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Let us have some of the description of Hind bin Abi Halah: “The Messenger of Allâh (Peace be upon
him) was continually sad, thinking perpetually. He had no rest (i.e. for long). He only spoke when it
was necessary. He would remain silent for a long time and whenever he spoke, he would end his
talk with his jawbone but not out of the corners of his mouth, i.e. (snobbishly). His speech was
inclusive. He spoke inclusively and decisively. It was not excessive nor was it short of meaning. It
was amiable. It was in no way hard discoroning. He glorified the bounty of Allâh; even if it were
little. If he had no liking for someone’s food, he would neither praise nor criticize.
He was always in full control of his temper and he would never get seemed angry unless it was
necessary. He never got angry for himself nor did he avenge himself. It was for Allâh’s sanctity and
religion that he always seemed angry.
When he pointed at a thing he would do so with his full hand-palm, and he would turn it round to
show surprise. If he were angry he would turn both his body and face aside. When he was pleased,
he cast his eyes down. His laughter was mostly smiling. It was then that his teeth which were like
hail-stones were revealed.
He never spoke unless it was something closely relevant to him. He confirmed the brotherhood
relationship among his Companions; and thus he made them intimate and did not separate them or
implant enmity among them. Those who were honourable with their peoples, were honoured and
respected by him and were assigned rulers over their own peoples. His cheerfulness was never
withdrawn at anyone’s face; even at those whom he warned his people from or those whom he
himself was on the alert of. He visited friends and inquired about people’s affairs. He confirmed what
was right and criticized the awful and tried to undermine it. He was moderate in all affairs. He was
equal to others and was not privileged. He would never act heedlessly, lest the others should get
heedless. Each situation was dealt with in its proper due.
Righteousness was his target; so he was never short of it nor indifferent to it. People who sat next
to him were the best of their people and the best of them all were— for him— those who provided
common consultations. For him, the greatest ones and the highest in ranks were the best at
providing comfort and co-ordination and succour. Remembrance (of Allâh) was a thing he aimed at
and established whenever he sat down or stands up. No certain position was assigned for him to sit
on. He sits at the end of the group, seated next to the last sitter in the place. He ordered people to
do the same. He entertained his participiants in social gatherings alike so that the one addressed
would think that there was no one honoured by the Prophet (Peace be upon him) but himself. He
whoever sat next to him or interrupted him in order to ask for his advice about an affair of his,
would be the first to start the talk and the one to end it. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) would
listen to him patiently till he ended his speech. He never denied a request to anyone, if
unapproachable, then few gratifying words would work, instead.
His magnanimity, broad mindedness his tolerance could embrace all people and entitled him to be
regarded as father for them all. In justice, all of them were almost equal. Nobody was better than
another except on the criterion of Allâh fearing. A favoured one, to him, was the most Allâh fearing.
His assembly was a meeting of clemency, timidness, patience and honesty. Voices were not raised
in rows or riots. Inviolable things were never violable. Fearing Allâh and worship were their means
to sympathy and compassion. They used to esteem the old and have mercy on the young. They
assisted the needy and entertained strangers.
The Messenger of Allâh (Peace be upon him) was always cheerful, easy, pleasant-tempered and
lenient. He was never rude or rough nor clamorous or indecent. He was neither a reproacher nor a
praiser. He overlooked what he did not desire, yet you would never despair of him. Three qualities
he disposed of: hypocrisy, excessiveness, and what was none of his concern. People did not fear him
in three area: — for they were not qualities or habits of his—: He never disparaged, or reproached
nor did he seek the defects or shortages of others. He only spoke things whose reward was Divinely
desirable. When he spoke, his listeners would attentively listen casting down their heads. They only
spoke when he was silent. They did not have disputes or arguments about who was to talk. He who
talked in his presence would be listened to by everybody till he finished his talk. Their talk would be
about the topic discussed or delivered by their first speaker. The Messenger of Allâh (Peace be upon
him) used to laugh at what they laughed at and admired what they used to admire. He would
always show patience with a stranger’s harshness at talk. He used to say:
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