5 Things To Learn From Prophet Muhammad

The Holy Prophet is undoubtedly the true culmination of a perfect human being. Allah created him to guide us on the path of Islam, and his life is a beautiful lesson of morals and good conduct. Let’s examine five of his many qualities so that we may follow in the Prophet’s footsteps.

1. Leading Through Character

During the 40 years of his pre-Islam life, Prophet Muhammad built a reputation as the most truthful and trustworthy man in pagan Mecca. So much so that even though the Quraysh rebuked him when he called them towards Islam, they couldn’t question his character.

A prime example of this can be seen when, one day, the Prophet climbed Mount Saffa and said, “O people! Will you believe me if I tell you that your enemies intend to ambush you at dawn or night?”

They all answered, ‘We have not heard a lie from you throughout your life.’

So, the Prophet invited them to Islam and warned them of Allah’s punishment, but they did not heed his message and dispersed. While they rejected the Prophet’s message, they knew it was the truth, as for 40 years, they heard the Prophet say nothing but the truth.

Similarly, even while the pagans were oppressing the Prophet and boycotting him, their valuable possessions were with him. They trusted him so much that they never collected their belongings from him until he returned them during Hijrah. Such was our Prophet that even his enemies could not help but praise his character.

2. Humbleness

The Prophet was the head of the Muslim state in Medina, but he disliked people standing up for him when he entered a congregation. He would sit among his followers and used to blend in with them so that a stranger couldn’t tell Prophet Muhammad apart from the others. Abu Dharr al-Ghaffari, one of the Prophet’s most loyal and truthful companions, narrates:

“The Messenger of God (sallallahu alaihe wa alihi) would sit amongst his companions, and when a stranger entered, the stranger would not know which of these men was the Prophet and would have to ask. We requested the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa alihi) to arrange the seating in our gatherings so that a stranger could tell him apart. So, we built a bench out of clay, and he would sit on it, and we would sit around him.”

3. Considering Others’ Advice

Even though the Prophet embodied wisdom, he consulted his wives and companions in social and political matters. An example is the Battle of Trench when Prophet Muhammad faced the largest-ever pagan army. He consulted his companions on the best course of action to protect the small Muslim population. Among the many suggestions was one by Salman Farsi, who advised the Prophet to stay within Medina and dig a trench around the city.

The Prophet liked Salman’s suggestion and chose it as the Muslim army’s defence against the pagans and Jews. The idea bore fruit, and the Muslims emerged victorious against a larger army.

On another occasion, the Prophet showed the importance of consulting one’s virtuous wife in essential matters. At the time of Hudaibiya, when Prophet Muhammad faced staunch opposition from his companions, he went to his wife, Umm Salamah and consulted her on the issue. She gave him excellent advice, which the Prophet followed, and the companions eventually softened up to the Messenger of God.

4. Steadfast In The Cause of Allah

The pagans used all sorts of dissuasive tactics to stop the Prophet from spreading Islam. But Prophet Muhammad, unfazed by all their methods, remained steadfast in his mission. When their attempts to coerce him through his uncle failed, the Quraysh tried to buy him out.

Ibn Ishaq narrates that Utbah ibn Rabi’ah, one of the prominent pagan leaders, visited the Prophet on behalf of the Quraysh and offered him status, wealth, women, and kingship against stopping his mission. The Prophet, however, after hearing his offer, responded, “Even If they put the Sun in my right hand and the Moon in my left hand, I will not desist”.

When nothing worked, the Quraysh socially boycotted the Prophet and his family, forcing them to shift to Shib Abi Talib – a small valley owned by the Prophet’s uncle. They stayed there for three years with little to no food and water, finding it difficult to cope with the desert’s heat and ruthless nature. Even though these hardships resulted in the demise of his beloved wife, Khadija, and later his uncle, Abu Talib, he never abandoned the divine mission.

Throughout his life, the Prophet diverted special care and attention towards the Ahlulbayt in his speech and actions. For example, when the Verse of Purity was revealed, the Prophet, for forty days, visited Imam Ali and Lady Fatima’s house and recited the verse at their door.

Similarly, he used to go out of his way to tend to Imam Hasan and Hussain. On one such occasion, the Prophet saw his 3-year-old grandson stumble on the ground. He immediately paused his speech and rushed to Imam Hussain’s assistance. In doing so, the Prophet showed his companions the importance of the Ahlulbayt and that they hold precedence even while performing his Prophetic duties.