Introduction to Prophet Muhammad's Teaching and Personal Traits
Surely Allah conferred a great favor on the believers when He raised from among them a Messenger to recite to them His signs, and to purify them, and to teach them the Book and Wisdom. For before that they were in manifest error. Al-Imraan 3:164
Indisputably, the prophet Muhammad (SAAWS) was the greatest teacher that the world had and will ever witness. Through him, the laws of Islam were sealed and the last holy book was revealed. With utter integrity and honesty, our beloved prophet (SAAWS) completed his assigned duty of a tutor to mankind. He exhibited the ways of true leadership and gave another lesson humanity desperately needed. He was sent to one of the most ignorant human race of the time. Yet, Prophet Muhammad (SAAWS) was able to teach them; not with mere words but wise actions as well. His ways were an epitome of the quote 'actions speak louder than words'. According to (McEwan, 2010) the Traits of highly effective teachers fall into three distinct categories:
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- Personal traits that signify character
- Teaching traits that get results
- Intellectual traits that demonstrate Knowledge, curiosity, and awareness. Furthermore, these categories have been very evident in the traits found in Muhammad (SAAWS).
Generosity: A Key Trait of Prophet Muhammad
The generosity of the prophet was precedent. He was recognized by his benevolent personality even before prophet hood was bestowed upon him. There are many occasions where the companions noted the joy Allah’s apostle received while giving. He never turned away any of those in need and always prioritized others over himself. In a Hadeeth on the authority of Anas, may Allah be pleased with him, “It never happened that the Prophet Sallallaahu `Alayhi Wa Sallam withheld anything that was asked for by anyone in return for embracing Islam. Once a man came to the Prophet, and the Prophet gave him sheep that were enough to fill the space between two mountains. Hence, the man returned to his tribe, and said, ‘People, embrace Islam, for Muhammad grants as generously as if he does not fear poverty.’” (Muslim) The hastened thinkers will assume his act as an offer to the needy and will fail to relate to his wisdom. Pondering on his actions, we realize that giving is the greatest trait a teacher must-have. Because teaching is an act of giving the best wealth; knowledge. With his kindness, he enlightened love for Islam in the hearts of those who only saw darkness. On another occasion, during the battle of Hunayn, prophet distributed all of the wealth to the newly converted Quraysh who had previously tormented the prophet and the believers even though he could have given it to the Ansar and few of the Muhajireen. But with this action, he gave two things; wealth and a lesson of kindness. He was concerned for his learners and thus, completely dedicated to guiding them as evident by the hadith. “I give to a person while another is dearer to me for fear that he [the first] may be thrown in Hell on his face [if he were to abandon Islam].” (Al-Bukhari)
Humor and Joy in Prophet Muhammad's Teachings
By with the position prophet (peace be upon him) held and the responsibility Allah had granted him, humor is understood to be an unworthy trait. But joy is an important feeling in which humor can potentially surface. In addition, it attracts people towards the person. Though the prophet Muhammad had a critical duty, he didn’t fail to be a joyous person. He constantly smiled in the face of his Companions to the extent that Abdullah ibn Al-Harith ibn Hazm said, “I have never seen anyone who smiles more than the Prophet does.” (At-Tirmidhi) Smiling has become a science and art required for the improvement of social relationships and economic as well as diplomatic relations among individuals, communities, societies, and countries respectively. But within limits, he never joked with lies. Unlike the ignorant from Quraysh, who laughed and joked about everything without care about the consequences. Their humor was mockery and personal attacks. Prophet Muhammad used knowledge even in his humor
As related by Anas b. Malik: Once a man came to the Prophet and wanted to give him a ride on his camel. The Prophet replied: “We should give you a ride on a baby camel then.” “O Messenger of Allah, how can I ride on a baby camel?” “The Prophet replied: “Are not all camels the babies of a mother camel?” (Abu Dawud,Adab,92;Tirmizi,Birr,57) He spread happiness while considering every person’s emotion, amongst his family, companions, children and all those around him.
Modesty and Humility in the Prophet's Life and Teachings
He was the epitome of modesty. This trait reflected in every action of his life. He would mingle with his companions to an extent where outsiders wouldn’t recognize who the prophet was. He showed no superiority and taught his students as if he’s one of them. This sense of comfort makes it easier for the learner to grasp the knowledge and practice it. With his simplicity, he conveyed how his lessons were focused on more serious matters than worldly ones. Makkans offered him great wealth and fame in return for him to stop preaching. But he didn’t accept it as he knew that he was a role model for all those who followed him and he had to teach by practicing the lessons himself. He hated praise and forbade people to exaggerate about him. “do not exaggerate about me as the Christians have exaggerated about the son of Maryam, for i am no more than his slave, so say, (that i am merely) the slave of Allah and his messenger.” [al-bukhaari: Vol. 4, Book 55, Hadith 654]
The prophet would stitch his clothes and do chorus just like any ordinary men.
There are many hadith and verses in the Quran where humility was encouraged, indicating its importance. A very well-known story of Adi bin Hatim when he came to meet the prophet after his long run, it was the prophets modesty towards him that made him convert to Islam, from stopping to have a long chat with an old lady to having a seat on the ground while allowing adi bin Hatim to sit on a pillow. It was in his wisdom to give a tribal chief the respect they always strive for.
“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, its thinking of yourself less.” (Rick warren)
Mercy and Compassion: Central Aspects of the Prophet's Character
According to (Harlow, 1959)there was more to the mother-child bond than nourishment. Feelings of comfort and security are the critical components of maternal-infant bonding, which leads to healthy psychosocial development. This is exhibited by the Prophet’s behavior with children. He was sincere and balanced in his love and compassion. Providing comfort and a sense of security for the children of the community can be seen in the verdict of many Hadith. Childhood is what we call “the critical phase” Children are more likely to get affected with the events they are experiencing at this stage. An adult needs to create an emotional bond with kids to prevent the occurrence of harmful and sinful acts in the future.nAbu Huraira reported that al-Aqra’ b. Habis saw Allah’s Apostle (ﷺ) kissing Hasan. He said: I have ten children, but I have never kissed anyone of them, whereupon Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said: “Whoever is not merciful to others will not be treated mercifully.” Reported by Bukhari (Book 78, Hadith 6063) During the period of ignorance, showing affection towards children was considered shameful and an act against masculinity. The prophet gracefully broke this norm and taught people that mercy is a critical aspect of not just Muslim society but for all mankind, gradually building an emotional block. If children are never shown affection and treated as if they’re just learning machines, they’ll grow into cruel humans that have no empathy. And the prophet highlighted this neglected issue of the society. The Prophet’s servant Anas said: “I served the Prophet for ten years and he never once rebuked me. He never once said about something I did: ‘Why did you do that?’ and he never said about something I didn’t do: ‘Why didn’t you do that?’ (Saheeh Al-bukhari;Vol. 8, Book 73, Hadith 64 Sunan Abi Daud Book 42, Hadith 4756).Anas grew up in the prophet’s house and his teachings turned him into a wise skillful human being. The prophet was such a great tutor that with his patience and mercy, he transformed Anas and so many other young children, without using harsh and cruel methods. This also indicates how a child as young as Anas could remember every detailed action of the prophet towards him, implying the importance of the prophetic guidance towards children and youth.
The Power of Forgiveness in Prophet Muhammad's Leadership
A believer must educate himself to forgive as it requires ijtihaad on the nafs. Occasional forgiveness isn’t an arduous task but repeating the act every time is a challenge. The prophet Muhammad’s (SAAWS) life was all about forgiveness and amnesty. One of the greatest examples was on the day of fath Makkah (conquest of Makkah). The tribes of Quraish were the archenemies of the prophet (SAAWS) for 13 years of his life in Makkah they tortured, abused, rebuked and mocked him. His uncle tortured and humiliated him during the season of pilgrimage while he preached the visitors. They plotted fail attempts to harm him, but the prophet never sought revenge. He would not resort to punishment unless necessary. Hind the wife of abu Sufyan and her slave brutally killed and mutilated Hamza ibin Abdul-Mutalib the beloved uncle of the prophet and (Asad Allah) in the battle of Uhud. She dissected his chest, chew Liver and heart, cut off his nose and ear mutilating his face to an extent where he wasn’t recognized. Yet prophet forgave them when they asked for forgiveness even if it rent his heart. He forgave Abu Sufyan as well, quoting what Prophet Yusuf told his brothers.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Prophet Muhammad's Traits
One of the key elements to moving on is forgiveness and the prophet needed that in his life to benefit and guide his ummah. Wahshi later on in life became a Muslim and killed Musailimah, the imposter who claimed Prophethood after the demise of the Prophet Muhammad (SAAWS). One cannot perceive what actions could change a person for better. Grudges harm the person more than the offender.Prophet’s forgiveness was his greatest and most significant character as a teacher. He taught a million words and sensations with a single act. No tutor for the entire time of earth’s existence has and will ever be able to match his traits as a teacher but one can strive to at least attempt his actions.
“…This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My Grace upon you, and have chosen Islam for you as your religion…” (Al Maaida 5:3) Through him was the completion of perfection done, Prophet Muhammad (SAAWS) the greatest teacher of all time.
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