The life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is full of timeless lessons. His approach to leadership, family, and community interactions offers guidance for people of all ages.
1. Kindness and Compassion
Prophet Muhammad demonstrated compassion in every aspect of life. He treated children, women, and the elderly with care and respect, setting a model for ethical behavior.
He (PBUH) demonstrated great love, kindness and compassion for children, which earned him the status of an extremely powerful leader who is also caring and gentle with him community, men, women and children alike. In many instances in his noble life he was described as tender enough to greet even children and youngsters with warmth and affection. Sometimes he would stop to pat their heads with tenderness, carry them, or offer a warm smile.
And in his teaching sessions he would encourage his companions to treat children with love and respect. He never ceased to show his own affection publicly.
For example, he was described as lovingly embracing his grandchildren, Hassan and Hussein, playing with them. And even during prayers, he would never turn them away when they tried to play with him.
Such compassionate attitude and tenderness extended to all children, regardless of their relation to the Prophet, as he would show empathy for their feelings and calm their fear and anger alike.All this, and many other incidents in his noble life helped him leave behind a rich legacy of compassion that continues to inspire us, even as parents in our modern times.
Amr ibn Shu’ayb reported from his grandfather that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “Anyone who does not show mercy to our children nor acknowledge the right of our old people is not one of us.”
Reference : Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 363 In-book reference : Book 19, Hadith 2 English translation : Book 19, Hadith 363 And in another Hadith, the Prophet (PBUH) said:
Indeed among the believers with the most complete faith is the one who is the best in conduct and the most kind to his family.” – (Sunan At-Tirmizi)
Also Anas bin Malik, may Allah be pleased with him, is reported to have said: “The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to come to visit us. I had a younger brother who was called Abu ‘Umair by nickname (kunyah). He had a sparrow which he played with, but it died. So one day the Prophet (PBUH) came to see him and saw him grieving. He asked: ‘What is the matter with him?’ The people replied: ‘His sparrow has died.’ He (the Prophet (PBUH) then said: ‘Oh Abu ‘Umair! What happened to the little sparrow?”- (Sunan Abi Daud)2. Leadership and Justice
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was known for his exceptional character as a leader. His method of decision making was based on justice and empathy. His teachings entailed that authority serve people in the first place.
He (PBUH) followed and implemented a powerful and transformative approach of leadership that entails justice and kindness. His school of leadership wasn’t based on inherited power or personal gain, instead it was rooted in service, compassion, and a real commitment to the well-being of people. He led by example, demonstrating humility and accessibility, and sought counsel from others regardless of their social standing.Such noble approach fostered a kind of coherence and unity amongst the community.
Speaking of justice, Prophet Muhammed always ensured it was implemented amongst his people, without regard of their creed or social background. This approach sowed love and harmony among the community. In one famous incident, he (PBUH) stated that even if his own daughter, Fatimah, were to steal, he would cut off her hand, which demonstrated that justice knows no personal considerations or favouring. His rulings were based on principles of fairness, equity, and the protection of the week and the oppressed, which laid the foundation of the early Islamic state and continues to inspire leaders till date. His legacy remains a source of inspiration for justice and leadership till date.
3. Patience and Wisdom
Patience in facing difficulties and wisdom in solving problems were key aspects of his personality. These traits encourage resilience and thoughtful action in daily life.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stands as a role model in patience and wisdom in all aspect of his noble life. However, such patience was never a sign of weakness, but rather a profound strength rooted in his unwavering faith and steadfastness. He endured with grace the immense harshness, hostility and persecution, hostility, and personal tragedies and losses he faced, including the loss of his beloved wife and children. He faced such hardships with remarkable patience, calmness and strength, without the least sense of bitterness or blame. Also his exemplary wisdom was inspirational, demonstrated by his gentle and balanced approach in delivering his school of leadership.It was once reported that a Bedouin entered the mosque, in the presence of the Prophet and others and urinated there. People rushed to punish and stop him, but the Prophet (PBUH) gently stopped them, asking them to be kind to the man, always telling his companions to make things easy, rather than difficult. His notable ability to see the bigger picture and respond with steadiness and compassion, even when faced with ignorance, became a landmark of his noble character and teachings.
4. Guidance for Children
Through his example, children can learn values like honesty, respect, and generosity. Parents can draw inspiration to nurture these qualities in their kids.
Prophet Muhammad’s guidance for children was rooted in a profound sense of love, respect, and gentleness. He taught that children are a blessing from God and should be raised with kindness and compassion, not harshness or cruelty. He would often spend time with children, listening to them, playing with them, and showing them affection. A famous example is his habit of letting his grandsons, Hasan and Husayn, climb on his back while he was in prostration during prayer, waiting patiently until they got down on their own. He also emphasized the importance of a child’s right to an education and a good upbringing, and he taught parents to be just and fair in their treatment of their children. His approach was not about strict discipline but about nurturing their hearts and minds, building their character, and instilling in them a love for what is good and right. He set an enduring example of how to interact with children in a way that makes them feel valued, secure, and loved.
5. Encouragement of Knowledge
Anas bin Malik narrated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “Seeking knowledge is a duty upon every Muslim, and he who imparts knowledge to those who do not deserve it, is like one who puts a necklace of jewels, pearls and gold around the neck of swines.”
Grade: Da’if (Darussalam) Reference : Sunan Ibn Majah 224 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 224 English translation : Vol. 1, Book 1, Hadith 224
As expressed in such Hadith, the Prophet emphasised the importance of seeking knowledge, always stressing that earning was considered an act of worship and a means to improve oneself and society.
And in another noble Hadith of the Prophet, Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, said: that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “Whoever takes a path upon which to obtain knowledge, Allah makes the path to Paradise easy for him.”-
Grade: Sahih (Darussalam) Reference : Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2646 In-book reference : Book 41, Hadith 2 English translation : Vol. 5, Book 39, Hadith 2646Prophet Muhammad had always placed an immense emphasis on the pursuit of knowledge, referring to it as an important pillar of a Muslim’s character and development. His teachings consistently highlighted that the quest for knowledge is not only a virtuous act but also a religious obligation for men and women alike. H
In one famous Hadith, he (PBUH) was reported to had said, “The ink of a scholar is more sacred than the blood of a martyr,” which highlights how he revered the value on the pursuit of knowledge and intellect. He encouraged his followers to seek knowledge from any source, even if it required traveling to distant places.He is narrated to have said:
“Seek knowledge even if you have to go to China.” Such approach and stress on the need of knowledgelaid the foundation of the great scientific, philosophical, and artistic achievements in the early Islamic civilization.
The Prophet (PBUH) guidance established a legacy where education and intellectual curiosity are seen not as mere hobbies but rather an essential tool for personal growth and for giving back to the community.
Indeed, reflecting on the life of our noble Prophet,(PBUH), we gain insights into ethical living, leadership, and nurturing positive character traits in our families and communities.
The Muslim Tribune Editorial Team