The Prophet ﷺ was naturally endowed with noble characteristics, an intrinsic gift from his creation and the purity of his nature. This divine favor and special care from Allah granted the Prophet ﷺ the praiseworthy traits for which Allah said:
" And you are truly ˹a man˺ of outstanding character." (Surah Al-Qalam, 68:4)
Before revelation, the Prophet ﷺ was known for maintaining family ties, showing compassion to the poor and needy, hosting guests, assisting the weak, and alleviating the suffering of the distressed with his hands.
Evidence of His Noble Character:
At the beginning of the revelation, when the Prophet ﷺ was concerned for his safety, his wife, Umm al-Mu’minin Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her), reassured him, relying on his noble character as evidence of goodness. She said:
"No, by Allah, Allah will never disgrace you. You uphold ties of kinship, bear others’ burdens, give to the destitute, serve guests generously, and assist in all matters of truth."
(Bukhari and Muslim)
The life of the Prophet ﷺ was the epitome of virtue, honor, and human excellence. It was rich with qualities of humanity, dignity, and self-respect. When Allah chose him as a Prophet, these virtues flourished and grew. They remained steadfast and expanded until they became unparalleled in human history.
This exemplary life is one of the greatest proofs of the Prophet’s ﷺ authenticity. Throughout history, no life has been entirely marked by such perfection, guidance, truth, and goodness as that of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
It is unheard of for someone to rise above all societal flaws while emerging from within that society. Nor has it ever been known for light to spring from darkness, purity to arise from filth, or knowledge to originate amid ignorance—unless it occurred for a divine purpose and in an extraordinary manner. This preparation was for the role of prophethood.[1]
The Trustworthiness of the Prophet ﷺ
The Prophet ﷺ was renowned for his trustworthiness, earning people’s confidence and becoming the repository of their trusts. Anyone who entrusted him with something would find it returned faithfully. Whether it was a secret or a deposit, he was always reliable. Even before his prophethood, the Quraysh referred to him as al-Ameen (The Trustworthy).
The Truthfulness of the Prophet ﷺ
Truthfulness was one of the Prophet’s ﷺ most prominent attributes, acknowledged by both friend and foe. When Allah commanded him to warn his closest relatives, he stood up and addressed the tribes of Quraysh, who unanimously affirmed his honesty.
Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported:
When the verse " And warn ˹all, starting with˺ your closest relatives" (Surah Ash-Shu'ara, 26:214) was revealed, the Prophet ﷺ ascended Mount Safa and called out:
"O Banu Fihr! O Banu Adi!"—calling the various clans of Quraysh until they gathered. Those who could not come sent a representative. Abu Lahab and the Quraysh arrived, and the Prophet ﷺ said:
"If I were to inform you that an army was about to attack from behind this hill, would you believe me?"
They replied: "Yes, we have never known you to lie."
The Prophet ﷺ then said: "I am a warner to you of a severe punishment ahead."
Abu Lahab retorted: "May you perish for this! Is this why you gathered us?" Then the verse was revealed:
" May the hands of Abu Lahab perish, and he ˹himself˺ perish! Neither his wealth nor ˹worldly˺ gains will benefit him." (Surah Al-Masad, 111:1-2)
(Bukhari and Muslim)
When Heraclius, the Byzantine emperor, questioned Abu Sufyan (then a disbeliever) about the Prophet ﷺ, he asked:
"Did you ever accuse him of lying before he claimed prophethood?"
Abu Sufyan replied: "No."
Heraclius remarked: "If he would not lie about people, he would not lie about Allah."
(Bukhari and Muslim)
[1] See: The Seerah of the Prophet by Shuhba (1/239).
