The Prophet Muhammad: He ﷺ was a Universal Model

The Prophet ﷺ was a Universal Model

The universality of the Prophet Muhammadﷺ is evident in his role as a model for every individual, in every field of life, and across all generations. His character, actions, and teachings offer timeless guidance, shaping lives and inspiring hearts, regardless of culture, time, or place. His ﷺ constant mindfulness of Allah was central to his being. Mostly he was silent. His speech was thoughtful, measured, and filled with meaning, beginning and ending with the praise of Allah. He avoided unnecessary words, ensuring every utterance carried value. His gentleness shone in his interactions; he was never harsh nor belittling. Even the smallest of blessings was magnified in his eyes, and he refrained from criticizing or expressing discontent.

His humility was unmatched. He never boasted of his achievements nor praised himself. His gestures were deliberate and full of sincerity, his hand movements reflecting the intensity of his words. Though he was deeply passionate about truth and justice, he reserved his anger for matters of principle, not personal affronts. When wronged, he forgave; when angered for the sake of truth, he acted only to restore justice. In joy, he was modest. The Prophet’s ﷺ laughter was a quiet smile, like the light breaking through the clouds. Even in light-hearted moments, his dignity remained, and when he joked, he spoke only the truth. His concern for his community often led him to touch his blessed beard, reflecting his deep thoughtfulness.

When delivering sermons, he was commanding, passionate, and clear, his voice rising as if rallying an army for truth and righteousness. In times of peace, his demeanour softened, leaning on a staff as he spoke wisdom to his followers. Despite participating in many battles, his restraint and mercy remained evident—he took no life with his own hands except in a moment of defence against one who sought to harm him. Through every word, action, and interaction, the Prophet ﷺ embodied a universal standard of virtue, strength, and mercy.

He honoured the noble from every community, recognizing their standing and appointing them as leaders while embodying humility and approachability. His ability to balance respect for people's traditions with unwavering adherence to truth made his leadership universally relevant. He would never turn his back on anyone, constantly seeking to understand their needs and concerns. He ﷺ valued sincerity and compassion, elevating those who embodied these traits. His companions, the best of people, were guided by his example of sincerity and kindness. His profound shyness, more delicate than that of a secluded virgin, reflected his immense humility. Yet, this shyness did not hinder him from taking firm stands for truth and justice, blending strength with gentleness.

He actively partook in life's simplicity and struggles, mending his own clothes, sewing his shoes, and sitting with the poor, whose company others often disdained. He not only sat with them but treated them as equals, erasing distinctions of class and status. The Prophet ﷺ attended to the needs of others personally, visiting the sick, participating in funerals, and answering the calls of his companions with an open heart. His demeanour was so unassuming that a stranger entering a gathering could not distinguish him from his companions. This equality was deliberate, reflecting his belief in the inherent worth of every individual. Even in gatherings, the Prophet ﷺ avoided any privilege. He neither sought a specific place for himself nor allowed others to do so, sitting wherever space allowed. His fairness extended to giving each companion their due attention, making them feel valued and equal. His patience was unparalleled; he listened to people attentively, enduring their questions or complaints until they chose to leave. If someone asked him for something, he would give it if he could, or console them with a kind word if he could not.

When the Prophet ﷺ spoke, his companions would sit in attentive stillness, lowering their heads as if birds rested upon them. They would listen intently, only speaking when he had finished. In turn, he gave them his full attention, listening without interruption until the speaker completed their thoughts. Disputes were absent in his gatherings; instead, they were marked by an air of respect and unity. He shared in their joys and amazement, laughing at what amused them and marvelling at what astonished them. Even when faced with a stranger’s bluntness or rudeness, his patience remained steadfast. He advised, "When you see a needy person seeking help, assist them, and do not seek praise except from the One who deserves it."

The Prophet’s ﷺ demeanour was cheerful, easy-going, and gentle. He was neither rude nor harsh, nor did he ever display arrogance or boastfulness. He avoided what displeased him, choosing instead to overlook faults and maintain optimism. He refrained from three things: showing off, boasting, and meddling in matters that did not concern him. Similarly, he left others with three things: avoiding criticism, refraining from insulting, and speaking only in ways that carried hope for reward and benefit.

His silence was purposeful, driven by patience, caution, consideration, and deep reflection. His caution was evident in his approach to life: taking good examples, avoiding the bad, giving thought to what benefited his community, and guiding them in matters that united their worldly and spiritual lives. His reflection was devoted to contemplating the eternal, aligning his heart and actions with divine wisdom. In embodying patience, nothing provoked him to anger or impulsiveness. His restraint and foresight guided him to lead by example, demonstrating a balance of wisdom and kindness.

He embodied the highest virtues of generosity, truthfulness, gentleness, and trustworthiness. In his dealings with his wives, he was a model of kindness and affection, always smiling and laughing, treating them with the utmost respect. Never did he raise his hand against them, nor against any servant or slave. His behaviour radiated humility and mercy, even in the face of rudeness or aggression from others. When confronted by the harshness of crude Bedouins, he responded with patience and forgiveness. Some would pull his cloak so violently that it left marks, but he would overlook their transgressions, offering beautiful forgiveness. While his companions, ready to defend him, awaited his signal, he never allowed them to retaliate. His clemency was unparalleled; he only became stern when the sanctity of Allah was violated, standing firm in defence of divine principles, never for personal grievances.

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ consistently chose ease over difficulty, provided it did not involve sin or breaking ties of kinship. If faced with a choice that risked either of these, he would steer clear of it. His decisions reflected profound wisdom and compassion, guiding his followers on the path of righteousness with gentleness.

Despite being offered the riches of the world, the Messenger ﷺ chose a life of simplicity. He and his family often endured hunger, rarely eating wheat bread for three consecutive days. His home reflected his choice of a modest life, yet he was unfalteringly generous. When he had something to give, he gave abundantly, fearing no poverty. His generosity was particularly boundless during Ramadan, described as being like a generous wind, spreading blessings everywhere.

His life was marked by immense trials, yet he bore them with unwavering patience. Orphaned as a child, he lost both parents early. Later, the Quraysh subjected him to relentless persecution, mocking and accusing him of sorcery, and ultimately driving him from his homeland. Despite these hardships, his resilience and trust in Allah shone brightly, setting an enduring example for humanity. He endured profound personal losses and immense trials throughout his life, yet he met them with unshakable patience and deep faith. He witnessed the passing of his beloved wife Khadijah, who was his pillar of support and comfort, and his protective uncle Abu Talib, who shielded him from the hostility of Quraysh. He buried his sons, Al-Qasim and Abdullah, in their infancy and, later, his daughters Zainab, Ruqayyah, and Umm Kulthum. His youngest son, Ibrahim, also died in childhood, leaving him grief-stricken in his old age when emotions are most tender. In addition to these losses, the Prophet ﷺ faced the treachery of hypocrites, whose schemes targeted both his community and his household. One of their most painful slanders was the accusation against his wife Aisha, which caused him great anguish. Furthermore, the Jewish tribes of Madinah plotted against him, testing his patience with conspiracies and provocations.

The Messenger of Allah also suffered physically. He endured severe illnesses, including intense migraines, and bore the agonies of death with such visible pain that his family was deeply moved to pity. Yet, through all these hardships, he remained steadfast, meeting his Lord in a state of contentment and acceptance. These experiences made his life a source of solace for every afflicted soul. No trial or grief would befall a believer except that remembering the trials of the Prophet ﷺ would soothe their pain, inspiring them to endure with true emulation of his example.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was a paragon of purity, never succumbing to the vices and excesses of pre-Islamic Arabia. He never drank alcohol, worshiped idols, or engaged in the immorality common in his time. His marriage to Khadijah bint Khuwailid lasted over 25 years, during which he lived with unwavering fidelity, despite being in the prime of his youth in a society where such restraint was rare. His subsequent marriages, all occurring after the age of 50, were devoid of personal lust. They were marked by wisdom and purpose, serving social, political, and communal needs during a time when his days and nights were consumed by establishing and defending the nascent Islamic state. These unions demonstrated his sense of duty and his commitment to the well-being of his community, rather than personal indulgence. He was married to nine women, all of whom were widows except for Aisha bint Abi Bakr.

He ﷺ possessed unparalleled strength of mind, sound judgment, and sharp senses. His physical and mental abilities were balanced with moderation in all his movements and actions. He valued deliberation, taking thoughtful steps in all matters. His demeanour was marked by kindness and good manners, embodying the verse: "And if you had been rude and hard-hearted, they would surely have dispersed from around you" [Al-Imran: 159].

Allah Himself praised his noble character, saying: "And indeed, you are on a great character" [Al-Qalam: 4].

Hassan bin Thabit, the poet of the Prophet ﷺ, beautifully expressed:

"And better than you, no eye has ever seen,
And more beautiful than you, no woman has given birth.
You were created free from all defects,
As if you were created as you wished."

End of the Session

Read Biography of the Messenger of Allah 

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was a Universal Model

The universality of the Prophet Muhammadﷺ is evident in his role as a model for every individual, in every field of life, and across all generations. His character, actions, and teachings offer timeless guidance, shaping lives and inspiring hearts, regardless of culture, time, or place. His ﷺ constant mindfulness of Allah was central to his being. Mostly he was silent. His speech was thoughtful, measured, and filled with meaning, beginning and ending with the praise of Allah. Prophet Muhammad avoided unnecessary words, ensuring every utterance carried value. His gentleness shone in his interactions; he was never harsh nor belittling. Even the smallest of blessings was magnified in his eyes, and he refrained from criticizing or expressing discontent.

His humility was unmatched. Prophet Muhammad never boasted of his achievements nor praised himself. His gestures were deliberate and full of sincerity, his hand movements reflecting the intensity of his words. Though he was deeply passionate about truth and justice, he reserved his anger for matters of principle, not personal affronts. When wronged, he forgave; when angered for the sake of truth, he acted only to restore justice. In joy, he was modest. The Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ laughter was a quiet smile, like the light breaking through the clouds. Even in light-hearted moments, his dignity remained, and when he joked, he spoke only the truth. His concern for his community often led him to touch his blessed beard, reflecting his deep thoughtfulness.

When delivering sermons, he was commanding, passionate, and clear, his voice rising as if rallying an army for truth and righteousness. In times of peace, his demeanour softened, leaning on a staff as he spoke wisdom to his followers. Despite participating in many battles, his restraint and mercy remained evident—he took no life with his own hands except in a moment of defence against one who sought to harm him. Through every word, action, and interaction, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ embodied a universal standard of virtue, strength, and mercy.

Prophet Muhammad honoured the noble from every community, recognizing their standing and appointing them as leaders while embodying humility and approachability. His ability to balance respect for people's traditions with unwavering adherence to truth made his leadership universally relevant. Prophet Muhammad would never turn his back on anyone, constantly seeking to understand their needs and concerns. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ valued sincerity and compassion, elevating those who embodied these traits. His companions, the best of people, were guided by his example of sincerity and kindness. His profound shyness, more delicate than that of a secluded virgin, reflected his immense humility. Yet, this shyness did not hinder him from taking firm stands for truth and justice, blending strength with gentleness.

Prophet Muhammad actively partook in life's simplicity and struggles, mending his own clothes, sewing his shoes, and sitting with the poor, whose company others often disdained. Prophet Muhammad not only sat with them but treated them as equals, erasing distinctions of class and status. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ attended to the needs of others personally, visiting the sick, participating in funerals, and answering the calls of his companions with an open heart. His demeanour was so unassuming that a stranger entering a gathering could not distinguish him from his companions. This equality was deliberate, reflecting his belief in the inherent worth of every individual. Even in gatherings, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ avoided any privilege. Prophet Muhammad neither sought a specific place for himself nor allowed others to do so, sitting wherever space allowed. His fairness extended to giving each companion their due attention, making them feel valued and equal. His patience was unparalleled; he listened to people attentively, enduring their questions or complaints until they chose to leave. If someone asked him for something, he would give it if he could, or console them with a kind word if he could not.

When the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ spoke, his companions would sit in attentive stillness, lowering their heads as if birds rested upon them. They would listen intently, only speaking when he had finished. In turn, he gave them his full attention, listening without interruption until the speaker completed their thoughts. Disputes were absent in his gatherings; instead, they were marked by an air of respect and unity. Prophet Muhammad shared in their joys and amazement, laughing at what amused them and marvelling at what astonished them. Even when faced with a stranger’s bluntness or rudeness, his patience remained steadfast. Prophet Muhammad advised, "When you see a needy person seeking help, assist them, and do not seek praise except from the One who deserves it."

The Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ demeanour was cheerful, easy-going, and gentle. Prophet Muhammad was neither rude nor harsh, nor did he ever display arrogance or boastfulness. Prophet Muhammad avoided what displeased him, choosing instead to overlook faults and maintain optimism. Prophet Muhammad refrained from three things: showing off, boasting, and meddling in matters that did not concern him. Similarly, he left others with three things: avoiding criticism, refraining from insulting, and speaking only in ways that carried hope for reward and benefit.

His silence was purposeful, driven by patience, caution, consideration, and deep reflection. His caution was evident in his approach to life: taking good examples, avoiding the bad, giving thought to what benefited his community, and guiding them in matters that united their worldly and spiritual lives. His reflection was devoted to contemplating the eternal, aligning his heart and actions with divine wisdom. In embodying patience, nothing provoked him to anger or impulsiveness. His restraint and foresight guided him to lead by example, demonstrating a balance of wisdom and kindness.

Prophet Muhammad embodied the highest virtues of generosity, truthfulness, gentleness, and trustworthiness. In his dealings with his wives, he was a model of kindness and affection, always smiling and laughing, treating them with the utmost respect. Never did he raise his hand against them, nor against any servant or slave. His behaviour radiated humility and mercy, even in the face of rudeness or aggression from others. When confronted by the harshness of crude Bedouins, he responded with patience and forgiveness. Some would pull his cloak so violently that it left marks, but he would overlook their transgressions, offering beautiful forgiveness. While his companions, ready to defend him, awaited his signal, he never allowed them to retaliate. His clemency was unparalleled; he only became stern when the sanctity of Allah was violated, standing firm in defence of divine principles, never for personal grievances.

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ consistently chose ease over difficulty, provided it did not involve sin or breaking ties of kinship. If faced with a choice that risked either of these, he would steer clear of it. His decisions reflected profound wisdom and compassion, guiding his followers on the path of righteousness with gentleness.

Despite being offered the riches of the world, the Messenger ﷺ chose a life of simplicity. Prophet Muhammad and his family often endured hunger, rarely eating wheat bread for three consecutive days. His home reflected his choice of a modest life, yet he was unfalteringly generous. When he had something to give, he gave abundantly, fearing no poverty. His generosity was particularly boundless during Ramadan, described as being like a generous wind, spreading blessings everywhere.

His life was marked by immense trials, yet he bore them with unwavering patience. Orphaned as a child, he lost both parents early. Later, the Quraysh subjected him to relentless persecution, mocking and accusing him of sorcery, and ultimately driving him from his homeland. Despite these hardships, his resilience and trust in Allah shone brightly, setting an enduring example for humanity. Prophet Muhammad endured profound personal losses and immense trials throughout his life, yet he met them with unshakable patience and deep faith. Prophet Muhammad witnessed the passing of his beloved wife Khadijah, who was his pillar of support and comfort, and his protective uncle Abu Talib, who shielded him from the hostility of Quraysh. Prophet Muhammad buried his sons, Al-Qasim and Abdullah, in their infancy and, later, his daughters Zainab, Ruqayyah, and Umm Kulthum. His youngest son, Ibrahim, also died in childhood, leaving him grief-stricken in his old age when emotions are most tender. In addition to these losses, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ faced the treachery of hypocrites, whose schemes targeted both his community and his household. One of their most painful slanders was the accusation against his wife Aisha, which caused him great anguish. Furthermore, the Jewish tribes of Madinah plotted against him, testing his patience with conspiracies and provocations.

The Messenger of Allah also suffered physically. Prophet Muhammad endured severe illnesses, including intense migraines, and bore the agonies of death with such visible pain that his family was deeply moved to pity. Yet, through all these hardships, he remained steadfast, meeting his Lord in a state of contentment and acceptance. These experiences made his life a source of solace for every afflicted soul. No trial or grief would befall a believer except that remembering the trials of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would soothe their pain, inspiring them to endure with true emulation of his example.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was a paragon of purity, never succumbing to the vices and excesses of pre-Islamic Arabia. Prophet Muhammad never drank alcohol, worshiped idols, or engaged in the immorality common in his time. His marriage to Khadijah bint Khuwailid lasted over 25 years, during which he lived with unwavering fidelity, despite being in the prime of his youth in a society where such restraint was rare. His subsequent marriages, all occurring after the age of 50, were devoid of personal lust. They were marked by wisdom and purpose, serving social, political, and communal needs during a time when his days and nights were consumed by establishing and defending the nascent Islamic state. These unions demonstrated his sense of duty and his commitment to the well-being of his community, rather than personal indulgence. Prophet Muhammad was married to nine women, all of whom were widows except for Aisha bint Abi Bakr.

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ possessed unparalleled strength of mind, sound judgment, and sharp senses. His physical and mental abilities were balanced with moderation in all his movements and actions. Prophet Muhammad valued deliberation, taking thoughtful steps in all matters. His demeanour was marked by kindness and good manners, embodying the verse: "And if you had been rude and hard-hearted, they would surely have dispersed from around you" [Al-Imran: 159].

Allah Himself praised his noble character, saying: "And indeed, you are on a great character" [Al-Qalam: 4].

Hassan bin Thabit, the poet of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, beautifully expressed:

"And better than you, no eye has ever seen,
And more beautiful than you, no woman has given birth.
You were created free from all defects,
As if you were created as you wished."

The Unique Uniformity Brought by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

The universality of the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ message is profoundly reflected in the remarkable uniformity it brought to the lives of his followers, transcending time, place, and cultural boundaries. From the 7th-century Arabian deserts to the urbanized metropolises of the 21st century, Muslims across continents and ages worship with a striking consistency in their rituals and beliefs. Whether it is the prayer, fasting, zakat, or pilgrimage, these acts of devotion are carried out in the same manner by all Muslims, creating a timeless bond among believers.

Every Muslim, regardless of their era or location, holds the same unwavering belief: in Allah as the one true God, in the angels, in the divine revelations, and in all the Prophet Muhammad ﷺs sent before. Central to this belief is their faith in Muhammad as Allah’s obedient servant, a man among men, His final Messenger, and the Seal of Prophet Muhammad ﷺs. There is no deviation in this core tenet; no one among the millions of Muslims claims him to be divine, a part of God, or a manifestation of God. This unity in faith seamlessly connects the very first believer of his time with the last believer in this age.

The obligatory prayers, observed five times daily, are another testament to this unity. Performed at the same times, in the same number of units (rak‘ahs), and recited with the same verses, every believer begins their prayer with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha, offers the same supplications in Al-Tahiyyat, and concludes with the same salutations of peace. Remarkably, all of this is performed in Arabic—a language that binds the hearts of Muslims universally.

Unlike other ancient languages that may have faded, shifted, or lost their essence, the Arabic of the Quran and Hadith remains untouched by time. Every word spoken by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ or revealed in the Quran retains its original meaning and usage, vibrant and alive as it was 1,400 years ago. This preservation of the Arabic language beautifully strengthens the bond of believers across centuries. It is a language of unity, not merely spoken but deeply felt, as seen when even young children, yet to master their own mother tongues, recite verses from the Quran or sing Arabic lines of the Burda in lands far removed from Arabia. The scenes of this linguistic and spiritual connection are a living testament to the universal rope that holds the Muslim community together, generation after generation.

The enduring existence and widespread use of the Arabic language, preserved in its original form over the course of centuries, is a profound testament to the beauty of Islam. Unlike other languages from the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ time, many of which have either faded into obscurity or disappeared entirely, Arabic remains vibrant, relevant, and central to the lives of Muslims around the world. Consider the fate of other languages across history. The English of Shakespeare or Milton, written a mere four centuries ago, requires translation or annotation for modern readers to fully comprehend. Even within the same language, the evolution of vocabulary, syntax, and usage creates a gap that makes direct understanding difficult. This phenomenon is far more pronounced in languages that were spoken a thousand years ago, such as those of indigenous peoples in Australia or the Americas. Many of these languages have either vanished or exist only in fragmented forms, preserved in cultural artefacts or reconstructed by scholars.

Now contrast this with Arabic, the language of the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Every word, every phrase, and every idiom from that era is as accessible today as it was then. None of its vocabulary has become archaic or obsolete; the same words spoken in the deserts of Arabia 1,400 years ago are recited daily by millions of Muslims in their prayers, studies, and acts of devotion. This unparalleled linguistic continuity is not just a historical anomaly—it is a symbol of the unifying power of Islam. Arabic, as the language of revelation, transcends geographical and temporal boundaries. It is spoken and understood in the same way by Muslims from diverse backgrounds, whether in Indonesia, Turkey, Nigeria, or America.

The Hajj, the sacred pilgrimage, is a striking symbol of the unity and universality brought by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. It is a gathering like no other—a profound manifestation of the brotherhood and equality that Islam embodies. Every believer, regardless of their race, nationality, or social status, journeys to the same centre, the Kaaba in Makkah, during the same month of Dhul-Hijjah. On the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah, millions gather at the plain of Arafah, a sea of humanity bound together by faith, all proclaiming in unison the same talbiyah: "Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik". One voice, one language, one purpose—this is the extraordinary unity that Hajj exemplifies. Every ritual of Hajj reinforces this unity. Pilgrims walk between the hills of Safa and Marwa, retracing the steps of Hajar, the mother of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ Ismail, in her search for water. They circumambulate the Kaaba, moving in the same direction, their hearts turned toward the One God. This unity in worship transcends time and space, bringing together believers from every corner of the earth, just as it has for centuries.

Similarly, across the globe, every Muslim begins their fast at dawn after partaking in suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and abstains from food, drink, and other physical needs until sunset. The fast is broken with iftar at the call of the Maghrib adhan, with no variations in the time or rules. No region allows exceptions, no era permits deviations. The fasting is the same, whether in the heat of an Arabian desert or the chill of a Scandinavian spring. There is no concession for drinking water during the day or for fasting at night instead of the day. The worship remains beautifully consistent, underscoring the universal equality and discipline that Islam instils. The Quran, too, remains the same. From the time of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to this very day, not a single letter has changed. The words recited in prayer by Muslims today are identical to those revealed over 1,400 years ago. Every believer offers the same prayer, in the same language, with the same supplications.

This harmony of worship paints a stunning picture of unity and brotherhood. It is a bond that transcends geographical, cultural, and historical divides. It connects a 7th-century believer standing at Arafah with a 21st-century pilgrim performing the same rites. It binds together fasting Muslims in Indonesia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. It unites hearts, languages, and practices, presenting to the world a breath-taking model of oneness. The Prophet Muhammadﷺ gifted this world with a vision of true unity—one that transcends boundaries of time and space, embracing all of humanity in a shared purpose of worship and devotion. Prophet Muhammad established a universal brotherhood that is as vibrant and powerful today as it was in his time. This is the beauty of Islam, and this is the legacy of its Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

The messages of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ are timeless, transcending the boundaries of era, geography, and circumstance. His teachings resonate with humanity’s core principles, offering solutions that remain as relevant today as they were over 1,400 years ago. Prophet Muhammad addressed the universal human condition, emphasizing justice, compassion, and equity in ways that continue to inspire and guide individuals and societies. His ﷺ vision of a society founded on equality, moral accountability, and collective responsibility provides a framework that can heal the fractures of modern times. His principles of economic justice, social welfare, and universal brotherhood are not confined to the past but are enduring truths that can illuminate the path forward for a world plagued by inequality and discord. His ﷺ teachings are a beacon, reminding us that true progress lies in aligning our lives with values that transcend fleeting trends, uniting hearts, and uplifting the human spirit for generations to come.