His Physical Appearance

[ummtaalib]

How fortunate were the Sahaabah who saw our Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam and spent time in his company observing his every action!

Since Islam forbids picture making there are no pictures of Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu’alayhi wasallam, however, we have been blessed with a complete record of not only his teachings and practices but also of his appearance.

‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) gave a descriptive account of the physical appearance of our beloved Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam as did many other Sahaabah. The following is a compilation from “The Life of Perfection” by Abidullah Ghazi – IQRA’ International Educational Foundation.

Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam was neither very tall nor very short, but was of average height. He was not of a heavy build.

His face was somewhat round. He had a red and white complexion. His pupils were dark black and his eyelashes long. His eyebrows were thin and unconnected; between them was a vein which appeared when he was displeased with something. He had a sharp, high luminous nose. His beard was thick and luxuriant, cheeks smooth, mouth wide, teeth small and separated from one another. His neck was distinguished looking.

His hair was neither very curly nor was it very straight, though it had some waviness in it. He would part the hair if it parted easily otherwise he allowed it to stay as it was. When his hair was long it reached the upper lobes of his ears.

The bones of his joints were strong and heavy. The space between his two shoulders was soft and fleshy. His body was moderate, proportionate and well built. He had wide shoulders and his bones were well set. The upper part of his body radiated when it was without clothes. A thin line of hair ran between his chest and navel.

When he walked he lifted his legs with power, as if descending from a higher to lower level. His feet touched the earth softly. He walked fast and took long steps.

His perspiration emitted a fragrance sweeter than musk. Between his shoulders was the Seal of Prophethood.

‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “He always had a smiling countenance. When he listened to someone, he gave his full attention. He had the most generous heart, most truthful tongue and most sweet temperament, and this kind-hearted person belonged to the noblest family.
Whoever saw him unexpectedly was awed and whoever became acquainted with him fell in love with him. Whoever wishes to describe him can only say: ‘I have not seen anyone like him.’”

Jabir bin Sumurah said that he saw him on a full-moon night and he compared him with moon and found that he was brighter and more luminous than the moon.

Al-Bara’ said, “He had the most handsome face and the best character “

‘Ayesha (may Allah be pleased with her) would frequently say “The women cut their hands off when they were enchanted and captivated by the beauty of Yusuf alayhissalaam. Had they seen my beloved, they would have cut out their hearts.”

muftisays NTI