It is universally known that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was the greatest man to be born in the history of mankind. From the way that he embodied generosity, sincerity, fairness, and mercy, the Prophet (pbuh) set a perfect example for the Muslim population. By following and attempting to emulate the demeanor and tendencies of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), it becomes much easier for the modern Muslim to develop a stronger relationship with Allah (swt). This is especially crucial when taking into account the adversity that Islam is faced with on a daily basis. As such, it has become equally crucial for Muslims to familiarize themselves with “the human aspect, lifestyle and personal life of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)” – this is oftentimes referred to as the shama’il.
While it is important to learn about the seerah, or biography, of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), it is also necessary to study his shama’il. In doing so, each Muslim is able to achieve a link and connection with the man who Allah (swt) sent as a mercy for mankind. In fact, Islam requires that each Muslim cultivate a love for Allah (swt) and his messenger that surpasses any love for any other creation. A Muslim can sincerely claim his or her love for Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) if he or she strives to follow the tendencies and lifestyle of the messenger of Islam.
One simple example of the shama’il concerns Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) smile. Despite the fact that the Prophet (pbuh) faced numerous trials and tribulations throughout his time as prophet, the most integral and noticeable part of his personality was his contagious smile. A sahaba by the name of Abdullah ibn Harith once said that “I have never seen anyone more smiling than the prophet of Allah.” Therefore, as a Muslim, smiling can be seen in many respects, all of which relate back to a concerted effort to mimic the tendencies of the Prophet (pbuh).
On one hand, smiling is considered to be an almost effortless form of giving sadaqah. Therefore, even when it seems that you have nothing material to give, you can always smile. On the other hand, the benefits of smiling can be viewed through a scientific or psychological lens. A pure, genuine smile can produce more happiness than even the most advanced gadgets and the most savory foods. A true smile extinguishes stress through the release of endorphins, and also ameliorates one’s level of overall health.
In short, following the shama’il of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) has the potential to improve the overall image of Islam, while at the same time strengthening our own individual relationships with Allah (swt) and his messenger. Just imagine if the image of the modern Muslim was that of a smiling, kind person – the benefits of following the lifestyle of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) truly are limitless.
While it is important to learn about the seerah, or biography, of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), it is also necessary to study his shama’il. In doing so, each Muslim is able to achieve a link and connection with the man who Allah (swt) sent as a mercy for mankind. In fact, Islam requires that each Muslim cultivate a love for Allah (swt) and his messenger that surpasses any love for any other creation. A Muslim can sincerely claim his or her love for Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) if he or she strives to follow the tendencies and lifestyle of the messenger of Islam.
One simple example of the shama’il concerns Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) smile. Despite the fact that the Prophet (pbuh) faced numerous trials and tribulations throughout his time as prophet, the most integral and noticeable part of his personality was his contagious smile. A sahaba by the name of Abdullah ibn Harith once said that “I have never seen anyone more smiling than the prophet of Allah.” Therefore, as a Muslim, smiling can be seen in many respects, all of which relate back to a concerted effort to mimic the tendencies of the Prophet (pbuh).
On one hand, smiling is considered to be an almost effortless form of giving sadaqah. Therefore, even when it seems that you have nothing material to give, you can always smile. On the other hand, the benefits of smiling can be viewed through a scientific or psychological lens. A pure, genuine smile can produce more happiness than even the most advanced gadgets and the most savory foods. A true smile extinguishes stress through the release of endorphins, and also ameliorates one’s level of overall health.
In short, following the shama’il of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) has the potential to improve the overall image of Islam, while at the same time strengthening our own individual relationships with Allah (swt) and his messenger. Just imagine if the image of the modern Muslim was that of a smiling, kind person – the benefits of following the lifestyle of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) truly are limitless.