The Humility and Modesty of the Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him and his family)

The Humility and Modesty of the Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him and his family)

— Shaykh Muhammad Baqir al‑Majlisi (from Bihar al‑Anwar, vol. 16)

Regarding his humility and modesty:

Anas ibn Malik said: The Messenger of God (peace be upon him) used to visit the sick, attend funerals, accept the invitation of a slave, and ride a donkey. On the days of Khaybar, Qurayzah, and al‑Nadir he rode a donkey whose bridle was made of palm fiber, with a saddle of the same material.

Anas ibn Malik also said: No person was more beloved to them than the Messenger of God. Yet when they saw him they would not stand up for him, because they knew he disliked that.

Ibn Abbas said: The Messenger of God used to sit on the ground, eat on the ground, tie up the sheep, and accept the invitation of a slave.

Anas ibn Malik said: The Messenger of God passed by some children and greeted them while he was walking quickly.

Asma’ bint Yazid reported that the Prophet passed by some women and greeted them.

Ibn Mas‘ud said: A man came to speak with the Prophet and began trembling. The Prophet said to him: “Calm yourself. I am not a king; I am only the son of a woman who used to eat dried meat.”

Abu Dharr said: The Messenger of God used to sit among his companions so that a stranger who came could not distinguish him from the others until he asked. So we requested the Prophet to designate a place for him so that strangers could recognize him when they came. We then built for him a small clay platform on which he would sit, while we sat on either side of him.

Aisha was asked what the Prophet did when he was alone at home. She replied: “He would sew his clothes, repair his sandals, and do what a man does in serving his family.”

It is also reported from her that sewing was among the activities the Messenger of God loved to do.

Anas ibn Malik said: I served the Prophet for nine years, and I never recall him saying to me, “Why did you not do such‑and‑such?” Nor did he ever criticize me for anything.

Anas also said: I accompanied the Messenger of God for ten years. I smelled all kinds of perfume, yet I never smelled a fragrance more pleasant than his. When one of his companions met him, he would stand with him and would not leave until the other person left first. If someone took his hand, he would not withdraw it until the other person released it first. He never stretched his knees out in front of someone sitting with him, and no one sat with the Messenger of God and then stood up until the Prophet himself stood.

Anas reported that a Bedouin once caught the Prophet by his cloak and pulled it so harshly that the edge of the cloak left a mark on the side of the Prophet’s neck. Then the man said: “O Muhammad, order that I be given from the wealth of God that you possess.” The Messenger of God turned to him, smiled, and ordered that something be given to him.

Abu Sa‘id al‑Khudri said: The Messenger of God was very modest; whenever he was asked for something, he would give it.

He also said: The Messenger of God was more modest than a secluded virgin girl. If he disliked something, it would be recognized from his face.

Ibn Mas‘ud reported that the Messenger of God said:

“Let none of you convey to me anything about my companions that would cause resentment, for I like to come out to you with a heart free of ill feeling.”

On his generosity:

The Commander of the Faithful, Ali ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon him), said: The Messenger of God was the most generous of people, the noblest in companionship. Whoever associated with him and came to know him loved him.

In the Book of Prophethood, Ibn Abbas reported that the Prophet said:

“I am taught by God, and Ali is taught by me. My Lord commanded me to be generous and righteous and forbade me from miserliness and harshness. Nothing is more hateful to God than miserliness and bad character; it spoils deeds just as vinegar spoils honey.”

In another narration from Imam Ali, when he described the Messenger of God he said:

“He was the most generous of people, the bravest in heart, the most truthful in speech, the most faithful in keeping promises, the gentlest in character, and the most honorable in companionship. Whoever saw him suddenly felt awe of him, and whoever associated with him came to love him. I have never seen anyone like him before or after him.”

Ibn Umar said: I have never seen anyone more generous, more courageous, braver, or purer than the Messenger of God.

Jabir ibn Abdullah said: Whenever the Messenger of God was asked for something, he never said “no.”

Ibn Abbas reported that the Muslims used not to look toward Abu Sufyan nor sit with him. He said: “O Messenger of God, grant me three things.” The Prophet said: “Yes.” He said: “I have the most beautiful woman among the Arabs, Umm Habiba; I will marry her to you.” The Prophet said: “Yes.” He said: “And make Mu‘awiya a scribe before you.” The Prophet said: “Yes.” He said: “And command me so that I may fight the unbelievers just as I fought the Muslims.” The Prophet said: “Yes.” Ibn Zamil said: Had he not asked the Prophet, he would not have been given these things, for the Prophet was never asked for anything but that he said “yes.”

It is also reported from Umar that a man came to the Prophet asking for help. The Prophet said: “I have nothing now, but buy on my account, and when something comes to us we will repay it.” Umar said: “O Messenger of God, God has not obligated you with what you cannot do.” The Prophet disliked that remark. Then the man said: “Spend and do not fear poverty from the Lord of the Throne.” The Prophet smiled, and joy was seen on his face.

(Quoted from Bihar al‑Anwar, vol. 16)