The life of Prophet Muhammad PBUH is marked by profound humility, simplicity, and austerity, as evident from various sources, including the Holy Quran and numerous Hadiths.
Raised in a poor and humble family, he spent his early years as an orphan, under the care of his grandfather and later his uncle.
This article explores the Prophet Muhammad’s PBUH family background, his austere lifestyle and unwavering commitment to humility, shedding light on his character, actions, and the challenges he faced.
Family Background of Prophet Muhammad PBUH
To begin with, one can easily discern from the Holy Quran, several Hadiths, and other Islamic literature that Prophet Muhammad PBUH came from a poor and humble family background, and most of the time he led an austere and ascetic life.
He was born into the Hashim clan of the Quraysh tribe in Mecca. His father, Abdullah, passed away before his birth, and his mother, Amina, also died when he was only six years old, thus leaving him orphaned.
Following the death of his mother, Prophet Muhammad PBUH was raised first by his grandfather, Abd al-Muttalib, and later by his uncle, Abu Talib (may Allah bless them all).
These early years in a humble and supportive family environment played a crucial role in shaping his character and values.
Despite the lack of material wealth, Prophet Muhammad PBUH was enriched with principles of compassion, integrity, and empathy, which he carried throughout his prophethood.
His family’s background of modest means serves as a testament to the importance of character and morality over material possessions in his life and teachings.
Poverty of Prophet Muhammad PBUH
There are hundreds of hadiths that show that the Prophet (PBUH) led a life of poverty and austerity.
Umar ibn al-Khattab (r) reported: “I visited Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him), and he was lying on a mat. I sat down and he drew up his lower garment over him and he had nothing (else) over him, and that the mat had left its marks on his sides. I looked with my eyes in the storeroom of Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him). I found only a handful of barley and an equal quantity of the leaves of Mimosa Flava and a semi-tanned leather bag hanging (in one side), and I was moved to tears (on seeing this extremely austere living of the Holy Prophet), and he said: Ibn Khattab, what wakes you weep? I said: Apostle of Allah, why should I not shed tears? This mat has left its marks on your sides and I do not see in your storeroom (except these few things) that I have seen; Caesars (Roman Emperors) and Khosrows (Persian Emperors) are leading their lives in plenty whereas you are Allah’s Messenger. His chosen one, and that is your store! He said: Ibn Khattab, aren’t you satisfied that for us (there should be the prosperity) of the Hereafter, and for them (there should be the prosperity of) this world? I said: Yes.” Sahih Muslim Book 9, Number 3507
Narrated ‘Aisha (wife of Prophet): A complete month would pass by during which we would not make a fire (for cookinIg), and our food used to be only dates and water unless we were given a present of some meat. Sahih Bukhari Volume 8, Book 76, Number 465
Narrated ‘Amir bin Al-Harith: Allah’s Apostle (Prophet Muhammad) did not leave a Dinar or a Dirham or a male or a female slave. He left only his white mule on which he used to ride, and his weapons, and a piece of land which he gave in charity for the needy travelers. Sahih Bukhari Volume 5, Book 59, Number 738
Narrated Anas: Allah’s Apostle was neither very tall nor short, neither absolutely white nor deep brown. His hair was neither curly nor lank. Allah sent him (as an Apostle) when he was forty years old. Afterward, he resided in Mecca for ten years and in Medina for ten more years. When Allah took him unto Him, there were scarcely twenty white hairs in his head and beard. Sahih Bukhari, Volume 4, Book 56, Number 748
Narrated Anas: The Prophet (ﷺ) did not eat at a table till he died, and he did not eat a thin nicely baked wheat bread till he died. Sahih al-Bukhari 6450
Narrated Abu Huraira: The family of Muhammad did not eat their fill for three successive days till he died. Sahih al-Bukhari 5374
It was narrated that Anas said: “I never saw the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) eat from a dish until he died.” Sunan Ibn Majah 3293
Narrated Anas: To the best of my knowledge, the Prophet (ﷺ) did not take his meals in a big tray at all, nor did he ever eat well-baked thin bread, nor did he ever eat at a dining table. Sahih al-Bukhari 5386
Simplicity and Austerity of Prophet PBUH
Even when he presided over an Islamic authority in Madinah by the grace of Allah s.w.t., he steered away from all aspects of affluence and extravagance, and yet diligently performed all his duties towards his family, society, and nation.
It has been recorded in several hadiths that if some wealth came to his possession in the morning, by sunset he would distribute them amongst the needy. He lived in a house made of mud and straws and prayed in a sheepfold. The first mosque that he got constructed in Madina was made of mud and straws.
Sahih Bukhari, Volume 1, Book 8, Number 421- Narrated Abu Al-Taiyah: Anas said- ‘Prophet Muhammad prayed in the sheepfold, Later on, I heard him saying, “He prayed in the sheepfolds before the construction of the mosque.”
Sahih Bukhari, Volume 1, Book 8, Number 437- Narrated ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar- ‘In the lifetime of Allah’s Apostle the mosque was built of adobes (clay), its roof of the leaves of date palms and its pillars of the stems of date-palms. Abu Bakr did not alter it. ‘Umar expanded it on the same pattern as it was in the lifetime of Allah’s Apostle by using adobes, leaves of date palms, and changing the pillars into wooden ones. ‘Uthman changed it by expanding it to a great extent and built its walls with engraved stones and lime and made its pillars of engraved stones and its roof of teak wood.
Grazing Sheep and Camels
In his childhood, he grazed sheep and camels as a shepherd, and in his youth, he did not shy away from manual labor. He proudly praised the meal earned by manual labor and hard work as the best meal as can be observed from the Hadith below.
Sahih al-Bukhari 2262 Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Allah did not send any prophet but shepherded sheep.” His companions asked him, “Did you do the same?” The Prophet (ﷺ) replied, “Yes, I used to shepherd the sheep of the people of Mecca for some Qirats.”
‘Abda ibn Hazn said, “The people of camels and the people of sheep vied with one another for glory. The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, ‘Musa was sent, and he was a shepherd. Da’ud was sent, and he was a shepherd. I was sent, and I used to herd sheep for my people at Ajyad.‘” Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 577
Sahih Bukhari Volume 3, Book 34, Number 286: Narrated Al-Miqdam: The Prophet said, “Nobody has ever eaten a better meal than that which one has earned by working with one’s own hands. The Prophet of Allah, David used to eat from the earnings of his manual labor.”
Most companions of Prophet (s) also came from humble backgrounds and engaged in manual labor for sustenance. Some of them later became rich though with their hard work and with the blessings of Allah as can be ascertained from the hadith below-
Sahih al-Bukhari 2071 Narrated Aisha: The companions of Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) used to practice manual labor, so their sweat used to smell, and they were advised to take a bath.
Sahih al-Bukhari 2273 Narrated Abu May’ id Al-Ansari: Whenever Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) ordered us to give in charity we would go to the market and work as porters to earn a Mudd (two handfuls) (of foodstuff) but now some of us have one-hundred thousand Dirhams or Diners. (The sub-narrator) Shaqiq said, “I think Abu Masud meant himself by saying (some of us).
Further, as per Islamic injunctions, the wages are an earned right, not a charity. In a well-documented hadith, the Prophet (s) stated to pay the worker his dues before his sweat has dried up.
Sunan Ibn Majah Vol. 3, Book 16, Hadith 2443: It was narrated from ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar that the Messenger of Allah (s) said: “Give the worker his wages before his sweat dries”
Marriage with Khadija RA
The marriage of Prophet Muhammad to Khadija, one of the most remarkable women of her time, is a testament to the deep love, respect, and mutual admiration that defined their relationship.
Khadija RA, a wealthy and successful businesswoman, was fifteen years older than Muhammad PBUH and twice widowed when they married.
In his early 20s, Prophet PBUH got some clerical work in the household of an influential businesswoman named Khadija RA who also happened to be a widow. Taking advantage of her condition, her employees often embezzled the gains of her businesses.
So when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) worked honestly for her, she was impressed and sent a proposal of marriage to his uncle to marry his nephew. She was fifteen years older than Muhammad PBUH and twice widowed.
Thus, her proposal to him, based on his reputation for honesty and trustworthiness, exemplified her strong character.
His uncle Abu Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) agreed to this union after consulting Prophet and other leading clansmen of his tribe.
This union was by all counts a happy marriage and was marked by a profound emotional connection and support, and it brought stability to Muhammad’s life PBUH.
Bibi Khadija RA provided him with love, understanding, and material comfort, enabling him to focus on his spiritual journey and prophetic mission.
Their marriage endured for twenty-five years and was blessed with several children including Hazrat Fatima RA.
When Prophet Muhammad PBUH was informed of his prophethood while meditating in a cave named Hira, he trembled with fear. When he told this incident to Bibi Khadija RA, she consoled him and said- “Allah (God) will never disgrace you. You unite uterine relations; you bear the burden of the weak; you help the poor and the needy, you Honour your guests and endure hardships in the path of truthfulness.”
Khadija’s unwavering support, both emotional and financial, played a significant role in the early days of Islam, making her a symbol of strength, devotion, and the importance of partnerships built on mutual respect and trust in the life of the Prophet.
When he was Abused, Mocked and Humiliated
When he started preaching the message of Allah, people made fun of him. His own tribe turned against him and he was mercilessly abused, mocked and humiliated.
There are narrations that when he used to pass through a street, many would spit on him and many would pour trash from above.
And when he prayed near the Kaba, some mischievous people would place dung, blood, and the abdominal contents of dead animals around his neck.
Narrated Amar ibn Maimuin- ‘Abdullah bin Masud said, While Allah’s Apostle was praying beside the Kaba, there were some Quraish people sitting in a gathering. One of them said, ‘Don’t you see this (who does deeds just to show off)? Who amongst you can go and bring the dung, blood, and the abdominal contents (intestines, etc) of the slaughtered camels of the family of so and so and then wait till he prostrates and put that in between his shoulders?’ The most unfortunate amongst them went and when Allah’s Apostle prostrated, he put them between his shoulders. The Prophet remained in prostration and they laughed so much so that they fell on each other.’ Sahih Bukhari, Volume 1, Book 9, Number 499
But when all this could not stop Islam from expanding in leaps and bounds with the grace of Allah s.w.t., rich Arabs started threatening him and even made several attempts on his life and on the lives of his followers.
His followers were generally poor people like him and they faced a severe socio-economic boycott from all sides.
The Holy Quran also contains verses on the humiliation and insult of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) at the hands of powerful elites of Mecca.
See ˹O Prophet˺ how they call you names! So they have gone so ˹far˺ astray that they cannot find the ˹Right˺ Way. Holy Quran 25:9
And they say ˹mockingly˺, “What kind of messenger is this who eats food and goes about in market-places ˹for a living˺? If only an angel had been sent down with him to be his co-warner, or (why is not) treasure thrown down unto him, or why hath he not a paradise from whence to eat? And the evil-doers say: Ye are but following a man bewitched. (Holy Quran 25:7-8)
We never sent any messenger before you ˹O Prophet˺, who did not eat food and go about in market-places. We have made some of you a trial for others. Will you ˹not then˺ be patient? And your Lord is All-Seeing. Holy Quran 25:20
Their Arguments against Prophet and Quran
The Powerful disbelievers and idol worshippers of Mecca often mocked Holy Quran and called it only a wishful thinking Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The disbelievers say, “This ˹Quran˺ is nothing but a fabrication which he made up with the help of others.” Their claim is totally unjustified and untrue! (Holy Quran 25:4)
And they say, “˹These revelations are only˺ ancient fables which he has had written down, and they are rehearsed to him morning and evening.” (Holy Quran 25:5)
Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “This ˹Quran˺ has been revealed by the One Who knows the secrets of the heavens and the earth. Surely He is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” Holy Quran 25:6
The Messenger has cried, “O my Lord! My people have indeed received this Quran with neglect.” Similarly, We made enemies for every prophet from among the wicked, but sufficient is your Lord as a Guide and Helper. Holy Quran 25:30-31
They have certainly denied ˹the truth˺, so they will soon face the consequences of their ridicule. Holy Quran 26:6
Migration to Medina
When the situation became out of control, Prophet (PBUH) left Mecca and migrated to Medina to safeguard the lives & interests of his persecuted followers.
The people of Medina were generous and they not only welcomed him to their city but also converted to Islam en-masse.
Meccans did not let him live in peace even there and tried to raid Medina. They attacked Medina and its business caravans several times until they were finally defeated in a war.
The companions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would often weep at his poverty and austere lifestyle. Commenting on the persona of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Ali Eteraz writes-
“That you could lose your parents within your first eight years and still become a man; that you could lose your family and their protection and still become a leader; that you could lose numerous sons at that age in which children are the most innocent and still be compassionate;
“That you could have stones thrown at your head till pools of blood accumulated in your shoes and still not give in to vengeance; that you could have your uncle impaled upon spears and his heart literally eaten and still forgive the killers;
“That you could sleep on mats of hay and still be regal; that you could be so lonely that rather than sitting in the city circles you had to withdraw to caves and yet still come down with a book like the Quran; in this survival, no, affirmation of life, is a miracle that underlies Islam.
Indeed, he was a prophet adorned in simplicity and austerity. He was untouched by the slightest of hubris, and yet Quran reminded him repeatedly that he is but a plain Warner, probably for the sake of abundant caution.
Al-Quran 46:9 Say [O Muhammad], ‘I am not the first of God’s messengers, and I do not know what will be done with me or with you: I do not follow anything but what is revealed to me, and I am merely a plain Warner.’
Al-Quran 42:27 And if Allah had extended [excessively] provision for His servants, they would have committed tyranny throughout the earth. But He sends [it] down in an amount which He wills. Indeed He is, of His servants, Acquainted and Seeing.
A Religion with Subaltern Roots
It can be seen all over the world, that most of the world religions as they exist today have been the product of rich persons from influential backgrounds. Even if they had a humble beginning, they had been monopolized and patronized by elite rulers and classes.
In several cultures/civilizations like those of the Jews and Brahmins, there was and still is the firm belief that amongst all human beings only they are the people chosen by God to preside over the affairs of religion and matters connected thereto.
So it was natural for people with such thinking to object get irked when a simple and poor person like Muhammad (s) declared himself not only the messenger of God but also the last and final one to receive direct revelations from the Almighty (in form of Quran) and to convey it to all Humankind. Holy Quran elaborately responds to such objections and queries.
Al-Quran 43:31-32 They said, ‘Why was this Quran not sent down to one of the great men of the two cities?’ Is it they who apportion the mercy of your Lord? It is We who distribute among them their livelihood in the life of this world, and raise some of them above others in rank, so that they may take one another into service; and the mercy of your Lord is better than [the wealth] which they amass.
Al-Quran 3:73-74 Say to them, ‘Surely, the true guidance is the guidance from God.’ [But you think it is impossible that] someone else may be granted [revelation] such as you were granted or else that they should contend against you before your Lord. Say, All grace is in the hands of God; He grants it to whom He wills: for God is boundless, and all-knowing, He singles out for His mercy whomever He pleases. God is the Lord of exceeding bounty.
He did not Eat from Charity
Mishkat al-Masabih 1824 Abu Huraira said that when God’s messenger was brought food he asked whether it was a present or sadaqa and if he was informed that it was sadaqa he told his companions to eat, but did not eat himself; if however he was informed that it was a present he put in his hand and ate along with them. (Bukhari and Muslim.)
Jami` at-Tirmidhi 656 Bahz bin Hakim narrated from his father, from his grandfather who said: “When something was brought to him, the Messenger of Allah would ask: ‘Is this charity or a gift?’ If they said: ‘Charity.’ He would not eat it, and if they said, ‘A gift’ he would eat it.”
“Narrated Anas (RA): “Some goods came to Allah’s Apostle from Bahrain. The Prophet ordered the people to spread them in the mosque. It was the biggest amount of goods Allah’s Apostle had ever received. He left for prayer and did not even look at it. After finishing the prayer, he sat by those goods and gave those to everybody he saw. Al-Abbas came to him and said, “Oh Allah’s Apostle! Give me (something) too, because I gave ransom for myself and Aqil. Allah’s Apostle told him to take. So he stuffed his garment with it and tried to carry it away but he failed to do so. He said, “Oh Allah’s Apostle! Order someone to help me in lifting it.” The Prophet refused. He then said to the Prophet: Will you please help me to lift it?” Allah’s Apostle refused. Then Al-Abbas threw some of it and tried to lift it (but failed). He again said, “Oh Allah’s Apostle Order someone to help me to lift it.” He refused. Al-Abbas then said to the Prophet: “Will you please help me to lift it?” He again refused. Then Al-Abbas threw some of it, and lifted it on his shoulders, and went away. Allah’s Apostle kept on watching him till he disappeared from his sight and was astonished at his greediness. Allah’s Apostle did not get up until the last coin was distributed.” (Sahih Bukhari, Volume 1, Book 8, Number 413)
Anger and Hatred against Prophet PBUH
What compounded the anger of the self-declared patrons and priests of religions in those times was the fact that Muhammad (s) was delivering the message of Allah to humankind free of cost.
Unlike Priests, Popes and Pandits, he was not charging any money or tax for these exalting, egalitarian, and empowering messages for humankind.
In return, he was only asking the recipients to be good to one another especially to their kith and kind, and to do good deeds.
And, all this he not only preached but also diligently observed and practiced in his day-to-day life as can be observed from the Hadith quoted below.
Even today Islamophobia seems to have this class connection because Muhammad disrupted the commodification of religion by the elite classes.
Al-Quran 42:23 It is that of which Allah gives good tidings to His servants who believe and do righteous deeds. Say, [O Muhammad], “I do not ask you for this message any payment but only goodwill through kinship.” And whoever commits a good deed – We will increase for him good therein. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Appreciative.
Sahih Bukhari Volume 8, Book 73, Number 65: Narrated Al-Aswad: I asked ‘Aisha what did the Prophet use to do at home. She replied. “He used to keep himself busy serving his family and when it was time for the prayer, he would get up for prayer.”
Sahih Bukhari, Volume 1, Book 8, Number 432- Narrated Sahl ibn Sa’d- Allah’s Apostle went to Fatima’s house but did not find ‘Ali there. So he asked-Where is your cousin? She replied-There was something between us and he got angry with me and went out. He did not sleep (mid-day nap) in the house. Allah’s Apostle asked a person to look for him. That person came and said- O Allah’s Apostle! He (Ali) is sleeping in the mosque. Allah’s Apostle went there and ‘Ali was lying. His upper body cover had fallen down to one side of his body and he was covered with dust. Allah’s Apostle started cleaning the dust from him saying-Get up! O Abu Turab. Get up! O Aba Turab (literally means: O father of dust).
Sahih Bukhari Volume 1, Book 4, Number 223: Narrated Um Qais bint Mihsin: I brought my young son, who had not started eating (ordinary food) to Allah’s Apostle who took him and made him sit in his lap. The child urinated on the garment of the Prophet, so he asked for water and poured it over the soiled (area) and did not wash it.
Manners and Character of Prophet
Despite being raised in an environment full of poverty and deprivation, the Prophet (PBUH) was excellent in manners and character as can be observed from the Hadiths quoted below.
Once he was offered some wine and milk, he immediately chose the milk and not the wine.
Also, he never spoke ill of any food presented to him. He would humbly eat it without complaining. And when he spoke, he did so clearly and gracefully.
Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 6, Book 60, Number 232: Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Apostle was presented with two cups one containing wine and the other milk on the night of his night journey at Jerusalem. He looked at it and took the milk. Gabriel said, “Thanks to Allah Who guided you to the Fitra (i.e. Islam); if you had taken the wine, your followers would have gone astray.
Sahih Bukhari, Volume 4, Book 56, Number 764: Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet never criticized any food (presented him), but he would eat it if he liked it; otherwise, he would leave it (without expressing his dislike).
Sahih Bukhari, Volume 4, Book 56, Number 768: Narrated ‘Aisha: The Prophet used to talk so clearly that if somebody wanted to count the number of his words, he could do so. Narrated Urwa bin Az-Zubair: ‘Aisha said (to me), “Don’t you wonder at Abu so-and-so who came and sat by my dwelling and started relating the traditions of Allah’s Apostle intending to let me hear that, while I was performing an optional prayer. He left before I finished my optional prayer. Had I found him still there. I would have said to him, ‘Allah’s Apostle never talked so quickly and vaguely as you do.”
Abu Mas’ud ‘Uqba reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “Part of what people have learned from the words of prophethood is the statement: ‘If you do not feel ashamed, do whatever you like.” Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 597
Abu Sa’id said, “The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, had more modesty than a virgin in her tent. When he disliked something, that could be seen in his face.” Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 599
Narrated Al-Abbas bin Abdul-Muttalib: that he heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: “Whoever is pleased with Allah as (his) Lord, and Islam as (his) religion, and Muhammad as (his) Prophet, then he has tasted the sweetness of faith.” Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2623
What Prophet did in his daily life?
Al-Aswad said, “I asked ‘A’isha, may Allah be pleased with her, ‘What did the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, do when he was with his family?’ She replied, ‘He would do chores for his family, and when it was time for the prayer, he would go out.'” Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 538
Hisham ibn ‘Urwa said that his father said, “I asked ‘A’isha, may Allah be pleased with her, ‘What did the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, do in his house?’ She replied, ‘He mended his sandals and worked as any man works in his house.‘” Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 539
Hisham said, “I asked ‘A’isha, ‘What did the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, do in his house?’ She replied, ‘He did what one of you would do in his house. He mended sandals and patched garments and sewed.” Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 540
Amra reported that ‘A’isha was asked, “What did the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, do in his house?” She replied, “He was a man like other men. He removed the fleas from his garment and milked his sheep“. Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 541
When Prophet was accused of undermining Elites and elevating Shepherds
‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr said, “We were sitting with the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, when a bedouin man wearing a robe with a border approached him until he stood before the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. He said, ‘Your companion has debased every horseman and elevates every shepherd.‘ The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, took hold of the folds of his robe and said, ‘I see that you are wearing the clothes of someone who is without intelligence.’ Then he went on, ‘When the Prophet Nuh, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, he told his son, “I will give you some instructions. I command you to things and I forbid you two things. I command you to say, ‘There is no god but Allah.’ If the seven heavens and the seven earths were a dark ring, they would be cut by ‘There is no god but Allah’ and ‘Glory be to Allah and by His praise.’ It is the prayer of every thing and by it everything has its provision. And I forbid you to associate others with and Allah and to be proud.’ Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 548
‘Abda ibn Hazn said, “The people of camels and the people of sheep vied with one another for glory. The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, ‘Musa was sent, and he was a shepherd. Da’ud was sent, and he was a shepherd. I was sent, and I used to herd sheep for my people at Ajyad.‘” Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 577
Abu Hurayra reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “Someone who eats with his servant, rides a donkey in the markets, and ties up his sheep and milks it is not proud.” Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 550
‘Amr ibn Shu’ayb reported via his father that his grandfather related that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “On the Day of Rising, the proud will be gathered like specks in the form of men. Abasement will envelop them on every side. They will be driven to a prison in Jahannam called Bulas. The hottest of fires will rise over them. They will have to drink the pus of the people of the Fire, the foul fluid that their skins excrete.” Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 557
‘Ali reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “One sheep in a house is a blessing, two sheep are two blessings and more sheep are all blessings. Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 573
Abu Hurayra reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “The head (or summit) of disbelief lies towards the east and the pride and arrogance lie in people who possess horses and camels who are also coarse – the bedouins. Tranquillity lies in people who possess sheep.” Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 574
When Byzantine Ruler inquired about Family Status of Prophet
Narrated ‘Abdullah bin ‘Abbas: Abu Sufyan bin Harb informed me that Heraclius had sent a messenger to him while he had been accompanying a caravan from Quraish. They were merchants doing business in Sham (Syria, Palestine, Lebanon and Jordan), at the time when Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) had truce with Abu Sufyan and Quraish infidels.
So Abu Sufyan and his companions went to Heraclius at Ilya (Jerusalem). Heraclius called them in the court and he had all the senior Roman dignitaries around him. He called for his translator who, translating Heraclius’s question said to them, “Who amongst you is closely related to that man who claims to be a Prophet?” Abu Sufyan replied, “I am the nearest relative to him (amongst the group).”
Heraclius said, “Bring him (Abu Sufyan) close to me and make his companions stand behind him.” Abu Sufyan added, Heraclius told his translator to tell my companions that he wanted to put some questions to me regarding that man (The Prophet) and that if I told a lie they (my companions) should contradict me.”
Abu Sufyan added, “By Allah! Had I not been afraid of my companions labeling me a liar, I would not have spoken the truth about the Prophet. The first question he asked me about him was:
‘What is his family status amongst you?‘ I replied, ‘He belongs to a good family amongst us.’
Heraclius further asked, ‘Has anybody amongst you ever claimed the same (i.e. to be a Prophet) before him?’ I replied, ‘No.’
He said, ‘Was anybody amongst his ancestors a king?‘ I replied, ‘No.’
Heraclius asked, ‘Do the nobles or the poor follow him?’ I replied, ‘It is the poor who follow him.’
He said, ‘Are his followers increasing decreasing?’ I replied, ‘They are increasing.’
He then asked, ‘Does anybody amongst those who embrace his religion become displeased and renounce the religion afterwards?‘ I replied, ‘No.’
Heraclius said, ‘Have you ever accused him of telling lies before his claim (to be a Prophet)?’ I replied, ‘No. ‘
Heraclius said, ‘Does he break his promises?‘ I replied, ‘No. We are at truce with him but we do not know what he will do in it.’ I could not find opportunity to say anything against him except that.
Heraclius asked, ‘Have you ever had a war with him?‘ I replied, ‘Yes.’ Then he said, ‘What was the outcome of the battles?’ I replied, ‘Sometimes he was victorious and sometimes we.’
Heraclius said, ‘What does he order you to do?’ I said, ‘He tells us to worship Allah and Allah alone and not to worship anything along with Him, and to renounce all that our ancestors had said. He orders us to pray, to speak the truth, to be chaste and to keep good relations with our Kith and kin.’
Heraclius asked the translator to convey to me the following, I asked you about his family and your reply was that he belonged to a good family. In fact all the Apostles come from good families amongst their respective peoples. I questioned you whether anybody else amongst you claimed such a thing, your reply was in the negative. If the answer had been in the affirmative, I would have thought that this man was following the previous man’s statement. Then I asked you whether anyone of his ancestors was a king. Your reply was in the negative, and if it had been in the affirmative, I would have thought that this man wanted to take back his ancestral kingdom.
I further asked whether he was ever accused of telling lies before he said what he said, and your reply was in the negative. So I wondered how a person who does not tell a lie about others could ever tell a lie about Allah. I, then asked you whether the rich people followed him or the poor. You replied that it was the poor who followed him. And in fact all the Apostle have been followed by this very class of people.
Then I asked you whether his followers were increasing or decreasing. You replied that they were increasing, and in fact this is the way of true faith, till it is complete in all respects. I further asked you whether there was anybody, who, after embracing his religion, became displeased and discarded his religion. Your reply was in the negative, and in fact this is (the sign of) true faith, when its delight enters the hearts and mixes with them completely.
I asked you whether he had ever betrayed. You replied in the negative and likewise the Apostles (of God) never betray. Then I asked you what he ordered you to do. You replied that he ordered you to worship Allah and Allah alone and not to worship any thing along with Him and forbade you to worship idols and ordered you to pray, to speak the truth and to be chaste.
If what you have said is true, he will very soon occupy this place underneath my feet and I knew it (from the scriptures) that he was going to appear but I did not know that he would be from you, and if I could reach him definitely, I would go immediately to meet him and if I were with him, I would certainly wash his feet.‘
Heraclius then asked for the letter addressed by Allah’s Apostle which was delivered by Dihya to the Governor of Busra, who forwarded it to Heraclius to read. The contents of the letter were as follows: “In the name of Allah the Beneficent, the Merciful (This letter is) from Muhammad the slave of Allah and His Apostle to Heraclius the ruler of Byzantine. Peace be upon him, who follows the right path. Furthermore I invite you to Islam, and if you become a Muslim you will be safe, and Allah will double your reward, and if you reject this invitation of Islam you will be committing a sin of Arisiyin (your people). And (Allah’s Statement:)
‘O people of the scripture! Come to a word common to you and us that we worship none but Allah and that we associate nothing in worship with Him, and that none of us shall take others as Lords beside Allah. Then, if they turn away, say: Bear witness that we are Muslims (those who have surrendered to Allah).’ (3:64).
Abu Sufyan then added, “When Heraclius had finished his speech and had read the letter, there was a great hue and cry in the Royal Court. So we were turned out of the court. I told my companions that the question of Ibn-Abi-Kabsha) (the Prophet (ﷺ) Muhammad) has become so prominent that even the King of Bani Al-Asfar (Byzantine) is afraid of him. Then I started to become sure that he (the Prophet) would be the conqueror in the near future till I embraced Islam.”
The sub narrator adds, “Ibn An-Natur was the Governor of llya’ (Jerusalem) and Heraclius was the head of the Christians of Sham. Ibn An-Natur narrates that once while Heraclius was visiting ilya’ (Jerusalem), he got up in the morning with a sad mood. Some of his priests asked him why he was in that mood? Heraclius was a foreteller and an astrologer. He replied, ‘At night when I looked at the stars, I saw that the leader of those who practice circumcision had appeared (become the conqueror). Who are they who practice circumcision?’ The people replied, ‘Except the Jews nobody practices circumcision, so you should not be afraid of them (Jews).
‘Just Issue orders to kill every Jew present in the country.’ While they were discussing it, a messenger sent by the king of Ghassan to convey the news of Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) to Heraclius was brought in. Having heard the news, he (Heraclius) ordered the people to go and see whether the messenger of Ghassan was circumcised. The people, after seeing him, told Heraclius that he was circumcised. Heraclius then asked him about the Arabs. The messenger replied, ‘Arabs also practice circumcision.’
(After hearing that) Heraclius remarked that sovereignty of the ‘Arabs had appeared. Heraclius then wrote a letter to his friend in Rome who was as good as Heraclius in knowledge. Heraclius then left for Homs. (a town in Syrian and stayed there till he received the reply of his letter from his friend who agreed with him in his opinion about the emergence of the Prophet (ﷺ) and the fact that he was a Prophet.
On that Heraclius invited all the heads of the Byzantines to assemble in his palace at Homs. When they assembled, he ordered that all the doors of his palace be closed. Then he came out and said, ‘O Byzantines! If success is your desire and if you seek right guidance and want your empire to remain then give a pledge of allegiance to this Prophet (i.e. embrace Islam).’
(On hearing the views of Heraclius) the people ran towards the gates of the palace like onagers but found the doors closed. Heraclius realized their hatred towards Islam and when he lost the hope of their embracing Islam, he ordered that they should be brought back in audience.
(When they returned) he said, ‘What already said was just to test the strength of your conviction and I have seen it.’ The people prostrated before him and became pleased with him, and this was the end of Heraclius’s story (in connection with his faith). Sahih al-Bukhari 7
Granth Sahib on Prophet Muhammad PBUH
This section is dedicated to those Indians who spew hatred against Islam & Prophet PBUH but claim to revere Baba Guru Nanak Dev and Sikhism whether in Good faith or in Bad faith to further their agenda of divide and rule and perpetuate the false, unjust & discriminatory brahmanical rule & domiance in the subcontinent.
How can he escape from falling into hell, when he does not remember the Prophet? (Guru Granth Sahib)
My mind has faith, that the Prophet has given You access to the Profound Lord. Your body has been purged of the deadly poison; You drink the Ambrosial Nectar deep within. Your Heart has blossomed forth in awareness of the Unseen Lord, who has infused His Power throughout the ages. O True Guru, You are intuitively absorbed in Samaadhi, with continuity and equality. You are open-minded and large-hearted, the Destroyer of poverty; seeing You, sins are afraid. Says Kal, I lovingly, continually, intuitively chant the Praises of Lehnaa with my tongue. (Guru Granth Sahib)
“It is difficult to be called a Muslim; if one is truly a Muslim, then he may be called one. First, let him savor the religion of the Prophet as sweet; then, let his pride of his possessions be scraped away. Becoming a true Muslim, a disciple of the faith of Mohammed, let him put aside the delusion of death and life. As he submits to God’s Will, and surrenders to the Creator, he is rid of selfishness and conceit. And when, O Nanak, he is merciful to all beings, only then shall he be called a Muslim.“(Guru Granth Sahib 141:10-12)
Also Read| Guru Nanak’s Teachings: Quotes from Guru Granth Sahib
Conclusion
Prophet Muhammad’s PBUH life serves as a testament to the values of simplicity and austerity.
He remained untouched by the allure of material wealth and worldly pleasures, dedicating himself to the well-being of his family, society, and nation.
Even as an Islamic leader in Madinah, he continued to live modestly and lead by example.
His commitment to hard work, honesty, and selflessness is evident from his early years as a shepherd and throughout his prophethood.
His marriage to Khadija (RA) and the challenges he faced illustrate his unwavering dedication to the message of Islam.
Despite facing humiliation, mockery, and threats, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) persevered in spreading the message of Allah and caring for his community.
His life stands as a profound example of simplicity, humility, and dedication to the betterment of humanity, leaving a lasting legacy for all to follow.
Works cited
- Holy Quran
- Sahih Bukhari
- Sahih Muslim
- The Sealed Nectar (Ar-Raheequl Makhtum)
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