Author: Shukran Ahmadi
The Manifestation of “Noble Character” (Part One)
Abstract
Allah, (SWT), has created the world of existence in a highly astonishing and beautiful manner. Among all creatures, He has placed humans as the most beautiful: «لقد خلقنا الانسان في أحسن تقويم.» Translation: “We have created man (in terms of body and soul) in the most beautiful form and appearance.”
Then, among humans, He has granted the prophets superiority and distinction in all attributes, making them a model for the worlds. Among the prophets, He introduced the Seal of the Prophets, the possessor of great character, Muhammad Mustafa (PBUH), as the best of prophets, the leader of the first and the last, and His conduct and ethics as the most exemplary model for humanity, as He says: « وإنك لعلی خلق عظیم.» Translation: “Indeed, you possess the best of character.”
Truly, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the messenger of truth, the crown jewel of humanity, the essence of existence, the Seal of the Prophets, the master of all, and the knower of the paths. His pure conduct serves as a solution to every problem, a guide for every lost wayfarer, and the key to every genuine happiness: «لقد كان لكم في رسول الله أسوة حسنة.» Translation: “Indeed, the Messenger of Allah is the best model for your lives.”
Now, it is incumbent upon humanity in general, and Muslims in particular, to return to the example of the Prophet of compassion and kindness, to renew, elevate, and give value to their existence and essence, and to attain eternal happiness and everlasting salvation. Allama Iqbal has poignantly articulated in this regard:
A bud from the branch of Mustafa,
Become a flower from the spring breeze of Mustafa.
From his spring, you must take color and fragrance,
You must gain a portion from his creation.
How beautifully the Roman guide has spoken:
The one who finds peace in a drop of the sea.
Do not sever yourself from the conclusion of messengers,
Lean not solely on your own skill and prowess.
The one whose moonlight is split from his fingertip,
His mercy is vast, and his character is sublime.
Keywords: Prophet, character, magnificent, example.
The Prophet’s Connection with Allah (SWT)
Despite the fact that his Lord honored him with the status of prophethood, Popularity, and selection, and forgave his past and future sins, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) strove more than anyone else in the worship of Allah, immersing himself deeply in it and loving it wholeheartedly.
Hazrat Mughira bin Sha’ba (MABH) narrates: “The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) worshipped and stayed up at night so much that his blessed feet would swell.” When asked, “O Messenger of Allah! Allah Almighty has forgiven all your past and future sins,” he replied: “أفلا أكون عبداً شكوراً؟” Translation: “Should I not be a grateful servant?”
Umm al-Mu’minin Aisha Siddiqa (MABH) relates: “قام النبي بآية من القرآن ليلة.” Translation: “The Prophet (PBUH) spent the entire night reciting one verse of the Quran.”
Abu Dharr (MABH) states: “The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) stood with one verse until morning, and that verse was: “إِنْ تُعَذِّبْهُمْ فَإِنَّهُمْ عِبَادُكَ وَإِنْ تَغْفِرْ لَهُمْ فَإِنَّكَ أَنْتَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمِ.” (If You punish them, they are Your servants; and if You forgive them, indeed You are the Exalted in Might, the Wise.) [Quran 5:118]
“عَنْ عَائِشَةَ رَضِيَاللَّهُعَنْهَا قَالَتْ كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّىاللَّهُعَلَيْهِوَسَلَّمَ يَصُومُ حَتَّى نَقُولَ لَا يُفْطِرُ وَيُفْطِرُ حَتَّى نَقُولَ لَا يَصُومُ.” Translation: “Umm al-Mu’minin Aisha Siddiqa (MABH) narrates: ‘The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) would fast so much that we thought he would never break his fast, and when he would break his fast, we would say that he would never fast again.'”
Abdullah bin Shakhir (MABH) narrates: “I approached the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) while he was engaged in prayer, and I could hear a sound like that of a boiling pot coming from his chest due to his weeping.” He did not find peace through anything other than prayer, and he always eagerly awaited the next prayer after completing one. He would say: «و جعلت قرة عيني في الصلاة.» Translation: “And I have made the coolness of my eyes in prayer.”
The noble Sahaba report: «كان إذا حزبه أمر صلى» “Whenever he was faced with a matter, he would pray.” The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) had a profound love and passion for prayer and would eagerly anticipate it. He would not find tranquility until he engaged in prayer. Sometimes he would call out to his mu’azzin Bilal, saying: “O Bilal! Establish the prayer; bring us comfort through it.”
Continues…
[1]. Surah At-Tin: 4.
[2]. Surah Al-Qalam: 4.
[3]. Surah Al-Ahzab: 21.
[4]. Narrated by Bukhari in the Commentary of Surah Al-Fath: 380/1. And Muslim, Tirmidhi and Nasai in the chapter on reviving the night (in prayer).
[5]. Narrated by Tirmidhi: 494/1.
[6]. Narrated by Nasai in the chapter on repeating the verse: 305/2. And Ibn Majah in the chapter on what has come regarding reciting at night.
[7]. Sahih al-Bukhari: 3/38.
[8]. Narrated by Tirmidhi in al-Shama’il.
[9]. Narrated by Nasai in the Book of Ten (Concerning) Women, Chapter on Love of Women: 119/7.
[10]. Narrated by Abu Dawood: 485/2.
[11]. Narrated by Abu Dawood: Book of Adab (Etiquette), Chapter on prayer on Fridays: 388/7.
