The Etiquette of Daily Life and the Prophetic Character

Volume 2: Customs

The examined text defines the Prophet as "the most noble of creatures" and the pinnacle of character. His personality was shaped and cultivated directly by Allah through the Qur'an. The central emphasis is that outward etiquette is a sign of inward secrets. The document details the Prophet's moral virtues such as humility, justice, generosity, and courage, as well as his daily sunnah practices regarding eating and dress, and miracles proving his prophethood. The ultimate aim is to understand this supreme model of character and take it as a guide in every area of life.

Summary

The examined text defines the Prophet as "the most noble of creatures" and the pinnacle of character.

Sections

A. Divine Cultivation and Qur'anic Character

The Prophet's character was not an independent human development but the result of direct divine cultivation. He constantly prayed, "O Allah! Beautify my creation and my character," seeking this maturity. ʿĀʾisha's statement, "His character was the Qur'an," shows that the Prophet's personality was a living commentary on the Qur'anic verses. Qur'anic commands such as forgiveness, enjoining good, patience, and justice formed the cornerstones of his character.

B. Humility and Social Justice

Despite his exalted station, the Prophet is portrayed as the most humble of people. He mended his own sandals, patched his clothes, and helped his family with household chores. He accepted invitations from slaves and the poor, did not reserve a special place in gatherings, and sat among his companions like an ordinary person. Strangers who saw him from outside could not distinguish him from others and had to ask who he was.

C. Courage and Justice

In the fiercest moments of battle, he stood at the very front of the army and was closest to the enemy. According to ʿAlī, when the Companions were afraid, they would seek refuge with him. In matters of justice he was uncompromising; he would enforce the right even against himself or his own kin. His refusal to accept help from the polytheists and his just treatment even of an enemy who had a rightful claim symbolize his unshakable sense of justice.

D. Etiquette of Daily Life (Food and Dress)

The text explains the Prophet's relation to the physical world on the basis of simplicity and gratitude:

Food: He ate what was available and never spoke ill of any food. Because he regarded hot food as "without blessing," he would let it cool before eating, used three fingers, and cleaned his plate thoroughly. He loved meat and squash, and drank water in three breaths with the basmala.
Dress: He avoided luxury and preferred white and green. His garments generally reached above his ankles. Naming his belongings (his swords, camels, and turban) shows that he even attributed personality to objects.

Physical Characteristics (Shamāʾil al-Sharīfah)

The text describes the Prophet's outward appearance in detail, noting that this beauty was a reflection of his inner light:

Stature and Complexion: Of medium height (though beside tall men he appeared taller than they), fair-skinned with a slight reddish tint, with a face radiant like the fourteenth night of the moon.
Hair and Beard: His hair was neither curly nor straight; it reached between his earlobe and shoulders. His beard was thick, and he trimmed his mustache.
Physical Strength: His shoulders were broad, his joints large, and his body firm and imposing. When he walked, he moved with powerful steps as though descending from a height.
Scent: His blessed perspiration smelled sweeter than musk; the hand of anyone who shook his would retain that fragrance all day.

Proofs of Prophethood and Miracles

Events proving the Prophet's truthfulness are examined in three categories: 1. Supernatural Events: The splitting of the moon (Shaqq al-Qamar), water flowing from his fingers, a small amount of food satisfying hundreds, trees and stones greeting him, the date-palm trunk moaning. 2. Informing of the Unseen: Foretelling future conquests, what would befall his Companions (the martyrdom of ʿAmmār, Ḥasan's securing peace, etc.), and how his enemies would die. 3. The Greatest Miracle (the Qur'an): An unlettered man bringing a book that challenged the world's most eloquent orators and whose like could not be produced.

Key concepts

The Relation of Outward and Inward: Outward decorum is a reflection of the beauties of the inner realm. The movement of the limbs is the fruit of the conceptions in the heart.
Cultivation through the Qur'an: In ʿĀʾisha's words, "His character was the Qur'an." Allah educated His Prophet through Qur'anic verses (forgiveness, justice, patience, excellence), and he spread this etiquette to humanity.
Noble Character: One of the fundamental aims of the prophetic mission is to complete noble character.
Humility and Humanity: He did not present himself as a king but as "the son of a woman who ate dried meat"; he accepted invitations from slaves, the poor, and children.
Shamāʾil: The Prophet's physical traits, outward appearance, and disposition.
Ta'dīb / Tahdhīb: The process of educating, cultivating, and purifying and beautifying character.
Miracle: Extraordinary events, by Allah's permission, that prophets perform to prove their truthfulness, transcending the laws of nature.
Fasāḥah: The state of speech being correct, clear, and fluent; being free from defects of language.
Waqār: Gravity, seriousness, and spiritual composure.
Sahāwah: The virtue of open-handedness, generosity, and giving without expectation of return.
Dhū al-Fiqār: The famous sword the Prophet used in battle, with its hilt adorned in silver.
Mubāhala: Mutual imprecation by two parties to reveal which side is in the right.
Khātam al-Anbiyāʾ: The last of the prophets, the final link in the chain of prophethood.
Seal of Prophethood: The physical mark between his shoulders, a sign of his prophethood.

Study questions

What are the names of the Prophet's personal sword and turban?

His sword was named Dhū al-Fiqār, and his turban was named Sahab.

According to the text, what were the Prophet's favorite clothing colors?

His favorite color was green, and the one he wore most was white.

What did the Prophet strictly avoid in the etiquette of eating?

He avoided eating hot food; saying "There is no blessing in hot food," he advised letting it cool. He also did not eat while reclining.

How many white hairs are reported in the Prophet's physical appearance (shamāʾil)?

There were seventeen white hairs in total on his head and beard.

What was his reply when asked to curse the disbelievers during a battle?

"I was sent as a mercy, not as one sent to curse."

What simile is used to describe the Prophet's generosity?

He is likened to the blessed wind that blows in the month of Ramadan.

What miracle occurred at the spring of Tabūk and the well of Ḥudaybiyya?

In both places, when there was no water or very little, water gushed forth when the Prophet poured out his ablution water, and armies of thousands drank their fill.