Description of Prophet Muhammad

Since 2012-12-18

Muhammad, peace be upon him, was a shy, reticent man who lived among his people with such high moral character they called him al-Amîn — the Trustworthy.

 

Muhammad, peace be upon him, was a shy, reticent man who lived among his people with such high moral character they called him al-Amîn — the Trustworthy.
 
The Prophet’s unique physical appearance, his high character and willingness to sacrifice for others, are often at the essence of any description of him. According to the narrations from his Companions he can be described in the following words:
 
Muhammad was imposing and majestic. His face was luminous like a full moon.
 
He was taller than medium but not excessive in height. He had wavy hair, which he parted and it never went beyond his shoulders. He was light-skinned with a high brow. He had full eyebrows and a small space between them. His beard was full, his eyes black. His physique was supple and lithe, with a full chest and broad shoulders. When he walked, he was determined and his pace was as if he was walking downhill.
 
He was decisive and whole-hearted in everything he did, so intent on the task at hand that he never looked over his shoulder, even if his cloak got caught in a thorny bush.
 
When he spoke he was always brief and reflective. He spoke when he saw benefit and spent long periods in silent contemplation. His speech was comprehensive being neither wordy nor abrupt. He had a mild temperament and was never harsh nor cruel, coarse nor rude. He expressed gratitude for everything given to him no matter how insignificant. When he spoke, his companions lowered their heads as if birds were perched upon them. When he was silent, they felt free to speak. He never criticized food or praised it excessively. He never swore, nor did he find fault in people. He did not flatter people but praised them when appropriate.
 
When he did turn to speak to somebody, he used to swing his entire body around and address them full face. When he shook hands, he was never the first to withdraw his own.
 
People entered his gatherings as seekers and left enlightened. He would ask about his companions when they were absent often making inquiries about people’s needs. He never stood nor sat without mentioning the name of God. He never reserved a special place for himself in a gathering and sat where space was provided. He gave each of those who sat with him such full attention that everyone felt that he was the most important person in that gathering. Voices were never raised in his presence. The aged were respected for their age and the young were shown compassion for their youth.
 
His wives and Companions spoke of his humour and cheerfulness.
 
He died on the same day he was born, in the same house he had lived in for ten years in Medina, on a small bed made of leather stuffed with palm fibres, in the arms of his beloved wife Aishah.
 
Among his words were, “Treat your women well.” [Muslim]
 
«استوصوا بالنساء خيرا» رواه مسلم
 
“O God, my highest companion, O highest companion.” [Al-Bukhari]
 
«اللهمَّ الرفيقَ الأعلى» رواه البخاري
 
Muhammad exemplifies the strong and profound relationship that each human being ought to have with his Creator, his fellow human beings, and the world around him. May Almighty God and His angels and all His creation bless him and greet him with the salutations of peace!
 
 
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