Ways of The Prophet (S.A.W)

His disposition

The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) was very generous. He never said ‘No’ to anyone asking him for anything. If he had it, he would give it at once; if not, he would gently ask the man to come for it some other time. [lbn Sa’d]

He was true to his word. In all matters he chose ease and convenience. He took care of all his companions and often inquired about their circumstances. If he had to go out at night he would rise, put on his sandals, open the door and step out, all so quietly as to disturb no one. Similarly, whenever he re-entered the house he would walk slowly and greet in a low tone, so that no one was disturbed in his or her sleep, [Zad uI-Ma’ad]

Whenever anyone came to him cheerful and happy, he would hold the man’s hand in his own to promote affection [lbn Sa’d]

If anyone who came to see the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) had a disagreeable name the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) would give him a new and better name. [lbn Sa’d]

If anyone brought to him anything - money or other things for distribution among the deserving people, the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) would say: O ALLAAH! Have mercy on this man. [Musnad Ahmad]

Whenever the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa SaIIam) called on any one, he would not stand directly in front of the door but aside, either to the right or left, announce his presence there by greeting ‘As-Salaamu Alaykum.’ [Abu Da’ud, Zadul Ma’ad]

If he called on any one at night, he would greet in such a low voice that one who is awake could hear but a person who is asleep would not be disturbed. (Zad-uI-Ma’ad) While walking he kept his gaze fixed on the ground. If he accompanied a group of men he was always behind them. He was always the first to greet anyone appearing before him. He would sit humbly, and take his meals sitting like humble and poor people. He used to entertain his special guests personally. [Zad-uI-Ma’ad]

He generally remained silent and would not speak unless necessary, but when he did speak, he spoke so clearly that the hearer could follow it well. His speech was never so lengthy that the listener would get bored, nor so short that the matter would remain inconclusive. He never spoke or did anything in a harsh manner, for he loved to be gentle. He always treated his visitors with due regard. He never interrupted while anyone was speaking, but if the man said anything against the Shari’ah (revealed law) he would stop him or leave the place. He valued every favor of ALLAAH very highly. [Nashrut-Tib]

He would not get annoyed if anyone broke or spoiled anything. But he did become indignant if there was anything against the faith. [Nashrut-Tib]

He never lost temper about any personal matter nor did he revenge himself on any one. If he was annoyed with one, he would turn away his face but would never express displeasure in words. When pleased he would lower his eyes. He was extremely modest - indeed more modest than a virgin behind her veil. Because of this deep modesty he would never stare at anyone’s face. [Ibn Sa’d]

If by chance anyone received an injury at his hands, he would, without hesitation, offer an opportunity for taking revenge or would present something in recompense. [Zad-ul- Ma’ad]

If any poor man or a maid or an old woman wanted to have a wordwith him, he would  stand aside, off the road, or would sit down there to listen to the person. He would inquire after the health of any sick person and would always accompany a funeral procession. [lbn Sa’d]

He was so unassuming by nature that he enjoined it upon his Ummah not to elevate him beyond his status.

(No appreciation at other’s cost) [Zad-ul-Ma’ad]

When he came across his companions, he would shake hands with them and would pray for them. [Nasa’i]

If he intended to call someone whose name he did not know, he would say: O Abdullah! (Servant of ALLAAH) (lbn Sa’d). While walking he would not look to his right or left. (Hakam - Ibn Sa’d)

The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) consoled and comforted everybody. He never treated anyone harshly. He defended himself against his cruel and mischievous foes with propriety but treated all with courtesy. Everything he did was according to well thought out plan. He remembered ALLAAH constantly. If he went to a gathering, he would sit down wherever there was room. When addressed by several people, he would reply to everyone in turn. [Nashrut Tib]

For a complete recitation of the Holy QURAAN, he never took less than three days. [Ibn Sa’d] 

Hadrat ‘Aishah (Radi AllaahuTa’ala Anhu) narrated that there was no one equal to him in nobility of character. Whenever called by anybody, a companion or a member of the family, he invariably answered with LABBAIK (Here I am at your service). [Zad-ul-Ma’ad]

He used to say the voluntary Salaah in privacy so that Salaah to that extent might not be trying for the Ummah to follow. [Zad-ul-Ma’ad]

The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) said, “I have made a covenant with AlIaah (the most high) that if I abuse or curse anybody, my abuse should become an expiration of his sins and a means of access of ALLAAH”.[Zad-ul-Ma’ad]

If he once began to do something good, he would make it a regular feature. [Abu Da’ud]

If he lost his temper while standing, he would sit down, if sitting he would lie down (to dissipate his anger). [Zad-ul-Ma’ad lbn Abiddunlya]

Hadrat ‘Aishah (Radi Allaahu Ta’ala Anha) narrated that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) used his right hand for performing ablution, eating and drinking and the left hand for abstersion and other such duties. [Zad-ul-Ma’ad: Abu Da’ud]

It was a habit of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) that if any of his companions met him and stopped on the way, he himself would also stop and not move until the man took leave of him. If anyone wanted to shake hands with him, he would extend his hand and would not withdraw his hand until the man himself did so. [Ibn Sa’d]

Whenever the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) passed by children, he would greet them. [Zad-uI-Ma’ad]

Hadrat Ali (Radi Allaahu Ta’ala Anhu) narrated:

Anybody coming face to face with the Holy Prophet (Salalahu Alaihi Wasallam) would be struck with awe, and whoever met him with cheerful intention would love him. I did not see a person so handsome and accomplished either before or after him. [Nashrut-Tib]

When pleased the Holy Prophet (Salalahu Alaihi Wasallam) would lower his eyes.

If he came to know of some failing of any one he would not say, what is wrong with this man that he does so and so? But rather, What is wrong with the people that they do so and so? [Shama’il-e-Tirmzi, Abu Da’ud]

He would say only such things as would get reward from ALLAAH. If any stranger came to him he would take care of him. He treated all and sundry so well that everybody thought he loved him themost. If anyone talking to him sat down, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) would not rise until the man himself rose. [Nashrut-Tib]

Hadrat Abu Hurairah (Radi Allaahu Ta’ala Anhu) narrated: “Whenever the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) was thoughtful he would raise his eyes to the heavens and say, “Glorified be Allah! and when deeply engrossed in praying and shedding tears, would heave, ‘O Thou art Alive and Eternal’ [Tirmizi]

In another tradition it is related that whenever in a gloomy mood, he would often stroke his beard or comb it with his fingers and say:-

ALLAH Suffices me. He is the best guardian [Zad-ul-Ma’ad]