Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was the perfect example for humanity. His life serves as a divine guide in every aspect. The Sunnah of the Prophet encompasses not only acts of worship but all areas of life, providing a roadmap to happiness both in this world and in the hereafter. His love, mercy, kindness to animals, and diligence make his Sunnah even more meaningful.
Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was a model of love and mercy for all humanity. His compassion was not limited to his family or companions; it extended to women, children, the elderly, animals, and even his enemies.
The Prophet (PBUH) was extremely loving and kind to his family. One day, as he kissed his grandson Hasan, a man expressed surprise, saying:
"I have ten children and have never kissed any of them."
The Prophet (PBUH) responded with sadness:
"He who does not show mercy will not be shown mercy."
This illustrates how he placed love and compassion at the heart of family life and encouraged others to do the same.
The Prophet (PBUH) showed immense kindness to children. Once, while in prayer, his grandsons Hasan and Husayn climbed on his back. Instead of rushing, he prolonged his prostration and later explained:
"My grandsons climbed on my back, and I did not want to disturb them."
On another occasion, hearing a baby cry during prayer, he shortened the prayer and explained:
"I did not want to cause distress to the child’s mother."
Such examples demonstrate how his mercy extended to even the smallest members of society.
The Prophet (PBUH) loved and cared for animals. Once, he saw a camel crying and approached it tenderly. Upon realizing it was overburdened by its owner, he immediately instructed the owner:
"This camel has complained to me. Do not overwork it or burden it beyond its capacity."
Another time, when someone removed chicks from a bird’s nest, the mother bird became distressed. The Prophet (PBUH) instructed:
"Who has caused this bird such grief? Return her chicks to her at once."
These acts reflect his profound understanding of the value of all living beings.
The Prophet (PBUH) always showed great respect for the elderly and compassion for the weak. On one occasion, he carried an elderly woman’s belongings while walking with her. She later discovered that her kind helper was none other than the Prophet himself, and her admiration for him grew immensely. He taught:
"He is not one of us who does not show mercy to our young and respect to our elders."
During the conquest of Mecca, despite years of persecution and hardship caused by his enemies, the Prophet (PBUH) showed remarkable forgiveness. When asked if he would punish those who had wronged him, he said:
"Today, there is no blame upon you. May Allah forgive you."
This historic act of mercy highlights his unparalleled capacity for forgiveness and compassion, even toward those who opposed him.
The Prophet (PBUH) always visited the sick and offered comfort and prayers for their recovery. Even when a Jewish neighbor who had opposed him fell ill, he visited the man and showed him kindness. These acts of mercy extended to all people, showing the universal nature of his compassion.
The Prophet (PBUH) strictly forbade unnecessary harm, even during times of conflict. He said:
"The killing of one innocent person is like killing all of humanity."
This statement reflects his profound sense of justice and his emphasis on the sanctity of life.
The Prophet (PBUH) emphasized the importance of hard work and managing time effectively. He said that mornings are blessed and encouraged people not to delay their tasks. His life was a model of balance, as he managed his worship, family responsibilities, and social duties with harmony.
One companion observed:
"He never wasted a single moment."
The Prophet personally participated in labor, setting an example for others. During the Battle of the Trench, he actively dug alongside his companions, proving his leadership was rooted in solidarity with the people, not in standing apart from them.
To follow the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH), we must strive to understand his life deeply. Here are some practical steps:
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was the pinnacle of both humanity and prophethood. He was a leader who won hearts, a compassionate husband and father, and a merciful guide to his community. Throughout his life, he considered serving others a duty, never displaying arrogance or pride. He made life easier for those around him, not harder.
To explore more about the life, love, and magnificent character of our Prophet (PBUH), delve into his biography (Seerah). Understanding his life is the key to applying his Sunnah in our daily routines. Loving him starts with knowing him, and knowing him leads to following his example. May Allah help us walk in his blessed footsteps. 🌟
