What was our Prophet like?
He was the mildest of people and also the warmest and most generous of them.
He would fix his own sandals, patch his own clothes and help his family with the daily errands.
He was very shy; shyer than a virgin in her chamber.
He would respond to the invitation of slaves.
He would walk alone [without guards].
He would allow others to saddle-up with him on his mount.
He would eat food that was sent as a gift; but he never consumed anything that had been given as charity.
He did not have enough dates with which to be satisfied, nor was he satisfied with barley-bread for more than three consecutive days.
He would eat whatever food was readily available.
He never criticized food.
He never ate lying down, and ate whatever was closest to him.
He loved perfumes and disliked foul odors.
He honored people of virtue, and kept affectionate ties with nobles and dignitaries.
He never rejected anyone and would accept the excuse of those who presented excuses.
He would joke, but never would he utter anything untrue.
He laughed, but not loudly.
He would not let any time pass without being in the service of God or being engaged in whatever was essential for his own self-development.
He never cursed women, nor abused servants.
He never hit anyone, except for in jihad in God’s cause.
He did not perform revenge for his own sake, but did so when God’s limits had been transgressed.
If he was presented with two options he took the easier of the two, unless it entailed disobedience or the severing of ties – in which case he would be the furthest away from it.
He would sit in an assembly wherever it was convenient and would mingle among his Companions as one of them, so much so that when strangers came, they couldn’t tell him from others, except after inquiring as to who he was.
He would take to long periods of silence, but when he did speak he did so slowly and clearly, repeating himself so that he would be understood.
He used to pardon, even when he was in a position to punish.
He wouldn’t confront anyone with what they did not like.
He was the most truthful of men.
He was the one who most fulfilled his trusts, pledges and commitments.
He was the easiest going of people; the most affable; and the most generous in friendship.
Whoever looked at him unexpectedly, was amazed by him.
Whoever knew him, loved him.
His Companions, whenever they spoke about worldly affairs, he would join in with them; and when, in recollecting their pre-Islamic days, they would laughed, he would simply smile.
He was also the bravest of men.
One of his Companions recounts: When the fighting grew intense, we would seek shelter behind God’s Messenger.
Source: Summary of Mukhtasar Minhaj al-Qasideen by Imam Ibn Qudamah (pp. 157-158)
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