The physical appearance of the Prophet and his manners
The appearance of a man helps a great deal in understanding his personality. The body structure, physical features, and symmetry of body parts are indications of his mental and moral makeup. The face being the index of the mind, it is an open book in which a man's character and the history of his future achievements can be clearly read. We do not have any picture or image of this greatest man whereby we can have the privilege of looking at his elegance because Rasulullahﷺ himself prohibited the drawing or sculpturing of his picture as he feared this would be abused and might even be worshipped, which would annul the most basic tenet of Islam. All pictures of him, drawn by non-Muslims are imaginary and are based on their biased view of Rasulullahﷺ. We, therefore, have only some pen portraits drawn by his companions, which give us a glimpse of his appearance.
Abdullah bin Salamرضياللهعنه was a Jew of great learning; the moment he saw Rasulullahﷺ, he was convinced of the truth of his mission and embraced Islam. He said, "As soon as I saw Rasulullahﷺ, I realized that this face cannot be that of an impostor." Another companion, Abu Ramsa Taimi says, "I went to Rasulullahﷺ with my son and the people there pointed him out to me. Immediately my son and the people there pointed him out to me. Immediately on seeing him, I was convinced that he was truly a messenger of God." A caravan of merchants came to Madinah and camped outside the city. Rasulullahﷺ incidentally passed that way and purchased a camel, promising to send its price from home.
The owner of the camel felt worried that he had trusted a man whom he did not know whereupon his mother said, "Do not worry. I have seen the face of a man who was bright like the moon. A man with such features cannot be false if he does not send the price of the camel. I will give it to you myself." Later, however, Rasulullahﷺ sent him dates worth more than the price of the camel. The mother and aunt of Qarsafa had said. "We have not seen a more handsome man than Rasulullahﷺ. We saw light coming out of his lips."
Abu Huraira remarked, "Rasulullahﷺ was like a bright sun. I have not seen a more handsome than Rasulullahﷺ. Rab'ee, daughter of Mu'awwaz. Had said, "If you had seen Rasulullahﷺ, you would have felt as if the sun had risen." Saiyidina Ali said, "On the very first sight of him you would feel awe." Jabir Samra said, "I was once looking at Rasulullahﷺ in the moonlight and comparing his face with the moon. At last, I realized that Rasulullahﷺ was much more handsome than the moon." Ka'ab bin Malik said, "When Rasulullahﷺ was pleased, his face became as bright as the moon and we could find from his face that he was pleased."
Now let us see the statements of people about different parts of his physical features:
Face: "His face shone like the moon." -(Hind bin Abi Halaرضياللهعنه )
"His face was round like the moon." -(Bara bin Azib رضياللهعنه)
"His face was not quite round but inclined to roundness." -(Saiyidina Ali)
"Broad forehead, slanting thick brows parted in the middle. A vein protruded between the two parts which became more prominent in anger." (Hind bin Abi Halaرضياللهعنه )
Color: "Neither white like lime, nor tanned, but brown with whiteness predominant." -( Anasرضياللهعنه )
"White, reddish." -(Saiyidina Aliرضياللهعنه )
"White but wholesome." -(Abu Tufailرضياللهعنه )
"White and bright." -(Hind bin Abi Halaرضياللهعنه )
Eyes: "Black, with long eyelashes." (Saiyidina Ali رضياللهعنه)
"Black and drooping. The habit of looking from the corner of the eyes in shyness." -(Hind bin Abi Halaرضياللهعنه )
"Red lines in the white parts, wide sockets, and natural grey corners." -(Jabir bin Samraرضياللهعنه )
Nose:"Somewhat high with unique brightness whereby it looked large at first sight." -(Hind bin Abi Halaرضياللهعنه )
Cheeks: "Even and soft, a bit of flesh drooping at the lower end." (Hind bin Abi Halaرضياللهعنه )
Mouth: "Wide." -(Jabir bin Samra رضياللهعنه )
"Moderately wide." -(Hind bin Abi Halaرضياللهعنه )
Teeth: "Thin and bright, symmetrical, openings in front teeth." (Saiyidina Ibn Abbasرضياللهعنه )
"When talking a light seemed to sparkle from the teeth." -( Anasرضياللهعنه )
Beard: "Full and thick." -(Hind bin Abi Halaرضياللهعنه )
Neck: "Thin and long, beautifully chiseled like a statue Colour of the
neck is white like silver and handsome." -(Hind bin Abi Halaرضياللهعنه )
Head: "Large but symmetrical."-(Hind bin Abi Halaرضياللهعنه )
Hair: "Neither quite straight nor sheep-like." -(Qatadaرضياللهعنه ) "Slightly curly." -( Anasرضياللهعنه )
"Thick, sometimes touching ear lobes and sometimes reaching upto shoulders."-(Bara bin Azibرضياللهعنه )
"Parted in the middle." -(Hind bin Abi Hala رضياللهعنه)
"The body did not have much hair. A line of hair running from the chest to the navel." -(Saiyidina Ali رضياللهعنه and Hind bin Abi Halaرضياللهعنه )
"There was some hair on shoulders, arms, and upper chest." (Hind bin Abi Halaرضياللهعنه )
General Structure: "Body well built, bones joining limbs large and strong."-(Hind bin Abi Halaرضياللهعنه )
"Body was not fat." (Saiyidina Aliرضياللهعنه )
"Neither tall nor short, small but middle-sized." -( Anasرضياللهعنه )
"Inclined to be tall. Among the people, he appeared to rise higher than others." -(Bara bin Azibرضياللهعنه )
"The abdomen was not protruding." -(Umme-e-Mabadرضياللهعنه )
"Despite his poor conditions and lack of proper food, his body was stronger and more virile than those of better-nourished persons." -(Al-Mawahib رضياللهعنه)
"I have not seen a braver and stronger man than Rasulullahﷺ." -(Ibn Umarرضياللهعنه )
Shoulder and Chest: "Chest broad and even with the abdomen." (Hind bin Abi Halaرضياللهعنه )
"Chest broad." -(Bara bin Azibرضياللهعنه )
"Width between shoulders more than usual." -(Hind bin Abi Hala رضياللهعنه and Bara bin Azibرضياللهعنه )
"Portion between shoulders fleshy." -(Saiyidina Aliرضياللهعنه )
Arms and Hands:"Wrists large, palms wide and fingers symmetrically large." (Hind bin Abi Halaرضياللهعنه )
"I have not touched any thick or thin silk or anything else which was softer and fleshier than Prophet's palms." -( Anas رضياللهعنه )
Calves and Feet: "Calves were not fleshy but symmetrical." -(Jabir bin Samra رضياللهعنه )
"Feet were fleshy, lower parts of feet little hollow and feet so smooth
that they could not retain water." -(Jabir bin Samra رضياللهعنه )
"Very little flesh on heels." -(Jabir bin Samraرضياللهعنه )
The most graphic description of Rasulullahﷺ was given by an old woman at whose house Rasulullahﷺ stopped on his way from the cave of Thaur to Medina and her goats gave so much milk that Rasulullahﷺ and his companions were fully satisfied and yet there was much left over. When the old woman's husband returned home and expressed his surprise, the woman gave the description of Rasulullahﷺ as follows:
"Handsome features, bright face, likable temperament, neither the abdomen protruding nor hair of the head fallen out, graceful, handsome, eyes black and large, hair long and thick, voice clear, long neck, bright black of the eye, natural grey corners, thin and drooping eyelashes, black and curly hair, silent with dignity inclined to cordiality, graceful and captivating at a distance and very sweet and most handsome from near, talk sweet and words clear, neither more nor less than necessary, all talk consistent, middle-sized, neither short so as to look insignificant nor tall to look unbecoming, a fresh twig of a handsome plant, charming to look at and well-built.
Rasulullahﷺ's companions are so devoted that they always surround him, quietly listen to what he says and promptly obey what he orders. Obeyed, liked, neither verbose nor cryptic."
The original Arabic has been translated into Urdu in the book Rahmatul Lil Alamin.
Dress: The Qur'an says:
"Oh, ye children of Adam! We have bestowed raiment upon you to cover your shame as well as be an adornment to you. But the raiment of righteousness is the best."
(VII 26)
At another place:
"He made you garments to protect you from heat and coats of mail to protect you from (mutual) violence." -
(XVI: 81)
Thus Rasulullahﷺ 's dress was governed by these conditions. It was protective and dignified and with all that a dress that indicated the fear of God. It served needs and followed some strict moral principles and good taste. Rasulullahﷺ hated pride and ornamentation. He said, "I am a servant of God and dress up as such." Usually, Rasulullahﷺ 's dress consisted of loose cloth tied above the navel and reaching up to a little above the ankles, the front portion somewhat lower than the back, a little long shirt (Kurta), and a turban.
When Rasulullahﷺ saw some of his companions wearing trousers he liked them and purchased a pair for himself. It was also found among the things he left after his death. Sometimes Rasulullahﷺ also put on a cap and also socks. A pair of socks sent as a gift by the Negus was worn by him and he passed his hands on them in ablution (instead of washing the feet). A pair of socks presented by Wahiawa Kalbi was used by him till they were worn out. Rasulullahﷺ preferred white clothes and directed that dead bodies also should be wrapped in white.
His footwear was like a Chappal. Rasulullahﷺ also put on a ring on his little finger which had the words "Muhammad Rasul Ullah" engraved on it and was also used as a seal. His clothes were always clean and though he disliked ostentation he never dressed like anchorites. Rasulullahﷺ was very careful about his hair and particularly his beard and ordered that those who kept a beard should keep it tidy. Rasulullahﷺ always kept the following seven articles near his bed whether at home or traveling: (1)A bottle of oil,(2)Comb,(3) Surma Dani, (4) Scissors, (5) Stick for tooth-brush, (6) Mirror and (7) thin chip of wood. Rasulullahﷺ was very fond of perfumes and was pleased to accept gifts of these.
Rasulullahﷺ walked with firm and dignified steps always looking ahead. Despite his very heavy responsibilities, he found time to participate in social conversations in which all kinds of religious and mundane subjects were discussed. Rasulullahﷺ always spoke slowly and pronounced each word so distinctly that his listeners could memorize them. The modulation of his voice in talking was most striking. The Arabic language was already well-known for its brilliance and polish and Rasulullahﷺ 's language as he himself claimed was inspired, so in clarity, style, and comprehensiveness, his language was unique and brevity of expression was its chief characteristic so that his few words carried great meanings.
If it were possible to render into translation some of his most beautiful expressions and remarks, we may have given here some but those interested in the subject are referred to the original of these. Two of his greatest orations are one on the conquest of Makkah and the second on his last Hajj. The last one in a way opens a new chapter of history.
Rasulullahﷺ greeted everyone whom he met on the way when he went out and was always ahead in wishing others. If Rasulullahﷺ sent a message to anyone he also sent his wishes with it. If someone sent a message to him he greeted both the sender and the messenger. Once he passed by a group of children and greeted them. When Rasulullahﷺ passed by a group of women he greeted them too. Rasulullahﷺ used to wish everyone at home when going out and while coming in. Rasulullahﷺ shook hands with friends and also embraced them and sometimes even kissed them on the forehead.
While shaking hands he never withdrew his hands till the other man had withdrawn his. In the assembly of people, Rasulullahﷺ always chose the corner place to sit and never jumped over others to go ahead. Rasulullahﷺ used to say, "I sit as a servant of God should sit." Rasulullahﷺ disapproved of people rising for him in respect. If someone came to visit him Rasulullahﷺ spread a sheet of cloth for him to squat on and did not dismiss the visitor till he himself wanted to leave. Rasulullahﷺ never introduced any irrelevant subject in the talk but participated in the general topic of discussion and talked with his companions most cordially.
Stories of pre-Islamic days were told and laughed at. Verses were also recited and commented upon. If Rasulullahﷺ found from the faces that people were disinterested in any subject he would at once change the topic. Rasulullahﷺ treated all those present with equal cordiality so that no one could complain of indifference or discrimination.
If someone interjected an irrelevant topic in the course of the conversation, Rasulullahﷺ overlooked it, reverted to the subject of discussion, and then turned to the person who had talked irrelevantly. Rasulullahﷺ never turned away his face from anyone unless the other one looked away or finished his talk if he was speaking in confidence. He even gave a hearing to the talk he did not like but admonished in a general way.
Even those whom he disliked the Prophet had a smiling face. Once a person came to him whom he used to call the worst of his group but he talked to him with all cordiality and on Hazrath Ayesha's expressing surprise said, "By God, the man whom people avoided because of his discourtesy will have the worst place on the Day of Judgement."
When Rasulullahﷺ went to meet anyone he sent his greetings from outside and sought permission, and if it was the night he wished in such a way that the person concerned might hear if he was awake and if he was asleep he might not be disturbed. If he did not receive a response, he returned without any annoyance. If anyone removed a straw or dust from his clothes he thanked him and said, "May God keep away from you everything that you dislike." Rasulullahﷺ accepted gifts and offered gifts in return.
If someone was harmed by him accidentally he gave him the right to retaliate or sent him some gift. If anyone came to him putting on new clothes, he would say, "Very Good, Very Good. Wear it for long till it is worn out.' Rasulullahﷺ did not retaliate for ill-treatment from others but forgave them. If anyone accosted him even if he was one from his family, he always responded with a respectful 'yes'.
Rasulullahﷺ was particularly keen on calling upon a sick person and on visiting him, he enquired about his health, sat by his side, passed his hands over his forehead and if he asked for anything to eat, he would send for it if it was not harmful. Rasulullahﷺ caressed the patient, pacified him, and told him "God willing, you will recover soon." Rasulullahﷺ even went to call on ailing relatives who had not accepted Islam. Rasulullahﷺ called on a sick Jewish child, who then accepted Islam. There was no fixed time for such visits but the moment he heard of an illness and he was free, he went to see the patient. Rasulullahﷺ even called on Abdullah bin Ubayy, the leader of the hypocrites, when he was ill.
When Rasulullahﷺ heard of the death of anyone he visited the bereaved family members and consoled them; he prohibited loud lamentations. Rasulullahﷺ insisted on the dead body being shrouded in clean white cloth. If any dead body passed before him he stood up even if the dead man was not a Muslim. Rasulullahﷺ also insisted on the burial taking place immediately after death. He led the funeral prayers of Muslims and accompanied the bier. He advised that people should send food to the house where a death had occurred. He embraced the person who returned from a journey and bade farewell to those departing, saying "Please remember me in your prayers."
Rasulullahﷺ was particularly interested in children whom he called flowers of the garden of God and said that it was they who would be future leaders of the Islamic movement. Rasulullahﷺ patted the children and prayed for them. If a baby was brought to him he took him on his lap. If he met a child on a journey he took him on his conveyance. When he received a seasonal fruit for the first time he gave it to the children. Occasionally, he also found time to play with them.
His treatment of the people is best illustrated by Hazrath Anas. This is what he said, "I had been with Rasulullahﷺ for ten years and he never snubbed me even once. Rasulullahﷺ never criticized anything I did for him and he never resented if I failed to do something. Rasulullahﷺ treated all his servants and dependents the same way. Rasulullahﷺ never beat any of his servants." This is further corroborated by Saidatuna Aisyah رضياللهعنه who said that Rasulullahﷺ never beat any of his servants or dependents nor took revenge on anyone.
No comments:
Post a Comment