|
Hazrat Sheikh-ul Hadeeth Maulana Muhammad Zakariyya Kandhelwi
(R.A.) explains this chapter ;
Imaam Tirmidhi has quoted in this
chapter those ahaadith that have been narrated on the noble features of Sayyidina Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale
hi wasallam). It is impossible to accurately describe actual beauty and elegance of Sayyidina Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi
wa’ale hi wasallam). To draw a pen-picture of the appearance of Sayyidina Rasulullah Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale
hi Wasallam is beyond one's capability, but the Saahabah - companions (Raziallahu anhum RA)
have endeavoured, according to their capabilities, to preserve what little they could, of which some is written here.
Qurtubi
says: "The full beauty and elegance of Sayyidina Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam)
has not been made manifest, otherwise it would not have been possible for man to look at him".
The Sahabah
(Radiallahu anhum), have done the Ummah - Muslim nation an immense favour by conveying to them the perfect intrinsic
knowledge, as well as the perfect conspicuous elegance and beauty of Sayyidina Rasullullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale
hi wasallam). When an unfulfilled lover is deprived of meeting the beloved then he stands in front of the beloved's house
remembering the features of his beloved, in an attempt to gain some solace. It is from habits and features that the heart
is appeased.
Imam Tirmidhi in the first chapter quotes fourteen ahaadith.
(1)
Hadith Number 1
Anas (Radiallahu Anhu) reports:
"Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) was neither tall nor was short (like a dwarf) but was of medium
stature). In complexion, they were neither very white like lime, nor very dark, nor brown which results in darkness (they
were illuminant, more luminous than even the full-moon on the 14th night).
The hair of Rasullullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) was
neither very straight nor very curly (but slightly wavy). When they attained the age of forty, Allah (swt) the Almighty granted
Sayyidina Rasulullah (salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) Nubuwwah (Prophethood). Sayyidina Rasulullah Salla
Lahu Alayhi Wa’ale Hi Wasallam lived for ten years in Makkah (commentary) and in Madina for ten years. At that time
there were not more than twenty white hair on their mubarak (blessed) head and beard." (This will be described in detail
in the chapter on white hair of Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam).
Commentary
Sayyidina Rasullullah (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam)
was of a medium stature, but slightly taller. This has been reported in a narration from Sayyidina Hind bin Abi Haalah (Radiallahu
Anhu) and others. An objection may arise concerning these two hadeeth, that it is stated in one hadeeth that when Sayyidina
Rasullullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) used to stand up in a group, they appeared to be the tallest among
them. This was not due to height, but was a result of a Mu'jizah (Miracle). In the manner that no one had reached a higher
status than Sayyidina Rasullullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) in `Kamalaate Ma'nawiyyah', (super
intellectual status) likewise in the `Surah Zaahiri' (outward appearance) no one could excel them. It is stated in the
hadeeth under discussion that Sayyidina Rasullullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) lived for ten years in Makka
Mukarramah after Nubuwwah (Prophethood). For this reason it is stated that they attained the age of sixty years.
This is contrary to what has been reported in the other ahaadith, where it is stated that Sayyidina Rasullullah (Salla lahu
alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) lived there for thirteen years and attained the age of sixty three years. In some ahaadith
it is stated that Sayyidina Rasullullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) attained the age of sixty five years.
At the end of this kitaab all three ahaadith will be quoted.
Imaam Bukhari (R.A.) says: "Most narrations show that Rasullullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale
hi wasallam) lived for sixty three years."
The ulama (scholars) have summed up
these ahaadith in two ways. First, that Sayyidina Rasullullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) received Nubuwwah
(Prophethood) at the age of forty and Risaalah – Messengership, three
years thereafter. After that they lived for ten years in Makkah Mukaraamah. According to this, the three years between nubuwwah
and risaalah have been in the hadeeth under discussion. The second explanation is that frequently in calculating, fractions or small numbers
are not included. For this reason Sayyidina Rasulullah Salla lahu Alayhi Wa’ale Hi Wasallam is mentioned as sixty-five,
the years of birth and departure are included as separate years. In short, the content of all the ahadith are the same. According
to most authentic ahadith, the age of Rasulullah Salla lahu Alayhi Wa’ale Hi Wasallam was sixty three years, therefore
all the other ahadith corroborate this.
(2) Hadith Number
2
Anas bin Malik (Radiallhu Anhu) reports,
"Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi Wa’ale Hi wasallam) was of a medium stature, neither very tall nor very short. Sayyidina
Rasululah (salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) was very handsome, of medium built and their hair was neither very
curly nor very straight (but was slightly wavy). Sayyidina Rasulullah Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam had a wheat-coloured
complexion. When they walked, they leaned forward slightly".
Commentary
In this hadeeth Sayyidina Anas (Radiallhu Anhu) states that the complexion of Rasullullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale
hi wasallam) was wheat coloured. In the previous hadith, also narrated by Sayyidina Anas (Radiallahu Anhu), he states that
Sayyidina Rasullullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) did not have a wheat-coloured complexion. This has been
mentioned in the translation of the hadeeth. Actually, what is derived from the two hadeeth is that Sayyidina Rasullullah
(Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) was not of such a dark complexion that decrease the lightness and beauty of a
person, but had a radiant and light colour, which slightly wheat-coloured. In this hadeeth the word `Yata-kaf-fa-oo'
is used regarding the walking of Sayyidina Rasullullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam). The scholars interpret
this word in several ways. Some say it means to walk at a fast pace. Some are of the opinion that it means to lean abit forward
while walking. Some say it means to lift the leg with force. All three explanations are correct because the walk of Sayyidina
Rasullullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) fulfilled all three descriptions and the word also conveys these
three meanings.
Sayyidina Rasullullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) walked quickly and not like the Romeos
of this age who walk like women. It was also the noble habit of Sayyidina Rasullullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam)
to walk with slight forward inclination of the head and shoulders. Sayyidina Rasulullah (salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi
wasallam) did not walk with chest pushed out with pride, they lifted their blessed legs as men do while walking and did not
drag their legs on the ground.
(3) Hadith Number 3
Baraa bin Aazib (Radiallahu
anhu) relates that: "Rasullullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) was a man of a medium build, (slightly
tall, as explained before); with broad shoulders (from which we may gather that they had a wide chest); had dense hair which
reached their ear-lobes. Sayyidina Rasulullah Salla Lahu Alayhi Wa’ale Hi Wasallam wore a red striped izzar (a cloth
worn around the legs) and shawl. “I
never saw anybody or anything more handsome than Sayyidina Rasulullah (salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam)".
Commentary
In this hadeeth the word `Rajulun Marbu'un' is used, which if the letter `Jeem' has a dammah (pesh),
means a man. This could be correct. This type of word is used in the Arabic language for connecting words, but because no
special quality or attribute is derived, some Muhadditheen (scholars of hadeeth) are of the opinion that if the letter `Jeem'
has a fatah (zabar) on it, it means something that is between straight and bent. It may also be possible that in this case
it refers to the description of the hair of Sayyidina Rasullullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam), and as described
before, their mubarak (blessed) hair had a slight curl in it. From this hadeeth, some scholars are of the opinion that it is permissible for men to wear red coloured clothing.
According to the Hanafis (Imam Abu Hanifa’s (Rh) school of Fiqh) there is a detailed explanation on this subject.
Before selecting red clothing, the scholars should be consulted regarding its permissibility. The scholars have written
that in this hadeeth the Saahabi did not see `anything' more handsome and beautiful than Sayyidina Rasullullah (Salla
lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam). This is said because besides
human beings, the moon, sun, etc. are also included.
(4) Hadith Number 4
Baraa bin Aazib (Radiallahu Anhu) reports: "I never seen someone with long hair and red clothing more
handsome than Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam). Their hair reached the shoulders. The portion between
their two shoulders was wide. Sayyidina Rasulullah Salla Lahu Alayhi Wa’ale Hi Wasallam was neither very tall nor very
short".
Commentary
The description of the hair of Sayyidina Rasullullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale
hi wasallam) in this hadeeth is different one mentioned before. There it is stated that their hair reached the ear-lobes.
In reality there is no difference between the two hadeeth, as the hair does not remain the same length but grows. Sometimes
the hair was shortened, sometimes longer hair was kept.
(5)
Hadith Number 5
It is reported from Sayyidina Ali (Radiallahu Anhu): "Rasullullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale
hi wasallam) was neither very tall nor very short. The soles of both feet were very fleshed. (This quality is praiseworthy
in a man as it denotes strength and courage but is not praiseworthy for a woman). Sayyidina Rasulullah Salla Lahu Alayhi Wa’ale
Hi Wasallam had a large head. The joints of their bones were also large. There was a thin line of hair from the chest to the
navel. When Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale
hi wasallam) walked, it appeared that they were descending from a high place". Ali (Radiallahu Anhu) says: "I
did not see anyone like Sayyidina Rasulullah Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam neither before him, nor after him".
Commentary
The use of a sentence like: "I have not seen anyone like Sayyidina Rasulullah
Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam", is primarily for emphasis. By describing Sayyidina Rasulullah (Salla lahu
alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) in this manner, there is however no exaggeration because the complete beauty of appearance
of Sayyidina Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) cannot be fully described. Munaawi wrote that every person
is required to believe that with whatever physical qualities and attributes of Sayyidina Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale
hi wasallam) is described, no other person can compare with it. This is not merely a belief. Books on Seerah (History of the
Prophet peace be upon him) and ahaadeeth are replete with descriptions of those beautiful qualities. Therein it is stated
that Allah Ta'aala bestowed fully on Sayyidina Rasulullah Salla lahu Alayhi Wa’ale Hi Wasallam all the inner kamaalat
(perfection) and Zaahiri (apparent) beauty.
Two verses (couplets) are narrated from Sayyiditina Aa'ishah (Radiallahu Anha), the meaning of which is: "that
if the friends of Zulaikha could see the blessed face of Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam), they would have cut their
hearts instead of their hands".
(6) Hadith Number 6
It is related from Ebrahim bin Muhammad (Radiallahu anhu) who is from the sons (grand sons
of Ali radiallahu anhu, that whenever Ali radiallahu anhu described the noble features of Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi Wa’ale
Hi wasallam), he used to say: "Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) was neither
very tall nor short, but of a medium stature among people. Their hair was neither very curly nor very straight, but had a
slight wave in it. Sayyidina Rasulullah Salla Lahu Alayhi Wa’ale Hi Wasallam did not have a big body nor a round face,
but their mubaarak - blessed face was slightly round (meaning did not have a fully round face nor a fully elongated
face, but in between the two). The complexion of Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam)
was white with redness in it. The mubaarak eyes of Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) were extremely
black. Their eyelashes were long. The joints of the body (e.g. elbows and knees etc.) were large, likewise the portion between
the two shoulders was broad and fully fleshed. There was no hair (more than normal) on their blessed body. (Some people have
profuse hair on their body. Sayyidina Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) did not have hair on the parts
of their blessed body, besides places like the arms and legs etc.) Sayyidina Rasulullah Salla Lahu Alayhi Wa’ale Hi
Wasallam had a thin line of hair running from their chest to the navel. The hands and feet of Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi
Wa’ale Hi wasallam) were fully fleshed. When Sayyidina Rasulullah Salla Lahu Alayhi Wa’ale Hi Wasallam
walked, they lifted their blessed legs with vigour, as if they were descending to a low-lying place. When Sayyidina Rasulullah
Salla Lahu Alayhi Wa’ale Hi Wasallam addressed a person they turned their whole blessed body towards that person. (Rasulullah
Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam did not only turn their most blessed face towards the person being addressed, as
this is considered impolite, and sometimes, it even denotes pride). Sayyidina Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi
wasallam) faced the person being spoke to, with their chest and body. Some scholars have translated this as, when Sayyidina
Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) addressed someone, they completely turned their most blessed face
towards that person, and did not give a side glance. This is not a suitable translation. The seal of Prophethood was situated
between their blessed shoulders. Sayyidina Rasulullah Salla Lahu Alayhi Wa’ale Hi Wasallam is the last of all Prophets.
Sayyidina Rasulullah Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam is the most generous and the most truthful. Sayyidina Rasulullah
Salla Lahu Alayhi Wa’ale Hi Wasallam is the most kind-hearted and came from a most noble family. (It means their character,
family back-ground and everything else was of the best). Any person who saw Sayyidina Rasulullah
Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam suddenly would become awe-inspired. Sayyidina Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale
hi wasallam) had such a great personality and dignity, that the person who saw them for the first time, because of that awe-inspiring
personality, would be overcome with a feeling of profound respect. Firstly, there is a rau`b (awe) for physical beauty, with
this when other kamala - perfection are added what more could then be said of the rau'b (awe). Subhan-Allah
– Glory belongs to Allah.Besides, the
special attributes and qualities granted to Sayyidina Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) rau'b
(awe) is also one of the special qualities granted. Anyone who came in close contact with Sayyidina Rasulullah salla lahu
alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam, and knew their excellent character was smitten with the love of their excellent attributes.
Anyone who described their noble features can only say: "I have not seen anyone like Rasulullah (Sall llahu alayhi
wa’ale hi wasallam) neither before nor after."
(7) Hadith Number 7
Imam Hasan bin Ali (Radiallahu anhu) reported: "I inquired from
my maternal uncle (Sayyiditina Fatimah Radiallahu anha's step brother) Hind bin Abi Haalah (Radiallahu anhu) about the
noble features of Sayyidina Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam). He had often described the noble features
of Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) in detail. I felt that I should hear from him personally, some
of the noble features of Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam), so that I could make his description a proof
and testimony for myself and also memorise them, and, if possible, try to emulate and adopt them. (The age of Sayyidina Hasan
(Radiallahu anhu) at the time of Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam)'s departure from this world was
seven years. In view of his age he did not have the opportunity to realise fully the features of Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi
wa’ale hi wasallam). The uncle described the
noble features by saying: "Sayyidina Rasulullah Salla Lahu Alayhi Wa’ale Hi Wasallam had great qualities and attributes,
others also held them in high esteem. The Mubarak - blessed face shone like the full moon. Sayyidina Rasulullah Salla
lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam was slightly taller than a man of middle height, but shorter than a tall person. Their
Mubarak - blessed head was moderately large. The blessed hair of Sayyidina Rasulullah Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale
hi wasallam was slightly twisted. If their hair became parted naturally in the middle, they left it so, otherwise Rasulullah
salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam did not habitually make an effort to part their blessed hair in the middle. (This
is a more respected transalation). A question may
arise that Sayyidina Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) habitually parted their hair as stated in Ahadith.
The Ulama say that this is in the early periods where Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) did not make
an effort to do so. According to this humble servant, the answer to this is bit difficult, because it was the principal of
Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) to oppose the ways of the non- believers, and agree to the ways of
Ahl-ul-Kitaab - people of the scriptures, they did not part their hair in the middle. For this reason, according
to some Ulama, the best translation will be that Rasulullah salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam only parted their hair
in the middle if it could be easily done, and when this could not be done easily, and a comb etc. was needed to do it, then
they did not part their hair in the middle. Occasionally Rasulullah Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam used to part
their blessed hair in the middle with a comb etc. When the hair of Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallallam)
was abundant, it used to pass over the ear- lobes). Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) had a very luminous
complexion (colour), and a wide forehead. Sayyidina Rasulullah Salla Lahu Alayhi Wa’ale Hi Wasallam had dense and fine
hair on their eye brows. Both eye brows were separate and did not meet each other in the middle. There was a vein between
them that used to expand when Rasulullah salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam became angry. Their nose was prominent
and had a Nur - light and lustre on it. When one first looked at Rasulullah salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam,
it seemed as if they had a large nose, but looking at it carefully showed that the lustre and beauty made it look large, otherwise
in itself the nose was not large." The mubaarak - blessed beard of Sayyidina Rasulullah Salla lahu
alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam was full and dense. The pupil of their blessed eye was black. Their cheeks were full and full
of flesh. The blessed mouth of Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) was moderately wide. (He did not have
a small mouth). Their teeth were thin and bright. The front teeth had a slight space between them. There was a thin line of
hair from the chest to the navel. Their neck was beautiful and thin, like the neck of a statue which had been shaved clean,
the colour of which was clear, shining and beautiful like silver. All the parts of the blessed body of Sayyidina Rasulullah Salla lahu
alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam were of moderate size, and fully fleshed. Their blessed body was proportionately jointed.
Their blessed chest and stomach were in line, but their chest was broad and wide. The space between the shoulders of Rasulullah
salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam was wide. The bones of their joints were strong and large (denoting strength).
When Rasulullah salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam removed his clothing, his blessed body looked bright and had a
lustre (or rather those parts of the body that were not covered by his clothing were also bright and shining, compared with
those parts of the body that were covered by his clothing. According to this humble servant the latter translation is more
appropriate). Between the chest and navel there was a thin line of hair. Besides this line neither the chest nor the stomach
had other hair on it. Both sides, the shoulders and the upper portion of the chest had hair. The forearm of Rasulullah salla
lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam was long and palms were wide. The palms and both feet were fully fleshed. The fingers
and toes were moderately long. The soles of their blessed feet were a bit deep. Their blessed feet were smooth, because of
their cleanliness and smoothness the water did not remain there but flowed away quickly. When Rasulullah salla lahu
alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam walked, they lifted their blessed legs with vigour, leaned slightly forward and placed their
feet softly on the ground. Rasulullah salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam walked at a quick pace and took rather a
long step. Rasulullah salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam did not take small steps. When Sayyidina Rasulullah salla
lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam walked it seemed as if they were descending to a lower place. When they looked at something,
Rasulullah salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam turned their whole blessed body towards it. Rasulullah salla lahu alayhi
wa’ale hi wasallam always looked down. Their blessed sight was focused more to the ground than towards the sky (A question
may arise here that it is reported in Abu Daawud that Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) usually looked
towards the sky. Both are reconciled thus: Their blessed habit was to look down towards the ground, but also waited for the
Wahi (revelation), therefore while waiting would often looked towards the sky. Otherwise they would usually looked down towards
the ground.
"Here the gaze of the killer hasn't lifted modestly.
There the hand of the lover rest
on the heart of the deceased"
The modest habit of Sayyidina Rasulullah
Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam was to look at something with a light eye,i.e. looked at a thing, with modesty
and bashfulness, hence did not stare at anything. While walking, Rasulullah salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam asked
the Sahaabah (Radiallahu anhum) to walk in front, and would walk behind. Rasulullah Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam
made salaam - sendings peace / greetings to whomsoever he met"
Commentary
The Ulama say
that Sayyidina Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) walked at the back because of humbleness. According
to this humble servant, if this is applied to his journeys it will be more appropriate. It was the noble habit of Sayyidina
Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) that while on a journey, he used to stay at the back to visit the
bereaved and the weak. This is a very long hadith in
which the noble features, etiquette and habits of Sayyidina Rasulullah Salla lahu Alayhi Wa’ ale Hi Wasallam are described.
Imam Tirmidi (Rh) has mentioned this Hadith in many chapters where it is relevant. Portions of this hadith will be mentioned
inshallah in the chapters where the speech and humility of Sayyidina Rasulullah Salla lahu alayhi Wa’ale Hi Wasallam
are described.
(8) Hadith Number 8
Jaabir bin Samurah (Radiallahu anhu) says: "Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) had a
wide mouth. There were red lines in the whiteness of his eyes. He had little flesh on his heels."
Commentary
It is desirable for Arab men to have wide mouths.
According to some a wide mouth means eloquence (fluency of language). The translation adopted in the description of the eyes
has been taken from accepted sayings. However in this Hadith, Imam Tirmidi (Rh) has translated this to mean wide eyes, as
a narrator of this hadith has done, which according to the linguists is not correct.
"These intoxicated eyes on which thousands of my kindred be
sacrificed.
That endless destroyer remains intoxicated day and night."
(9)
Hadith Number 9
It is related from Jaabir (Radiallahu anhu) that he said: " I once saw Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale
hi wasallam) on the night of a full moon. On that night Rasulullah Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam wore red clothing.
At times I looked at the full moon and at times at Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) . Ultimately I
came to the conclusion that Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) was more handsome, beautiful and more
radiant than the full moon."
"If the illumination in the temple
and sanctuary is through the sun and moon, so what.
I desire you, what should I do with my sight."
(10) Hadith Number 10
Abu-Ishaaq (Radiallahu anhu) says: "A person once asked Baraa bin Aazib (Radiallahu anhu), "Was
the face of Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) shining like a sword?" He replied: "No but like
a full-moon with its roundness."
Commentary
In making a comparison with a sword, it may have meant that Sayyidina Rasulullah
(Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) had a long face. However the glitter of a sword has more whiteness than being
luminous. For this reason Sayyidina Baraa (Radiallahu anhu) gave the similarity of the full moon, and not that of a sword.
All these similarities are approximate descriptions, otherwise even a thousand moons cannot give the brightness of Sayyidina
Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam). All Praise to Allah (swt)
An Arab poet says: "If
you want to describe a shortcoming of a beloved, then give the beloved a similitude of a full moon. This is enough to insult
him."
(11)
Hadith Number 11
Abu Hurayrah
(Radiallahu anhu) says: "Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) was so clean, clear, beautiful and handsome,
as though their blessed body was covered and moulded in silver. Their mubaarak - blessed hair was slightly curled."
Commentary
In the first narration mentioned by Sayyidina Anas (Radiallahu anhu), it is denied that
Sayyidina Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) was very white. From the above hadith, it does not mean
that he had white complexion like silver; rather he had a white and reddish complexion, in which the beauty and brightness
was overwhelming.
(12) Hadith Number 12
Jaabir bin Abdullah (Radiallahu anhu) narrates
from Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) that: "The Ambiyaa - Prophets (As) -
peace and blessings on them were shown to me. I saw Musa (Alaihis salaam), he had a thin body, like one from among the
tribe of Shanu'ah. I saw Esa (Alaihis salaam). From among all those whom I have seen, he somewhat resembled Urwah bin
Masud. I saw Ebrahim (Alaihis salaam). From among all those that I have seen, I, more or less, looks like him. In the same
manner I saw Jibra-eel (Alaihis salaam). From among all those I had seen, he more or less looked like Dihyah Kalbi."
Commentary
This was on the night of Mi'raaj
- The Ascent, or in a dream. Imaam Bukhaari (Rahmatullahi alaihe) has narrated both, on the night of Mi'raaj
and also in a dream. There is no confusion or difficulty in these differences, because he may have seen them on both occasions.
The translation of the description of Sayyidina Musa (Alaihis salaam) as having a light body, in my opinion, is made from
more accurate sayings. Some Ulama in the translation of this sentence, have expressed other opinions. These three Ambiyaa(as)
(Prophets) were described because Sayyidina Musa (Alaihis salaam) and Sayyidina Esa (Alaihis salaam) are the Nabis - Prophets
of the Bani Israel and Sayyidina Ebrahim (Alaihis salaam), besides being the great grandfather of Sayyidina Rsulullah (Salla
lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam), was also accepted by all Arabs.
(13) Hadith Number 13
Sa'eed Jariri (Radiallahu anhu) says: "I heard Abu Tufayl (Radiallahu anhu) say:
"There is no one left on the face of this Earth, besides me who had seen Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi
wasallam)." I asked him to describe to me the noble features of Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam).
He said: "Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) had a white complexion, which was slightly reddish,
and had a medium sized body."
Commentary
Sayyidina Abu Tufayl (Radiallahu anhu) was the last one among the Sahaabah (Radiallahu
anhum) to pass away. He died in the year 110 Hijri. That is why he said, that there was no one left besides him who had seen
Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam). The ulama say that he used the phrase `face of the earth' because
Sayyidina Esa (Alaihis salaam) is also from the ones who had seen Sayyidina Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi
wasallam), and is present in the skies (heavens).
(14) Hadith Number 14
Hasrat Ibn Abbas (Radiallahu anhu) says: "The blessed front teeth
of Sayyidina Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) were a bit wide (spread out). They were spaced and not
close together. When Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) talked, an illumination - Nur emitting
from their teeth could be seen."
Commentary
According to the Ulama, it is a well known fact that it was something similar
to Nur which emitted from the blessed teeth.
The opinions of Allaamah Munaawi is that it was something
sensory, and not a similarity, which emitted miraculously from between the teeth of Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale
hi wasallam).
With modesty lower the head and with grace, smile.
How easy it is for the beautiful to strike like
lightning.
Everything of the noble features of Sayyidina Rasulullah salla lahu alayhi wa’ale
hi wasallam was perfect and beautiful. In the manner that his real and intrinsic beauty had reached its last stage, in the
same manner his zaahiri (apparent) beauty had also reached its fullest and proper stage.
Allahumma sali 'alaa Sayyidina Muhammadiw wa 'alaa aalihi biqadri husnihi
wa jamaalihi.
O’Allah send
peace and blessings upon our master Muhammad and upon his family, his beauty and grace.
|
