa. We have not sent down the Koran to you for you to be tired." Chapter 20:1-2. There are various opinions regarding the meaning to "TaHa" it has been said that it refers to separate letters having different meanings. "Taha" has been explained as meaning "O man" as this is the most accurate interpretation that has been transmitted by scholars of the second generation of Muslims (Tabien) and the scholar Jarir Tabari, shaykh of interpretation. In other chapters Allah says of His Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, "Yet perchance, if they do not believe in this tiding, you will consume yourself with grief and follow after them" Chapter 18:6. and "Perhaps you consume yourself that they are not believers, if We will, We can send down on them a sign from heaven before which their necks will remain humbled" Chapter 26:3-4. Allah also says, "Proclaim then what you are commanded and turn away from the unbelievers. We suffice you against those who mock and those who set up other gods with Allah, indeed, they will soon know. Indeed, We know your chest is straitened by that they say." Chapter 15:94-97 and "Other Messengers were mocked before you but I respited the unbelievers, then I seized them. And how was My retribution! Chapter 13:32 Makki explained, "The Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) suffered on account of the unbelievers so Allah sent down verses to console him thereby making it easy for him and at the same time informed him of the outcome of those who persisted." Our attention is drawn again in the following verses that say, "If they belie you, other Messengers have been belied before you. To Allah all matters return" Chapter 35:4 and, "Similarly, no Messenger came to those before them but they said, 'Sorcerer, or mad!' Chapter 51:52) The preceding verses were sent to the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) as a means of solace and to inform him that his predecessors, the prophets and messengers, also endured similar sayings. As for those who persisted Allah made it easy for His Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) and told him, "So turn away from them, you shall not be blamed" 51:54. In other words Prophet Muhammad (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) had delivered the message and therefore was not liable for blame. The compassion of Allah is further expressed in the following verse as well as many other verses, "And be patient under the Judgement of your Lord, surely, you are before Our Eyes" Chapter 52:48. This is yet a further demonstration that he is constantly under the sight and protection of Allah, and that he should remain patient with their harm-doing. Allah consoles His Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) in a similar manner in many other verses. The Position of Prophet Muhammad In Relation to Other Noble Prophets Allah says, "And when Allah took the covenant of the Prophets, 'That I have given you of the Book and Wisdom. Then there shall come to you a Messenger (Muhammad) confirming what is with you, you shall believe in him and you shall support him to be victorious, do you agree and take My load on this?' They answered, 'We do agree.' Allah said, 'Then bear witness, and I will be with you among the witnesses'" Chapter 3:81. Abul Hasan Al Kabasi draws our attention to the fact that in this verse Allah selected Prophet Muhammad (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) out of all His noble prophets and messengers, and this excellence was not given to anyone else. Commentators said that Allah described Prophet Muhammad (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) to each and every prophet and messenger before they were sent to their nation, and took a covenant from each that if he met him he must believe him. It has also been said that the covenant entailed informing their nation of his impending coming together with his description. The phrase, "Then there shall come to you a Messenger" is addressed to the Jews and Nazarenes/Christians who were contemporary to him or thereafter. Ali, Abi Talib's son and others added that from the time of Prophet Adam, Allah made a covenant with each prophet and messenger to believe and help Prophet Muhammad (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) if he should happen to appear during their time. And that it was incumbent upon each of them to take a covenant with their nation to the same effect. As-Suddi and Katada said likewise about some other verses which refer to the excellence of the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) in more ways than one. Allah says, "We took from the Prophets their covenant and from you (Prophet Muhammad) from Noah and Abraham, from Moses and Jesus the son of Mary" Chapter 33:7 and "We have revealed to you as We revealed to Noah and to the Prophets after him, and We revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob and the tribes, Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron and Solomon, and We gave to David the Psalms. And Messengers of whom We have narrated to you before, And Messengers of whom We did not narrate to you. Certainly, Allah talked to Moses. Messengers bearing glad tidings and warning, so that the people will have no Argument against Allah, after the Messengers. Allah is the Almighty, the Wise. But Allah bears witness for that which He has sent down to you. He has sent it down with His Knowledge, and the angels bear witness, it is sufficient that Allah is the Witness." Chapter 4:163-166. Allah says, "Of these Messengers, We have preferred some above others. To some Allah spoke, and some He raised in rank" Chapter 2:253 It has been explained that this phrase refers to Prophet Muhammad (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) because he was sent for all mankind. Allah also made the spoils of war lawful to him (which were unlawful to previous prophets) and gave to him superior miracles. No other prophet was given a virtue or an honorable rank without Prophet Muhammad (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) being given its equivalent or higher. It has also been said that a glimpse of his excellence is that Allah addresses him in the Holy Koran using titles such as O Prophet, O Messenger whereas He addresses the other noble prophets by name. The Prophet’s Character, Nature and Physical Features No written description of our beloved Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) can ever do justice to his exceptional beauty. Lady Ayesha, the wife of the Prophet, may Allah be pleased with her, described him as being more handsome than Prophet Joseph for whom the wives of Pharaoh's ministers slit their hands on account of his handsome appearance. She said: "If the friends of Zulayka had seen the blessed face of the Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) they would have cut their hearts instead of their hands!" “When she heard of their sly whispers, she sent for them and prepared a banquet. To each she gave a knife, (then called Joseph saying,) 'Come and attend to them.' When they saw him, they were so taken with him that they cut their hands, and said, 'Allah save us! This is no mortal, he is no other but a noble angel!'” Koran 12:31 A portion of Prophet Muhammad's inner beauty manifested itself externally and illuminated his very being. Kurtubi, a great scholar of Islam, said that if his entire beauty had been made manifest, it would have been impossible for anyone to look at him. Prophet’s Self Description The Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) said: "The prophets were shown to me. I saw Moses, peace be upon him, he had a slender body, like a man from the tribe of Shanuah. I saw Jesus, peace be upon him, from all those I have seen, he resembles Urwah the son of Masood. I saw Abraham, peace be upon him, and from all those I have seen I most resemble him. " The Prophet’s Face His complexion has been described as being somewhat delicately wheaten in color or whitish with a reddish tone. His face was luminous, almost round, but not round, and frequently compared to the beauty of the full moon when it reached its zenith. He had a broad forehead and his eyebrows were separate and thick with densely fine hair. When the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) became displeased a vein between his eyebrows became enlarged. His eyes were black and his eyelashes long, mascared with kohl made from ithmid that he applied thrice to each eye before sleeping. Our Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) tells us that: "... kohl made from ithmid used on the eye brightens the eyesight. Also, it strengthens and increases the growth of the eye lashes." His Companions said that even when he did not use kohl, his eyes looked as if he had. His nose was prominently distinguished. His cheeks were smooth and well covered whilst his proportionally perfect mouth was neither large nor yet small. His teeth were bright, slender and evenly spaced, however, the space between his front teeth was slightly larger. As for the thickness of his beard, it was dense. His hair was slightly wavy, sometimes it was cut short and at other times he wore it nearly shoulder length. When his hair had the tendency to part itself in the middle he wore it that way, otherwise he did not dress it in that fashion. His habit was to use oil on his hair and so as not to soil his turban he would place a piece of cloth between it and his hair. When he went on pilgrimage to Mecca, he would shave his hair. The Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) would dress his hair and his beard using his right hand. It was not his practice to dress his hair every day, in fact, he prohibited it, unless there was a valid reason, and would dress his hair every third day. In later life, the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) had several silver hairs on his temples. It has been reported that they ranged between fourteen and twenty. The accuracy of these reports is equally valid as they came over a period of time. One day, when Abu Bakr first noticed the silver hairs, he gently said: "O Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam), you have become old," whereupon the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) said: "The recitation of the chapters Hud, Waaki'ah, Mursalaat, 'Amma and Ash Shams have made me old." It was the practice of elderly men to dye their hair before they went off to fight to disguise their age. According to the Shafi’i and Hanafi schools of jurisprudence, the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) either forbade or disapproved the use of a completely black dye except in war but permitted the use of henna, which is a reddish dye, and approved its mixing with katm, which is a black dye extracted from a certain grass. However, the katm must be used in a lesser quantity in order that the hair does not become totally black, rather, a darker tone of red. The Prophet’s Neck, Shoulders, Seal & Torso The Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) had well-covered broad shoulders and between them lay the Seal of his prophethood. The seal was a piece of raised flesh approximately the size of a pigeon's egg surrounded by hair. Between his broad chest and navel grew a fine line of hair, as for his bones they were large and well proportioned. He was a man of medium stature, neither thin nor fat. The Prophet’s Feet The soles of his feet were fully fleshed whereas his heels were slim. The Prophet’s Manner of Walking The Prophet's walk is described in the hadiths as being "Yatakaffaoo". The scholars of Islam interpret this word in three ways. There are those who are of the opinion that it means he walked at a fast pace, whilst others say it means he leaned forward a little as he walked; the third opinion is that he lifted his leg forcefully. We also learn from the hadiths that he walked a little faster and took longer strides rather than short ones. We do know that he never walked haughtily with his chest puffed out with pride, nor did he scuff his feet as he walked. When walking with his Companions he always asked them to walk in front of him on account of his modesty. When he was on a journey he rode at the rear so that he could be with the weak or bereaved. Whenever he met someone, he was always the first person to greet with peace. The Prophet’s Manner of Looking A hadith informs us that it was his custom to always look down towards the ground, and another says that he gazed up towards the sky. The hadiths do no contradict one another as the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) in day-to-day affairs, modestly looked towards the ground whereas when he awaited a Revelation he would look towards to sky. He never stared at anything The Prophet’s Height It has been reported that he was a little taller than the average man, however, when he was amongst tall people his height was miraculous altered so that he became taller than those in his company. The Prophet’s Age There are authentic hadiths that differ concerning his age. However, the scholars of Islam are of the opinion that this difference arose on account of some Companions not counting the year he was born and the year he died. The consensus is that he was sixty-three years old when he was laid to rest. The Prophet’s Bathing None of the wives of the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) or his family, saw his private parts, neither did he see theirs. The Prophet’s Manner of Communication When the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) spoke to anyone, he would not just turn his face in order to converse, rather, he would either turn his whole body towards that person, or turn his face and torso in order to speak to the person directly; he was not proud man. It was not his practice to glance to the side when he spoke with anyone. His speech was deliberate and clear so that those sitting in his blessed company would remember what he said. When he wished to stress a point, he would repeat it three times. It was not his custom to indulge in frivolous talk. The Prophet’s Story Telling The Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) would often tell his wives stories and each story contained a guiding moral. The Prophet’s Manner of Leaning It has been reported that the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) would lean against a pillow placed on his left side, however, he never leaned against anything whilst eating. During his last illness, Fadl entered his room and found him wearing a yellow band around his forehead. After they had exchanged greetings he asked Fadl to tighten the band around his noble head, which he did. Then, he sat and stood up supporting himself on Fadl's shoulder and entered the Mosque. He would rest his head against one of his wives or Companions and when he passed away, his head rested upon Lady Ayesha, may Allah be pleased with her. The Prophet’s Manner of Eating and Drinking He ate with his right hand and would lick his fingers. Sometimes he used three fingers, at other times five. He never ate food from a table, nor a small plate, nor did he eat pita type bread. He ate from a leather cloth and did not cut his meat with a knife, rather, he would bite off a piece and chew it. The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) drank from a large wooden cup with a metal lining. He also drank from a water-skin with a cleaned spout. When the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) drank from the water of Zamzam, he stood. However, on most occasions he sat. He advocated drinking in smallish sips rather than gulping down a beverage. This blessed advice of taking gulps has been medically proven to be detrimental to the liver and stomach. The Prophet’s Bread and Food His bread was made from stone ground barley flour which has a coarse texture. A sieve was never used to refine the flour therefore large particles of grain often remained which were extracted. As for the quantity of bread, there was never sufficient bread in his household with which to fill his stomach. Many a night he and his family went to bed without having eaten because there was no food. It was the custom of the Holy Family to give away their food to those in need, seeking a reward from Allah, the Most High. He advocated the use of olive oil not only for cooking but for massage. He also used vinegar and would eat the meat of fowl. He ate honey, the meat of goat and lamb with a preference for the meat of a shoulder of lamb. Amongst the other things he ate were dates. One day the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) found some dates that had fallen on the ground. He told his Companions he would have eaten them if he could have been sure they were not originally intended to be given in charity, for it is forbidden that he or his family should eat from charity. He also ate cucumber and water melon with dates. Dates were also soaked in water to provide a sweet drink, however, they were never left long enough to ferment. The Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) would drink water and milk. Lady Ayesha, may Allah be pleased with her, said that he liked a drink that was cold and sweet. When he was given milk he would supplicate saying: "O Allah, grant us blessing in it and increase it for us." He also told his Companions that there is nothing that serves both as food and drink other than milk. It was the custom of the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) to feed his Companions before he himself ate. The Prophet’s Manner before and after Eating The Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) always said: "Bismillah" before he started to eat. One day as he and his Companions were eating a hungry man joined them and forgot to say Bismillah, as he was about to take the last bite he remembered and said: "Bismillah in its beginning at end", whereupon the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) informed that until that point satan, the stoned and cursed, had been eating with him, but when he heard him say this he vomited all that he had eaten. One day Omar, Abi Salamah's son entered while food was being served. The Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) invited him to sit down and told him: "O my son, come near and recite 'Bismillah' and eat with your right hand from the portion which is in front of you." He also told his Companions to use their right hand alone to eat and drink with as satan eats and drinks with his left hand. After he finished eating he would thank Allah saying: "Praise be to Allah who fed us, and given us drink, and made us Muslims." The Prophet’s Sleeping Each night before he slept, the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) would lay down on his right side and supplicate: "O Allah, in Your Name I live and die." When he awoke he would supplicate: "Praise be to Allah, who restored to us life, having caused us to die and to Him shall be the Resurrection." Lady Ayesha, may Allah be pleased with her, reported that before he slept he would cup his hands together, blow on them then recite the chapters Al Ikhlas, Al Falak, and An Naas then wipe his hands over the parts of his body he could reach, this he did three times starting with the head, then his face, followed by the front part of his body. The Prophet’s Worship Everything our beloved Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) said and did was an act of worship, and the following are but a few of the numerous examples. Although he was absolutely sinless and promised the highest rank in Paradise, a rank in which no other prophet has attained, it did not prevent him from offering multiple voluntary prayers, which is an indication of our own need to increase and maintain the number of voluntary prayers we offer. The importance for us to offer voluntary prayer was often stressed by the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam). Our beloved Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) would offer such long voluntary prayers that his legs became swollen. One of his Companions asked him why he offered such lengthy prayers when Allah had forgiven him all his sins. The Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) replied, "Should I not be a grateful worshipper?" It was his practice to sleep after the Isha prayer for the first portion of the night, then awake to offer his voluntary prayers until the time one would take breakfast before fasting. At that time he would offer the last prayer of the night, which is the Witr prayer. Then, he would return to his room and sleep until the call for the Dawn prayer was made, when he would make either the major or minor ablution in readiness for the prayer. The voluntary night prayers of the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) would commence with two short units of prayer followed by very long units of prayer that varied in number. Sometimes he would offer ten units of prayer followed by the Witr making a total of thirteen -- this number was never exceeded – then at other times he would offer eight units of prayer followed by the Witr prayer. Whenever he was unable to offer his prayer during the night, Lady Ayesha, may Allah be pleased with her, said that he would offer twelve units of prayer before mid-day. She also commented that he offered his prayers in the most perfect manner. There was a time when she asked him: "O Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) do you sleep before you offer Witr?" He replied: "O Ayesha, my eyes sleep, but my heart remains awake." This blessed state is a special gift bestowed upon the prophets. During Ramadan he would offer many of the Taraweeh prayers in the Mosque, and told his Companions that those who stand with sincere faith and hope in prayer during the Night of Al Qadr will have their sins forgiven. When he did not offer his Taraweeh prayer with the congregation he would offer them at home. When he was ill, the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) would offer his prayer sitting down until between thirty and forty verses remained when he would stand and recite them, then he would bow and prostrate, he did the same in the second unit of prayer. Omar said that he offered two units of prayer before and after the mid-day prayer, and two units of prayer after the evening prayer and two units of prayer after the night prayer with the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam). The Prophet’s Fast Other than the obligatory fast of Ramadan, the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) observed voluntary fasts. Lady Ayesha, may Allah be pleased with her, said that after the migration to Medina the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) did not fast an entire month except for the month of Ramadan. She also said in another hadith he would fast most of the month of Shaaban. We are also told that he would fast some days of a month and none at all in another. Of the days he is known to have fasted Monday and Thursday received his special attention. Lady Ayesha, may Allah be pleased with her, reported the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) saying: "I was born on a Monday, and the sending down of the Koran commenced on a Monday." Abu Hurairah, may Allah have mercy on him, said: "Deeds are presented (to Allah, the Most High) on Mondays and Thursdays. I desire that my deeds be presented whilst I am fasting." Lady Ayesha, may Allah be pleased with her, said: "Some months he would fast on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays, whereas in other months he would fast on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays." She also said that he did not fast on specific days, but whenever suitable. Abdullah, the son of Masood, reported that he seldom fasted on a Friday. He would also fast on the 13th, 14th and 15th day of the Islamic month, also on the tenth of Muharram and the 10th of Dhul Hijjah. After the Prophet's migration he observed some Jews observing the fast on the tenth of Muharram, which is the fast of Ashura. He asked them why they were fasting and was told that it was the day on which Allah, the Most High, saved Prophet Moses, peace be upon him, from the false accusation of his people. The Jews told the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) that Prophet Moses, peace be upon him, would fast that day out of gratitude and happiness whereupon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) said, "We are more entitled to the right of Moses than you." Thereafter the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) recommended his followers to fast on that day. This fast was obligatory until the command came to fast the month of Ramadan, thereafter the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) said the fast of Ashura was voluntary. To distinguish the Islamic fast of Ashura from that of the Jews, the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) would fast either the day before Ashura or the day after. The Prophet’s Recitation of the Holy Koran Lady Umm Salamah, may Allah be pleased with her, said: "He recited every word separately and distinctly." She also said, "He recited: 'Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds' and paused, then recited, 'the Merciful, the Most Mercifu’l and paused. He paused again after 'Owner of the Day of Recompense.'" When Lady Ayesha, may Allah be pleased with her, was asked whether the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) recited softly or audibly, she replied that he recited both ways. One day Umm Hani who lived in Mecca, said she heard the recitation of the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) from the roof-top of her house. Scholars say this was not due a loud voice but rather to the stillness of the night when the voice travels further. When he opened Mecca, he rode his camel, Kaswa, reciting the following verses repeatedly: “Indeed, We have opened for you (Prophet Muhammad) a clear opening, that Allah forgives your past and future sins, and completes His Favor to you, and guides you on a Straight Path.” Koran 48.1-2 The Companion, Qatadah, said that Allah gave each of His prophets a beautiful feature and a beautiful voice, and that our Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) had both beautiful features and voice, but he did not recite in a tone similar to that of singers. The Prophet’s Weeping As previously explained, everything our beloved Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) did was out of humility, sincerity and love of Allah as well as seeking mercy for us. His weeping was the same. One day Abdullah, the son of Masood, was asked by the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) to recite some of the Koran to him, whereupon Abdullah asked, "O Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) should I recite it to you when it has been sent down to you?" The Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) said, "I love to hear it from another person." So Abdullah started to recite the chapter "Nisa" when he reached the verse 41 “How then shall it be when We bring forward from every nation a witness, and bring you (Prophet Muhammad) to witness against those!” (Koran 4:41) tears flowed from both the Prophet's eyes. Upon the death of one of the Prophet's daughters, Barakah, the longtime maid of the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) who was with him when his mother died, started to weep loudly. The Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) drew her attention to it, for uncontrolled weeping is forbidden. Whereupon she said: "Do I not see you crying?" he replied: "That crying is not prohibited, it is a mercy from Allah." Then he said, "A Muslim is at peace at all times, even when his soul is being taken away, he is busy uttering the praise of Allah." In another statement, the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) explained that it was only the excess of the hand and tongue which was forbidden because they are the prompts of satan, the stone and cursed. By this he referred to the pagan custom where mourners would beat their chest, dig their nails into their cheeks, and scream in an uncontrollable manner. A Taste of the Prophet’s Humility & Blessed Character Allah, Himself testifies to the magnitude of the Prophet's character in the chapter "The Pen" verse 4, “'Indeed, you are upon a mighty morality.’" Although our beloved Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) was chosen by Allah, the Most High, to be the His greatest prophet he remained a very humble person. He was always ready to visit the sick, attend funerals, or ride upon a donkey. He did not look down upon using a rein woven from palm fiber or sitting upon a saddle made from palm leaves as he was observed to do during the hostilities of Krayzah. He would accept invitations, even the invitation of those in servitude. Such was his manner that he would never refer to them as "slaves" but rather as being "youths" and so placated their heart. He never hesitated to accept the invitation of the poor; even when they served bread and rancid fat as he would neither offend the rich nor the poor. Unlike emperors, kings and leaders, our beloved Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) disliked it if any one stood up when he entered. When he entered his house he would divide his time into three portions, one portion for Allah, another for his family, and the other for himself, yet from his own portion he would give half his time to his close Companions who would visit him and ask questions, convey messages or requests from others. He taught his close Companions things which were beneficial for his entire nation and told them to convey whatsoever he taught them, and encouraged his Companions to ask on behalf of those less able to present their question. He never withheld a reply. He told his Companions that whosoever informs a king of the need of another unable to express his need, Allah, the Most High, will make that person steadfast on the Day of Judgement. He never wasted time listening to gossip, but as a matter of etiquette he would join in the conversation of his Companions, no matter if they were speaking about religious or worldly affairs . Lady Ayesha, may Allah be pleased with her, said that he never hit anyone except in Jihad and that he never hit a woman. He respected and honored those who were respected and honored in their nation. He warned them of the punishment of Allah if they harmed those under their authority. He mediated between people, praised and encouraged good deeds. He explained the harmful effects of bad things, removed and prevented them. He followed the middle course in all matters and never neglected to guide his followers. He was always truthful, and when he spoke to anyone that person felt most honored. When he was asked for something, he never refused, and when he had nothing to give he would speak with kind words to the asker. He never refused to answer the question of a traveler. One day a needy person went to the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) and asked for something. The Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) did not have anything to give him at that time, so he told him to go and purchase whatever he needed and charge it to him. Omar heard the conversation and reminded him he had already given away everything he possessed and told him that Allah had not made him responsible for that which was beyond his means. Without hesitation, an Ansar spoke up saying "O Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) spend whatever you will, do not fear any decrease from the Lord of the Throne", whereupon the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) smiled and said, "Allah, the Most High, has commanded me to do this." When someone joined him for any reason he would remain seated until that person left. His endearing disposition was not just for a few, but for everyone, he was like a father to them. He neither thought it to be beneath him to mend his clothes nor help with the daily chores. He was always kind to children and would ask Allah to bless them. It was not his custom to concern himself with idle conversation nor yet to interrupt when someone was speaking. His gatherings imparted knowledge, modesty, patience and honesty. He neither degraded nor disgraced anyone. If someone had sinned and he knew, it would not be made public. Little ones were loved, the needy given preference whilst strangers and travelers were cared for. Those in his household loved him dearly, not once did he rebuke them for not having done a certain thing, nor did he ever ask why someone had done such a thing. He never used obscene language, nor did he shout and talk in the bazaars. It was not his way to avenge a bad deed with a similar deed, rather, he would forgive it and it would not be mentioned thereafter. He never sought the faults in anyone. Everyone received their rights, whether they were Muslims or non-Muslims. Even the unbelievers of Mecca testified to his honesty. He was neither short-tempered, nor humiliated anyone. He was very appreciative of the blessings of Allah no matter whether they were small or great. He neither criticized his food, nor over-praised it. He never became angered over any materialistic matter. When someone exceeded the limits in religious matters or against the truth, he became angry in a way that no one could endure. He either forgave the offender or paid no attention to him. When he was happy, it was as if he almost closed his eyes, as for his laugh, it was, for the most part, a smile in which his blessed front teeth glittered like shining white hailstones. When he gestured toward something he would do so with his hand rather than by just pointing with one finger. The scholars say that this was yet another act of his humility as he would raise one finger as reference to Allah. When he was surprised by something he would turn his hand. He often spoke and used his hands. Sometimes he would hit the palm of his right hand with the underside of his left thumb. As for his modesty, he was more bashful than a virgin behind her veil. Lady Ayesha, may Allah be pleased with her, said that neither did she see his private parts nor he hers. There was a time when the Companions went to the Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) complaining of severe pangs of hunger. They showed him the stones they had strapped against their stomach to prevent it from swelling whereupon the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) showed them the two stones strapped to his. He even visited the hypocrite Abdullah, the son of Ubayy, who had for a long time gone out of his way to try to ridicule the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam). The Death of the Prophet 11 Hijr – 634 CE At the same time each year, the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) would suffer from the reoccurrence of the poisoned meat he had been given by a Jewess in Khaybar. Its reoccurrence in the year in which he passed away was more severe than ever before. His illness began on the day in which he spent in Lady Ayesha's room with a pain. A day or so later when he was in the room of Lady Maymunah, may Allah be pleased with her, his illness worsened and knowing that he would feel better in the room of Lady Ayesha, may Allah be pleased with her, his wives were happy to have him taken to her room and relinquished their rights. Due to the severity of his illness, he was unable to lead his followers in prayer so he appointed Abu Bakr to lead them instead. A few days before he passed away, although it was obvious he was weak from his suffering, he felt a little better and asked to be assisted into the Mosque. When the congregation realized he was amongst them great happiness spread throughout the Mosque as they thought he must be recovering. After having offered his prayer sitting down he was taken back to Lady Ayesha's room for the last time. On a Monday, ten or eleven days later, our beloved Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) passed away after having dipped his hands in a cup of water beside him and wiped them over his blessed face as his head rested upon Lady Ayesha. As soon as Abu Bakr learned of his death he made haste to his daughter's room, and kissed the blessed forehead. It was the saddest day of all time. The Companions did not know where to bury him, some thought it should be in Mecca whilst others thought differently. Then, Abu Bakr them that the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) had told him that a Prophet is buried where he died, and so he was laid to rest in Lady Ayesha's room. The Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) left but a few worldly goods behind, one of which was a suit of armor pawned to a Jew, a donkey, and a piece of land which he had said was to be given in charity and the ring which he used as a seal. When Abu Bakr became caliph the ring was given to him and passed in succession to Othman at which time it was lost. The Prophet’s Bed Our beloved Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) slept upon a firm leather mattress stuffed with the fiber of palm trees. The mattress was so firm that the palm fiber left imprints upon his blessed body when he arose. The Prophet’s Toothbrush The Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) cleaned his teeth with the splayed end of a miswaak twig. The Prophet’s Natural Fragrance & Use of Perfume The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) was blessed with a natural fragrance quite unlike any other in the world. It has been described as being more pleasant than either amber or musk. Such was its sweetness that when he perspired, his wives collected his perspiration and used it to perfume themselves. He recommended the use of perfume to his Companions saying, "The perfume of a man is a fragrance that spreads and has less color. The perfume of women has more color and is less fragrant." The scholars explain this to mean that men should wear a heavy fragrance whereas women should use a light fragrance in her home and must not wear any when she goes out because it attracts. The Prophet’s Clothing The Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) preferred to wear a long cotton gown. Sometimes the sleeves would be long, reaching as far as his wrist, but they never covered his fingers. At other times the sleeves would be shorter, as for the length of the gown he would either wear one that reached to just above his ankles or one that reached halfway down his calf. He did not possess two gowns at the same time. We are also told that the waist wrap he liked most was one made from woven Yemeni cloth that is reported to have been green. His waist wraps would never exceed the length of his ankles. It is also forbidden for a man to wear clothes longer than this. At another time he wore a red garment, however it was a color for him alone to wear because he forbade other men to wear red garments. As for garments dyed a saffron color, he forbade their wearing, however, if a saffron color garment becomes so very faded that no trace of the color remains, it can be worn, as the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) once wore such a cloth. Lady Ayesha, may Allah be pleased with her, reported that one day the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) left the house in the morning wearing a cloth woven from black hair. The Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) said, "Choose white clothing, as it is the best clothing. White clothing should be worn whilst living, and the dead should be buried in white." During an illness as he was assisted by Anas to leave his room he wore a patterned Yemeni shawl. When he received a new garment he would supplicate saying, "O Allah, all praise and thanks to You for clothing me with this. I ask You for the good of it and the good of what it was made for, and I ask Your protection from the evil of it and the evil of what it was made for." Lady Ayesha, may Allah be pleased with her, said: " ... he possessed only one of each, a thowb, body wrap, shoes or any other clothing, he never had two of anything (at one time)." The Prophet’s Leather Socks Our beloved Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) wore different types of leather socks. There were occasions when, after the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) had made wudu he put on a pair of leather socks. When the next time for prayer arrived and it was necessary for him to renew his ablution, he did not remove his socks but wiped his damped hands over the top of them. The Prophet’s Shoes The Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) wore sandals with leather soles and two straps. At that time, it was common for sandals to be made without removing the hair of the animal. We are told by Anas, one of his Companions, that he had seen his shoes but there was no hair on them. He warned not to wear just one shoe by itself and told his Companions to either wear a pair of shoes or none at all. The Prophet’s Turban The Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) had two sizes of turbans. One was smaller than the other. The length of material in the smaller of the two was six cubits, whereas the material in the larger one was twelve. (A cubit is the approximate length of the forearm). At the Opening of Mecca, the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) was observed wearing a black turban as he entered the City. More often than not, he would wear his turban with the end piece hanging down at the back, however, he would sometimes wear it with the end piece hang over his right shoulder. He also wore a yellow turban. The Prophet’s Ring The Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) had a silver ring with a gem stone from Abyssinia which he used as a seal. There was a time when he did not have a ring. However, when Islam started to spread and he began to send letters of invitation to Islam to the Emperor of Rome, the King of Persia, and so on, he was informed that none of these heads of state would accept a letter unless it bore a seal. The ring was made in either the 6th or 7th year after his migration to Medina. His ring was inscribed on three lines, the first inscription read "Muhammad", the second "Messenger" and the third "Allah". The scholars are of the opinion that he was given several rings, however, he did not wear a ring every day and would remove his ring when praying. When he wore the ring that had the Name of Allah inscribed upon it he would remove it from his finger before going to the toilet. When he wore an ordinary ring he would sometimes wear it on either his right or left hand. Before it was forbidden for a man to wear gold, the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) had a ring made from gold, as did some of his Companions. When it became forbidden to wear gold he said, "I will never wear it again." When the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) passed away, the ring bearing the seal passed to Abu Bakr, then subsequently to Omar and then Othman. During the caliphate of Othman, Muaykeeb was entrusted with its safekeeping. One day as Othman and Muaykeeb were sitting by the well of Arees, near the Mosque at Kuba, Muaykeeb handed the ring to Othman however the ring fell from their hands into the well. Othman immediately ordered the well to be searched but to no avail. Water was hauled up for two days but there was no sign of the ring, it had been lost for ever. The Prophet’s Sword It was the custom of the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) to name things. He named his sword "Dulfikkar" and its hilt was made of silver. The sword was like those of the tribe of Hanifa who were famous for the sword making skills. The Prophet’s Armor The Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) possessed seven suits of armor all of which were given a name: Dhaatul Fadl, Dhaatul Hawaashi, Dhaatul Wishaah, Fiddah, Saghhdiyyah, Tabraa and Kharnag. At the time of the Prophet's death, Dhaatul Fadl was in pawn to a Jew. At the encounter of Uhud, which was a very fierce, he wore two suits of armor, one on top of the other, they were those he named Dhaatul Fudl and Fiddah. He also wore a helmet. The Prophet’s Description - 078 Prophet Muhammad's Genealogy The Honoring of the Prophet By Allah Oaths of Allah Pertaining to the Greatness of His Prophet Allah Swears that Prophet Muhammad Has the Greatest Code of Ethics The Eliteness of the Prophet’s Disposition The Position of Prophet Muhammad In Relation to Other Noble Prophets The Prophet’s Character, Nature and Physical Features Prophet’s Self Description The Prophet’s Face The Prophet’s Neck, Shoulders, Seal & Torso The Prophet’s Feet The Prophet’s Manner of Walking The Prophet’s Manner of Looking The Prophet’s Height The Prophet’s Age The Prophet’s Bathing The Prophet’s Manner of Communication The Prophet’s Story Telling The Prophet’s Manner of Leaning The Prophet’s Manner of Eating and Drinking The Prophet’s Bread and Food The Prophet’s Manner before and after Eating The Prophet’s Sleeping The Prophet’s Worship The Prophet’s Fast The Prophet’s Recitation of the Holy Koran The Prophet’s Weeping A Taste of the Prophet’s Humility & Blessed Character The Death of the Prophet 11 Hijr – 634 CE The Prophet’s Bed The Prophet’s Toothbrush The Prophet’s Natural Fragrance & Use of Perfume The Prophet’s Clothing The Prophet’s Leather Socks The Prophet’s Shoes The Prophet’s Turban The Prophet’s Ring The Prophet’s Sword The Prophet’s Armor