We present a few glimpses of the blessed life of Rasulullah r from the Shamaail of Imaam Tirmizi (R.A). It is hoped that it will be a source of light and guidance for the Ummat. “And my guidance is only from Allah (S.W.T), in Him I trust and unto him I repent.” (Al-Qurân)

GLIMPSE OF RASULULLAH’S (S.A.W) DOMESTIC LIFE

Ali (R.A) says that when Rasulullah (S.A.W) entered the house, he divided his time into three parts: One part for the worship of Allah, the second for his wives and the third part for himself. However, his own time was further divided between himself and the people in such a way that the ‘khawaas’ (special people) can benefit the ‘awaam’ (general people). [i.e. the special people were given time and they in turn benefitted the general masses by the advice of Rasulullah (S.A.W)] Rasulullah (S.A.W) never witheld anything from the people. The manner in which the time was allocated is that those of special status used to enter with permission. Then Rasulullah (S.A.W) gave them time according to their status and position. Some came with one need, others with two and some came with many needs. Rasulullah (S.A.W) was kept busy with them and he also occupied them in those things which served as ’islaah’ (self rectification) for them as well as the Ummah. Rasulullah (S.A.W) took regular reports (of the condition of the Ummah) from them and advised them accordingly. Rasulullah (S.A.W) used to say: “Those that are present should convey the message to those that are absent.” He also used to say: “Convey to me the needs of those who are unable to convey their needs to me as Allah will keep the feet of that person firm, on the day of judgement, who conveys to a ruler the need of one who is unable to do so.” These are the type of discussions that used to take place in the company of Rasulullah (S.A.W). No other matters besides these were entertained. The Sahaba (R.A) used to go to Rasulullah (S.A.W) with great fervour and enthusiasm and used to return spiritually or physically satiated. They used to taste of the advices and leave as shinning stars.

GLIMPSE OF THE SOCIAL CONDUCT OF RASULULLAH (S.A.W)

Ali (R.A) describes the life of Rasulullah (S.A.W) outside his house as follows:

Rasulullah (S.A.W) saved his tongue from useless speech. He only spoke that which was necessary. He drew the Sahaba (R.A) close to him and did not estrange them. He respected the noble persons of every nation. He made the nobles the leaders and guardians of their respective nations. He kept the people alert and he himself remained alert but he never deprived the people of his good character and smiling countenance. He kept track of his Companions (R.A)(who was present and who was not). He used to ask regarding the condition of the people and attest to the good and highlight the bad by refuting it. He always chose moderation. He was not of a varying temperament being soft at times and stern at times. He never remained negligent so that the Sahaba (R.A)do not become negligent nor do they stray from moderation. Rasulullah (S.A.W) was always prepared (with means) for every condition. He was steadfast on the truth and never undermined nor surpassed the truth. The best of people were found in his company. The most virtuous and superior among the Sahaba (R.A)according to Rasulullah (S.A.W) was the one whose advice and wellwishing was most widespread and general and the most superior was the one who possessed the best concern and worry for the Ummah.

GLIMPSE OF THE MAJLIS (gathering) OF RASULULLAH (S.A.W)

Ali (R.A)says that when Rasulullah (S.A.W) sat, he remembered Allah (S.W.T) and when he stood, up he also remembered Allah (S.W.T). When he arrived at a gathering, he himself sat at the end of the gathering and never attempted to go forward and he commanded others to do the same. He fulfilled the rights of all those present in the gathering. Every person felt that he was the most honoured in the eyes of Rasulullah (S.A.W). Rasulullah (S.A.W) gave full attention to those that sat with him or presented any need to him until that person left. He never shunned any one who came to him with some need. He either fulfilled his need or kindly promised to fulfill the need later. His lofty character and smiling countenance was directed to all. Thus he was like a father to one and all and inturn treated all equally. Rasulullah’s (S.A.W) gathering was one of patience, modesty, knowledge and trust. Voices were never raised nor was anyone degraded. Mistakes and faults of people were always concealed and never exposed. All were regarded as equal. If there was any distinction, it was on the basis of ‘taqwa’ (piety). Humility, respect of elders and kindness to the young was present amongst all.The needy were given preference and the travellers due consideration.(Shamaail Tirmizi Pg.22/23)

RASULULLAH’S (S.A.W) APPROACH TO THE PARTICIPANTS OF THE ‘MAJLIS’ (gathering)

Hadhrat Ali (R.A)narrates that Rasullah (S.A.W) always remained happy and smilling. He was soft natured and easily approachable. (i.e. He attended to everyone). He was neither ill-mannered nor severe in his temprement. He never shouted or spoke harshly. He neither engaged himself in fault-finding nor was he a miser. He discarded those things that he did not like. If anybody asked of an undesirable thing, he would not make him feel despondent but would rather remain silent. He kept himself away from three qualities: arguing and quarelling; pride and vain things (i.e. those things which have no Deeni nor worldly benefit) and he also discarded three things with regards to people. He did not disgrace or insult anyone nor talk bad of anyone (in his presence or absence), nor did he make an attempt to spy on anyone. Rasulullah (S.A.W) only involved himself in those actions in which there was hope of reward. When he spoke, those present bowed their heads in such a manner, as if birds were sitting on their heads.(i.e. they sat motionless) When he stopped talking, then only would others talk. In his gathering, no person would interrupt the speech of another. If anybody spoke, all would listen attentively till he completed. People payed full attention to the speaker and did not lose interest in his speech. If for any reason the Sahaba (R.A)laughed, Rasulullah (S.A.W) would also laugh. When the Sahaba (S.A.W) expressed surprise, he would do likewise. He exercised patience at the harshness and uncouth manner in which strangers would present questions to such an extent that the Sahaba (R.A)used to bring such people to the gathering (so that they may benefit from their questions). Rasulullah (S.A.W) used to say: “If you see a needy person presenting his need, fulfil it.” He did not like or accept anyone praising him unless it was by way of thanksgiving or appreciation. Rasulullah (S.A.W) never interrupted the speech of anyone. However, if someone exceeded the bounds he would prevent him or leave that place.(Shamaail Tirmizi Pg.24)

GLIMPSE OF THE MANNER OF SPEECH OF RASULULLAH (S.A.W) 

Sayyidina Hasan (R.A)says that I requested my uncle, Hind Ibn Abi Hâlâh (R.A)who was an expert in describing the noble features of Rasulullah (S.A.W), to describe to me the manner in which Rasulullah (S.A.W) spoke. He replied: “Rasulullah (S.A.W) was in perpetual concern and worry and remained restless. He would remain silent for long periods of time and would not speak unnecessarily. He spoke clearly from beginning to end (so that the listener could hear well and understand. He would not imitate the proud in his manner of speech). His speech was concise, comprehensive and decisive (between truth and falsehood). He only spoke that which was necessary and avoided all unnecessary talk. He was not ill mannered nor did he ridicule anyone. He regarded every bounty as great no matter how minute or insignificant it seemed. He never criticized any bounty. However, with regards to food, he never criticized it nor over-praised it. Worldly matters should not anger him. If someone exceeded the limits in Deeni matters, he became so angry that no one could prevent it until he avenged it. He never became angry nor took revenge for his own self. When he pointed at something, he did so with a full hand and when he was surprised by something, he turned his hand. When talking, he moved his hands by hitting the palm of the right hand with the inside part of the left thumb. When he became angry, he turned his face away and when he became happy he lowered his gaze. The laugh of Rasulullah (S.A.W) was mostly a smile. (When he smiled), his teeth shone like hailstones (or like pearls).  (Shamaail Tirmizi Pg.15)

Aisha (R.A)says that Rasulullah (S.A.W) never hit anyone with his hand, neither any slave nor any of his wives. He was not obscene in his speech, nor was he one who made noise in the market place. He did not avenge evil with evil, rather he would forgive and overlook. When oppressed, he never took revenge unless an act forbidden by Allah was committed. When any forbidden act was perpetrated, Rasulullah (S.A.W) became the angriest. When he was given a choice between two matters, he would choose the easier of the two as long it was not a sin. (Shamaail Pg.23/24)  Umar (R.A)says that Rasulullah (S.A.W) said: “Do not exceed in praising me as the Christians over-praised I’sa (A.S). I am a bondsman of Allah, therefore, call me the bondsman of Allah and His Messenger. (Bukhari Pg.490 & Shamaail Pg.22) Anas (R.A)says that once a woman came to Rasulullah (S.A.W) and said: “ I have some work with you.” Rasulullah (S.A.W) replied: “Whichever road of Madinah you want me to sit on, I am prepared.” The humility of Rasulullah (S.A.W) was such that he visited the sick, participated in funerals, rode on a donkey and accepted the invitation of a slave. During the battle with the Bani Quraiza, Rasulullah (S.A.W) rode a donkey. The rein of it was made of date fibre and the saddle was also of fibre. When he went for Haj, he rode in such an old carriage that had a covering which was not even more than four dirhams in value and he was supplicating to Allah thus: “O Allah, make it such a Haj that is devoid of ostentation and show. (Shamaail Pg.22)

Abu Burda (R.A)says that once Aisha (R.A)showed us a patched shawl and a coarse ‘lungi’ (lower garment) and she said that Rasulullah (S.A.W) left this world in these two garments. Huzaifa (R.A)says that Rasulullah (S.A.W) caught hold of mine (or he said) his shin (halfway between the knee and ankle) and said: “This is the place of the ‘lungi’ ”. If you refuse, then lower it a little as there is no right (not permissible) to cover the ankles. [All garments should be above the ankles] (Shamaail Pg.8). Abu Hurairah (R.A)says that Rasulullah (S.A.W) said: “When a person wears his sandals (shoes), he should wear the right shoe first and when removing them, he should remove the left one first so that the right may be first in wearing and last in removing. (Bukhari V.2 Pg.870-Shamaail Pg.6) May Allah (S.W.T) grant us all the ability of practising upon every Sunnat of Rasulullah(S.A.W).(âmeen)