Introduction
Prophet Muhammad was an Islamic leader who is considered and believed to be a messenger from God (Adair 36). Muslims believe that Muhammad was the last prophet that God sent to redeem humankind from their evil ways. Other religions consider Muhammad the founder of Islam while Muslims consider him as the true prophet who restored the ancient faith of predecessors such as Abraham, Noah and Moses (Adair 37).
His characteristics (values and manners) form the foundation of Islam. These characteristics that include his dressing style, mode of living, manners and disposition, his absolute trust in Allah and his daily routines have immense influence in the Islamic religion. In addition, his other characteristics such as kindness, justice, equality and love for the poor explain why Muslims consider him as a true prophet who was sent by God to save a corrupted human race.
Loving
Muhammad had great love for the poor and urged all Muslims to treat them with kindness and help them in all ways (Effendi 44). He taught that a person who feeds himself and lets his neighbor go hungry is not a good example of how a Muslim should be. In addition, he taught that in order to love Allah, one must begin by loving fellow human beings.
His core teachings that include unbelief in monopoly, the lawful acquisition of wealth and generosity reveal his loving nature. His teachings encouraged all people to work hard in order to improve their lives (Effendi 46). In his profound love for the poor, he encouraged the rich to help those who had little. He loved the poor so much that he always prayed to Allah to keep him in poverty in both life and death. In addition, he asked Allah to raise him among the poor on the resurrection day.
Just and kind
Throughout his life, Muhammad had to deal with people who were seeking justice. This was in connection to his roles as the people’s leader, judge, apostle and arbiter. In executing these roles, he never deviated from the path of justice. He always ensured that everyone received justice.
His belief in justice was so strong that he did not consider factors such as religious affiliation, friend or enemy in awarding justice (Khan 83). He preached against all crimes, was always impartial in handling matters of justice, and he never favored his supporters. Muhammad always overlooked other people’s faults. He was polite, sincere, compassionate and courteous.
Faithful and dependent on God
Muhammad had strong faith that enabled him remain faithful to his calling and that encouraged him to depend on God entirely. Even though he faced tough times in his life, he always taught that God would deliver him and all who followed his teachings (Rodinson 50).
The nonbelievers were against Muhammad’s teachings. However, he did not give up or lose hope. He reminded them that the will of God would prevail and would come to be fulfilled. His strong faith and dependence in god enabled him to overcome all the trials he encountered.
Truthful
Muhammad never bore false witness against anyone. He stood by the truth and encouraged liars to repent (Sina 28). His truthful nature was so apparent that even his enemies attested to it. Abu Jahl was an influential critic and opposer of Islam. However, he attested to Muhammad’s truthfulness (Sina 29). He claimed that Muhammad was not a liar, but his teachings were misleading the people.
Honest, reliable and trustworthy
Muhammad was honest, reliable and trustworthy. Muhammad demonstrated his honesty by keeping the valuables of the Makkah pagans safely. His honesty was evident from his reaction after being mistreated by the pagans of Makkah together with his companions. After being tortured and sent away by the pagans, Muhammad did not carry their valuables that were in his custody (Sina 34).
Instead, he told his cousin to postpone his journey in order for them to return the valuables to the pagans. Another example of these values is evident from the signing of the Truce of Hudaibiyah. He agreed to the unjust conditions that allowed the return of people who ran away from Makkah but did not allow the return of people who ran away from the prophet (Sina 35).
Humble
The prophet was humble, and it was difficult for anyone who did not know him to distinguish him from his companions (Syed 79). His actions did not distinguish him from his companions. In addition, his love for the poor revealed his humility. He always helped orphans, widows and the poor whenever they needed his help. He did not consider the social, religious or economic class of people.
Forgiving and patient
The prophet was a paragon of patience and forgiveness. He always gave people a chance to practice their beliefs before converting them to Islam. He was patient with them even though they neglected his teachings and turned to the worship of idols. He forgave the people of Makkah despite the fact that they had ill-treated him and his companions (Syed 82). In addition, he was tolerant with the people of Makkah even though they were sinners.
For example, when they abused hypocrites at Madeenah, Muhammad did not hold a grudge against them. Instead, he forgave them. All these instances were a test of his forgiving nature. In all cases, he forgave them and did not seek revenge for the evils they inflicted on him and his companions (Syed 85). His patience was severely tested when he lost his wife and children during his lifetime. Despite the loses, Muhammad was patient with God and evoked his assistance and strength.
Prayerful
Muhammad was devoted to prayer, and spent a considerable amount of time on personal and public worship of Allah daily. After saying his morning prayers, he spent additional time in the mosque reciting passages that praised Allah while waiting for people to gather for sermons (Sina 43). Afterwards, he would preach to them about the goodness of Allah. In the afternoon, he would go back to the mosque for afternoon prayers, and a session with the people during which he offered them spiritual guidance.
Evening and night prayers followed afterwards. Before going to bed, he always recited some verses of the Quran (Sina 46). He ensured that he spent some considerable amount of time after midnight reciting the Tahajjud prayers. Prayers were the central point and source of strength and solace for Muhammad. He encouraged his companions to pray to Allah for strength and solace every day in order for them to overcome evil.
Conclusion
Prophet Muhammad was an Islamic leader, who is considered and believed to be a messenger form God. Muslims consider Muhammad as the true prophet who restored the ancient faith of predecessors such as Abraham, Noah and Moses. Other religions consider him as the founder of Islam.
His characteristics form the foundation of Islam. These characteristics include justice and kindness, faithfulness, prayerfulness, love, dependence on God and forgiveness. These characteristics made Muhammad a role model for Muslims. He always tried to instill these values in his companions through his teachings and by being an example because he possessed them.
Works Cited
Adair, John. The Leadership of Muhammad. New York: Kogan Page Publishers, 2010. Print.
Effendi, Birgivi, Birgivi, Imam and Bayrak, Tosun. The path of Muhammad. New York: World Wisdom, 2005. Print.
Khan, Maulana. Muhammad: A Prophet of All Humanity. New York: Goodword, 2000. Print.
Rodinson, Maxime. Muhammad: Prophet of Islam. New York: Tauris Parke paperbacks, 2002. Print.
Sina, Ali. Understanding Muhammad. New York: felibri.com, 2008. Print.
Syed, Amir. The Spirit of Islam or the Life and Teachings of Mohammed. Georgia: Gorgias Press, 2002. Print.