Prophet
Muhammad ﷺ
The Highest, Noblest Standard of Akhlaq (Character) was of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
The conduct of our Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم is exemplary in every sphere of life; Whether it is his conduct with the highest ranking people of the society or with the lowest ranking people of the society, with his relatives, children and his wives or with strangers, with his friends or with his enemies, even with animals and all other living beings! His Akhlaq (character) is a glorious example for us to follow in his footsteps. His Akhlaq is a beacon of light which guides us on to the righteous path of Falah (true success).
The Messenger of Allah صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم said,
“I have been sent to perfect good character.”
[Al-Bukhari in al-Adab al-Mufrad 273]
We, as Muslims, have been recommended to improve our Akhlaq, in all walks of life, in every sphere of life, to gain success in both the worlds.
The Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم said,
“The most beloved people to Allah ﷻ are those with the best Akhlaq (character).”
Prophets have the highest standard of character and justice amongst all humans. Enemies of the Prophet couldn't even deny it. The honoured position of Prophets comes after the Exalted Status of Allah Almighty. People fight amongst themselves for positions, power, ranks and status, but not the prophets.
Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم said:
"Both in this world and in the Hereafter, I am the nearest of all the people to Jesus, the son of Mary. The prophets are paternal brothers; their mothers are different, but their religion is one.”
[Sahih Al-Bukhari 3443]
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ Akhlaq (character) is of the highest standard in the entire universe and is a role model for all of us. Not only us, even the prophets had been instructed to follow him.
Each and every messenger of Allah, who explained their own Scriptures to their followers, foretold the signs of the arrival of the last Messenger of Allah صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم and described his Akhlaq (character), appearance looks as well as his manners so that the people may identify him easily and believe in him if they come across him during their lifetime.
Everything about the Messenger of Allah صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم was described in detail; His mode of preaching the religion, his relationship with his Companions and even his conduct with his enemies. All was described by the previous messengers in their Scriptures and in their conversations with their followers.
The complete sketch of highest level of Akhlaaq of Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم, the highest representation of the noblest Akhlaq (character) in this entire universe, has been completely documented and preserved is presented in Qur'an and Sunnah. It leaves no excuse for any of us to not follow his noble example and rectify our conduct and Akhlaq (character).
Character of Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم was the Quran:
Qatadah reported: I said to Aisha, “O mother of the believers, tell me about the character of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him.”
Aisha said, “Have you not read the Qur’an?”
I said, “ofcourse.”
Aisha said, “Verily, the character of the Prophet of Allah was the Quran.”
[Sahih Muslim 746]
This hadith shows that whatever Allah ﷻ mentioned in Qur’an, His beloved Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم implemented all of it in his life, such that the Prophet Muhammad’s صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم Akhlaq (character) is a reflection of Qur’an. It is for our ease so that we could take guidance from it and the foremost guidance that we get from reading and learning Qur’an is that we should be loyal and faithful to our Lord, our Creator - Allah.
May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon Muhammad ﷺ, his family, his companions, and their followers till the Day of Reckoning, Aameen.
