In the Qur’an, Allah says regarding His beloved
Prophet (pbuh): “And indeed, you are of a great moral character.”
(Al-Qalam 68: 5). This character, this level of excellent morality, is
manifested in the small anecdotes of his life – anecdotes that may seem
insignificant but are in truth deeply meaningful and powerful.
For example, when he was still a child, Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) was entrusted to a wet nurse from among the Bedouins named Halima Saadia. This choice was not made in vain or without significance – No! In ancient times, the Arabs believed that children raised in the desert would develop a pure Arabic tongue and a strong character. Halima Saadia was a grateful woman. When she was given the responsibility of caring for Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh), although he was fatherless, this did not prevent her from taking care of this extraordinary baby. From the moment Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) entered her life, Allah’s blessings entered her home and her life as a whole. She and her husband, Al-Harith, witnessed miracles: their animals began producing more milk, and their lands became more fertile. This shows that even before Allah officially raised Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) as His Prophet, his very arrival into this world was a Barakah (blessing).
In his youth, Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) was given
the name or title Al-Amin (the trustworthy one). This was not an empty
title: he was chosen by the Arabs themselves to arbitrate a conflict between
the tribes of Makkah regarding the reconstruction of the Ka’aba. Each tribe
wanted the honour of placing the Black Stone in its position. Hazrat Muhammad
(pbuh) proposed a simple and intelligent solution: he suggested placing the
stone on a piece of cloth and asked the chief of each tribe to hold a corner of
the cloth. Then, Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) himself placed the stone in its
position. This action prevented a war between the tribes and reinforced his
status as a wise person. The Holy Qur’an says: “And
make peace between your brothers.” (Al-Hujurat 49: 11). This verse
is a perfect illustration of that event, even though it occurred many years
before the advent of Islam.
Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh), from a young age (as we
know) was an orphan. His father passed away before his birth, and then one
after another, during his tender childhood, his near relatives died: his own
mother Amina passed away, after that, his grandfather Abdul Muttalib died. Much
later, in adulthood, after he had attained the status of Prophet, his first
wife Khadija and his uncle Abu Talib passed away. Hazrat Khadija was the first
person to believe in his Prophethood, even before Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq. But
his uncle Abu Talib, the father of Hazrat Ali, despite all the love he had for
his nephew Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh), and despite being an unfailing protector of
him in front of the hostile tribes of Quraish, unfortunately did not attain Iman
(faith) in his mission, nor did he believe in “Laa
Ilaaha Illallah” or recognise him
as “Muhammadur Rasulullah”.
Thus, we see that from his earliest age, he endured
sorrow after sorrow. These losses deeply marked him, but he never complained.
When, in adulthood and as a Prophet, he visited his mother’s grave, he wept
intensely – with great pain – to the point that his companions could not hold
back their own tears and wept along with him. That moment revealed a profound
humanity within him. He did not complain to Allah, but as a human being, he
felt the pain. His tears flowed, yet he maintained his trust in Allah.
Just as in other situations, he felt deep pain –
especially when Allah granted him prophethood, and tongues began to utter vile
speech against him, cast blame upon him, and conspired repeatedly to destroy
him (pbuh) and Islam. Allah told him in the Qur’an, reassuring him that He is
aware of what he was enduring: “Indeed, We know
that your chest is constrained by what they say...” (Al-Hijr 15: 98).
This reveals that even the Prophet (pbuh) felt sorrow, but he overcame it with
patience.
His daily life was marked by astonishing
simplicity. We know him as a king who lived with humility and simplicity; not
in luxury. He had no throne, yet he ruled Arabia and the domain of Faith (Iman)
with faith, wisdom, and trust in Allah and in the mission Allah had given him.
He was a very simple person. He slept on a mat
made of palm leaves, ate very little, mended his own clothes, and helped with
household chores. Hazrat Aisha reported that Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) would sweep
the house and mend his garments. The Qur’an says: “And
do not turn your face away from people in pride.” (Luqman 31: 19)
And certainly, the Holy Prophet (pbuh) embodied
that humility. He would greet children with the Islamic greeting of peace, sit
with the poor, and never refused an invitation. One day, an elderly woman took
his hand to ask for help, and he followed her without hesitation. These
everyday actions, though seemingly simple, are profound lessons in nobility.
Another aspect is his treatment of animals. He
forbade cruelty towards them, encouraged giving them water, and narrated the
story of a man who was forgiven by Allah because he gave water to a dog that
was extremely thirsty. In another narration, a woman was also forgiven by Allah
for giving water to a dog.
Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) would stroke his camel,
speak to his mounts – whether camels or horses – and even showed respect to
birds. The Qur’an says: “There is no creature on the earth nor bird flying with
its wings but they are communities like you.” (Al-Anam 6: 39). This
ecological and ethical awareness is rarely highlighted, but it is essential to
mention.
His greatness was also manifested in his
ability to forgive. During the conquest of Makkah, he entered victorious, but
instead of seeking revenge, he (pbuh) said: “Go, you are free.” This behaviour
or act, this way of responding, is one of the most powerful actions in human
history. The Qur’an says: “Forgive them and ask
forgiveness for them.” (Al-Imran
3: 160). He (pbuh) forgave Wahshi, the man who killed his uncle Hamza. He
forgave Hind, who mutilated Hazrat Hamza’s body. And he forgave hundreds of
others. This forgiveness was not weakness – No! It was moral strength; a sign
of great character and soul.
Another aspect of his personality was how he
dealt with insults and humiliation. When he once went to preach Allah’s message
in Ta’if, the people of that town not only rejected his message but incited
their children and rogues to throw stones at him. He was wounded and bleeding,
and sought refuge in a garden. Hazrat Jibreel told him that if he (pbuh) gave
the command, he would crush the mountains and destroy the town, but he refused,
saying: “Perhaps one day, their descendants will worship Allah.”
This moment is recorded in books of his life
and in Hadiths, and it is certainly a sign of exceptional moral greatness.
Allah says in the Qur’an (regarding the Prophet and the believers): “And when they
hear vain talk, they turn away from it in a noble way.” (Al-Qasas
28: 56). This verse perfectly illustrates the response of the Holy Prophet (pbuh):
he did not react with anger, but with hope and mercy.
Another anecdote that shows his greatness of
soul is his treatment of slaves and freed people. Zayd ibn Harith, who was a
freed slave of the Holy Prophet (pbuh), was honoured by being made his adopted
son. When Zayd’s family found him and came to claim him, Zayd refused to go
with them and declared that he preferred to remain with Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh).
This bond, based on love and respect, was revolutionary in a tribal society
where slaves were despised. The Qur’an says: “The
believers are but brothers.” (Al-Hujurat 49: 11). And this
brotherhood permeated all social classes, as Islam made all believers – rich or
poor – into brothers. The Holy Prophet (pbuh) said: “Your servants are your
brothers. Feed them from what you eat, and clothe them as you clothe
yourselves.” (Bukhari). This social equality, rarely emphasised, is a
pillar of his mission.
A touching and discreet moment is how he
consoled those who had lost loved ones. When a woman was crying at the grave of
her child, he approached her and reminded her to be patient. The woman did not
immediately recognise him and responded sharply, but later, when she realised
who he was, she came to apologise. Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) did not rebuke her,
but accepted her regret with gentleness. This behaviour showed profound
empathy. The Qur’an says: “By the mercy of
Allah, you are gentle with them.” (Al-Imran 3: 160). This gentleness
was not limited to one occasion; it was constant throughout his life.
Another aspect of his character was his ability
to listen. He never interrupted people when they spoke; even his enemies. When
a man came to persuade him to abandon his mission, Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh)
listened attentively until the end, then responded calmly by reciting three
verses from the Qur’an. This respect for dialogue is fundamental. The Qur’an
says: “And argue with them in the best manner.”
(An-Nahl 16: 126). Even in debates, Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) remained dignified
and patient.
His relationship with children was equally
remarkable. He would greet them, carry them on his shoulders, and play with
them. One day, he shortened his prayer (Salat) because he heard a baby
crying – he didn’t want to inconvenience the mother. This action, reported in
Hadiths, reflects a rare sensitivity. The Qur’an says: “And lower your wing to the believers.” (Al-Ḥijr
15: 89). This verse reflects his tenderness towards the most vulnerable – children
and infants.
A touching anecdote is found in Sahih Bukhari: A
young Jewish boy who used to do small tasks for the Prophet (pbuh) fell ill.
The Prophet visited him, sat beside him, spoke gently, and invited him to
embrace Islam. The boy accepted this noble invitation and became Muslim. This
act shows that his compassion transcended religious boundaries. The Qur’an says:
“And We have not sent you except as a mercy to the worlds.” (Al-Anbiya
21: 107). His mercy was universal.
Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) spent long nights in
prayer, weeping before his Creator. He recited verses of the Qur’an with deep
emotion. Hazrat Aisha reported that he used to pray until his feet became
swollen. When she asked why he did this, even though Allah had already promised
him Paradise and forgiven his past and future sins, he replied: “Should I
not be a grateful servant?” (Bukhari, Muslim). The Qur’an says: “They spend the night prostrating and standing before
their Lord.” (Al-Furqan 25: 64). This devotion, hidden from public
view, was the heart of his greatness and his profound love and gratitude
towards Allah.
The legacy of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is
not limited to laws or rituals. It is, above all, a moral revolution, an inner
transformation, a light that continues to illuminate hearts. The Qur’an says: “O Prophet! Indeed, We have sent you as a witness, a
bearer of glad tidings, a warner, one who calls to Allah by His permission, and
a radiant lamp.” (Al-Ahzab 33:45–46)
This “radiant lamp” did not extinguish
after his death. It lives on through the Prophets who inherit his spirituality,
his essence, and his followers – those whom Allah has blessed with the Ruh’il
Quddus (Holy Spirit) to revive the world with Islam. This spiritual light
also resides in every sincere heart, in actions, character, speech, and acts of
justice; in those spiritually connected to Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh), who uphold
the honour of Tawheed (Oneness of Allah) and Islam in the world.
He (pbuh) had the ability to transform even the
hardest of hearts [by his behaviour and the prayer he made to Allah]. Hazrat
Umar Ibn Al-Khattab, known for his austerity, once set out with the intention
of killing the Prophet. But when he heard verses of the Qur’an from his sister,
his hardened heart softened, and he embraced Islam. This transformation was not
merely a miracle – it was proof that the words of the Prophet, nourished by
Divine Revelation [in this case, literally the words of Allah – the Qur’an
which though came on the tongue of Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) but was
divinely-revealed], could penetrate even the most closed souls. Hazrat Umar’s
conversion was also the result of a Duah
(prayer) made by the Prophet, which Allah accepted. The Qur’an says: “Had We sent down this Qur’an upon a mountain, you would
have seen it humbled and split apart from the fear of Allah.”
(Al-Hashr 59: 21). This verse illustrates the spiritual power of Allah’s
message through His noble Prophet.
Another precious legacy is how he handled
differences. He lived in a society of many tribes, marked by conflict,
prejudice, and hierarchy. Yet he welcomed Bilal, a former Black slave, as
Islam’s first muezzin; Suhayb, a Roman, as a close companion; and Salman, a
Persian, as an advisor. In his farewell sermon during his first and only Hajj,
the Prophet (pbuh) declared: “There is no superiority of an Arab over a
non-Arab, nor of a white over a black, except by piety.” (Ahmad). This
message is a universal declaration of human equality and dignity. The Qur’an
says:
“Indeed, the most noble of you in
the sight of Allah is the most righteous among you.”
(Al-Hujurat 49: 13). This vision of equality brought by Islam through Hazrat Muhammad
(pbuh) transcends borders and origins.
One of the most fundamental legacies left to us
by Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) is his habit of conveying faith without the use of
force. Never did he compel anyone to believe in Allah or in himself. Instead,
he gently invited people to Islam with kindness and wisdom. The Qur’an teaches:
“There is no compulsion in religion.” (Al-Baqara 2: 256). This spiritual freedom is a
cornerstone of his message.
His departure from this world was marked by
dignity and light. In his final days, he continued to lead the prayer (Salat)
until he was no longer physically able to do so, at which point he requested
Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq to lead in his place. He continued to advise his
companions, reminding them of the importance of justice and kindness, especially
towards women and the vulnerable. He emphasised this by saying: “The prayer,
the prayer! And what your hands possess!” (Ibn Majah). Through this, he
highlighted the significance of both spirituality and social ethics.
He also requested that his grave never become a
place of idol worship, reminding everyone – us included – that his role was
solely that of a servant and messenger. The Qur’an states: “Muhammad is no more than a messenger. Messengers have
passed away before him.” (Al-Imran
3: 144). This humility, demonstrated until his final breath, is the signature
of his greatness.
The life of Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) is an
inexhaustible source of light for all of us. It is not merely a collection of
dates or events, but a way of being – a way of expressing love, forgiveness,
and a remarkable commitment to serving others for the sake of Allah. His every
action, every word, and even his silences were lessons. He was not only a man
of God, but a perfect man – an exemplar for all humanity.
His legacy lives on in every sincere heart, in
every act of kindness, in every Duah
and Darood offered by his followers to spread his message across the
world, century after century, until the Day of Judgement.
Insha-Allah, as
long as we live, may Allah grant us the ability to fulfil our mission with
excellence; as a reflection of his perfect example (pbuh), with sincerity and
love. Insha-Allah, Ameen.
---Friday Sermon of 29 August 2025~ 05 Rabi'ul Awwal 1447 AH delivered by Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International Hazrat Muhyiuddin Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius.