How did the Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings be upon him) perfect the noblest of character traits? And how can people benefit from this?

The Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings be upon him) identified the foremost purpose of his mission and the clear methodology of his call when he said, “I was sent to perfect the noblest of character traits” (recorded by Malik in al-Muwaṭṭaʾ).

The Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings be upon him) also encouraged his Companions to possess good character. He was asked, “Which of the believers is the best?” He replied, “Those who are best in character” (recorded by Ahmad).

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) also said, “The most beloved of you to me and the closest of you to me in the Hereafter in terms of companionship are those of you who are best in character, and the most hateful of you to me and the farthest of you from me are those of you who are worst in character” (recoreded by al-Bayhaqi in Musnad al-Shamiyyin).

Allah Almighty prescribed acts of worship in order to refine the human soul and endow it with noble character. Prayer, fasting, zakat, pilgrimage, and the like have as their supreme objective the refinement of a person’s character, both in worshipping Allah and in dealing with others within society.

The Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings be upon him) set the highest example and the finest model of good character. Indeed, Allah, the Exalted is He, has spoken the truth in describing him, saying “And indeed, you are of a great moral character” (Quran, 68:4).

History has recorded no one more gentle, wiser, more merciful, more generous, more noble, or braver than our master, the Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings be upon him). Our Lord the Almighty poured into his heart knowledge and forbearance, into his character affection and righteousness, into his disposition ease and gentleness, and into his hand generosity and munificence. Therefore, he became the purest of Allah’s servants in mercy, the most abundant in compassion, and the broadest in heart.

The Mother of the Believers, ʿAʾisha (may Allah be pleased with her) was asked about his character (Peace and blessings be upon him) and she said, “His character was the Quran.”

Imam ʿAli (may Allah be pleased with him) was also asked about the Prophet’s character (Peace and blessings be upon him). He said to the inquirer, “Are you able to enumerate the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon His servants on earth?” The man replied, “How could I do so?” He said, “How, then, do you expect me to enumerate his character (Peace and blessings be upon him) when the Truth, Glorified and Exalted is He, has described him by saying, “And indeed, you are of a great moral character” (Quran, 68:4).

His character (Peace and blessings be upon him) is far too great to be enumerated. We Muslims must therefore follow his example and emulate his noble character when dealing with others. We should adorn ourselves with forbearance, forgiveness, modesty, generosity, humility, dignity, and good manners, as the Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings be upon him) instructed us.

And Allah Almighty knows best.