Muhammad: The Ideal Character
MUHAMMAD The Ideal Character
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habit of virulently denouncing the Prophet. Umar
Faruq, one of his close companions, suggested that
two of his lower teeth be pulled out, so that he
might not be so vile in his speeches. The Prophet
replied, “Were I to do this, God would disfigure me
on the Day of Judgement, not withstanding the fact
that I am His messenger.’’
The Prophet of Islam was a man like other men.
Joyous things would please him, while tragic things
would sadden him. But his humanity would not go
beyond the limits set by God.
Towards the end of his life a handsome, healthy son
was born to him, whom he named Ibrahim after his
most illustrious ancestor. The news of the birth was
conveyed to him by Abu Rafi, and the Prophet was
so overjoyed that he immediately presented him
with a slave. Like any other father, he used to take
the child in his lap and fondle him. By Arab custom
he was handed over to a wet nurse to be brought
up. This woman’s name was Umm Bardah, the
daughter of Mundhir, and she was the wife of a
blacksmith. Quite often her small house would be
filled with smoke, but this did not deter the Prophet
