Part 1
Written by: Naqib Ahmad Hamidi
The exemplary character of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was a defining trait that made him the ultimate guide for humanity. His noble conduct extended beyond his personal life, shaping every sphere of society. In this section, we take a brief look at his life within the household.
The Prophet’s (PBUH) Character at Home
Hazrat A’isha (RA) said:
«ما كانَ أحَدٌ أحْسَنَ خُلُقًا مِن رَسُولِ اللَّهِ، ﷺ؛ ما دَعاهُ أحَدٌ مِن أصْحابِهِ ولا مِن أهْلِ بَيْتِهِ إلّا قالَ: لَبَّيْكَ، فَلِذَلِكَ أنْزَلَ اللَّهُ تَعالى: ﴿وإنَّكَ لَعَلى خُلُقٍ عَظِيمٍ﴾ [القلم: 4]»
Translation:
“No one had better character than the Messenger of Allah (PBUH). Whenever anyone—whether a companion or a family member—called upon him, he would respond with kindness, saying, ‘At your service.’ This is why Allah Almighty revealed about him:
﴿وَإِنَّكَ لَعَلَىٰ خُلُقٍ عَظِيمٍ﴾ [القلم: 4]
“And indeed, you are of a great moral character.”
Hazrat A’isha (RA) also said:
« عن عروة، عن عائشة رضي الله عنها قالت: ما ضرب رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم خادمًا له، ولا امرأةً… »
Translation:
Narrated ‘Urwah from ‘A’isha (RA):
“The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) never struck a servant or a woman. He treated everyone with kindness, and his noble character left a profound impact on those around him.”
This hadith is recorded in Musannaf ‘Abd al-Razzaq (9/176), Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah (14/170), and Musnad Ahmad (40/37).
The Prophet’s (PBUH) Role in Household Affairs
عَنْ الأَسْوَدِ بْنِ يَزِيدَ، قَالَ: سَأَلْتُ عَائِشَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهَا: مَا كَانَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَصْنَعُ فِي بَيْتِهِ؟ قَالَتْ: كَانَ يَكُونُ فِي مِهْنَةِ أَهْلِهِ، فَإِذَا سَمِعَ الأَذَانَ خَرَجَ.
(صحيح البخاري 5/2052)
Translation:
Narrated Al-Aswad ibn Yazid:
“I asked Aisha (RA), ‘What did the Prophet (PBUH) do at home?’ She replied, ‘He would engage in serving his family, but when he heard the adhan, he would leave for prayer.’” (Sahih al-Bukhari 5/2052)
The Prophet (PBUH) actively participated in household chores and fulfilled his role as a responsible family member. However, as soon as he heard the call to prayer, he would immediately leave to perform his religious duties.
The Year of Sorrow (‘Ām al-Ḥuzn)
In the tenth year of his Prophethood, the Prophet (PBUH) suffered two great personal losses: the passing of his uncle Abu Talib and his beloved wife Khadijah (RA). This period became known as ‘Ām al-Ḥuzn (The Year of Sorrow) due to the immense grief he experienced. These two figures had been his greatest supporters—Abu Talib as his protector and Khadijah as his loving wife and source of comfort.
عامُ الحُزن، وهو العامُ العاشرُ من بَعثتهِ ﷺ، فقد تُوفيت فيهِ زوجتهُ خديجةُ بنتُ خُويلدٍ رضي اللهُ عنها، وتُوفي فيهِ عمهُ أبو طالب.»
(فقه السيرة النبوية مع موجز لتاريخ الخلافة الراشدة، ص 97)
English Translation:
“‘Ām al-Ḥuzn (The Year of Sorrow) was the tenth year after his (PBUH) Prophethood. In that year, his wife, Khadīja bint Khuwaylid (RA), and his uncle, Abu Talib, passed away.” (Fiqh al-Seerah al-Nabawiyyah ma’a Mujaz li-Tareekh al-Khilafah al-Rashidah, p. 97)
The Prophet’s (PBUH) Love for His Family
The Prophet (PBUH) also endured the loss of his son, Ibrahim. Upon his passing, he expressed his grief while demonstrating patience and submission to Allah’s will:
“إِنَّ العَيْنَ تَدْمَعُ، وَالقَلْبَ يَحْزَنُ، وَلَا نَقُولُ إِلَّا مَا يُرْضِي رَبَّنَا، وَإِنَّا بِفِرَاقِكَ يَا إِبْرَاهِيمُ لَمَحْزُونُونَ.”
English Translation:
“Indeed, the eyes shed tears, and the heart grieves, but we do not say except that which pleases our Lord. And indeed, we are saddened by your departure, O Ibrahim.”
This statement reflects the deep sorrow of the Prophet (PBUH) while maintaining patience and submission to Allah’s decree.
Fāṭimah (RA), the beloved daughter of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), was extremely dear to him. He expressed his profound love for her in the following hadith:
“إِنَّمَا فَاطِمَةُ بَضْعَةٌ مِنِّي، يُؤْذِينِي مَا آذَاهَا.”
(صحيح مسلم 7/141)
English Translation:
“Fatimah is a part of me; whatever harms her, harms me.” (Sahih Muslim 7/141)
Conclusion
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was a loving and compassionate family man. He cared for his children, wives, and relatives with deep affection, always upholding their rights. He never spoke harshly or mistreated his family members. He actively participated in household tasks and encouraged kindness and harmony in the home. His exemplary character remains a guiding light for all.
