The young prophet’s human side in dealing with happiness and satisfaction [Archives:2006/956/Culture]
By: Ehsan Al-Rabe'i
Sammak narrated that he once asked Jaber bin Samrah, “Were you staying with the Prophet Mohammed (pbuh)?” He replied, “Yes, he was usually silent and rarely laughed. His companions recited poetry in front of him and mentioned some of their affairs. When they laughed, he sometimes smiled.”
The prophet used to stay with his friends, but he wasn't talkative; rather, he'd spend most of his time contemplating and thinking about Allah. He used to join his companions but he only smiled because “Much laughter kills the heart,” meaning it weakens one's faith. Nevertheless, he never prohibited his companions from talking to him about their daily affairs and they were free to laugh in his presence, but in modesty.
Abi Abdullah Al-Kibri narrated that he asked the prophet's wife Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), “How was the prophet's conduct with his family?” She replied, “He was the best of men in manner and was neither sinful nor obscene. He wasn't loud in the markets and when offended, he never took revenge but rather he forgave and forgot.”
From the above, one can see an example of a good demeanor reflected in the prophet's satisfaction with his companions, who found his manners a model enabling them to prevail over the darkness of disbelief by following his steps.
As for not being loud in the markets, it's a clear indication that he wasn't arrogant or among those competing for money or business. Instead, he rarely attended the markets, which were places for shouting and chaos.
He used to not retaliate when troubled and be patient and forgiving toward the harmful attitudes of others. His noble attitude had a great effect on the aggressive nature of Al-A'arab (the Bedouins), who eventually were led by him, fought with him and even preferred him over their families.
The prophet's manners were the best because “his conduct was the Qur'an,” as Aisha narrated. The prophet himself said, “I was sent only to complete noble deeds and moral constitution.”
His attitude toward happiness and satisfaction also was reflected in his aversion to being glorified, praised or complimented. Omar Ibn Al-Khattab narrated, “The prophet said: Do not praise me like the disciples when they praised Jesus, son of Mary. I am merely a servant, so say 'the servant of Allah and his messenger.'”
Anas Ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that some used to call the prophet by saying, “Oh, the best of us and the son of the best of us, our master and the son of our masters.” He then replied, “Oh, people, say what you used to say and don't let the devil deceive you. I am Mohammed, Allah's servant and his messenger. I would not like you to put me in a place higher than what Allah has decided for me.”
Some overpraise the prophet by thinking he knows the unseen, has the ability to benefit or harm individuals as he wishes, answers all kinds of demands and treats illness. However, Allah denied all of the above in the Qur'an, “Say: I have no power over any good or harm willeth. If I had knowledge of the unseen, I should have multiplied all good and no evil should have touched me.”
This prophet, the best of those who ever walked the earth and was shaded by a tree, and Allah's obedient one, didn't like to be privileged; rather, he was a master of modesty and humbleness. Ibn Malik narrated, “There was no man as dearly loved to them (his companions) than the prophet. Nevertheless, when they saw him coming, they wouldn't stand up (as a sign of respect), for they knew how much he disliked this.”
Another example of the prophet's noble attitude and humility was when he once met a poor woman and spent a long time with her, despite his enormous responsibilities. Ibn Malik narrated, “A woman came to the prophet and said to him, 'I need a favor from you.' The prophet replied, 'You may choose any street in Al-Madina and I shall come to see you wherever you are.'”
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