The Character of Muhammad ﷺ After Prophethood: Evidence of Truthfulness and Moral Excellence

Introduction

In our previous article, we highlighted the life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ before prophethood as irrefutable proof of his truthfulness and the authenticity of his message. Known for his honesty and trustworthiness, he was never accused of lying or betrayal, making the notion that he would lie about something as significant as prophethood irrational.

Today, we turn our focus to a new phase in his life: the period after prophethood. This period continues to exemplify his supreme honesty and moral perfection.

Muhammad ﷺ was a unique ethical model, embodying the highest virtues and qualities. His character became the benchmark of morality, captivating all who learned of his life. They were compelled to acknowledge the truth of the Qur'anic verse:

And indeed, you are of great moral character.

Al-Qalam: 4

In this article, we explore how the Prophet’s ﷺ post-prophethood life and sustained moral excellence provide compelling evidence of his truthfulness. His sublime ethics continue to inspire millions across generations.

Evidence of Truthfulness and Trustworthiness in the Life of Muhammad ﷺ After Prophethood

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was the most truthful in speech, the gentlest in demeanor, and the kindest in his interactions. He was unmatched in keeping promises and fulfilling commitments. His wife, Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), when asked about his character, responded: "His character was the Qur’an." (Sahih Al-Jami': 4811).

He was the epitome of inner and outer beauty. His face radiated like the full moon on a clear night. Ka‘b ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) said:"When he was happy, his face would shine as if it were a piece of the moon." (Sahih Al-Jami': 4739).

This light, grace, and purity were evident on his face, to the extent that people immediately recognized his truthfulness upon seeing him. Abdullah ibn Salam (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated: "When the Prophet ﷺ arrived in Medina, people rushed to see him. I went among them to look at him. When I saw his face, I knew that this face was not the face of a liar." (Tirmidhi: 2485).

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ possessed moral qualities so exalted that they could never belong to a liar or fabricator. Falsehood is evident in the behavior of a liar, where actions contradict words, and inner realities conflict with outward appearances. Conversely, the Prophet ﷺ embodied the traits of a truthful and trustworthy individual, whose outer actions reflected his inner sincerity.

He was exceptionally gentle, even with those who served him. Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "I served the Prophet ﷺ for seven or nine years. Never did he say to me about anything I did: 'Why did you do that?' Nor about anything I left: 'Why did you not do that?'” (Muslim: 2310).

He was also the bravest of people. Al-Bara ibn Azib (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "When the battle became fierce, we would shield ourselves behind the Prophet ﷺ, and the bravest among us was the one closest to him." (Bukhārī: 4317, Muslim: 1776).

These unique qualities of courage, generosity, and kindness, evident in the actions of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, are decisive proofs of his truthfulness. A fraudulent liar could never consistently embody such traits, as their deceit and manipulation would inevitably be exposed through their behavior. However, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was truthful in every aspect, with his outward demeanor perfectly aligned with his inner integrity, making him a model of honesty and trustworthiness. This reality confirms that these prophetic attributes belong to a truly sent prophet, not a false claimant.

The Prophet ﷺ was the most modest of people, exhibiting a level of modesty greater than that of a veiled virgin in her private quarters. This noble trait cannot exist in a deceitful liar, as liars lack modesty and noble character. A liar seeks self-promotion and boasts about themselves, whereas the Prophet ﷺ displayed unparalleled humility.

The Prophet ﷺ was the most humble of people. A servant girl in Medina could take his hand and lead him wherever she needed, and he would remain with her until her task was completed. If someone shook his hand, he would not let go until the other person did first. He disliked that people would rise for him when he entered. He would sit with the poor, visit the needy, and accept invitations. A deceitful liar could never exhibit such humility, as lying is often accompanied by arrogance and conceit.

Even though he sometimes received significant wealth, he consistently gave it away to the poor and needy, prioritizing others' welfare over his own. His asceticism was not due to perpetual poverty but by choice, preferring the Hereafter over the worldly life. This genuine detachment from worldly possessions is not characteristic of a liar, who typically seeks to accumulate wealth for personal gain.

The Prophet ﷺ was the best to his family and an exemplary husband. He would help with household tasks when needed. A fraudulent liar might hide their flaws from the general public but cannot conceal them from those closest to them.

The Prophet ﷺ was also deeply compassionate toward people and even animals. He forbade using living creatures as targets and prohibited using animals solely as seats for idle sitting. Once, he tipped a vessel to let a cat drink. Ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: "We were with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ during a journey. He saw a bird with two chicks, and we had taken the chicks. The mother bird came, flapping its wings in distress. The Prophet ﷺ asked, 'Who has caused distress to this bird by taking its young? Return them to her.'" (Abu Dawud: 2675).

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was the most forgiving and forbearing of people. These traits were evident in numerous incidents, such as when a Bedouin pulled his cloak so harshly that it left marks on his neck. The Prophet ﷺ simply turned, smiled, and commanded that the man be given something. A deceitful liar cannot exhibit such forgiveness and patience, as lying is often accompanied by anger and vindictiveness.

The character of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ extended beyond words to his daily actions and interactions. He was not just a preacher of good conduct but a practitioner, implementing what he taught. This unique characteristic made him a captivating figure for both hearts and minds. The great accomplishments and impeccable reputation of the Prophet ﷺ were not coincidental but the result of a spotless character and actions rooted in faith and sincerity.

These testimonials are not limited to Muslims alone but extend to numerous non-Muslims who have acknowledged the greatness of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The American historian Michael Hart, in his book The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History, stated: "My choice of Muhammad to lead the list of the world's most influential persons may surprise some readers, but he was the only man in history who was supremely successful on both the religious and secular levels.[51]"

Similarly, the French poet and politician Alphonse de Lamartine remarked: "If greatness of purpose, smallness of means, and astonishing results are the three criteria of human genius, who could dare to compare any great man in modern history with Muhammad?[52]"

These testimonials, from both within and outside the Muslim community, confirm that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was indeed a unique model of moral and human perfection. His noble character and exemplary life clearly demonstrate that he was not a liar or a pretender, but a truthful and sincere messenger sent to guide humanity to the righteous path.

It is inconceivable that someone with such high qualities of truthfulness, integrity, and nobility would fabricate the greatest lie against Allah by falsely claiming prophethood. Lying against Allah is the gravest form of injustice and the worst type of falsehood. A person committed to the highest ethical standards could never commit such an act. Allah says in the Qur'an:

And who is more unjust than one who invents a lie about Allah or says, 'It has been revealed to me,' while nothing has been revealed to him.

Al-An’ām: 93

And He also says:

And if he [Muhammad] had made up about Us some [false] sayings, We would have seized him by the right hand; then We would have cut from him the aorta.

Al-Haqqah: 44-46

These verses affirm that fabricating lies against Allah is an unforgivable offense and that Allah will punish anyone who dares to commit such falsehoods. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, as attested by both friends and foes, was a model of truthfulness and trustworthiness, making it impossible for him to be dishonest in his claim. This truth renders belief in his prophethood logical and justified, urging every seeker of truth to reflect deeply on the sincerity of his message.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ after prophethood and his continuous moral excellence serve as a compelling proof of his truthfulness as a messenger of Allah. Despite facing immense challenges and hardships, he consistently exhibited the highest levels of honesty and moral integrity, which undeniably affirms that he was indeed a true prophet.

This article has highlighted numerous pieces of evidence and testimonies that underscore the greatness of his character and the nobility of his life, acknowledged by both Muslims and non-Muslims alike. These truths make belief in his message logical and reasonable, inviting every sincere seeker of truth to contemplate and reflect upon the authenticity of Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ message. His impeccable character and actions stand as irrefutable proof that he was a genuine messenger, sent by Allah to guide humanity to the straight path.