The Prophet Muhammad: Manners and Character

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