the prophet muhammad (saas) - Prophet Muhammad (SAW) for All

3. THE OUTWARD APPEARANCE OF THE PROPHET (SAAS)
The preceding chapters of this book discussed examples of the Prophet (saas)'s morality, as revealed in
the Qur'an, and which is an example to all of mankind. We have considered various aspects of his just,
compassionate, merciful, peaceful, conciliatory, mild, patient, Allah-fearing, modest and determined
disposition.
As well as verses from the Qur'an, statements from the Prophet (saas)'s companions that have come
down to us also contain a great deal of information about the Prophet (saas). Many details, such as his
relations with his family and the believers around him, details of his daily life, his physical appearance, the
feelings of awe he inspired in those who saw him, the food he enjoyed, his clothes and smile are all
described by Islamic scholars with the term "outward form" (shamail). The term comprises such ideas as
"character, temperament, behavior and attitudes." Even if the concept of "shamail" originally had a broader
meaning, it became more specific over time and eventually became a term used to describe the details of
the kind of life the Prophet (saas) led and his personality traits.
Every detail of the character and manner of this chosen servant of Allah, whom He favored over all
beings, is at the same time a reflection of his superior morality. The main intention for the composition of
this chapter on the outward form of the Prophet (saas) is to examine those of his features that have been
described in sources that have come down to us, and for us to draw inspiration from them for our own lives.
The physical beauty of the Prophet (saas)
The companions of the Prophet (saas) have passed on a great many detail about him, from the beauty
of that blessed individual's external appearance, his radiance and disposition that left those who beheld him
in awe, to his smile, and many other beautiful aspects that Allah had manifested in him. There were a fair
number of such companions, and they have given many details of his great beauty. Those Muslims who lived
at the same time as the Prophet (saas) have described many aspects of the servant of Allah. While some of
those describe him in broad terms, others have given long and detailed descriptions. Some of these accounts
are as follows:
The Prophet (saas)'s external appearance and beauty
His companions described the beauty of the Prophet (saas) in these terms:
"The Prophet (saas) had a most handsome constitution. Some gave the smile of his beauty to that of
the full moon…His nose was thin… His face was smooth…His beard was thick…His neck was the most
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