Ali Ibn Abi Talib - Volume 1 of 2

124 'Ali ibn Abi Ttlib in Makkah
4.1.5. Deep and precise knowledge of the
characteristics of the Prophet's personality
Family ties helped in this regard, as did living close to him for
a long time and closely watching and observing the unique
characteristics and noble attitude and inclinations that Allah (&)
bestowed upon His Prophet. Amir al-Mn'mineen 'Ali ibn Abi T%b
(&) had precise and detailed knowledge of the Prophet's character
and was able to describe it and point out its subtle aspects. That may
be seen below in what was narrated from him about the attitude,
behaviour and characteristics of the Messenger of Allah ($43.235 -.
4.1.5.a. Description of his physical characteristics
Amir al-Mn'mineen 'Ali(4)
said: "The Messenger of Allah
(@) was not tall and not short; he had large hands and feet, and his
face had a reddish colour; he had a long and narrow line of hair from
his chest to his navel; he was of big build, and when he walked, he
leaned forward slightly as if he was walking
I have
never seen anyone Wce him before or since."z37
It was narrated from Muhammad ibn 'Ali that his father said:
'"he Messenger of Allah (g) had a large head, large eyes and long
eyelashes."z38 Hasan said: "He had a thick beard, areddish face and
large hands and feet. When he walked, he leaned forwards as if
climbing up, and when he turned, he turned with all his body (a sign
of courage)."239
At-Tirmidhi narrated that Muhammad, one of the sons of 'Ali
ibn Abi Taib (&) said: When 'Ali described the Prophet (s), he
said: "He was not very tall or very short; he was of average height.
His hair was neither very curly nor straight, and he was not fat or
fleshy in his face and cheeks, but there was some roundness in his
face. ~e was white mixed with some reddishness, with large hands
and feet. When he walked he moved energetically, as if walking
downhill, and when he turned, he turned with all his body."240