If we applied the characteristic of courage as seen in Prophet Mohammed [pbuh] as a deep-rooted trait and as being a characteristic of the good example which we pattern after him, what would you say in this regard?

  If we applied such courage, we can say that when the companions � may Allah be pleased with them all � heard a turmoil of a heavy thing that fell down and caused a resounding noise in the Medina outskirts and this was at night, they went on their horses towards the source of this sound, they discovered that the Prophet [pbuh] was returning from there. When did he go? How did he go? How did he come back? He was the most courageous and this courage is a practical one. Abu Bakr � May Allah be pleased with him � said: � In the heat of a battle we were seeking protection in the Prophet [pbuh] as he is the example of courage. He did not direct the battle from behind, but he was always in the advance guard and in forefront and on reviewing this, we can as many characteristics for Prophet Mohammed � peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, as the Holy Qur�an says: �Indeed in the Messenger of Allah (Mohammed) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes in (the Meeting with) Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah much.� (Al-Ahzab, 21) He [pbuh] is the only human being who has the feature of thoroughness regarding the characteristics that should be followed.

 If we wished to tell our readers how was the Messenger of Allah as a husband in his house and a father with his children and wives?

 The Messenger of Allah [pbuh] was the best example in the matrimonial life for husbands including the companions and followers. He was just among his wives, therefore Allah � the Almighty � says in the Holy Qur�an: �And if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly with the orphan girls, then marry (other) women of your choice, two or three, or four but if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one or (the captives and the slaves) that your right hands possess. That is nearer to prevent you from doing injustice.� (Al-Nisa, 3) Nevertheless, no one exemplified that justice among wives except Prophet Mohammed � peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.

Prophet Mohammed said: �This is my division in what I have, I beg your forgiveness in what I have not and Thou have.�

Therefore, we can find that he was treating his wives justly regarding the matters which were in his hands, such as expenditure, accommodation and justice in distributing time amongst his wives, but the matters of  heart were out of his reach. Even at the time of illness, he excused them to be with Aisha during that night, so they permitted him in doing such, as they were aware he was closer to her. Also, he was an example in treating his wives well, so he was satisfying them and never made them angry. Additionally, we can see him in his treatment of children in the house and how he was treating his daughters. He was so sensitive even with his grandsons and we can see that Al-Hassan and Al-Hussein were mounting over his back during performing prayers while his companions thought that he had died and when he turned to them said that these are my nephews and I was afraid to urge them, despite he was in prayer that is not a simple nor an easy matter. When he disagreed with Aisha � may Allah be pleased with her � her father Abu Bakr knew of this disagreement and beat her. She sought refuge with the Prophet Mohammed who asked Abu Bakr about the reason of doing so.  He did not beat any of his wives and he was treating them justly, mercifully and tenderly and by means of good words, inoffensive expressions, justice and expenditure, etc. He was used to preparing dough for them and mending his shoes, as was narrated by Aisha � may Allah be pleased with her. He was playing and making fun with them and told Jaber � May Allah be please with him � when he wanted to marry �Would you marry to a virgin in order to play with each other?� He was competing with Aisha � may Allah be pleased with her � who once won and he once won over her and said to her �This time is in return for the previous one.�

 What about the humble Prophet [pbuh]?

 Prophet Mohammed [pbuh] was so humble until human beings would think that he is unparalleled all over the world. The old woman was coming to him and talking to him for long hours, but he never got bored of her until she got bored and had what she was asking for. In some narrations, mad and weak-minded man was coming to him and he [pbuh] listened to him. Even the young maid was used to meeting him, holding his hand and running with him and he was running with her. Also, he was used when anyone shook hands with him; he never released his hands until the other one released his hand. The most favourable gathering for him [pbuh] was sitting with the poor and needy and in sitting, he was used to sitting like the poor servant of Allah and forbade cross-legged sitting. Also, he forbade leaning on one�s hands at his back and said that this is the way of haughty people. He was eating with his hands and sleeping on sand and straw mat.

When one of his companions wanted to replace these matters as its marks were found on his skin because of such rough way of living, he told his �O, Prophet Mohammed [pbuh], will you let us to furnish a soft carpet and mat just as Caesars and Emperors?�He said that we are not the same as them as we have the paradise on the Day of Judgment and they have the worldly existence. There are endless examples on his [pbuh] life and behaviour. The story of Abdullah Bin Umm Maktom in �Abasa Chapter� is an indication on humble behaviour. Prophet Mohammed encouraged us to be humble and he said that: �He who has in his heart the weight of a mustard seed of pride shall not enter Paradise.�

  What about the Prophet [pbuh] the Leader, as one characteristic of the good example?

If we wanted to address the topic of �Leadership in the life of Prophet Mohammed� [pbuh] and an example on patterning which should be followed, in this regard, we could say how this leader of mankind, by means of wisdom and experience, could solve problems and settle disputes by means of simple capabilities, as well as describe how he could lead the whole world with a group of Bedouin and poor people. Therefore, he could lead Muslims from nothing to leadership of the whole world. All characteristics of leadership were present within him, as being in the front line during times of crises. Additionally, a good leader should have alternatives and a leader is one who is able to listen to others, even though he was a Messenger. As Allah the Almighty � says about His Messenger: �And by the Mercy of Allah, you dealt with them gently. And had you been severe and harsh hearted, they would have broken away from about you; so pass over (their faults) and ask (Allah�s) Forgiveness for them; and consult them in the affairs. Then when you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah, certainly, Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him).� (Al-Imran, 159) A Leader�s consultation is one of his most important features, he should not be opinionated even he though  his viewpoint is right. In the Battle of  Badr, Prophet Mohammed [pbuh] consulted his companions and he obtained their opinions. Also, he followed the advice of Salman Al-Faresi in matters of digging the Trench. The leader, also, issues orders to people amicably and they obey him as they love him and are closer to him, as what happened at the Battle of Uhud in the story of Companion Sawad Bin Azziya, who was standing amidst the army. Prophet Mohammed [pbuh] told the army to stand upright and straight, but he saw that Sawad was not upright in standing, so he ordered him to stand upright. Sawad told Prophet Mohammed that he would but did not stand as was ordered by the Prophet.

So the Messenger of Allah approached Sawad and pricked him with his Sewak �Tooth Cleanser� in the stomach and told him to stand upright. Sawad told the Prophet [pbuh] that he caused him pain in the stomach and Allah sent you with the right, so I would like to avenge, i.e. let me top take revenge from you for pricking with Sewak. Prophet Mohammed [pbuh] revealed his stomach and told Sawad to take revenge. But Sawad, hurriedly, knelt down and kissed his stomach saying that is what he wanted to do as he thought it was the last day for him and he would be martyred so he wished to touch the Prophet�s skin as the last thing he would do in this worldly existence. This is the true leader and these are the genuine characteristics of the leader. In this context, we cannot count the features of leadership within Prophet Mohammed � peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.

  What can be said about the Messenger of Allah [pbuh] regarding Dawah as an example of characteristics in his personality?

The Life of Prophet Mohammed [pbuh] was a call for Allah � the Exalted � in general. When he received the Message of Allah, he said to his wife Khadijah that time of sleeping went away. He never stopped nor quitted and went to tribes and to Thaqeef, he endured beatings and insults. Despite this, he never invoked Allah against his people and never revenged for himself. He used to say that their offspring might believe in Monotheism. The Messenger of Allah was patient and sacrificed for Allah�s rewards and asked Allah to grant them guidance and said may Allah guide my people. He took opportunities to gather people such as the Day of Resurrection. The one who calls for Allah always takes all available opportunities and times and never stops until death. Peace and blessings of Allah be upon our Prophet Mohammed living and dead as he was the best example and pattern. May Allah reward him for good.

 Questions here were answered by eminent prophesier, Abdul Hameed Al-Bilali, Chairman of Bashaer Al-Khair Society in the State of Kuwait

 Source: http://www.islam.gov.kw/eng/meet_consult/details.php?data_id=185