The Character
of the Prophet
That evening in Ta’if was terrifying—when the boys of the city were throwing stones at the Prophet of Islam and driving him out. He had travelled nearly fifty miles (about 85 kilometres) from Makkah to reach the summer capital of the chiefs of Ta’if, hoping to present the message of Islam to them. But instead of listening to his gentle call, the chiefs of Ta’if incited the city’s mischievous boys to turn against him. They pursued him relentlessly until sunset, when the cover of darkness finally drew a veil between him and the street urchins.
His body was covered in wounds—from head to toe, he was bleeding. In that moment, exhausted and in pain, he took shelter in a grape garden.
Just imagine how delicate and challenging that time must have been for any person. He once told his wife Aisha that the evening in Ta’if was the most difficult night of his life. But even during such a painful moment, not a single harsh word escaped his lips against his enemies. Instead, he said: “I hope that God will bring from their descendants people who will worship Him alone and not associate anything with Him.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 3231)
It was this very character of the Prophet that defeated his enemies so completely that all of Arabia accepted his message. No bias, hatred, or stubbornness could stand against his noble character. His upright nature kept winning people’s hearts (and minds) like magic.
Once, he said: “To maintain family ties is not just to be good to those who are good to you, but to be good even to those who break ties with you.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 5991)
A well-known story from Islamic history tells that some enemies of Islam once accused his noble wife, Aisha, of adultery. This was a false and baseless allegation. A man named Mistah, a relative of Abu Bakr, was also involved in spreading this slander. Abu Bakr used to support him financially because he was in need. When he found out about Mistah’s involvement, he stopped his financial help. Then a verse of the Quran (24:22) was revealed to the Prophet, teaching that if someone is in financial need, help should not be withheld because of their moral wrongdoing. Instead, they should be forgiven, and support should continue. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 2661)
Another incident involving Abu Bakr is that once he was sitting with the Prophet when a man came and began to abuse him. Abu Bakr stayed silent the first time. Even when the man insulted him again, he remained silent. But when it happened a third time, Abu Bakr replied. At that moment, the Prophet stood up and left. Abu Bakr asked, “O Messenger of God, were you upset with me?” The Prophet replied: “Abu Bakr, when you were silent, God’s angel was standing on your side. But when you replied, the angel went away.” (Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith No. 4896)
“It is as if, when a person refrains from taking revenge in response to wrongdoing, God Himself steps in to avenge him on his behalf. But when a person chooses to retaliate on his own, God leaves the matter to him—and it is clear that no human being can avenge better than God.
Ali, cousin and Companion of the Prophet, narrates that once the Prophet took a loan of a few gold coins from a Jewish scholar. After some time, the Jew came to claim the repayment. The Prophet said, “At the moment, I have nothing to repay you.” The man responded, “I won’t leave you until you pay me back.” So, from Dhuhr prayer till the next morning, he stayed there holding him. By then, the Prophet’s rule had been established in Madinah. His Companions wanted to scold him and drive him away, but he stopped them. People asked, “O Prophet, a Jew is keeping you like a prisoner?” He said, “Yes, but I have been told not to do injustice.”
When the next day began, the Jew’s eyes were opened, and he was so deeply moved by the Prophet of Islam’s conduct that he chose to follow him. This man was one of the wealthiest individuals in Madinah. Just a day earlier, he had confronted the Prophet over a few gold coins, but now—so profoundly touched by the Prophet’s noble character—he brought all his wealth before him and said, “You may spend it however you wish”. (Dala’il al-Nubuwwah by Al-Bayhaqi, Vol. 6, pp. 280–281)
Abdullah ibn Abi al-Hamsa narrates that once he made a business deal with the Prophet. The deal was not completed, and he asked the Prophet to wait while he went home. However, once home, he became so busy that he forgot his promise. After three days, he remembered and returned to that place—only to find the Prophet still waiting. He said, “You gave me a lot of trouble. I’ve been waiting for you here for three days.” (Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith No. 4996)
Such actions are so powerful that even the hardest-hearted people cannot remain unmoved.
Aisha once narrated that a group of Jews came to meet the Prophet. They greeted him with the words, “As-saamu Alaikum” (death be upon you). Aisha couldn’t stay silent. She responded, “May you be destroyed, and may God’s curse be upon you.” When the Prophet heard this, he stopped her and said, “God loves kindness in everything.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 6024)
Truly, to win over an enemy’s heart, there is no weapon better than kind words. One can guard against physical weapons—but no one can stand against the power of good character. In the face of such character, every person must eventually bow down.
Baraa bin Aazib recounts that during the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, the Prophet agreed with the Quraysh on three conditions. One of these was: If a Quraysh person joins the Muslims, they will return him. But if a Muslim comes to the Quraysh, they will not return him.
While the agreement was being written, a young Muslim named Abu Jandal arrived from Makkah. He had been imprisoned for accepting Islam. He came in chains, stumbling and bleeding. He cried, “Save me from the oppressors!”
It was an emotional moment. The Companions unsheathed their swords. Seeing Abu Jandal in this state, anyone might think the agreement should be broken to save him. But the people of Makkah said, “Muhammad! This is the first test of your agreement.” The Prophet, staying true to his word, said the treaty could not be broken. And Abu Jandal was handed back to them.
Outwardly, it seemed that the oppressed had been returned to the oppressors. However, the way this promise was fulfilled deeply influenced the hearts of the Quraysh. Although they brought Abu Jandal back and imprisoned him, the act of keeping promises impressed many in Makkah, leading to the swift acceptance of the message of Islam. Even while in prison, Abu Jandal became a source of fear for them. Ultimately, they thought it wiser to release him and send him away from Makkah. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 2731-2732)
Abu Hurairah narrates that the Prophet once sent a group of horsemen towards the enemies of Najd. On the way, they captured the regional leader, Thumamah bin Uthal, and brought him to Madinah, tying him to a pillar in the mosque. The Prophet asked how he was. Thumamah replied: “If you kill me, my tribe will seek revenge. If you show me kindness, I will be thankful. And if you seek wealth, I am ready to pay whatever you ask.” The Prophet ordered his release.
This was very unusual in those days. In tribal society, enemies were normally killed. But the Prophet didn’t kill his body—instead, he won his heart. Thumamah left, bathed in a nearby garden, and returned to the mosque. People wondered why. Then, he publicly recited the Shahada and accepted Islam. The Prophet had captured his soul.
Later, Thumamah went for Umrah. When people in the Haram heard he had accepted Islam, they said, “You have become faithless.” He replied:
“I have not become faithless. I have accepted the religion of Muhammad.”
At that time, one of Makkah’s sources of wheat was Yamamah. Thumamah said to the people of Makkah: “Listen, not a single grain of wheat will reach you without Muhammad’s permission.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 1764)
Character may seem like a small thing. But through it, a person can earn the greatest rewards.
All India Radio, New Delhi, 9 June 1968.
