Modesty

Muhammad was very modest and shy; in fact, he was a perfect model of modesty. It is narrated by many of his companions that he was more modest and bashful than a maiden. He never spoke loudly or in an unseeming manner. When he went shopping in the market, he always passed by the people quietly with a smile. When he heard anything undesirable in the assembly; he did not say anything out of respect for the people, but the colour of his face showed his feelings and the companions would become cautious. A'isha said that she never saw God's Messenger laughing so immoderately that she could see the inside of his moutn, for he only used to smile.

 

Ibn Umar reported that a man from the Ansar was giving his brother a warning against modesty when the Holy Prophet came along and said, "Leave him alone, modesty is a part of Faith."

 

Zaid ibn Talya reported God's Messenger as saying, "Every religion has a character and the character of Islam is modesty." Abu Hurairah reported, "God's Messenger never criticized any food (presented to him) but would eat it if he liked it; otherwise, he would leave it (without expressing dislike

 

Ibn Masud reported God's Messenger as saying, "None of my companions must tell me anything about anyone, for I like to come out to you with no ill feelings." Abdullah ibn Musalm reported God's Messenger as saying, "Modesty is a part of the teachings of the previous Prophets and anyone who lacks it may do whatever he likes.". He lived a simple and modest life both in Makkah, as a trader and a Messenger, and in Medinah, as the head of the state and Messenger of God. The change in his social status from that of a trader in Makkah to the head of the state of Medinah did not bring any change in his modest living. Umar reported the Prophet as saying, "Do not exalt me as the Christians have exalted Jesus son of Mary. I am just His servant, so call me God's servant and Messenger."

 

'Abdullah b. Abi Aufa' reports: "The Apostle of God never disdained to go with a slave or a widow to accomplish their tasks." Anas says that any slave-girl or maidservant of Medina could hold the Prophet by hand and say whatever she liked or take him to the place she desired. When 'Adiy b. Hatim came to see the Apostle, he called him inside his house. A maidservant brought a cushion to rest on but the Prophet placed it between him and 'Adiy and sat down on the floor. 'Adiy later said that he had then immediately realised that the Prophet was not a king.

 

Anas reported that the Apostle of God used to visit the sick, attend funerals, ride on a donkey and accept a slave's invitation for a meal. Jabir states that the Prophet used to slow- down his pace for the sake of the weak and also prayed for them. Anas said: The Prophet accepted an invitation even if he was presented a barley bread and 
soup whose taste had changed. " He also reports the Prophet as saying, "I am God's servant, I eat like a servant and sit like a servant.'' Abdullah b. 'Amr b. al-'As says: "Once when the Messenger of God came to my house, I gave him a cushion filled with bark, but he sat down on the floor placing the cushion between me and him.'' The Apostle used to tidy up his house, tether the camels, feed animals, take food with his servants, and help them in kneading flour and bringing provisions from the market.