Prophet as a prototype for personality studies Friday, 04 February 2011 02:34

Have you ever thought why the topic, ‘personality development’ is globally considered as a favourite theme for book readers and publishers? In recent times, most of the popular general-book publishers in all languages invest heavily on self improvement books especially on personality development. The highly competitive social scenario based on the consumerist approach towards life compels everybody to be more practical. For practicing the lessons of surviving in their own milieu, people want to improve themselves.

How does a person improve himself? The answer describes the importance of the personality studies. In psychology the term personality is defined likewise: ‘the patterns of behaviour, thought, and emotion unique to an individual, and the ways they interact to help or hinder the adjustment of a person to other people and situations’. Several theories have evolved in connection with the study of portraying the complexity of human personality. Personality is a combination of one person’s behaviour, mannerism, interests, attitude, abilities, capacities etc. His emotions, intelligence and moral values decide whether he has a fine personality or not. As it is a unique feature, personality permits one to behave in various methods depending on the situations and it is important to know how a person responds to various circumstances. The distinctiveness of a unique person lies in his selection of apposite methods in facing a particular situation.

Developing one’s personality is really an art –just like learning music or practicing dance. That is why anything related to the personality development is sold fast if it is book, CD or tutorial.

A theory gets life only when it is successfully implemented by people but ironically, all the self improvement practitioners and their books present plain theories on personality development without any practising prototypes. We can however, find an orphan in the history fourteen hundred years ago who was and is still considered as a Perfect Man in human records. A man who was placed on top of the list in Micheal Hart’s famous book The 100 changed the world order by his charismatic personality that included simplicity, purity and respectability –That man is Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). Though he started his life in destitution, he ruled over vast areas of Arabian Peninsula when he left this world for the eternal abode.

The personality tips on the basis of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) teaching and behaviour cover the complete aspects of human characters and it is practiced by millions of his followers across the globe. Although they are the sermons of an unlettered prophet, we could find those as perfect psychological approach to the human characteristics. It would be amazing when we learn how tactfully he handled people and implemented a perfect political system despite the fact that he didn’t have any academic background. The prophet acted simultaneously as a ruler and a citizen. As a husband he did his own work at home and as a leader of the community he was self-sufficient in his responsibilities rather than relying on others. The prophet repaired his own torn shoes. He was one among his companions while they were digging the trenches. He taught lessons to mankind with his personal, family and socio-political life.

The essence of the personality traits that were taught by Prophet could be summarised in following words. The Prophet says: “God adorned Islam with good character and beautiful actions. Good company, good manners, modest talk, doing good to others, spreading peace, visiting the ill–pious or sinner, treating neighbors kindly – believer or non-believer, showing respect to fellow Muslims, to accept invitation, to forgive, to settle disputes among the people, to give charity, to be the first one to greet, to pardon the faults of the people, not to backbite, to speak the truth, to give up miserliness, greed, deceit, to give up bad treatment with enemy, not to cut off blood tie, to give up bad conduct, enmity, oppression etc. are the attributes of a believer.”

The following are some advices the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) gave to his companion and last Khalifa Ali Bin Abi Thalib:

These advices can be considered valuable guidelines for personality development.

The holy Quran describes the personality of the Prophet likewise: “You have been (formed) with tremendous character”. (Quran 68: 4)

“And, We have sent you (O’ Muhammad), not but as a mercy for all creatures’. (Quran 21: 107)

Therefore, practicing Muslims try to shape their lives based on the personality of the Prophet (as described above).

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had a pleasant personality. When he greeted people, there bloomed a sweet smile between his beautiful lips. As compare to the modern standards, he was handsome with a well built physique. He was neither short nor awkwardly tall but was of a medium stature. He walked firmly and steadily; but humbly. His complexion was wheat coloured. Cute long hair touched his earlobes. Wide forehead, black eyeballs tinged with reddish hue. Pearl like sweats in face that was perfumed than musk. A man with flawless skin, prominent nose and well sculpted fingers.

His palms were softer than wool and sweet smelling such that it lingered on the hand of a person who shook hands with the holy Prophet. He was so aromatic. He was a perfect example of neatness and tidiness and recommended Muslims to do the same. Anas, a companion of Prophet says: ‘I never felt a silk cloth, nor pure silk, nor any other thing softer than the palm of the Prophet. Nor did I smell any musk or any other fragrance, more sweet smelling than the fragrance of Rasullullah (PBUH)’.

One of The most celebrated Muslim scholars, Imam Ghazali wrote in his book The Revival of Religious Sciences, mostly known as Ihya: ‘If his (the Prophet) pure hand touched the head of a boy, he could be recognised among boys owing to the sweet scent of his hand’. The Prophet says about himself: ‘Concerning my creation I am similar to Prophet Adam but in character and conduct I am similar to Prophet Abraham’.

To be continued

The Peninsula