The exemplary conduct of the Holy Prophet (pbuh)
Alhamdulillah, the
new moon of Rabi-ul-Awwal appeared last night. This means that today is the
first Friday and the first day of that month. In Islamic tradition,
Rabi-ul-Awwal has a special significance because it is in this month that our
beloved Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was born. Therefore, today I have chosen to
discuss his exemplary conduct, which he (pbuh) demonstrated throughout his
life, and I will also briefly discuss the objective of his mission on Earth.From Adam (as) to Jesus (as), many prophets
have been sent by the Creator; But two fundamental realities that we must
remember are that the Message of Allah, His laws for mankind, is fully
completed in the Qur’an, and that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is the last
prophet to bear the law, in his category of prophets bearing the law (i.e. the
last law-bearing prophet). The purpose of his coming is a universal grace, a
mercy for all humanity, as the Qur’an tells us:
“Wa ma arsalnaka illa rahmatan lil ‘aalamin” – We have not sent you except as a mercy to all the worlds. (Al-Anbiya 21: 108).
To better understand these important aspects of
the character of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), we must understand what “good
conduct” and “character” mean. Good Character is a natural disposition that
resides in the soul, propelling a person towards good behaviour without the
need for force or pretence. It is not a temporary or artificial action; it is
an inner state that manifests spontaneously. A person has two dimensions: the
exterior, meaning their physical appearance; and the interior, meaning their
character and morality.
Therefore, outward beauty is certainly present,
but it is inner beauty that gives a person true value. The Holy Prophet (pbuh)
was aware of this, and he made this supplication: “Allahumma kama hassanta
(or ‘anta hassanta’) khalqi fa hassin khuluqi” (O
Allah, just as You have beautified my outward form, beautify also my inner
character).
In a Hadith, he (pbuh) said: “I have been
sent to perfect good character.” (Mishkat, Muwatta, Al-Adab Al-Mufrad).
This proves that the main objective of his mission was to bring human conduct
to the pinnacle of perfection. The prophets before him taught good conduct, but
he brought it to the highest degree. In the Qur’an, Allah testifies to this: “Wa innaka la ‘ala Khuluqin Aziim” – And indeed you are of a great
character. (Al-Qalam 68: 5)
This verse is a divine recognition that the
character of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) was at the highest level. He was a model
of patience, mercy, justice, and truth. In every aspect of life, from family
and society to business, war, and peace, Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) demonstrated
exemplary conduct. For example, Allah says: “Laqad kaana lakum fi rasulillahi
uswatun hasana” – Indeed, you have in the Messenger of Allah an
excellent example. (Al-Ahzab 33: 22)
The model which Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh)
represented, is not limited to Muslims alone; it is valid for all of humanity,
because he embodies universal values of compassion, honesty, and
fairness.
Regarding his outward beauty, many of his
companions described his appearance as radiant, attractive, and perfect. But
even more important was his inner beauty. He forgave even those who persecuted
him; he shared with the poor; He respected women and children; he taught that
the best among people is the one with the best character. In a Hadith, he (pbuh)
said: “The closest to me on the Day of Judgement is the one with the best
character.” (Tirmidhi). This Hadith demonstrates the supreme value of good
character in Islam.
In the life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh),
there are several concrete examples that demonstrate his excellent character.
Once, an elderly woman used to throw filth every time he passed by her house.
The Holy Prophet (pbuh) never responded to her with anger; he remained calm and
continued to pass by. One day, when the woman fell ill, he (pbuh) went to visit
her and inquired about her well-being. His compassionate action deeply moved
the woman, and she recognised the truth of his mission. This anecdote teaches
us that true greatness is not found in revenge, but in forgiveness and
kindness. The Qur’an says: “Good and evil are
not equal. Repel (evil) with what is best, and you will see that the one you
had mutual enmity with him will turn as if he were a close friend.”
(Ha Mim Al-Sajda 41: 35). This verse shows exactly what the Holy Prophet (pbuh)
put into practice.
There is also an anecdote about his conduct in
business. Before his prophetic mission, he was known as “Al-Amin” (The
Trustworthy One). He never cheated, he never took advantage of people. All
people, and even merchants, must be honest in their transactions. Hazrat
Muhammad (pbuh) was also involved in business, whether with his Paternal Uncle
Abu Talib, or with his first wife, Hazrat Khatija (ra). As a merchant, he was
honest and trustworthy, and he demonstrated the value of honesty in his
transactions, not only as a merchant but also as a prophet.
In modern society, where corruption and fraud
are often normalised, the example of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) remains a
universal lesson for us. He who claims to be a true believer should earn
respect and blessings not through dishonest profits, but through integrity,
truthfulness, good merchandises, and truthful and trustworthy words.
Another striking example of his character and
personality is his gentleness towards children. He always smiled with them, he
played with them, and he (pbuh) said: “Whoever does not show mercy (towards
children), Allah will not show mercy to him.” (Muslim)
This Hadith is based on an anecdote where a man
told the Prophet (pbuh) that he never kissed his children, and it was at that
moment that the Prophet (pbuh) said this. This proves that compassion towards
the weak and vulnerable is an integral part of a sublime character. In a world
where children often don’t get the attention they need, the example of Hazrat
Muhammad (pbuh) reminds us that kindness and tenderness are the foundation of a
healthy society.
The specific aspect of his mission as a prophet
is that he (pbuh) had the duty to lead humanity to the Qur’an and for them to
receive the light of guidance through Allah and His Qur’an. The Holy Prophet (pbuh)
is truly the last law-bearing prophet, the bearer of the final divine law,
because the Qur’an is the last book of law revealed by Allah. But this does not
mean that Allah has stopped speaking; on the contrary, after Muhammad (pbuh),
prophets who do not bring new laws, but who reflect His light, who guide people
to the Qur’an, have been sent and will continue to be sent by Allah in this
world. Their role is to maintain fidelity to the teachings of the Holy Prophet
(pbuh) and to remind people to remain steadfast in Islam. Therefore, Hazrat
Muhammad (pbuh) remains the supreme model of the perfect man and the perfect
prophet, and those who come after him are his shadow, his faithful followers,
who also attain the rank of prophets thanks to his light.
In daily practice, Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh)
taught supplications (Duahs) to beautify one’s character. For example,
after each prayer (Salat/ Namaz), or when a believer looks at himself in
the mirror, he (pbuh) recommended reciting this supplication (the same which I
recited it with you earlier): “Allahumma kama hassanta khalqi fa hassin
khuluqi.” There are also supplications that a believer can make, so that he
seeks Allah’s help to draw closer to the inner beauty of the Holy Prophet (pbuh),
to draw closer to his perfection. That is why he is a model, which means that
if a believing and sincere person follows his example, Allah will illuminate
that person and bring him closer to the perfection that Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh)
represents in all of human creation – and not just in the physical sense, but
also at the level of the soul, where that person’s soul draws closer to Allah,
just as Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) kept his soul connected to Allah through Salat/Namaz
and Duahs, and through his benevolent actions and good intentions, just
as I told you before, where the angels themselves testified that even when he (pbuh)
slept, his heart remained alive, and his eyes did not sleep, where this means
that despite His physical eyes were closed, but his heart was filled with
thoughts of Allah, connecting with Allah.
Therefore, we find ourselves, as our master,
the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), to be the ultimate model of human conduct.
His ultimate model was not just for the people of his time, but for all people,
of all times, until the Day of Judgement. His mission was to perfect character,
and his entire life is a living demonstration of this.
In the Qur’an and Hadiths, there is clear evidence
that he (pbuh) was sent as a universal mercy, and that his sublime character
remains an eternal guide for all people, for all time. All of humanity can
learn from him: respect, justice, compassion, and truth. In a world filled with
conflict and injustice, his example remains an unparalleled guidance. Whoever
follows him acquires success in this world and the Hereafter. This is similar
to what Allah says in the Qur’an: “Qad aflaha man tazakka, wa dhakara isma
rabbihi fasalla”
– He has truly succeeded who purifies his soul, remembers the name of his
Lord (his Rab, Allah), and establishes prayer. (Al-A’la 87: 15-16).
Therefore, the purification of the soul and perfection of character are the
very essence of the Holy Prophet’s (pbuh) mission.
May Allah help each true believer of the Ummah
of Islam, including myself, to reflect the human perfection of Hazrat Muhammad
(pbuh) and his Prophethood (Nabuwwat) within us, so that we may become
true representations of his Prophethood (Nabuwwat) on this earth – one
light illuminating another light with the grace, mercy, and immense love of
Allah. Insha-Allah, Ameen.
Allahumma swalli ‘alaa Muhammadiww wa ‘alaa aali Muhammadim bi ‘adadi
kulli dharratim mi’ata alfin alfa marratiw wa baarik wa sallim.
“O Allah! Bestow Your bounty and Your blessings
upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad in a number equal to a million times
the number of atoms (that You created), and send peace upon him.”
Ameen, Summa Ameen, Ya Rabbal Aalameen.
---Friday Sermon of 01 Rabi'ul Awwal 1448 AH~ 14 August 2026 delivered by Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International Hazrat Muhyiuddin Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius.