MUHAMMAD THE IDEAL CHARACTER

~ 15 ~ habit of virulently denouncing the Prophet. Umar Faruq, one of his close companions, suggested that two of his lower teeth be pulled out, so that he might not be so vile in his speeches. The Prophet replied, “Were I to do this, God would disfigure me on the Day of Judgement, not withstanding the fact that I am His messenger.’’ The Prophet of Islam was a man like other men. Joyous things would please him, while tragic things would sadden him. But his humanity would not go beyond the limits set by God. Towards the end of his life a handsome, healthy son was born to him, whom he named Ibrahim after his most illustrious ancestor. The news of the birth was conveyed to him by Abu Rafi, and the Prophet was so overjoyed that he immediately presented him with a slave. Like any other father, he used to take the child in his lap and fondle him. By Arab custom he was handed over to a wet nurse to be brought up. This woman’s name was Umm Bardah, the daughter of Mundhir, and she was the wife of a blacksmith. Quite often her small house would be filled with smoke, but this did not deter the Prophet