Any character had to be studied, learned, and reflected upon in the person of Prophet Muhammad. Historically, scholars have gone on to write their accounts to narrate his virtues, conduct, and moral integrity. One such scholar, in his work, Al-Allamah Abd al-Muhsin al-Abbad unleashes the excellence with which the character of Prophet Muhammad is delineated. In this blog, we will discuss some of the major points brought out by Al-Allamah Abd al-Muhsin al-Abbad regarding the character of the Prophet, his virtues, compassion, and leadership qualities, through which we will learn to emulate his excellent attributes in our life as followers of the Holy Prophet.
Knowing the Significance of Character in Islam
Why is character so important in Islam? Before going into detail on the intricacies of Prophet’s character, it is crucial to know why character plays such a very important place in Islam. While Islam places emphasis on rituals and acts of worship, it does so much to lay the significance of moral integrity and virtuous behavior in life also. In one’s faith, character depicts him or her; that is why the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is a quintessential example set forth by the religion for man.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): The Emblem of Honesty
It is the honesty of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that people admire most regarding him. Even during his life before he was a prophet, he was also called “Al-Amin” that is, the trustworthy, among his people. He never indulged in dishonesty or deceit. Whether it was personal matters or discharging the duties of a messenger, the Prophet was ever truthful and trusted.
This is because his integrity not only made his speech pure but also the same actions he gave to others. The thing with his actions was that they matched what he preached. The match between what he preached and practiced made him a good model to the rest of the people. His honesty, even in hard times, set the standard for generations.
Compassion and Mercy: The Heart of the Prophet’s Character
A defining attribute of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is his compassion. He was both compassionate to his family and friends and his enemies. His quality of forgiveness and mercy, even when someone proved unfaithful or did him evil, speaks for his great moral character.
For instance, when the Prophet conquered Makkah, he had the opportunity of getting back to those who had tortured him and his companions beforehand. Instead, he forgave them and said, “Go, for you are free.” It was a display of mercy by the Prophet, an ability to really forgive and forget his personal miseries for peace and reconciliation.
Al-Allamah Abd al-Muhsin al-Abbad reminds of the importance of mercy to the prophet’s personality and how this mercy went beyond humans to animals as well. He was friendly to animals, though he never ever condoned the act of killing animals on any religious pretext.
Justice: The Prophet as an Equitable Leader
Another cardinal quality in the character of the Prophet Muhammad is justice. He was extremely fair and impartial with whomsoever was his status, wealth, or position in society. Whether in matters of law or social disputes, he invariably followed justice to all people.
Commenting on and how the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) dealt with these cases with justice, Al-Allamah Abd al-Muhsin al-Abbad said that among such instances is when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) discussed the case of theft between a noble lady from Makhzum tribe and others. Some of her clan members attempted to manipulate the verdict, but the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) told them that no one is above the law of Allah.
Humility: The Humble Nature of the Prophet Muhammad
Despite being the last prophet of Allah, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) lived a life that is depicted as humble. He never made or did not wish to have any wealth or fame, nor did he accept one ounce of arrogance or pride. The Prophet lived very modestly often in simple clothes and simple food, but through it all, he set an example for everybody that real greatness is in humility and the servitude towards Allah.
Al-Allamah Abd al-Muhsin al-Abbad elaborates on the fact that the Prophet was a humble man regarding his approach to people. He was approachable in every respect. The rich man and the poor man were accessible to him. He never withdrew himself from the mass. His humility nature made him lovable to the people.
Patience and Perseverance: The Strength of the Prophet while facing Adversity
His patience and perseverance were unmatched for his mission. He experienced all kinds of hardships in his lifetime, but he emerged with patience and strength. From the persecution he and his followers met at Makkans’ hands to the wars fought in Islam’s way, he never lost hope in it.
On the other hand, al-Allamah Abd al-Muhsin al-Abbad describes patience as one of the Prophet’s greatest features. He taught his followers to be patient and trust in Allah’s wisdom and timings. His patience was a source of inspiration for many who came after him.
The Prophet and his Family
Prophet Muhammad was a loving and caring husband, father, and grandfather. He took excellent care of his wives with kindness, and his relationship with his daughters and grandchildren was full of love and tenderness. The Prophets’ family life was full of love and respect that the Prophet gave in his family life that is very important for maintaining a strong, loving, and supportive relationships.
Al-Allamah Abd al-Muhsin al-Abbad talks about the exemplar behavior of the Prophet towards his family. He was the comfort and care-giver to his wives and children. He always found time for them in light of his very heavy mandate as a leader and messenger. His tenderness with the grandchildren, particularly his fondness for the grandsons Hasan and Husayn, is well-documented in the hadiths.
The Leadership of the Prophet and Commitment to the Community
The Prophet Muhammad being a leader who cared for the welfare of his people, was spiritually endowed; a political leader and, at the same time, a social leader. He worked very hard to establish justice, equality, and peace in society.
Al-Allamah Abd al-Muhsin al-Abbad concludes that the Prophet’s leadership was based on consultation and consensus. He would call his companions to consult over important decisions, always considering the needs of the community. He never built his leadership based on power or authority, but instead, it was a case of service.
Applicability of the Prophet’s Character in Our Own Lives
The character of Prophet Muhammad is such that we should always strive to emulate his model of conduct. Being Muslims, it is obligatory for us to make endeavors to portray the types of characteristics demonstrated by the Prophet throughout his lives. In that sense, if we act with integrity, compassion, justice, humility, patience, and care to our families, then we can build stronger communities and live pleasing lives with Allah.
This reveals so much about the character of the Prophet, reminding us that the life of the Prophet was far from mere religious rituals. Instead, it was a life of living with the most superior moral standards to influence positively the world in which he lived. Studying and emulating his character is, therefore, the way to change the behavior of the whole world.
Conclusion: Beacon of Hope for Humanity
Prophet Muhammad is also a source of inspiration in quite an impressive way to Muslims today. Teaching us how to be great, serves others, is virtuous, and is close to Allah, this prophet seeks that a person live better and continuously contribute for society to be better. Reflecting on the character of Prophet Muhammad, Al-Allamah Abd al-Muhsin al-Abbad rightly says that we also must strive to exemplify these attributes in our life because not only is personal development to be had by us but also the benefits of greater society will be reaped.
A Glimpse At the Impeccable Character of the Noble Messenger By Al-Allamah Abd al-Muhsin al-Abbad
