100 Proofs That Islam Is True (Part 8): The Unmatched Character of the Prophet
Mufti Faijullah Aman
Introduction
In Part 4 we saw the Prophet's truthfulness, and in Part 5 his detachment from the world. Today we will look at other sides of his character: mercy, forgiveness, humility, and justice. Allah Himself bore witness to his character: "And indeed, you are of a great moral character." (Surah al-Qalam 68:4)
When Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) was asked about the Prophet's character, she said: "His character was the Qur'an." (Sahih Muslim) In other words, he was the living example of everything in the Qur'an.
1. Forgiveness at Ta'if
When the Prophet (peace be upon him) went to Ta'if with his message, its people insulted him, drove him out, and stoned him until he bled. On his way back, the angel in charge of the mountains came and said: if you wish, I will crush them between the two mountains. The Prophet replied: "No. Rather, I hope that Allah will bring forth from their descendants people who will worship Allah alone." (Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
A man who has full power to take revenge, yet wishes good for those who hurt him, does not have an ordinary human heart.
2. The Day of the Conquest of Makkah
For thirteen years the people of Makkah had persecuted him, killed his companions, and driven him from his homeland. Eight years later, he entered that same Makkah as a victor with ten thousand companions. Everyone was trembling with fear: what revenge would be taken today? The Prophet asked: "What do you expect me to do with you?" They said: you are a noble brother, and the son of a noble brother. He said: "Go, you are all free." (Sirah Ibn Hisham)
Which conquering general in history has treated his bitterest enemies like this? He even forgave Wahshi, the man who killed his beloved uncle Hamzah (may Allah be pleased with him).
3. The Witness of His Household
A person's true character is known by the people of his home. Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said that the Prophet used to help his family with household work, and when the time for prayer came, he would go to pray. (Sahih al-Bukhari) He mended his own shoes and patched his own clothes.
Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "I served the Prophet for ten years. He never once said 'uff' to me. He never said, why did you do this, or why did you not do that." (Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
To never once scold a young servant, who would naturally make mistakes, in ten whole years is only possible with a noble character.
4. Gentleness Toward the Harsh
Once a Bedouin came from behind and pulled the Prophet's cloak so hard that it left a mark on his neck. Then he said: tell them to give me from the wealth of Allah that you have. The Prophet turned to him and smiled, and then ordered that he be given something. (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Another time, a Bedouin urinated in the Prophet's mosque. The companions angrily rushed to stop him. The Prophet said: leave him, let him finish. Then he had water poured to clean the place and gently explained to the man what he should know. (Sahih al-Bukhari)
5. No Compromise in Justice
When a noble woman from the tribe of Makhzum committed theft, Quraysh wanted her punishment to be waived. They sent Usamah (may Allah be pleased with him), who was dear to the Prophet, to intercede. The Prophet became angry and addressed the people, saying that the nations before them were destroyed because when an influential person among them stole, they let him go, and when a weak person stole, they punished him. "By Allah, if Fatimah, the daughter of Muhammad, were to steal, I would cut off her hand." (Sahih al-Bukhari)
6. Respect for Every Human Being
Once a funeral procession passed in front of the Prophet, and he stood up. Someone said: it is the funeral of a Jew. He replied: "Was he not a human being?" (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Why Is This a Proof?
Good character can be acted out for a short time, but not for twenty-three years. The Prophet's life was an open book. Thousands of companions saw him in war and in peace, in joy and in sorrow, in public and inside his home. His wives knew his private life, and his enemies searched for every fault. Yet all their testimony is the same: they never saw anyone like him. It is worth noting that those who knew him most closely, his wife Khadijah, his friend Abu Bakr, and Ali who grew up in his house (may Allah be pleased with them), were the very first to believe in him.
A deceiver cannot have such a character, and a man of such character cannot be a deceiver.
Conclusion
Allah says: "We have not sent you except as a mercy to all the worlds." (Surah al-Anbiya 21:107) The Prophet's mercy, forgiveness, humility, and justice are living proof of this verse. Such a complete character cannot be formed without the special care of Allah. He truly is the Messenger of Allah.
In the next part, the ninth proof, in sha Allah.
