Prophet Muhammad s.a.w., the central figure of Islam, is a figure of profound importance with a rich and multifaceted life. While his teachings and life story are well-known, there are lesser-known aspects that offer unique insights into his character and legacy. In this article, we delve into 6 intriguing facets of Prophet Muhammad's life and teachings that may surprise you! We also hope with these facts, you’ll learn how to treat your family, friends and the community with love, respect and care.
1. Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. treated his daughters with respect
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During an era when women were still striving for their rightful place in society, Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. exuded a genuine and open-hearted admiration for his daughters. He proudly displayed this affection to the world, setting a heartwarming example of respect and love.
In a hadith narrated by Sayyidatina Aisyah r.a:
إِذَا دَخَلَتْ عَلَى النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَامَ إِلَيْهَا فَقَبَّلَهَا وَأَجْلَسَهَا فِي مَجْلِسِهِ وَكَانَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم إِذَا دَخَلَ عَلَيْهَا قَامَتْ مِنْ مَجْلِسِهَا فَقَبَّلَتْهُ وَأَجْلَسَتْهُ فِي مَجْلِسِهَا
“When the Prophet saw her (Fatimah) coming, he would greet her and then he would stand up for her, kiss her, take her hand and bring her to sit in his place. When the Prophet s.a.w visited her, she would greet him, stand up for him, kiss him, and bring him to sit in her place.”
(Sunan Abi Daud)
2. Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. was always gentle in his word
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Effective communication is important in any thriving relationship, and it's heartening to note that one of Prophet Muhammad's s.a.w. admirable qualities was his gentle speech. Regardless of the situation, he never resorted to harsh words, displaying remarkable tenderness and patience in his interactions with both his wives and children, even when offering necessary guidance.
In the household of the Prophet, communication thrived, and it was a place where love and respect abounded. Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. held his wives in high regard, cherishing their contributions and thoughts. He actively listened, welcomed their insights, and acted upon their advice.
Furthermore, his affection for his daughter Fatimah was boundless. Whenever she entered the room, he would rise, greet her with a kiss, and invite her to share his place. These gestures beautifully epitomised the values he embodied. His gentle and loving approach towards his family serves as an enduring model, inspiring us to emulate his compassion as we interact with our own loved ones. That being said, Prophet s.a.w. was firm and composed when a stronger approach was needed. He was never coarse, vulgar and violent.
3. Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. migrated to Madinah because he received a revelation
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First and foremost, the Prophet s.a.w. embarked on his migration to Madinah in response to a divine revelation, a decree from above. In Mecca, his devoted followers faced relentless persecution, enduring the denial of both their social and economic rights at the hands of the Quraysh tribe. Furthermore, the Prophet's life was perilously threatened with multiple assassination attempts.
Meanwhile, in Yathrib, later known as Madinah, a growing community of followers eagerly awaited him, ready to extend a warm and secure haven for both him and his faithful companions. In Madinah, Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. not only found sanctuary but also nurtured a flourishing community rooted in goodness and justice, which stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration.
4. Prophet Muhammad’s last sermon was about the relationship between servants with their Creator
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The final sermon, also known as Khutbah al-Wada', radiates with Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) profound message for humanity. It underscores the vital relationship between individuals and their Creator while championing the spirit of universal brotherhood.
In a resounding declaration, he taught us to vehemently reject racism, emphasising that no one is superior based on ethnicity or skin colour but rather by their piety and righteousness.
Furthermore, this remarkable sermon champions social transformation by placing utmost importance on justice and ethical behaviour, including the kind treatment of women. As followers of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w, it is our joyful duty to carry forward his legacy and embody his message of humanity in our daily lives.
This historic sermon unfolded during the Prophet's final Hajj, on the sacred day of Arafah. He began with the heartfelt words, "Truly I do not know, for I may not meet you again after this year," leaving an indelible mark of wisdom and love in our hearts.
5. Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. championed positive environmental causes
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The term "environmentalist" may carry diverse connotations in today's world, shaped by the varied actions and beliefs of activists. What brings a smile to our hearts is the Prophet's s.a.w. timeless teaching of stewardship for our entrusted environment. Caring for our planet is an integral part of our religious duty, guarding it against degradation. This divine responsibility is beautifully echoed in Surah Al-Baqarah, where Allah (glorified be He) designates humanity as Earth's custodians.
There are many teachings from the Prophet’s life that teach us to conserve and cultivate life on earth. Such as the hadith reported by Abdullah bin Amr r.a:
أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ مَرَّ بِسَعْدٍ وَهُوَ يَتَوَضَّأُ فَقَالَ مَا هَذَا السَّرَفُ فَقَالَ أَفِي الْوُضُوءِ إِسْرَافٌ قَالَ نَعَمْ وَإِنْ كُنْتَ عَلَى نَهَرٍ جَارٍ
“The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, passed by Sa’d while he was performing wudhu’ (ablution). The Prophet asked, “What is this excess?” Sa’d said, “Is there excess with water in wudhu’?” The Prophet said, “Yes, even if you were on the banks of a flowing river.” (Sunan Ibn Majah)
The Prophet s.a.w. reminded us that even as we fulfil our religious duties, we should be mindful not to waste any resources, no matter how abundant they may seem.
Moreover, Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. placed great importance on the preservation of our environment and nature. He wisely forbade unnecessary tree-cutting and damage to plantations during times of conflict, echoing the harmonious balance we must maintain with our natural surroundings.
The overarching message of taking care of the environment is part of mercy. A famous hadith reminds us:
الرَّاحِمُونَ يَرْحَمُهُمُ الرَّحْمَنُ ارْحَمُوا مَنْ فِي الأَرْضِ يَرْحَمْكُمْ مَنْ فِي السَّمَاءِ
“Those who are merciful are shown mercy by Most Merciful (Ar-Rahman). Be merciful on earth, and you will be shown mercy from Who is above the heavens.”
(Sunan At-Tirmizi)
6. His last words before sleeping and the first words after waking up from sleep were the words of remembrance of Allah s.w.t.
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Whenever the Prophet intended to go to bed, he would recite:
بِاسْمِكَ اللَّهُمَّ أَمُوتُ وَأَحْيَا
“With Your name, O Allah, I die and I live”
And when he woke up from his sleep, he would say:
الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي أَحْيَانَا بَعْدَ مَا أَمَاتَنَا، وَإِلَيْهِ النُّشُورُ
“All the Praises are for Allah Who has made us alive after He made us die (sleep) and unto Him is the Resurrection”
(Sahih Al-Bukhari)
His last words before sleeping and the first words after waking up from sleep were the words of remembrance of Allah s.w.t. His whole routine is filled with remembrance.
Even the way the Prophet slept shows us his eagerness to wake up for the night-vigil prayers. He would not oversleep and laze around for the day. The companion Abu Qatadah r.a. narrates to us:
ِكان إذا عَرَّس بليلٍ اضطجع على شِقِّه الأيمنِ، وإذا عَرَّسَ قُبَيلَ الصبحِ نصبَ ذِراعَه، ووضع رأسَه على كفِّه
“When the Prophet s.a.w. would take a rest at the end of a day’s journey, he would go to sleep whilst lying on his right side, and when he would take rest shortly before dawn, he would put his blessed arm up (pitching his blessed elbow upon the ground) and place his blessed head in the palm of his hand”
(Sahih Muslim)
During this month of Rabiul Awwal, we are blessed with abundant opportunities to deepen our understanding and love for our cherished Prophet Muhammad. However, it's a delightful reminder that we're encouraged to keep the spirit of remembrance and send blessings (selawat) to him alive throughout the year, not just during this special month.
إِنَّ اللَّهَ وَمَلَائِكَتَهُ يُصَلُّونَ عَلَى النَّبِيِّ يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا صَلُّوا عَلَيْهِ وَسَلِّمُوا تَسْلِيمًا
“Indeed, Allah showers His blessings upon the Prophet, and His angels pray for him. O believers! Invoke Allah’s blessings upon him, and salute him with worthy greetings of peace.”
(Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:56)
May Allah s.w.t. allow us to follow the Prophet’s beautiful footsteps (inwardly and outwardly) under the protection and care of Allah The Most Merciful and Kind.
This article is brought to you by Muslim.sg.