The Final Prophet Muhammad ﷺ: The Unparalleled Character of a Prophet
Allah, God Almighty says about him ﷺ in the Final Revelation, the Noble Quran: “And We have not sent you, [O Muḥammad], except as a MERCY to the worlds. [21:107]
The life and character of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stand as a testament to the remarkable nature of a true leader and an embodiment of virtues. Through an examination of authentic historical sources, it becomes evident that labeling him as a liar is simply impossible. His impeccable character, fortified by countless virtues and noble actions, demonstrates his prophethood and validates the truth of the Quran, establishing it as a divine revelation. Indeed, he is unequivocally the most extraordinary human to have graced the Earth. Take a seat as we delve into some of the major victories of the Prophet, the proofs of his prophethood, the character that he became known for even amongst his enemies – all whilst highlighting his kindness, gentleness, strength, and forbearance.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Whoever would love to be delivered from Hellfire and admitted into Paradise, let him meet his end with faith in Allah and the Last Day, and let him treat people as he would love to be treated.”
Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 1844, Grade: Sahih (authentic)
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ achieved numerous remarkable victories throughout his life, both on the battlefield and in his struggle to establish the message of Islam. From the Battle of Badr to the Conquest of Makkah, his military successes were a testament to his strategic brilliance and unwavering determination. Yet, it is his character that truly shines, transcending the boundaries of physical triumphs. His kindness and gentleness were unparalleled, as he treated friend and foe with compassion and mercy. He forgave his staunchest enemies, exemplifying forgiveness as a means to transform hearts and promote unity. He said unambiguously, “Fulfill the trust of those to whom they are due, and do not be treacherous to the one who betrays you.”
Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhī 1264 Grade: Sahih (authentic)
This shows that even if we are betrayed we cannot betray back that person. Look at his mercy.
Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying:
“A strong believer is better and is more lovable to Allah than a weak believer, and there is good in everyone, (but) cherish that which gives you benefit (in the Hereafter) and seek help from Allah and do not lose heart, and if anything (in the form of trouble) comes to you, don’t say: If I had not done that, it would not have happened so and so, but say: Allah did that what He had ordained to do and your” if” opens the (gate) for the Satan.”
Source: Sahih Muslim 2664 Grade: Sahih (authentic)
Strength was a defining characteristic of the Prophet ﷺ, not only in a physical sense but also in his resilience and steadfastness in the face of adversity. He endured immense persecution and hardship while propagating the message of Islam. Yet, his patience and fortitude remained unyielding, serving as a testament to his unshakable faith. Even when faced with personal loss, he exemplified grace and courage, leading by example and inspiring others to persevere.
It was narrated from one of his close companions, ‘Ammar ibn Yasir, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Messenger ﷺ said: “Whoever has three qualities will have completed the faith: fairness from yourself to others, offering peace to the world, and spending in charity even while poor.”
Source: Muṣannaf Ibn Abī Shaybah 30440, Grade: Sahih (authentic)
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was a paragon of forbearance, exemplifying the highest levels of self-restraint and tolerance. Even though we agree and are pleased with the fact that he was a warrior, a General and a statesman who fought battles like a true man, he always sought a path to peace and resolution. Despite facing immense opposition and ridicule, he responded with grace and wisdom. He chose the path of diplomacy over aggression, seeking peaceful resolutions and fostering harmonious relationships. This remarkable attribute allowed him to build bridges with various communities and establish a society based on justice, compassion, and equality no matter the race or country of origin.
Aisha, a wife of the Prophet ﷺ reported, the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “Verily, the most complete of believers in faith are those with the best character and who are most kind to their families.” He embodied kindness and ease with his families to the greatest extent any man could. There are people who are kind outside of the home and smile amongst the people, but when they return to their family it is a different story. For some it is as if Pharoah has come in from a long day of whipping slaves only to yell some more. Some people are miserable in their homes with their spouses and parents, but with the Messenger ﷺ he was even kinder to those in his home than out. His private life was better than his public one and those who lived with him, after his death, made clear how incredible a man he truly was. He said, “the merciful will be shown mercy by the Most Merciful. Be merciful to those on the earth and the One in (above) the heavens will have mercy upon you.”
Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhī 1924, Grade: Sahih (authentic)
The authenticity of Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ character and actions becomes indisputable upon an examination of the historical records. The sheer magnitude of his achievements and the consistency of his noble behavior make it inconceivable that he could be a liar. His honesty, integrity, and trustworthiness were renowned even before the advent of his prophethood. Such virtues cannot be feigned or manufactured, firmly establishing his credibility as a prophet and confirming the divine origin of the Quran.
In Mecca even before being made a Prophet, he was given the Title of “the Truthful and the trustworthy,” a title that was never revoked even to the end of his life. Though many of the polytheists who gave him the title never accepted Islam, they still considered him to be the best of them. The Chief Rabbi of the Jews of Madinah, Abdullah ibn Salaam reported: “When the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, came to Medina, the people rushed toward him and it was said, “The Messenger of Allah has come!” I came along with the people to see him and when I looked at the face of the Prophet, I realized that his face was not the face of a liar. The first thing the Prophet said was this, “O people, spread peace, feed the hungry, and pray at night when people are sleeping. You will enter Paradise in peace.””
Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhī 2485 Grade: Sahih (authentic)
The Quran, as the divine revelation received by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, reflects the profundity and truthfulness of his message. Its timeless wisdom, scientific and historical accuracy, and ethical principles transcend the limits of human composition. The Quran challenges anyone in the world to produce even one chapter like any chapter in the Quran. From the time of the best Arab linguists until now, no one can even come close to the smallest chapter which is only 10 words and 3 lines long. Its teachings have withstood the test of time, inspiring millions throughout history. The transformative power of the Quran lies in its harmonious alignment with the character of the Prophet ﷺ, a character that exemplified compassion, justice, and righteousness.
He performed hundreds of miracles that are authentically transmitted to us from the most sound of historical sources. He healed the blind, turned small amounts of food into vast feasts, gushed water from his hands to quench the thirst of soldiers, could see in front of and behind himself, made everything he touched heal, and even split the moon – all by the permission of Allah, God Almighty.
Without a doubt, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, through his extraordinary character and unparalleled achievements, undeniably emerges as a true prophet of God. His victories, marked by kindness, gentleness, strength, and forbearance, showcase the epitome of human virtue. The authenticity of his character, as attested by historical sources, negates any possibility of him being a liar. Therefore, the divine origin of the Quran is confirmed, demanding our utmost attention and adherence. Truly, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is the greatest human being to have walked the Earth, leaving an indelible legacy – one that we should do our best to mimic and implement into our lives and teach to our coming generations.
Al-Zubayr ibn ‘Awwam reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “Lurking towards you are the diseases of the nations before you. Envy and hatred are the razor. I do not say they shave hair, but rather they shave the religion. By the One in whose hand is my soul, you will not enter Paradise until you have faith and you will not have faith until you love each other. Shall I tell you what can affirm that for you? Spread peace between yourselves.”
Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhī 2510, Grade: Sahih (authentic)
