Ideal Human Manners

The leader of both worlds, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) صلى الله عليه و سلم, was very generous. He did not deny anyone who asked for anything. If he had it, he would immediately give it; otherwise, he would kindly explain that he did not have it at the moment. He صلى الله عليه و سلم was very truthful. In every affair, he would conduct it kindly and leniently for everyone. He would take care of everyone around him. He was aware of their conditions and asked them about it. He made sure that nobody in his household was hurt and took care of all. If he wanted to go outside at night, he would quietly get up, put on his shoes quietly, and open the door slowly. Similarly, when he returned to the house, he would quietly come in so nobody would be disturbed from their sleep. When he walked, he would lower his gaze. When walking with a group, he would stay in the back, and when anyone came by the front of the group, he would be the first to make Salaam. He would sit humbly. He would sit and eat in the manner of the poor and needy; he never ate to his fill. He never ate fine flour bread. He never dined with fancy utensils or expensive dishes.

He was always solemn with the fear of Allah. He was often silent and did not speak without need. When he spoke, he would speak very clearly so the listener would understand it fully. He would not speak too much, lest a person lose interest, nor so briefly that the matter would be left unclear. He was not strict or severe in speech, work matters, or behavior. He favored kindness and gentleness. Anyone who came to him, he would not show disgrace or lack of appreciation, nor would he interrupt anyone. However, if something was against the law, he would stop it or leave the setting. He showed great care for all of Allah’s blessings. He would not point out defects in food and drink—if he wanted to eat it, he would eat; otherwise, he would leave it. However, if someone ruined something regarding worldly matters, for example, if someone broke something, he would not get angry. If the matter was against the Deen, he would get angry, but he never got angry regarding personal matters, nor took revenge for himself. If someone brought out his anger, he would turn his face away and not say anything in anger.

When he was happy, he would keep his gaze lowered; he was very shy. He did not laugh loudly and openly; he only smiled. He mixed freely with the people (he did not consider himself better than others). However, he would joke sometimes, but even in jest, he was truthful. His standing (Qiyam) in prayer (night nafl prayers) would be so long that his feet would become swollen. When he read Qur’an, his chest would emit a sound like a whistling kettle, due to the fear of Allah. His character was so humble that he told the people not to give him too much importance or rank. If a poor person or an old woman came to talk to him, he would stand to the side of the street or sit to listen to them. If someone was sick, he would go to visit them. If there was someone’s funeral, he would attend it. If someone sent an invitation, he would accept it. Even if someone fed him barley bread or tasteless fat, he would not reject the food. He did not talk useless talk with his blessed tongue. He did not break anyone’s heart, nor hurt anyone’s feelings. He talked in a way that did not confuse, scare, or worry people. He protected himself from oppressors and the wicked people with good manners. He kept pleasant expressions and good mannerisms when he interacted with everyone. He did all his work properly and with management. He remembered Allah while sitting and getting up. When he went to a gathering, he would sit in whatever corner he found space. If many people were talking, they would take turns, and he would face each one when talking to them. He behaved with everyone in such a manner that everyone would think he loved him (or her) the most! If someone came to sit and talk to him, he would not get up till the visitor got up. At home, he would sit on a pillow to relax. He did housework with his own hands. For example, he would milk the goats, fix his shoes, repair, and wash his clothes. Usually, he would do his own work with his own hands. If a bad man came to him, he would meet him properly and in a good way. He did not break others’ hearts, nor hurt their feelings. He did not speak or act harshly. He did not raise his voice if someone did something bad to him; he would reply with good manners. Never mind a human, he would not even hit an animal with his hand. However, he would punish according to Shariah. If someone did something bad, he would not take revenge against him, and would always greet with a smiling, happy face. However, he was always concerned for the hereafter. He did not point out people’s faults, nor retorted others’ words. Nor did he delay in giving people anything. He spoke with his blessed tongue what would bring reward. If a traveler came, he would take care of them. If someone was disrespectful, he would tolerate it. He was the most beautiful, and cheerful with good mannerisms. The Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم was the most patient with those who hurt him.

The Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم, while walking, would lift his foot with energy and place his foot in such a way that he would lean forward a little while walking. He would walk with care as if he was walking on a decline. When looking at something to the side, he would move his entire head to look at it with attention; he would not look at it with just his eyes like arrogant people. He would keep his gaze low, and because of modesty, he did not stare. When meeting, he would initiate Salaam (greetings).

The Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم would talk with a measured clear pace, i.e., speaking with pauses so the listener could understand, but not so slowly that the listener would be tired. He would repeat his words three times (to explain it). He would talk in the best way. He would talk according to the nature of the listener. Along with good character, he planned perfectly in the best way. In every matter, he followed the orderly way; if there was a mistake in others, he would not be angry. The Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم thought of himself as a traveler in the world. He was not interested in worldly splendor.

In summary, the level of best behavior given to the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم was not given to anyone before, neither will it be. May Allah guide you and all humanity to the right path, and enable everyone to learn and follow the beautiful ways of the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم—the ideal human being!