Ways of The Prophet (S.A.W)

by Sheikh Muhammad Abdul Hai Arifi

Behaviour towards people in his companionship

The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) was all the time cheerful, He had genial manners and was easy to propitiate. He was neither harsh nor spoke loudly or said anything improper. If anybody desired anything which was to his disliking, he would overlook it (i.e. would not take him to task) and would not interrogate him (explicitly) but would keep mum. He had kept himself clear from three things: (1) false professions (2) talkativeness, and (3) unfruitful talk. He had similarly secured others in three respects. He neither talked ill of anyone, nor disgraced anyone, nor found fault with anyone. He would say only those things as could be expected to bring Sawab in return. When he spoke, all those in this company would sit bowing their heads as if birds had perched on their heads, and nobody would speak until he had finished. They never entered into any dispute in his presence. If anyone was speaking to him, everyone else would remain quiet and not one would interrupt. The point of view of everyone in the gathering was heard with as much attention and willingness as was  paid to the man who had the opportunity to speak first (i.e. no bodywas ignored). The Prophet  (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) laughed at everything which made others laugh, would express surprises at what surprised others, and thus participated with those present up to the permissible limit. He would be forbearing at the unmannerly talk of the strangers. His maxim was Help anybody who asks for help.

If anybody praised him he would not appreciate it. However if anyone praised him in return for any act of benevolence he would allow it only to the extent that it did not cross the limits, he would not interrupt anyone so long as he was pertinent. If anybody was unmindful of the limits he would either ask him to put an end to it or would himself do so by getting up. [Nashrut-Tib]