Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was the perfect embodiment of modesty and humility. He never spoke in a harsh or loud manner, nor did he behave arrogantly. In the marketplace, he would pass by people quietly, greeting them with a gentle smile. If something inappropriate was said in a gathering, he would remain silent out of respect for others, though the change in his expression was enough for his Companions to understand his feelings.
A’ishah (RA) said that she never saw the Messenger of Allah ﷺ laugh so loudly that his molar teeth were visible; rather, he only used to smile. Ibn Umar (RA) reported that when a man advised his brother against being too modest, the Prophet ﷺ said: “Leave him, for modesty is part of faith.”
`Abdullah ibn Maslamah (RA) narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said: “Modesty is part of the teachings of the earlier prophets. Whoever lacks modesty is free to do as he pleases.” Similarly, Zayd ibn Talya (RA) reported that the Prophet ﷺ said: “Every religion has a distinct characteristic, and the characteristic of Islam is modesty.”
Despite his elevated position, the Prophet ﷺ led a simple life. As a trader in Makkah and later as the head of state in Madinah, his lifestyle remained modest and unchanged. He warned against exaggerated reverence, saying: “Do not exalt me as the Christians exalted Jesus, son of Mary. I am only His servant, so call me Allah’s Servant and Messenger.”
He never treated others as if he were above them, nor did he avoid manual work. Abdullah ibn Abi Awfa (RA) reported that the Prophet ﷺ would accompany widows and slaves to fulfill their needs. Others narrated that he tidied his own home, tied his camels, fed animals, shared meals with his servants, helped knead dough, and carried provisions from the market. Anas (RA) said that the Prophet ﷺ visited the sick, attended funerals, rode donkeys, and accepted invitations from slaves. Jabir (RA) reported that the Prophet ﷺ would slow his pace for the weak and pray for them.
When Adiyy ibn Hatim visited, the Prophet ﷺ invited him into his home. A maid brought a cushion, but the Prophet ﷺ placed it between them and sat on the floor. Adiyy later said that he realized at once that the Prophet ﷺ was not a king. Likewise, Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-`As (RA) narrated that when the Prophet ﷺ visited his home, he offered him a cushion filled with palm bark, yet the Prophet chose to sit on the ground.
In every aspect of life, he remained humble. Anas (RA) said the Prophet ﷺ accepted invitations even when only barley bread and soup of poor taste were offered. He also reported the Prophet ﷺ saying: “I am Allah’s servant. I eat like a servant and I sit like a servant.”
