Description

1. Introduction:

This briefing document summarises the key themes and important details presented in the provided excerpts from Imam al-Ghazali's "Adab al-Ma'isha wa Akhlaq al-Nubuwwa (2)." The text, as recited by Nizar Taha Haj Ahmad, delves into the exemplary character and conduct of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in various aspects of his daily life, offering insights into his speech, laughter, eating habits, clothing, forgiveness, forbearance, generosity, courage, and humility.

2. Main Themes and Important Ideas:

2.1. Speech and Demeanour:

• Eloquent and Clear: The Prophet (PBUH) was described as the most eloquent of people, with sweet and concise speech. He would pause between sentences to allow listeners to understand and remember. "كان عليه الصلاه والسلام افصح الناس منطقا واحلاهم كلاما ويقول انا افصح العرب وان اهل الجنه يتكلمون فيها بلغه محمد عليه الصلاه والسلام وكان نزر الكلام سمح المقاله واذا نطق ليس بمهد وكان كلامه وكان مع الايجاز يجمع كل ما اراد وكان يتكلم بجوامع الكلام لا فضول ولا تقصير كانه يتبع بعضه بعضا بين كلامه توقف يحفظه سامعه ويعيه وكان جهير الصوت احسن الناس نغمه وكان طويل السكوت لا يتكلم في غير حاجه ولا يقول المنكر ولا يقول في الرضا الغضب الا الحق."
• Reserved and Truthful: He would remain silent unless necessary, never speaking falsehood or expressing anger except for the sake of truth. He would avoid those who spoke inappropriately and use euphemisms when necessary.
• Smiling and Cheerful: The Prophet (PBUH) was generally the most cheerful and smiling of people when not receiving revelation, remembering the Hour, or delivering a sermon of admonishment. His companions would mostly offer a smile in his presence out of respect. "وكان اكثر الناس تبسما وضحكا في وجوه اصحابه وتعج مما تحدثوا به وخلط لنفسه بهم ولربما ضحك حتى تبدو نواجذه وكان ضحك اصحابه عنده التبسم اقتداء به وتوقيرا له."
• Serious When Necessary: When delivering sermons or when angered for the sake of Allah, he was resolute and his anger was unmatched.
• Reliance on Allah: When faced with difficulties, he would entrust the matter to Allah, seeking guidance through prayer. "وكان اذا نزل به الامر فوض الامر الى الله وتبرا من الحول والقوه واستنزل الهدى فيقول اللهم ارني الحق حقا فاتبعه وارني المنكر منكرا وارزقني اجتنابه واعدني من ان يشتبه علي فاتبع هواي بغير هدى منك واجعل هواي تبعا لطاعتك وخذ رضا نفسك من نفسي في عافيه واهدني لما اختلف فيه من الحق باذنك انك تهدي من تشاء الى صراط مستقيم."

2.2. Eating Habits:

• Simple and Content: The Prophet (PBUH) would eat whatever food was available and preferred meals shared by many. "كان عليه الصلاه والسلام ياكل ما وجد وكان احب الطعام اليه ما كان على ضف والضف ما كثرت عليه الايدي." He would start by saying "Bismillah" (In the name of Allah), asking for the meal to be a means to the blessings of Paradise.
• Humble Posture: He often sat with his knees and feet gathered, similar to a person in prayer, stating, "إنما أنا عبد آكل كما يأكل العبد وأجلس كما يجلس العبد" (I am but a servant; I eat as a servant eats and sit as a servant sits).
• Avoidance of Hot Food: He would not eat hot food, saying it lacked blessing, as Allah did not feed them with fire.
• Eating with Three Fingers: He typically ate with three fingers, occasionally using the fourth, considering eating with two fingers the way of Satan.
• Acceptance of Good Food: He partook in various foods, including fine dishes when offered, acknowledging their goodness. "فقال رسول الله عليه الصلاه والسلام ان هذا الطعام طيب."
• Simple Staples: His regular diet included barley bread (un sifted), cucumbers with fresh dates or salt, and his favourite fresh fruits were watermelon and grapes. He would often eat watermelon with bread or dates.
• Preference for Meat and Milk with Dates: He considered meat the best of foods and said it increased hearing. He also enjoyed combining milk and dates, calling them "the two best things."
• Love for Squash (Gourd): He had a fondness for squash, referring to it as the tree of his brother Jonah (peace be upon him) and advising to include it in cooking, as it "strengthens the heart of the sorrowful."
• Eating Meat Respectfully: When eating meat, he would not raise the head of the bone to his mouth but would tear off pieces.
• Fondness for Specific Foods: He favoured the forearm and shoulder of lamb, squash from the pot, vinegar as a condiment, and 'ajwa dates, for which he prayed for blessing, stating they were from Paradise and a cure for poison and magic.
• Dislike of Certain Animal Parts: He disliked eating the kidneys, testicles, bladder, gall bladder, glands, reproductive organs, and blood of sheep due to their proximity to impurities.
• Avoidance of Raw Garlic, Onions, and Leeks: He would not eat these.
• Never Criticising Food: He never criticised food; if he liked it, he ate it, and if he disliked it, he left it without disparaging it to others. He had an aversion to lizards and spleen but did not forbid them.
• Importance of Licking Fingers and Plate: He would lick his fingers and the plate after eating, saying that the last part of the food held the most blessing. He would not wipe his hand with a cloth until he had licked his fingers. "وكان يلعق باصابعه الصحفه ويقول اخر الطعام اكثر بركه وكان يلعق اصابعه من الطعام حتى تحمر وكان لا يمسح يده بالمنديل حتى يلعق اصابعه واحده واحده ويقول انه لا يدري في اي الطعام البركه."
• Gratitude After Eating: Upon finishing, he would express gratitude to Allah. "واذا فرغ قال الحمد لله الحمد لله اللهم لك الحمد اطعمت فاشبع وسقيت فاروي لك الحمد غير مكفور ولا مودع ولا مستغنى عنه."
• Washing Hands: After eating bread and meat, he would wash his hands thoroughly and wipe his face with the remaining water.
• Drinking Etiquette: He would drink in three sips, mentioning Allah's name before each and praising Him after. He would sip water, not gulp it. He would offer leftover water to the person on his right, respecting seniority unless the person on his left was of higher status, in which case he would seek permission from the right to give preference. He would avoid breathing into the drinking vessel. He declined to drink a mixture of honey and milk in the same vessel, not because it was forbidden, but because he disliked ostentation and being held accountable for worldly excesses. "واتي باناء فيه عسل ولبن فابا ان يشربه وقال شربت في شربه وايدا مان في اناء واحد ثم قال عليه الصلاه والسلام لا احرمه ولكني اكره الفخر والحساب بفضول الدنيا غدا واحب التواضع فان ان من تواضع لله رفعه الله."

2.3. Dress and Appearance:

• Simple and Available Clothing: The Prophet (PBUH) would wear whatever garments were available, such as loincloths, cloaks, shirts, or robes. He preferred green garments and mostly wore white, recommending it for the living and for shrouding the dead. "كان عليه الصلاه والسلام يلبس من الثياب ما وجد من ازار او رداء او قميص او جبه او غير ذلك وكان يعجبه ثياب الخضر وكان اكثر لباسه البياض ويقول البسوها احياكم وكفنوا فيها موتاكم."
• Practicality: He wore padded cloaks for both war and other occasions.
• Modesty: His garments were always above the ankles, with the loincloth reaching to mid-calf. His shirt buttons were usually fastened, though he might loosen them during prayer or otherwise.
• Use of Dyed Cloth: He had a saffron-dyed sheet, which he sometimes used for prayer alone or while leading others. He also wore a simple, coarse cloak, reiterating his status as a servant. "وكان له كساء ملبد يلبسه ويقول انما انا عبد البس كما يلبس العبد."
• Special Occasion Garments: He had two specific garments for Friday prayers, different from his everyday wear.
• Versatility: He would sometimes pray in a single loincloth, wrapped around his shoulders, even the same one he had intimacy with that day. He might also pray at night wrapped partially in a garment, leaving the remainder with his wives.
• Generosity with Clothing: He gave away a black cloak he owned, and his wife Umm Salama noted how beautiful his white skin looked against its blackness.
• Ring as a Seal: He wore a ring, sometimes made of silver with an Abyssinian stone, which he used as a seal on letters. He considered a sealed letter better than suspicion. "وكان خاتمه من ورق فيه فص حبشي وكان يختم به على الكتب ويقول الخاتم على الكتاب خير من التهمه."
• Headwear: He wore caps under his turbans and sometimes without. He might remove his cap and use it as a Sutra (object placed in front during prayer). If not wearing a turban, he would tie a band around his head and forehead. He had a turban called "al-Sahab" (the cloud), which he gifted to Ali (may Allah be pleased with him).
• Gratitude When Dressing: When putting on new clothes, he would express gratitude to Allah. "واذا لبس ثوبا لبسه من قبل م يامنه ويقول الحمد لله الذي كساني ما اواري به عورتي واتجمل به في الناس."
• Generosity with Old Clothes: Upon wearing new clothes, he would often give his old ones, scented with musk, to a Muslim in need, stating that whoever clothes a Muslim for Allah's sake will be under Allah's protection in life and death.
• Simple Furnishings: His bedding consisted of a leather mattress stuffed with palm fibre, about two cubits long and a cubit and a span wide. He had a cloak that would be folded in two and spread for him wherever he went. He also slept on a mat with nothing underneath.
• Naming Possessions: He had the habit of naming his animals, weapons, and belongings. His banner was called "al-Uqab" (the Eagle), his sword used in battles was "Dhu al-Fiqar," and he had other swords with names like "al-Mikhdham," "al-Rasub," and "al-Qadhib." The hilt of his sword was sometimes adorned with silver. He wore a leather belt with three silver rings. His bow was named "al-Katum," his quivers "al-Kafur," his she-camel "al-Quswa" (also known as "al-'Adhba'"), his mule "al-Duldul," his donkey "Ya'fur," and his milk sheep "'Ayna'."
• Shared Blessings: He had an earthenware vessel for ablution and drinking, from which even young children would drink and wipe on themselves seeking blessings, and he would not prevent them. "وكان له مطهره من فخار يتوضا فيها ويشرب منها فيرسل الناس اولادهم الصغار الذين قد عقلوا فيدخلون على رسول الله عليه الصلاه والسلام فلا يدفعون عنه فاذا وجدوا في المطهره ماء شربوا منه ومسحوا على وجوههم واجسادهم ويبتغون بذلك البركه."

2.4. Forgiveness and Forbearance:

• Most Forbearing: The Prophet (PBUH) was the most forbearing of people and keen to forgive when able.
• Patience with Ignorance: When a Bedouin rudely questioned his fairness in distributing gold and silver, the Prophet (PBUH) responded with patience and a profound question about who would be just if he was not. "فقال يا محمد والله لان امرك الله ان تعدل فما اراك تعدل فقال ويحك فمن يعدل عليك بعدي." He prevented his companions from harming the man.
• Responding to Injustice with Wisdom: When another man accused him of unfairness during the distribution of spoils at Khaybar, the Prophet (PBUH) again responded calmly, highlighting the gravity of the accusation. "فقال له رسول الله عليه الصلاه والسلام ويحك فمن ي اذا لم اعدل فقد خبت اذا وخسرت ان كنت لا اعدل." He prevented Umar from striking the man, fearing that people would say he killed his companions.
• Mercy in Battle: During a battle, when an enemy soldier stood over him with a drawn sword, asking who would protect him, the Prophet (PBUH) simply said "Allah." The sword fell from the man's hand, and the Prophet (PBUH) picked it up, offering the man the same question. The man pleaded for mercy, and the Prophet (PBUH) released him after the man pledged not to fight him or his allies. The man later returned to his people, proclaiming the Prophet (PBUH) as the best of people.
• Forbearance Towards Harm: When a Jewish woman poisoned a sheep intending to kill him, the Prophet (PBUH) was informed but did not retaliate, saying Allah would not have allowed her to succeed. He also did not punish a Jewish man who had cast a spell on him, even after Gabriel revealed the matter and the spell was undone. "قالوا افلا تقتلها فقال لا وسحره رجل من اليهود فاخبره جبريل عليه افضل الصلاه والسلام بذلك حتى استخرجه وحل العقد فوجد لذلك خفه وما ذكر ذلك لليهودي ولا اظهره عليه قط."
• Understanding Intentions: When Hatib bin Abi Balta'ah sent a letter to the Meccan polytheists informing them of the Prophet's plans, the Prophet (PBUH) accepted Hatib's explanation that he did it out of concern for his family and not out of disbelief or apostasy. He again prevented Umar from executing Hatib, reminding him of Hatib's participation in the Battle of Badr and Allah's forgiveness for those who fought there. "فقال رسول الله عليه الصلاه والسلام انه صدقكم فقال عمر رضي الله عنه دعني اضرب عنق هذا المنافق فقال عليه الصلاه والسلام انه شهد بدرا وما يدريك لعل الله عز وجل قد اطلع على اهل بدر فقال اعملوا ما شئتم فقد غفرت لكم."
• Patience with Criticism: When a man from the Ansar criticised his distribution of spoils, saying it was not done for Allah's sake, the Prophet (PBUH)'s face turned red, but he simply said, "رحم الله أخي موسى قد أوذي بأكثر من هذا فصبر" (May Allah have mercy on my brother Moses, he was harmed more than this, and he was patient).
• Avoiding Gossip: He preferred that his companions not inform him of any negative things said about others, as he wished to meet them with a clear andOpen heart. "وكان عليه الصلاه والسلام يقول لا يبلغني احد منكم عن احد من اصحابي شيئا فاني احب ان اخرج اليكم وانا سليم الصدر."

2.5. Ignoring What He Disliked (Forbearance and Tact):

• Gentle Demeanour: The Prophet (PBUH) was described as having a delicate complexion and a kind nature, both outwardly and inwardly. His anger and pleasure could be discerned from his face. When deeply troubled, he would often stroke his noble beard.
• Avoiding Direct Confrontation: He would not directly tell someone what he disliked. For instance, when a man entered with yellow dye (Sufra) on him, which the Prophet (PBUH) disliked, he said nothing until the man left. He then suggested to some companions that they could have hinted for him to discontinue it.
• Compassion and Understanding: When a Bedouin urinated in the mosque, the Prophet (PBUH) prevented his companions from stopping him abruptly, allowing him to finish. He then gently explained the sanctity of mosques. "وبال اعرابي في المسجد بحضرته فهم به الصحابه فقال عليه الصلاه والسلام لا تزرموه اي لا تقطعوا عليه البول ثم قال له ان هذه المساجد لا تصلح لشيء من القدر والبول والخلاء وفي روايه قربوا ولا تنفروا."
• Patient Handling of Rudeness: When a Bedouin, after receiving a gift, claimed he had not been treated well or generously, the Prophet's companions were angered. However, the Prophet (PBUH) gestured for them to stop, went inside his house, gave the Bedouin more, and then asked if he was satisfied. When the Bedouin said yes and thanked him, the Prophet (PBUH) used a parable of a runaway camel to explain his approach. Just as harshness would only scare a runaway camel further, publicly rebuking the Bedouin would only create resentment among his companions. Instead, he addressed the issue privately to ensure the man felt heard and the companions' feelings were also considered. "فقال له النبي عليه الصلاه والسلام انك قلت ما قلت وفي نفس اصحابي شيء من ذلك فان احببت فقل بين ايديهم ما قلت بين يدي حتى يذهب من صدورهم ما فيها عليك قال نعم فلما كان الغد او العشي جاء فقال النبي عليه الصلاه والسلام ان هذا الاعرابي قال ما قال فزدنا فزعم انه رضي اكذلك فقال الاعرابي نعم فجزاك الله من اهل وعشيره خيرا فقال عليه الصلاه والسلام ان مثلي ومثل هذا الاعرابي كمثل رجل كانت له ناقه شردت عليه فاتبعها الناس فلم يزيدوها الا نفورا فناداهم صاحب الناقه خلوا بيني وبين ناقتي فاني ارفق بها واعلم فتوجه لها صاحب الناقه بين يديها فاخذ لها من قمام الارض فردها هونا حتى جاءت واستنا وشد عليها رحلها واستوى عليها واني لو تركتكم حيث قال الرجل ما قال فقتلت موه دخل النار."

2.6. Generosity and Munificence:

• Most Generous: The Prophet (PBUH) was the most generous of people, especially during Ramadan, where his generosity was like a blowing wind, never withholding anything. "وكان عليه الصلاه والسلام اجود الناس واسخ في شهر رمضان كالريح المرسله لا يمسك شيئا."
• Limitless Giving: Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) described him as the most generous in hand, open-hearted, truthful in speech, fulfilling of covenants, gentle in disposition, and noble in lineage. He gave so freely that one who merely saw him would be in awe, and one who knew him would love him.
• Unmatched Generosity: Those who described him said they had never seen anyone like him before or after. He never refused any request made in the name of Islam. "يقول ناعته لم ارى قبله ولا بعده مثله وما سئل عن شيء قط على الاسلام الا اعطاه."
• Giving Beyond Expectation: A man once asked him for something, and the Prophet (PBUH) gave him sheep enough to fill the space between two mountains. The man returned to his people, urging them to embrace Islam because Muhammad gave gifts like one who had no fear of poverty.
• Distributing Wealth Immediately: When 90,000 dirhams were brought to him, he placed them on a mat and distributed them all, turning away no beggar until it was finished.
• Encouraging Spending: When a man asked for something and the Prophet (PBUH) had nothing to give, he suggested buying on credit to be repaid later. When Umar objected that Allah did not burden him beyond his means, the Prophet (PBUH) disliked this until another man recited the verse, "Spend, and do not fear destitution from the Owner of the Throne," at which point the Prophet (PBUH) smiled, understanding the wisdom. "فقال الرجل انفق ولا تخشى من ذي العرش اقلالا فتبسم النبي عليه الصلاه والسلام وعرف السرور في وجهه."
• Giving Even When Deprived: Upon returning from Hunayn, when Bedouins persistently asked him for things, even causing his cloak to be snatched by a thorny tree, he stopped and said, "Give me my cloak! If I had as many camels as these thorny bushes, I would divide them among you, and you would not find me to be miserly, untruthful, or cowardly." "ولما قفل من حنين جاءت الاعراب يسالونه حتى اضطروه الى شجره فخطفت رداءه فوقف رسول الله عليه الصلاه والسلام وقال اعطوني ردائي لو كان لي عدد هذه العضاه نعما لقسمت بينكم ثم لا تجدوني بخيلا ولا كذابا ولا جبانا."

2.7. Courage and Bravery:

• Most Courageous: The Prophet (PBUH) was the bravest and most valiant of people. "كان عليه الصلاه والسلام انجد الناس واشجعهم."
• Forefront in Battle: Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) recounted that during the Battle of Badr, when they sought refuge near the Prophet (PBUH), he was the closest to the enemy and the most formidable that day. "قال علي رضي الله عنه لقد رايتني يوم بدر ونحن نلود بالنبي عليه الصلاه والسلام وهو اقرب الى العدو وكان من اشد الناس يومئذ باسا." He also stated that in intense battles, they would shield themselves with the Prophet (PBUH), finding no one closer to the enemy than him. "وقال ايضا كنا اذا احمر الباس ولقي القوم القوم اتقينا برسول الله عليه الصلاه والسلام فما يكون احد اقرب الى العدو منه."
• Action Over Words: He was generally of few words, but when commanding his people to fight, he would be at the forefront and the fiercest in battle. The truly brave were those who stood near him in war due to his proximity to the enemy.
• First to Strike: Imran bin Hussein said that in any encounter with an opposing force, the Prophet (PBUH) was always the first to strike. "وقال عمران بن حسين ما لقي رسول الله عليه الصلاه والسلام كتيبه الا كان اول من يضرب."
• Unwavering in the Face of Danger: They said he was physically strong. When surrounded by the polytheists, he dismounted his mule and declared, "I am the Prophet, there is no lie in this! I am the son of Abdul-Muttalib!" No one was seen to be more steadfast than him on that day. "ولما غشيه المشركون نزل عن بغلته فجعل يقول انا النبي لا كذب انا ابن عبد المطلب فما رؤي يومئذ احد كان اشد منه."

2.8. Humility:

• Utmost Humility in High Status: Despite his elevated position, the Prophet (PBUH) was the most humble of people. "كان عليه الصلاه والسلام اشد الناس تواضعا في علو منصبه."
• Simple Actions: Ibn 'Amir saw him throwing pebbles at the Jamarat (during Hajj) while riding a grey she-camel, without any striking or pushing. He would ride a donkey with a simple velvet cloth, even letting others ride behind him. He would visit the sick, follow funerals, accept invitations from slaves, mend his own shoes, and patch his clothes. "قال ابن عامر رايته يرمي الجمره على ناقه شهباء لا ضرب ولا طرد ولا اليك اليك وكان يركب الحمار موقفا عليه قطيفه وكان مع ذلك يسترد وكان يعود المريض ويتبع الجنازه ويجيب دعوه المملوك ويخصف النعل ويرقع الثوب."
• Helping at Home: He would assist his family with household chores. "وكان يصنع في بيته مع اهله في حاجتهم."
• Discouraging Excessive Respect: His companions would not stand up for him because they knew he disliked it. "وكان اصحابه لا يقومون له لما عرفوا من كراهته لذلك."
• Greeting Everyone: He would pass by children and greet them. "وكان يمر على الصبيان فيسلم عليهم."
• Reassurance to the Awed: When a man was overwhelmed by his presence, the Prophet (PBUH) reassured him, saying, "هون عليك فلست بملك انما انا ابن امراه من قريش تاكل القديد" (Take it easy; I am not a king. I am but the son of a woman from Quraysh who ate dried meat).
• Mixing with Companions: He would sit among his companions, blending in to the extent that a stranger would not know who he was until they asked. Eventually, they requested he sit in a distinguished spot, so a mud platform was built for him.
• Rejecting Comfort for Humility: Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) suggested he eat reclining for comfort, but he lowered his head, almost touching the ground, and said, "بل آكل كما يأكل العبد وأجلس كما يجلس العبد" (Rather, I will eat as a servant eats and sit as a servant sits).
• Simple Living: He never ate at a table nor in a Sukkaraja (a type of dish) until he passed away. "وكان لا ياكل على خوان ولا في سكر حتى لحق بالله تعالى."
• Responding to Calls: He would always respond with "Labbaik" (Here I am at your service) when called upon by his companions or others. "وكان لا يدعوه احد من اصحابه وغيرهم الا قال لبيك."
• Engaging with Others: When sitting with people, he would participate in their conversations, whether about the afterlife, food and drink, or worldly matters, out of kindness and humility. "وكان اذا جلس مع الناس ان تكلموا في معنى الاخره اخذ معهم وان تحدثوا في طعام او شراب تحدث معهم وان تكلموا في الدنيا تحدث معهم رفقا بهم وتواضعا لهم."
• Tolerating Lightheartedness: His companions would sometimes recite poetry or recount pre-Islamic events in his presence and laugh, and he would smile with them as long as it was not something forbidden. "وكانوا يتنادون الشعر بين يديه احيانا ويذكرون اشياء من امر الجاهليه ويضحكون فيبتسم هو اذا ضحكوا ولا يزجر الا عن حرام ان."

نزار طه حاج أحمد

Nizar Taha Hajj Ahmad

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