The Prophet Muhammad Pocket Guide

The Prophet and his Family The Prophet: A Simple Man Despite his position as leader, The Prophet Muhammad never behaved as if he was greater or better than other people. He never made people feel small, unwanted or embarrassed. He urged his followers to behave kindly and humbly, releasing slaves whenever they could and giving in charity, especially to the very poor, orphans and prisoners, without any thought of reward. The Prophet himself was never greedy. He ate very little and only simple foods. He preferred never to fill his stomach. Sometimes, for days on end, he would eat nothing but raw food. He slept on a very simple mattress on the floor and had almost nothing in the way of home comforts or decorations. One day Hafsah, his wife, tried to make him more comfortable at night by folding his reed mat double—without telling him—to make it softer for him. That night he slept peacefully, but he overslept and missed the pre-dawn prayers. He was so distressed when he got up that he never slept like that again. Simple living and contentment were the key teachings in the Prophet’s life: “When you see a person who has been given more money and beauty than you, look then to those who have been given less.” In so doing, you will thank God for His blessings, rather than feel deprived. People used to ask his wife, ‘A’ishah, the daughter of his first and most loyal Companion Abu Bakr, how he lived at home. “Like an ordinary man,” she would answer. “He would sweep the house, stitch his own clothes, mend his own sandals, water the camels, milk the goats, help the servants at their work, and eat his meals with them; and he would go to fetch what we needed from the market.” He seldom had more than one set of clothes, which he washed himself. He was a home-loving, peace-loving human being. “When you enter a house, ask God to bless it,” he would say. He greeted others with the phrase: As-salamu alaykum—which means: “May peace be upon you”—for peace is the most wonderful thing on earth. The Prophet’s Appearance The Prophet Muhammad , a fair man with a rosy tinge, was of above average height. He was well built and had broad shoulders and a flat stomach. He used to walk briskly and with a firm step. The Prophet’s companions described him as a handsome person with a prominent forehead, large black eyes with well set teeth and a pleasant smile. He had slightly curly hair and a thick beard. His companions said that he had a bright friendly face that looked like the full moon. He did not laugh loudly; his laugh was more like a smile that would show his shiny teeth. His cheerfulness and open personality had their effect on everyone. When the Prophet emigrated from Makkah to Madinah, he passed by the tent of Umm Ma‘bad. She witnessed some of his miracles, then swore fealty to him in Islam before he departed. This is her description of the Prophet: