Dear Brother/Sister,
To address this question, it is important to examine the life of the Prophet (pbuh) and briefly highlight various aspects. After providing a general overview, we will share some accounts from his daily life as narrated by his grandchildren, who report from their father, Hz. Ali.
“…The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) divided his daily time into three parts. In the first part, he devoted time to worshipping Allah, which included activities such as praying and reading the Quran. The second part was dedicated to taking care of his family, doing household chores, and meeting the needs of his household. In the third part of his day, he rested. He also divided his resting time into two segments, during which he received some of the notable Companions. He taught them various religious matters, and when they left, they spread the knowledge they had gained to other Companions.
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) did not prioritize material possessions, wealth, or social status when it came to his Companions’ closeness to him. Instead, he placed greater importance on taqwa (piety). He preferred those who were dedicated in their worship and demonstrated trustworthiness.
The needy people mentioned their needs to him and he listened to them without feeling tired; he took care of them and tried to meet their needs.
When he was asked a question about the world or the hereafter, he would consider the level of understanding of the person who asked and provide answers that were beneficial for them. His responses aimed to guide individuals towards good deeds. He also advised those who acquired knowledge in his presence with the following warning:The individuals in need felt heard as he listened to their concerns with genuine attentiveness and no hint of fatigue. His care and dedication shone through as he actively worked to meet their needs. When asked about life or the afterlife, he thoughtfully considered the questioner’s understanding and offered insightful answers designed to inspire positive actions. He also encouraged those gaining knowledge around him, emphasizing the crucial responsibility that comes with it, ensuring they were well-prepared to make a difference in the world.
“Teach others what you have learned from me, especially those who are unable to be present. Please inform me about the needs of those who cannot come and share their requests, regardless of whether they are men, women, male slaves, or female slaves. God Almighty will surely safeguard anyone who assists those unable to communicate their needs to the president, preventing them from falling off the Sirat Bridge on the Day of Judgment.
The Prophet (pbuh) held a firm belief in the importance of respectful conversation and would not tolerate empty talk in his presence. He radiated humility, whether out and about in the bazaar, bustling markets, or walking along the streets. His warm smiles for everyone and genuine inquiries about their well-being helped him forge strong connections with people. He was attentive to his Companions, always checking on their well-being, especially if they were absent from gatherings like Friday prayers, showing a sincere interest in their lives. He actively encouraged them to pursue good deeds and gently guided them away from wrongdoings, nurturing their commitment to faith.
Whenever the Prophet (pbuh) entered a space filled with people, he would graciously take a seat in the nearest available spot, never wanting to disrupt others for his own comfort. This humility was something he encouraged others to practice as well. He made it a point to acknowledge the individuals present, praising them in a way that everyone felt valued and cherished. When someone spent time in his presence, he exercised remarkable patience, attentively addressing their needs. If someone sought something from him, he would gladly offer it if it was within his means; if not, he would uplift their spirits with kind words and heartfelt promises.
The Prophet’s compassion, generosity, and modesty were well-known and deeply appreciated by all who surrounded him. People felt secure in the knowledge that he cared for everyone equally, showing no favoritism in his distributions.
His gatherings exemplified a blend of wisdom, kindness, patience, and a strong sense of community. Everyone in these assemblies practiced good behavior, demonstrating respect for one another. Confidential matters shared in these meetings remained sacred and were never spread outside; gossip and backbiting found no place there. If any of his Companions stumbled, he ensured that their mistakes remained within the circle, fostering a supportive environment that cultivated unity.
Members of his assembly communicated with one voice and shared commitment, uniting their hearts and minds through meaningful discussions that promoted harmony. Modesty permeated the atmosphere, leading to a culture where the elderly were honored and the young were loved. Together, they prioritized the needs of those less fortunate, ensuring that care was directed first toward those who required it most.
The spirit of togetherness and mutual support in the Prophet’s gatherings reinforced the importance of community and respect. Each interaction and every moment spent together served as a testament to the beauty of kindness, understanding, and unity under his guidance. This legacy continues to inspire many, reminding us of the power of compassion in our daily lives.
Loving necessitates resembling
Loving the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) is essential for everyone! Embracing this love opens the door to a deeper connection with God Almighty. By cherishing and obeying our beloved Prophet, we can truly experience the incredible blessing of divine love. Let’s all strive to strengthen this beautiful bond together!
Allah states the following in a verse:
“Say: ‘If ye do love Allah, Follow me: Allah will love you and forgive you your sins: For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful’.” (Aal-i Imran, 3/31)
Allah orders His beloved prophet to say so.
For anyone seeking true happiness, aligning every aspect of life—such as customs, acts of worship, shopping habits, and general behavior—with the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is essential. When we strive to mirror the qualities of those we admire, we naturally become more endearing and beautiful in the eyes of others. Similarly, Allah cherishes those who hold love for the Prophet (pbuh) in their hearts. It’s clear that all acts of goodness and excellence stem from this profound love.
Allah Almighty designed His beloved Prophet to embody the highest ideals of beauty, goodness, and kindness. The Companions of the Prophet were filled with an extraordinary love for him; their hearts truly burned with admiration. The joy they experienced from merely gazing upon his radiant face was unparalleled, and their commitment saw them willingly sacrifice their lives and possessions out of love for him. For anyone claiming to love Allah, emulating the Companions is a powerful way to express that devotion.
To genuinely and completely follow the Prophet, a heartfelt love is key. This mature love manifests in our daily lives through the alignment of our words and actions with his teachings. It encourages us to strive to reflect his character in everything we do.
The Quran and hadith are rich with teachings that highlight how crucial it is to follow the Prophet (pbuh)—it is a fundamental principle of Islam. However, one cannot authentically follow someone without first knowing them deeply.
The daily life of the Prophet (pbuh) is filled with invaluable lessons. For example, when Hz. Husayn inquired about the Prophet’s qualities, his father Hz. Ali provided insightful reflections that illuminate how we can learn from every moment of the Prophet’s life. By embracing these teachings, we can foster a deeper connection with the Divine and elevate our own lives in the process.
“When he entered his house, he would ask for permission. He divided his time at home into three. He allocated some of his time to Allah (worshipping), some to his family and himself and some to people.”
The Prophet regularly performed two rak’ahs before the morning prayer every day. As a matter of fact, he stated the following in a hadith:
“The two-rak’ah sunnah prayer of the morning prayer is better than the world and everything in it.” (Muslim, Tirmidhi)
The Prophet (pbuh) performed all of his prayers in awe and peace, between hope and fear. As a matter of fact, Mutarrif reports the following from his father:
“I saw the Prophet (pbuh) praying; a sound was coming from his chest like the rumbling of a mill.” In another narration, ”…like the boiling sound of a saucepan.” (Abu Dawud, Nasai)
As a matter of fact, the Prophet (pbuh) ordered his ummah to perform prayers like that. In fact, the following is stated in a hadith reported from Ammar bin Yasir:The Prophet (peace be upon him) approached each of his prayers with profound awe and serene tranquility, beautifully balancing hope and reverence. Mutarrif shared a remarkable account from his father, who vividly described a unique sound emanating from the Prophet’s chest, akin to the rumble of a mill. Another narration likened it to the bubbling of a saucepan (Abu Dawud, Nasai). Additionally, the Prophet (pbuh) passionately encouraged his followers to embrace this heartfelt style of prayer. A hadith reported by Ammar bin Yasir highlights this invaluable guidance, inviting us all to connect deeply during our prayers with the same devotion and mindfulness exemplified by the Prophet himself.
“When a person performs a prayer, he is given as much thawab as one-tenth, one-ninth, one-eighth, one-seventh, one-sixth, one-fifth, one-fourth, one-third and half of the prayer based on his attention in prayer.” (Abu Dawud, Nasai, Ibn Hibban)
The following is stated in another hadith:
“Fard prayers are like scales. Those who perform them fully will win.” (Tabarani, Ibn Hibban)
The Prophet (pbuh) passionately highlighted the significance of prayers. After leading the morning congregation, he would joyfully remain on the prayer mat, embracing the peaceful moments until the sun brightly rose in the sky.
Dhikr until the sun rises
As a matter of fact, the Prophet (pbuh) states the following in a hadith reported from Anas bin Malik:
“If a person performs the morning prayer in congregation and mentions Allah by sitting until the sun rises and then performs a prayer of two rak’ahs (ishraq prayer), he will be given the thawab of an accepted full hajj and umrah.”
Anas said, the Prophet said, “the thawab of a full hajj and umrah” three times. (Tîrmidhi)
The Prophet (pbuh) would begin receiving visitors from Madinah and other cities. They would gather around him in a circle. He would preach to them, offer advice, and answer their questions; he even interpreted their dreams. Occasionally, he shared some of the dreams he himself had seen with certain Companions.
His attitude and speech
The speech of the Prophet (pbuh) was very sweet and warm. He spoke clearly and paused after each sentence, allowing the listeners to better understand what he was saying. While he didn’t laugh, he did smile and was known for being the most tender and good-natured person among people.
The Prophet tolerated the mistakes made against him, responding to them with softness. However, when there was an attack on Allah or on the faith, he would never remain silent and would always provide a response.
The Prophet (pbuh) did not focus on the faults of others; he sometimes overlooked them and usually averted his gaze when he noticed mistakes. Even if he did see a mistake, he would not criticize that person directly, as he valued the relationship built on respect and love.
His modesty was especially evident in his interactions with others. Regardless of who was present in his assembly, he would patiently listen to anyone who spoke, only interrupting if they strayed from the truth.
On one occasion, a man came to see the Prophet (pbuh) but was so awed by his presence that he began to tremble. In response, the Prophet (pbuh) said,
“Do not fear! I am not a king. I am the son of a woman who filled her stomach by cooking dried meat.” (Hakim)
The Prophet treated his relatives and companions with kindness and showed forgiveness to his enemies when they were vulnerable and had surrendered. This compassionate approach led many to embrace faith. Whenever anyone asked him for something, he never turned them away. He was known as the most generous person among all. In fact, Ibn Abbas remarked:
He was always generous and never refused anyone’s requests.
As a matter of fact, Ibn Abbas state the following:
“The Prophet (pbuh) was the most generous person among people. He became even more generous in the month of Ramadan.” (Bukhari)
Duha Prayer
The Prophet would talk to people and listen to their problems, usually until the time of Duha. At that time, he would perform either four or eight rak’ahs of prayer. He emphasized the significance and virtue of this prayer.
When it was duha time, the Prophet (pbuh) performed four rak’ahs or eight rak’ahs. He stated the following about the virtue of that prayer:
“There is a gate called ‘duha gate’ in Paradise. A caller calls out as follows on the Day of Judgment: ‘O those who performed duha prayer! Where are you? Here is the gate you will use to enter Paradise. Enter through it with the mercy of Allah.’” (Tabarani)
After performing the duha prayer, the Prophet (pbuh) would return home, do household chores, mend his clothes and shoes, and milk his animals.
Noon Prayer
The Prophet (pbuh) would prepare for the noon prayer when the time arrived. He would go to the mosque and consistently perform the sunnah prayers both before and after the obligatory (fard) noon prayer. After completing the noon prayer, he would take a short rest. In fact, he mentioned in a hadith that he would often sleep a bit during the day, a practice known as qaylula.
He had a rest after the noon prayer…
After performing the noon prayer, the Prophet (pbuh) would sleep a bit (qaylula). As a matter of fact, he states the following in a hadith:
“Sleep a bit at noon. Devils do not sleep at noon at all.” (Muslim)
Qaylula refers to the short rest or nap taken after the noon prayer. A person who engages in qaylula is performing a Sunnah, which can help rejuvenate them and provide the strength needed to wake up at night for the Tahajjud prayer. It is beneficial for those who are able to perform this Sunnah. perform this Sunnah.
Afternoon Prayer
After qaylula, the Prophet (pbuh) would prepare for the afternoon prayer. Sometimes he performed a sunnah prayer before it, and at other times he omitted it. He mentioned the following regarding that sunnah:
“If a person performs four rak’ahs before the fard of the afternoon prayer, Allah will make him haram for Hell.” (Tabarani)
After performing the afternoon prayer, the Prophet (pbuh) would sit in the same place and engage in dhikr. In fact, Anas bin Malik reported the following from the Prophet (pbuh):
“I prefer sitting with a congregation that mention Allah after the afternoon prayer until the sunset to freeing four slaves of Sons of Ismail each of which is worth twelve thousand dirhams.” (Abu Dawud, Abu Ya’la, Ibn Abid-Dunya)
He treated his wives well
The Prophet (pbuh) would return home before the evening prayer to visit each of his wives. He would spend some time with each of them, asking how they were doing. The Prophet (pbuh) treated his wives with great respect and compassion, and he instructed his followers to treat women well.
As a matter of fact, the following is stated in a hadith:
“The believer with perfect belief is the one with best manners. The best of you is the one that treats his family better.” (Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi)
Evening Prayer
After that, he would get ready for the evening prayer. When adhan was called for the evening prayer, he would lead the prayer and perform a two-rak’ah nafilah (sunnah) prayer.
After the evening prayer, the Prophet (pbuh) would be busy with dhikr and nafilah worship (awwabin prayer); thus, he would wait for the night prayer.
Night Prayer
When it was time for the night prayer, he would sometimes perform a nafilah (sunnah) prayer before the fard (obligatory) night prayer, and at other times, he would skip it. After completing the night prayer, he consistently performed two rak’ahs (sunnah muakkadah). Afterwards, he would go to bed and later wake up to perform the witr prayer.
In fact, the Prophet (pbuh) mentioned in a hadith reported by Jabir:
“He who amongst you is afraid that he may not be able to get up at the end of the night should observe witr in the first part and then sleep, and he who is confident of getting up and praying at night (i. e. tahajjud prayer) should observe it at the end of it; for, the recitation at the end of the night is witnessed by angels, and that is better.” (Muslim, Tirmidhi)
After the night prayer, the Prophet (pbuh) would go home and spend the night with one of his wives in a regular rotation. He generally preferred not to engage in conversation after the night prayer (Bukhari).
His sleep
The Prophet always maintained wudu and never went to bed without it. In fact, it is reported from Ibn Umar:
“If a person goes to bed in wudu, he will spend the night with an angel of mercy. As soon as he wakes up, the angel prays as follows: ‘O Allah! Forgive this slave because he spent the night in wudu’.” (Ibn Hibban)
According to what is reported from Bara bin Azib, the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said,
“When you go to bed, make wudu as you do for prayer (salah) and lie down turning to your right side. Then, prays as follows:
‘O Allah! I have submitted myself to You. I have committed my affairs to You. I have relied on You since I fear and love You. I take refuge only in You. My salvation depends on you. I believe in the Book You revealed and in the Prophet You sent.’
If you do so and die during the night, you will die as a Muslim. Let this supplication be your last words before sleeping.” (Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi)
Hz. Aisha states the following:
“When the Prophet (pbuh) went to bed, he would recite al-Muawwizatayn (the chapters of al-Falaq and an-Nas), and the chapter of al-Ikhlas and blow his breath on his hands; then, he would wipe them over his face and his body. When he became ill, he would order me to do the same thing to him.” (Bukhari, Muslim, Iman Malik, Tirmidhi)
His way of sleeping
The sleeping habits of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) were as follows:
As soon as the time for the night prayer began, he would perform the prayer and recite certain chapters from the Qur’an. After that, he would lie down on his right side, placing his right hand under his right cheek.
Around midnight, or after two-thirds of the night had passed, he would wake up. At this time, he would brush his teeth with his miswak, which he kept beside his bed, perform ablution (wudu), and engage in worship. (Tirmidhi)
Night worship
Hz. Aisha narrates:
“The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) would stand until his feet cracked and worship at night. I said to him, “Why do you worship so much though your previous and future sins were forgiven?” He said,
“Shall I not be a slave who thanks?” (Bukhari, Muslim)
Since the tahajjud prayer was obligatory for the Prophet (pbuh), he never neglected it. While engaging in those acts of worship and dhikr, he encouraged his ummah to do the same.
As a matter of fact, the following is stated in a hadith:
“Satan puts three knots at the back of the head of any of you if he is asleep. On every knot he touches and reads the following words, ‘The night is long; so, stay asleep.’ When he wakes up and remembers Allah, one knot is undone; and when he performs ablution, the second knot is undone; and when he prays, the third knot is undone and he gets up energetic with a good heart in the morning; otherwise, he gets up lazy and with a mischievous heart.” (Imam Malik, Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, Nasai)
The following is stated in another hadith:
“There is a time period at night; if a Muslim slave who wants something from Allah about a worldly or otherworldly affair, that thing will definitely be given to him if he prays at that time. This happens every night.” (Muslim)
After offering the tahajjud prayer, the Prophet (pbuh) would prepare for the morning prayer. He would perform the sunnah in his room before heading to the mosque to offer the fard in congregation.
The Prophet (pbuh) generally spent his twenty-four hours (day) like that.
He gave importance to repentance.
He repented one hundred times a day and ordered his ummah to repent. As a matter of fact, the following is stated in a hadith:
“O people. Repent to Allah. I repent one hundred times a day.” (Muslim)
The Prophet (pbuh) placed significant importance on tasbihat (glorifications) after prayers. He recited specific supplications daily after eating, when entering and leaving home, as well as before and after using the toilet, among other times.
Reciting the supplications that the Prophet (pbuh) used to say daily is a way to follow him and practice his sunnah.
By following the Prophet (pbuh), a person can earn Allah’s love and friendship.
