His Blessed Demeanor | Meeting Muhammad ﷺ Episode 2

Summary

This transcript explores the profound body language and demeanor of the Prophet Muhammad (SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam), emphasizing his modesty, humility, and attentiveness. It highlights how his actions reflected Islamic values, from his gentle walking style to his deep listening skills, respectful communication, and restrained laughter. The Prophet’s behavior was marked by grace, modesty, and intentional humility, whether in his interactions with others or in his worship. His character serves as a model of how physical demeanor can align with spiritual and moral values in Islam.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The Quran emphasizes body language when discussing character, as seen in descriptions of the Ibadur Rahman, who tread lightly on earth.
• 🗣️ Luqman al-Hakeem advised his son about body language, such as the tone of his voice and how he walks.
• 🤲 The Prophet Muhammad (SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam) taught not to be treacherous with body language, like winking or making disrespectful facial expressions.
• 😊 The Prophet Muhammad (SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam) had a constant smile and caused others to smile and laugh with dignified and shy laughter.
• 🤐 The Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam) was noted for his long periods of silence, reflecting deep thought and humility.
• 💬 His speech was clear, coherent, and slow, often repeated for clarity, making it easy for listeners to understand and remember.
• 👀 Despite his beauty, the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam) would lower his gaze out of modesty, but maintained eye contact to make people feel heard.
• 🤝 The Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam) showed full attention in interactions, turning his entire body when addressing someone and not withdrawing until the other person did.
• 💍 At one point, he discarded his ring because it distracted him during conversations, showing his commitment to fully engaging with people.
• 🚶‍♂️ The Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam) walked with purpose, moving quickly without arrogance or laziness, reflecting his motivation and humility.

Q & A

What is the significance of body language in the Quran?

The Quran emphasizes body language when discussing character. For example, the servants of the Most Merciful are described as those who 'tread the earth lightly,' emphasizing humble and gentle behavior in physical actions.

How does Luqman’s advice to his son highlight body language?

Luqman advises his son on how to carry himself, including the way he walks and raises his voice, emphasizing that body language plays a significant role in how one presents character and attitude.

What does the Prophet Muhammad's (SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam) body language reveal about his character?

The Prophet's body language was humble and reflective. He avoided treachery with his eyes, smiled often, and had a demeanor marked by modesty and attentiveness to others, showing his deep consideration for people.

How is the Prophet's laughter described?

The Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam) would laugh with modesty. His laughter was not audible, but his smile would widen, showing the back of his teeth. He would laugh in response to others or when receiving good news, reflecting both joy and humility.

Why was the Prophet's silence significant?

The Prophet's silence was a reflection of deep thought and perception. He didn’t dominate gatherings but spoke proportionately and thoughtfully, always reflecting on the situation and responding with wisdom.

What was unique about the way the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam) engaged with others during conversations?

The Prophet would give his full attention to a person speaking by turning his entire body towards them. He wouldn’t remove his hand during a handshake until the other person withdrew, indicating his sincerity and focus.

Why did the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam) discard his ring during a conversation?

The Prophet discarded his ring because he found himself distracted by it during a conversation with his companions. His action shows his dedication to being fully present with those he interacted with.

How did the Prophet avoid making others feel blamed when pointing towards them?

The Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam) would avoid pointing with a single finger, as it might imply blame. Instead, he pointed with his whole hand to make people feel comfortable and not accused.

How did the Prophet's walk reflect his personality?

The Prophet walked with a sense of purpose, moving quickly like someone with important tasks to complete. His walk was neither arrogant nor lazy, indicating motivation and humility.

What does the Prophet’s choice to live as a humble slave say about his character?

When offered the choice between living like a king or as a humble servant, the Prophet chose to live humbly. This decision reflected his deep humility and his preference for modesty over wealth or power.

Outlines

00:00

🧭 Body Language in Islamic Teachings

The paragraph highlights how the Quran and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasize the importance of body language in character. From walking humbly to how we address others, such as parents, body language plays a significant role in Islamic teachings. It describes the Prophet’s modest demeanor, highlighting his gestures, facial expressions, and the importance of sincerity in body language.

05:01

😊 The Modesty of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

This paragraph focuses on the modesty (hayaa') of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), describing him as the most bashful of people despite his supreme traits. It mentions his ever-present smile, laughter, and the dignity in his demeanor. His laughter was gentle, often expressed through a wide smile that revealed his back teeth, showing the balance between joy and humility.

🤫 The Prophet’s Eloquence and Silence

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is described as a person who used silence wisely, only speaking when necessary. His speech was coherent, slow, and thoughtful, with words repeated for emphasis. Even with his beauty and presence, he was known for looking down humbly and maintaining eye contact respectfully. His humility and perception of others' comfort defined his interactions.

👂 Attentiveness and Focus in Conversation

This paragraph explains how the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) gave his full attention to people during conversations. Whether it was turning his entire body towards someone or maintaining eye contact, he ensured that the person felt fully heard. Even a small distraction like a ring would be removed to ensure focus. His mannerisms reflected care and consideration for others.

📿 Humility in Action: The Prophet’s Modest Behavior

This section outlines the Prophet’s humility in everyday actions, including how he walked with purpose but without arrogance, and how he chose a lifestyle of simplicity. His walk reflected determination, and his sitting posture displayed modesty, preferring the life of a humble servant over that of a king. Every aspect of his demeanor highlighted his humility, modesty, and deep sense of responsibility.

Keywords

💡Body Language

Body language refers to non-verbal cues such as gestures, posture, and facial expressions. In the video, body language is emphasized as an important part of character, with the Quran and Hadith highlighting how one’s demeanor should reflect humility, modesty, and consideration for others. For example, the Prophet Muhammad (SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam) was known for his dignified and humble body language, such as looking down out of humility and turning his whole body toward people when speaking with them.

💡Ibadur Rahman

Ibadur Rahman, or 'Servants of the Most Merciful,' is a term used in the Quran to describe people who embody humility and righteousness. The video references their behavior, particularly their manner of walking 'lightly on the earth,' symbolizing humility and gentle conduct. This highlights the importance of both outward actions and inner character in Islamic teachings.

💡Hayaa' (Modesty)

Hayaa' refers to modesty and shyness, which is considered the defining characteristic of Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam) is described as the most modest and bashful of people, despite his high status. His modesty manifested not only in his behavior but also in his body language, such as his reserved laughter and reluctance to maintain intense eye contact, unless it was comforting to the person he was addressing.

💡Silence

Silence is portrayed as a reflection of wisdom and contemplation. The Prophet Muhammad (SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam) is noted for his long periods of silence, which conveyed reflection and attentiveness. His silence is seen as a powerful trait, in contrast to those who dominate conversations, underscoring the importance of thoughtful speech and active listening.

💡Beautiful Logic and Coherence

This term refers to the Prophet's ability to speak clearly, logically, and in a way that was easy to understand. His speech was always measured and precise, ensuring that everyone could grasp his meaning. The Prophet Muhammad (SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam) would speak slowly, repeat himself if necessary, and articulate his words crisply, ensuring his message was memorable and impactful.

💡Dignified Laughter

The Prophet Muhammad's (SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam) laughter is described as dignified and shy, often taking the form of a wide smile rather than loud laughter. Even in moments of joy or amusement, he maintained modesty and restraint. This dignified laughter reflects his overall demeanor of humility and self-control, aligning with the broader Islamic value of moderation in behavior.

💡Humility

Humility is a central theme in the Prophet Muhammad's (SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam) character. He consistently demonstrated humility in his interactions, whether through body language or speech. For instance, he would not point with a finger to avoid the appearance of blame, and he would give his full attention to others when they spoke. His choice to live as a humble servant rather than a king exemplifies his commitment to humility.

💡Reflection

Reflection refers to the state of deep thought or contemplation. The Prophet Muhammad (SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam) is described as someone who frequently reflected on life, his surroundings, and his role as a messenger of Allah. This reflection is not only a sign of wisdom but also a demonstration of the importance of mindfulness in actions and decisions, particularly in spiritual matters.

💡Generosity of Allah

The generosity of Allah is a recurring theme in the Prophet's teachings, particularly when speaking of Allah’s mercy and forgiveness. In one example from the video, the Prophet Muhammad (SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam) laughs while narrating a story about a man who enters paradise last and is astonished by Allah’s boundless mercy. This theme emphasizes Allah’s infinite compassion and generosity toward His creation.

💡Intentional Humility

Intentional humility refers to the Prophet Muhammad’s (SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam) conscious choice to live modestly and humbly. Despite being offered the opportunity to live as a king, he chose to live as a servant of Allah, embodying humility in all aspects of life. This humility was evident in his manner of sitting, eating, and interacting with others, all of which were done with modesty and simplicity.

Highlights

The Quran emphasizes character, including body language, as seen in descriptions of the humble way that 'Ibadur Rahman tread the earth lightly.'

Prophet Luqman's advice to his son in the Quran touches on voice modulation and walking with dignity, highlighting the importance of demeanor.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) exemplified perfect character, with every aspect of his body language reflecting humility and grace.

Modesty (hayaa') is considered the key trait of Islam, and the Prophet (peace be upon him) embodied it more than anyone, despite his supreme traits.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) was always smiling, and his laughter was modest and dignified, rarely audible but wide enough to show his back teeth.

He was known for long periods of silence, which showed deep reflection, wisdom, and attentiveness to others.

When speaking, the Prophet (peace be upon him) used beautiful logic, coherence, and clarity. He would speak slowly and repeat himself for emphasis.

His gaze was often downcast in humility, and when he looked at others, he did so gently, making others feel valued and respected.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) would turn his entire body towards someone when they spoke to him, showing complete focus and attentiveness.

He would not remove his hand from a handshake until the other person did, showing his dedication to making people feel important.

He avoided pointing with his finger, instead using his whole hand to avoid making people feel blamed or accused.

If something amazed him, the Prophet (peace be upon him) would tap his thigh and say, 'SubhanAllah,' showing genuine admiration.

The Prophet’s (peace be upon him) walk was purposeful and brisk, resembling a man walking downhill, showing his sense of direction and purpose.

He would never allow distractions, such as a ring he liked, to take his focus away from those around him and would remove anything that distracted him.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) was given the choice to live like a king or a humble servant, and he chose humility, reflecting his deep modesty and devotion.

Transcripts

Captioning provided by MUHSEN (www.muhsen.org)

So much of the Quran, when speaking about character,

emphasizes body language.

In fact, when Allah Subh'anaHu Wa Ta-A'la talks about

Ibadur Rahman, when he talks about the servants of

the most merciful, what's the very

first description al lazina yam shuna allal-ardhi hawna

They tread the earth lightly.

when Luqman al-Hakeem Alayhi Salaam is giving his son

advice and he talks to them about the way that he

raises his voice or the way that he walks.

When Allah Subh'anaHu Wa Ta-A'la

talks about the way we respond to our parents,

not to say uff not to grunt at them or turn away from them.

And you find this in the Hadith of the prophet

SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallamas well.

The prophets SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam, saying that a

person should not be treacherous with their eyes, winking

and looking and making facial expressions behind a person's

back in a way that betrays them.

And so when you look at the

Prophet SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam's demeanor

everything about the prophet SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam's

body language is prophetic.

(soft somber music)

First and foremost, you're probably not used to the idea

of someone who is so beautiful being so shy.

but the prophet SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam said

that the khuluq of Islam,

the characteristic of Islam

the key quality of Islam is hayaa' is modesty.

And when you look at the prophet SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam

he was the shyest person.

He was the most bashful of people,

even though he had the supreme traits,

SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam

So what were his traits like?

What was his demeanor like?

Alayhi Salatu Wasallam

So we already said his smile was constant

and he's described as bassamin dah'haaqin

he was always smiling and causing others to smile.

And he was always laughing and causing others to laugh.

But his laughter Alayhi Salatu Wasallam

was also dignified and shy when he would laugh.

SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam

All that really was, was an extremely wide smile.

And he would laugh in a way that his smile would open

up to where you could see the back of his teeth.

SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam

And even when he chose to laugh

Alayhi Salatu Wasallam says something about him.

So he would laugh when others would laugh.

but he also would laugh.

who was SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam widening his smile.

When Allah Subh'anaHu Wa Ta-A'la

gave him good news.

Ali ibn Abi Talib radiAllahu ta'ala Anhu

mentions the prophets SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam.

having that wide smile that laughter

after his ibadah, after his worship

he would laugh when he shared narrations

about Allah's mercy, the famous narration

about the man who would enter paradise last.

And he would think Allah

Subh'anaHu Wa Ta-A'la is mocking him

because he cannot comprehend the generosity and

the mercy of Allah Subh'anaHu Wa Ta-A'la and the

prophet SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam some laughs

and says Allah laughed at that man,

when the man said Ya Allah,

are you making fun of me?

And you are the Lord of the worlds.

So his laugh was not audible

but it was clearly distinct from his usual smiles.

SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam

and it would show his back teeth.

The prophet SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam also was noted

for these long periods of silence.

You know, sometimes a person is eloquent

powerful, beautiful, whatever it may be.

They tend to dominate every single gathering.

They tend to dominate every single conversation.

This is the messenger

of Allah, SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam

And he's noted for his silence.

He was always in this place of reflection.

And you could tell when you were looking at him

SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam

that he was deeply perceptive.

And when he sat around people

he would only speaks SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam

in a way that was proportionate to the gathering itself.

He's also described as having hulwah mantiq

beautiful logic and coherence.

He spoke and he spoke to the point, as we said

his articulation was crisp and he would speak slowly

and he would repeat himself SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam

So everything he said, you would immediately understand it.

And you would remember it from him SallAllahu Alaihi

Wasallam despite his beauty, he generally looked

down Alayhi Salatu Wasallam

And when he looked at people

he wouldn't stare would just glance at you.

And then he would look back down.

SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam and that's from his humility.

However, if you were enjoying his eye contact

then he maintained it.

If you were intimidated by him looking at you

then he looked away as well.

SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam

and that's how striking his beauty was.

Amr ibn al-As radiAllahu ta'ala anhu

he says that

if you asked me to describe the prophet

SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam

I would not be able to describe him

because even though I would be right in front of him

I couldn't look at him.

ijlaa lan wa ta'dhiman

because of how all inspiring his presence was.

because of how beautiful he was.

SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam

and because of the admiration that I had for him.

I just couldn't look up at him,

SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam

Now when the prophet SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam would

turn to you when you would speak the prophet

SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam

was amazing at giving people attention.

And so either idhal tafata, when he turned

SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam

he wouldn't just turn his head towards you.

He would turn his entire body to you.

When you would speak to him

SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam to let you know

that you're the only person he's listening to at the moment.

And if you asked for his ear

the prophet's SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam would give you

his ear and he would not remove his ear

until you were done with everything that you had to say.

And if you shook his hand

SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam

the prophet SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam

would not remove his hands until you removed yours

letting you know that he was all yours.

When you were speaking to him.

SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam.

one of my favorite narrations about the prophet

SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam of them in this regard.

And one that has serious consequences for us

in regards to our cell phones is

that the prophet SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam

had this ring that he liked.And the ring of the prophet

SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam was a silver ring.

It had a Ruby stone from Abyssinia.

And one time the prophet SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam was

wearing this ring, and he looked at it a few times

in the middle of a conversation.

And then he was disappointed

with himself SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam

being distracted by his ring

from his companions as they were speaking.

So he actually took off his ring

SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam

and he cast it aside.

And he said that I was looking at this ring a few times

but I wanted to get it out of the way

because it was distracting me from you.

SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam

When he would point towards you Alayhi Salatu Wasallam

He would not use a finger

because if he pointed with his finger towards you

then you might feel like he's casting blame towards you.

So the prophet SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam on them would

only point with his entire hand so that you didn't feel

like you were being blamed by his fingers.

SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam

Idha ta'ajama. when the prophet

SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam was amazed by something.

Or when he was in the midst

of something and something amusing was said

the prophet SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam them would tap his

thigh, and he would say, subhanAllah. subhanAllah.

When the prophet SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam, would walk

he was a man that would walk with a sense of purpose.

Ali radiAllahu ta'ala Anhu said

that the prophet SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam's walking was

like a man walking downhill.

Abu Hurairah radiAllahu ta'ala Anhu

said, you couldn't even keep pace with him.

And that's because the prophet SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam

had the walk of someone who had something important to do.

He didn't walk arrogantly.

SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam

nor did he walk with laziness, but he walked fast.

And that was a sign that he was always motivated.

And he was always productive SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam.

And even in his manner of sitting there was humility

and there was an intentional humility to it.

Allah sent an angel to the prophet

SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam to ask him

if he wanted to live his life as Nabi an-Malika

or Nabi an Abda. As a prophet that lives like a King,

or a prophet that lives like a humble slave.

And the prophet SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam chose

Nabi an-Abda to live like a humble slave.

And he said, "that's why he would always sit up

SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam and eat his food

in a certain way and not recline

like an arrogant man or like a wealthy man, or like a King.

So everything the prophet SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam did

with his demeanor lent itself

to his supreme humility, to his modesty, to his bashfulness

to a shyness and to a sincerity

to Allah and to the people SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam

(melodic music)