He, peace and blessings be upon him, was the best of his people in character, most truthful in discussion, most reliable for safekeeping and the most distant of them from obscenity and the misdemeanours that plagued the common man. Such was he that he exceeded them in chivalry, his company was most sought after, he was most neighbourly and most forbearing, so truthful that they named him al-Amīn – the Trustworthy – as Allah Almighty had gathered in him all praiseworthy traits and honest characteristics such as forbearance, patience, gratefulness, justice, humility, virtue, generosity, bravery and modesty.

Even his ardent enemy, an-Nad`ar bin al-H`ārith of the Banū ‘Abd ad-Dār, remarked: “Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) as a young man amongst you was the most content of you, unmatched in his integrity and trustworthiness. Then when you saw him mature he brought to you what he brought to you and you retorted: Magician! By God he is no magician!” He, an-Nad`ar, asserted this in the symposium held by the Arabs for those attending the seasonal festival, so that they could agree upon one acceptable stance (against the Messenger of Allah).

When Heraclius, the Byzantine emperor, asked Abū Sufyān: Did you ever accuse him of lying before he said what he said? He replied: No. So Heraclius responded: Why would he not lie to people yet be dishonest about Allah? This has been reported in the beginning of Sah`ih` al-Bukhārī.

Allah Almighty protected him in his youth from all the practices of al-Jāhilīya – a time of ignorance that would eventually be challenged by his noble Shariah ¹. Idols were most detested by him such that he never participated in a festival or celebration arranged by their worshipers. He, peace and blessing be upon him, himself recalls:

“When I was growing up idols were made abhorrent to me as was poetry. Never did I care for the practices of al-Jāhilīya except on two occasions. Each time Allah Almighty intervened between me and my intention. Thereafter I didn’t so much as think of a misdemeanour and then Allah Almighty blessed me with His message. One night I said to a young boy who tended cattle with me that should he watch over my cattle for me, I would return to Makkah to entertain myself as young people did. I set off for this till I came to the first home in Makkah where I heard music played on tambourines and oboes in someone’s celebration. I sat down for it. Allah Almighty withdrew my hearing and I slept. I did not rise until I felt the sunlight and I hadn’t captured anything. Then I experienced a similar thing on another occasion.”

He, peace and blessings be upon him, would not eat of the meat sacrificed for the idols and he had made consumption of wine unlawful on himself despite its widespread prevalence amongst his people.

All of these qualities are those which Allah Almighty bestowed upon His messengers so that they are able to receive the revelation. They are protected from sins before and after prophethood. As for before prophethood, it is so that they may be suitable for the great task that would be granted to them and after prophethood, so that they may be an example for their nations. May Allah’s choicest blessings and most complete peace be upon them.

1. ash-Shifā of al-Qād`ī ‘Ayād`.