Qur’ānAllah Himself testified to the greatness of his character.
and indeed, you are of a great moral character.
The Noble Character of the Prophet ﷺ
'You are upon a magnificent character.' The living portrait of the Prophet ﷺ — his mercy, humility, worship, generosity, and forbearance — as the Qur'ān and the two Ṣaḥīḥs preserve it.
Every āyah and hadith reference here was verified against the text of the Qur’ān and the hadith collections. Hadith text is a faithful summary of the meaning — tap any reference to read the full narration.
1.A Character Praised by Allah Himself
'You are upon a magnificent character.' When ʿĀʾisha was asked about his character, she said: his character was the Qur'ān — he was a walking embodiment of the Book. In him is the best example for whoever hopes in Allah and the Last Day.
Qur’ānAllah Himself testified to the greatness of his character.
there has certainly been for you in the messenger of allah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in allah and the last day and [who] remembers allah often.
HadithṢaḥīḥ — included per the compiler's conditionAllah Himself testified to the greatness of his character.
narrated `abdullah bin `amr:allah's messenger (ﷺ) neither talked in an insulting manner nor did he ever speak evil intentionally. he used to say, "the most beloved to me amongst you is the one who has the best character and manners." he added, " learn the qur'an from (any of these) four persons. `abdullah bin mas`ud, salim the freed slave of abu hudhaifa, ubai bin ka`b, and mu`adh bin jabal
HadithṢaḥīḥ — included per the compiler's conditionAllah Himself testified to the greatness of his character.
narrated `abdullah bin `amr:allah's messenger (ﷺ) neither talked in an insulting manner nor did he ever speak evil intentionally. he used to say, "the most beloved to me amongst you is the one who has the best character and manners." he added, " learn the qur'an from (any of these) four persons. `abdullah bin mas`ud, salim the freed slave of abu hudhaifa, ubai bin ka`b, and mu`adh bin jabal
HadithAhmad Muhammad Shakir: Sahih · Al-Albani: Sahih · Bashar Awad Maarouf: Hasan Sahih · Zubair Ali Zai: Isnaad SahihAllah Himself testified to the greatness of his character.
abu abdullah al-jadali narrated:"i asked 'aishah about the character of the messenger of allah. she said: 'he was not obscene, nor uttering obscenities, nor screaming in the markets, he would not return an evil with an evil, but rather he was pardoning and forgiving
HadithṢaḥīḥ — included per the compiler's conditionAllah Himself testified to the greatness of his character.
narrated masruq: abdullah bin 'amr mentioned allah's messenger (ﷺ) saying that he was neither a fahish nor a mutafahish. abdullah bin 'amr added, allah's messenger (ﷺ) said, 'the best among you are those who have the best manners and character
HadithṢaḥīḥ — included per the compiler's conditionAllah Himself testified to the greatness of his character.
masruq reported:we went to abdullah b. 'amr when mu'dwiya came to kufa, and he made a mention of allah's messenger (ﷺ) and said: he was never immoderate in his talk and he never reviled others. allah's messenger (ﷺ) also said: the best amongst you are those who are best in morals. uthman said: when he came to kufa along with mu'awiya... (the rest of the hadith is the same)
ClassicalAllah Himself testified to the greatness of his character.
إن في أخلاق النبي
ClassicalAllah Himself testified to the greatness of his character.
قلنا لعائشة يا أم المؤمنين كيف كان خلق رسول الله قالت كان خلق رسول الله القرآن ثم قالت تقرأ سورة المؤمنين إقرأ ( ^ قد أفلح المؤمنون ) إلى العشر حتى بلغ العشر فقالت هكذا كان خلق رسول الله
2.His Mercy and Gentleness
'It was by a mercy from Allah that you were gentle with them.' He was sent as a mercy to all the worlds; never given a choice between two matters but he took the easier, and never took revenge for himself.
Qur’ānA mercy to the worlds — gentle where harshness would have scattered them.
so by mercy from allah, [o muhammad], you were lenient with them. and if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you. so pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in the matter. and when you have decided, then rely upon allah. indeed, allah loves those who rely [upon him].
Qur’ānA mercy to the worlds — gentle where harshness would have scattered them.
and we have not sent you, [o muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.
Qur’ānA mercy to the worlds — gentle where harshness would have scattered them.
there has certainly come to you a messenger from among yourselves. grievous to him is what you suffer; [he is] concerned over you and to the believers is kind and merciful.
HadithAl-Albani: Sahih · Muhammad Muhyi Al-Din Abdul Hamid: Sahih · Shuaib Al Arnaut: Sahih Lighairihi · Zubair Ali Zai: Isnaad HasanA mercy to the worlds — gentle where harshness would have scattered them.
narrated abdullah ibn amr ibn al-'as: the prophet (ﷺ) said: the compassionate one has mercy on those who are merciful. if you show mercy to those who are on the earth, he who is in the heaven will show mercy to you. musaddad did not say: the client of 'adb allah b. 'amr. he said: the prophet (ﷺ) said
HadithAhmad Muhammad Shakir: Sahih · Al-Albani: Sahih · Bashar Awad Maarouf: Hasan Sahih · Zubair Ali Zai: Isnaad HasanA mercy to the worlds — gentle where harshness would have scattered them.
abdullah bin 'amr narrated that the messenger of allah said:"the merciful are shown mercy by ar-rahman. be merciful on the earth, and you will be shown mercy from who is above the heavens. the womb is named after ar-rahman, so whoever connects it, allah connects him, and whoever severs it, allah severs him
3.His Humility and Simplicity
He forbade them to over-praise him: 'Do not exalt me as the Christians exalted the son of Maryam — I am only a servant.' He mended his own sandals, served his household, and ate as a servant eats.
Qur’ānThe most honoured of creation, and the most humble.
do not extend your eyes toward that by which we have given enjoyment to [certain] categories of the disbelievers, and do not grieve over them. and lower your wing to the believers
Qur’ānThe most honoured of creation, and the most humble.
say, "i am only a man like you, to whom has been revealed that your god is one god. so whoever would hope for the meeting with his lord - let him do righteous work and not associate in the worship of his lord anyone."
ClassicalThe most honoured of creation, and the most humble.
* زهد النبي -صلى الله عليه وسلم- وأخباره
ClassicalV0P0The most honoured of creation, and the most humble.
فصل في تواضع النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم
4.His Worship — Standing Until His Feet Swelled
He would stand at night until his feet cracked. When asked why, though his sins were forgiven, he said: 'Should I not be a grateful servant?' The deeds most beloved to Allah are the most constant.
Qur’ānHe stood in prayer until his feet swelled — out of gratitude, not need.
and from [part of] the night, pray with it as additional [worship] for you; it is expected that your lord will resurrect you to a praised station.
Qur’ānHe stood in prayer until his feet swelled — out of gratitude, not need.
o you who wraps himself [in clothing],
Qur’ānHe stood in prayer until his feet swelled — out of gratitude, not need.
arise [to pray] the night, except for a little -
HadithAl-Albani: Sahih · Muhammad Fouad Abd al-Baqi: Sahih · Zubair Ali Zai: SahihHe stood in prayer until his feet swelled — out of gratitude, not need.
it was narrated that abu hurairah said:“the messenger of allah (ﷺ) used to pray until his feet became swollen. it was said: ‘o messenger of allah, allah has forgiven you your past and future sins.’ he said: ‘should i not be a thankful slave?’”
HadithAbu Ghuddah: Sahih · Al-Albani: Sahih · Zubair Ali Zai: Sahih - Agreed UponHe stood in prayer until his feet swelled — out of gratitude, not need.
it was narrated that ziyad bin ilaqah said:"i heard al-mughirah bin shu'bah say: 'the prophet (ﷺ) stood (in prayer at night) until his feet swelled up, and it was said to him: allah has forgiven your past and future sins. he said: "should i not be a thankful slave?
HadithAl-Albani: Sahih · Muhammad Fouad Abd al-Baqi: Sahih · Shuaib Al Arnaut: Sahih · Zubair Ali Zai: Sahih - Bukhari And MuslimHe stood in prayer until his feet swelled — out of gratitude, not need.
it was narrated from ziyad bin ‘ilaqah that he heard mughirah say:“the messenger of allah (ﷺ) stood (in prayer) until his feet became swollen. it was said: ‘o messenger of allah, allah has forgiven you your past and future sins.’ he said: ‘should i not be a thankful slave?’”
HadithṢaḥīḥ — included per the compiler's conditionHe stood in prayer until his feet swelled — out of gratitude, not need.
narrated al-mughira:the prophet (ﷺ) used to stand (in the prayer) or pray till both his feet or legs swelled. he was asked why (he offered such an unbearable prayer) and he said, "should i not be a thankful slave?
ClassicalHe stood in prayer until his feet swelled — out of gratitude, not need.
1 ( 307 أبواب قيام الليل باب نسخ قيام الليل والتيسير فيه )
5.His Generosity — Like a Sent Wind
He was the most generous of people, and most generous in Ramadan when Gabriel met him — more giving than the sent wind. He was never asked for anything and said no.
Qur’ānThe most generous of people — and most generous of all in Ramadan.
and [also for] those who were settled in al-madinah and [adopted] the faith before them. they love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their breasts of what the emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation. and whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.
ClassicalV8P3The most generous of people — and most generous of all in Ramadan.
يعني: الدنيا والآخرة كلها من جود النبي - عليه الصلاة والسلام - ماذا أبقى لله - جل وعلا-؟ هذا لا شك أنه صرف بحق الله - جل وعلا- إلى عبده ورسوله - عليه الصلاة والسلام-، الذي صرح بأنه لا يملك لأقرب الناس إليه شيئا، وحاول جاهدا هداية عمه الذي له اليد عليه وعلى دعوته فلم يستطع: {إنك لا تهدي من أحببت} [سورة القصص: 56] فالأمور أزمتها كلها بيد الله - جل وعلا-.
6.His Dealings with His Family
He helped with the housework, and when the prayer came he went out to it. ʿĀʾisha said he never struck anything with his hand — not a servant, not a woman — except in Allah's cause.
Qur’ān'The best of you is the best to his family — and I am the best to mine.'
o you who have believed, it is not lawful for you to inherit women by compulsion. and do not make difficulties for them in order to take [back] part of what you gave them unless they commit a clear immorality. and live with them in kindness. for if you dislike them - perhaps you dislike a thing and allah makes therein much good.
HadithAl-Albani: Sahih · Muhammad Fouad Abd al-Baqi: Sahih · Shuaib Al Arnaut: Sahih Lighairihi · Zubair Ali Zai: Hasan'The best of you is the best to his family — and I am the best to mine.'
it was narrated from ibn 'abbas that:the prophet said: "the best of you is the one who is best to his wife, and i am the best of you to my wives
HadithAhmad Muhammad Shakir: Sahih · Al-Albani: Sahih · Bashar Awad Maarouf: Hasan Sahih · Zubair Ali Zai: Hasan'The best of you is the best to his family — and I am the best to mine.'
narrated 'aishah:that the messenger of allah (ﷺ) said: "the best of you is the best to his wives, and i am the best of you to my wives, and when your companion dies, leave him alone
7.His Forbearance, Even with Those Who Wronged Him
'Take to pardon, command the good, and turn away from the ignorant.' On the conquest of Makka, to those who had driven him out, he said: 'Go, you are free.' Wounded at Uḥud, he prayed: 'O Allah, forgive my people, for they do not know.'
Qur’ānOn the day of his greatest power, he forgave.
take what is given freely, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant.
Qur’ānOn the day of his greatest power, he forgave.
and not equal are the good deed and the bad. repel [evil] by that [deed] which is better; and thereupon the one whom between you and him is enmity [will become] as though he was a devoted friend.
HadithṢaḥīḥ — included per the compiler's conditionOn the day of his greatest power, he forgave.
narrated `abdullah:as if i saw the prophet (ﷺ) talking about one of the prophets whose nation had beaten him and caused him to bleed, while he was cleaning the blood off his face and saying, "o allah! forgive my nation, for they have no knowledge
8.Loving Him and Following His Sunnah
'Say: if you love Allah, follow me, and Allah will love you.' None truly believes until the Prophet ﷺ is more beloved to him than his own father, child, and all people — and that love shows in the Sunnah revived.
Qur’ānLoving him is proven by following him.
say, [o muhammad], "if you should love allah, then follow me, [so] allah will love you and forgive you your sins. and allah is forgiving and merciful."
Qur’ānLoving him is proven by following him.
there has certainly come to you a messenger from among yourselves. grievous to him is what you suffer; [he is] concerned over you and to the believers is kind and merciful.
Adab & method
This is a window onto the Prophet ﷺ, not a full sīra — for the events of his life see the dedicated Sīra pages. Every trait here is placed to be imitated, not merely admired: he is described as the beautiful example precisely so that love for him becomes following him. The love these lines aim to kindle is completed only in the Sunnah lived.