The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) ate and drank with his right hand and used his right hand to give and receive things. He used his left hand for bathroom-related activities. He had a habit of shaking hands and hugging people who came from afar.
He had a ring made of silver with an Abyssinian agate stone. The inscription "Muhammadun Rasulullah" was engraved on it, with "Muhammad" on the first line, "Rasul" on the second, and "Allah" on the third. He wore the ring on the little finger of his right hand, with the stone facing inward. Out of respect for the inscription, he would remove the ring when entering the bathroom.
The ring, which he also used as a seal, was with him until he passed away. After his passing, it was inherited by Abu Bakr Siddiq, then by Umar Faruq, and finally by Uthman (radiyallahu anhum). The ring fell from Uthman's hand into the well called "Eris" near Quba in Medina. Despite extensive searches, it was not found, by Allah's will.
The Prophet's body was clean and fragrant. Whether he applied perfume or not, his body and sweat had a scent more beautiful than the finest musk. His body was so fragrant that whichever path he took, the path would be enveloped in a pleasant scent, and even those who did not see him would know from the fragrance that he had passed by. If someone shook hands with him, they would smell his fragrance all day. If he patted a child's head with his hand, the child would be distinguishable among others due to the scent.
This natural fragrance was one of his prophetic characteristics. Nevertheless, he loved and applied fragrant oils. For men who wish to follow this Sunnah, the appropriate times to apply perfume are Fridays, Eid days, entering the state of ihram, entering gatherings, reciting the Quran, praying, and during remembrance of Allah. Women, however, should apply perfume only for their husbands.
The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) had exceptional piety (wara) and abstinence (zuhd). He worshipped extensively and turned away from doubtful things. He never stood naked and would cover himself even in the bath out of modesty before Allah. When relieving himself, he would go to a remote place far from people, behind a wall or a tree. The earth would immediately absorb his bodily waste.
The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) visited the homes of his noble companions and inquired about those who did not attend his gatherings. He would visit the sick in the farthest parts of Medina. He attended funerals of both known and unknown individuals and accepted invitations for any purpose. Wherever he went, he sat in the nearest available spot without seeking a special place.
The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) would show hospitality to guests, never hiding any food from them, serving what was available, and if there was nothing, he would sincerely apologize. He endeavored to meet the needs of his companions and paid special attention to those who were far from their homeland.
In summary, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) was generous, honorable, compassionate, merciful, brave, gentle, truthful, and kind to everyone. He never spent any part of his day or night in anything other than obedience to Allah and beneficial activities for the believers.
The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) was extraordinarily strong in constitution and temperament. He was the most superior and distinguished among all people. He had the most accurate judgment on all matters and details. Even though he had not read or written any books, those who saw how he solved the apparent and hidden issues of both the common people and the elite with profound and comprehensive knowledge, would immediately recognize and accept the immense intellect and understanding of the Prophet.
His moral character was far superior to everyone else’s. He had a gentle temperament that attracted people’s hearts. In terms of lineage, he was the most honorable and superior among all people. Anyone who stayed with him to learn about his beautiful character would develop intense love for him, to the extent that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) would become dearer to them than their own selves.
O Allah, forgive and have mercy on the author of this book. For the sake of the exalted Prophet, forgive his parents and all believers. May peace and blessings be upon the beautifully created Muhammad, his family, and his companions. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds.
I completed this beautiful book on Friday, 9th Rabi' al-Awwal 1326.
