Min Akhlaq al-Rasul al-Karim

Min Akhlaq al-Rasul al-Karim (From the Character of the Noble Messenger) is a treatise on prophetic biography and morals by the Saudi hadith scholar Abd al-Muhsin al-Abbad Majallat al-Jami'a al-Isl…+1. It explores the character, virtues, and conduct of the Prophet Muhammad before and after the beginning of his prophetic mission Min Akhlaq al-Rasul al-Ka…+1.

Background and Context

The work originated as a public lecture delivered by al-Abbad while teaching at the Islamic University of Madinah, originally titled Akhlaq al-Nabi qabl al-Ba‘thah wa-Ba‘daha ("The Prophet's Character Before and After the Prophetic Mission") Majallat al-Jami'a al-Isl…+1. Portions of the lecture were published across early issues of the scholarly journal Majallat al-Jami‘ah al-Islamiyyah in Medina Majallat al-Jami'a al-Isl…+1 before appearing as an independent published book, including an edition issued by Taybah al-Dimashqiyyah in 2006 Manhaj al-Shaykh 'Abd al-….

Content and Structure

Al-Abbad begins by outlining humanity's deep need for the Prophet's mission at a time when spiritual ignorance, idolatry, injustice, and tribal boasting were rampant, and how the Prophet addressed these conditions by calling to pure monotheism (tawhid) and moral righteousness Min Akhlaq al-Rasul al-Ka…+1. He examines the divine selection (istifa') of the Prophet, addressing and refuting the objections of the pagan Quraysh that were rooted in arrogance and envy Min Akhlaq al-Rasul al-Ka…+1.

The author details the divine preparation preceding the prophetic mission, including:

• Noble lineage and unblemished reputation among his people Min Akhlaq al-Rasul al-Ka….
• Upbringing as an orphan in poverty, cultivating humility and care for the needy Min Akhlaq al-Rasul al-Ka….
• Preservation from faults and vices before revelation Min Akhlaq al-Rasul al-Ka…+1.
• Being unlettered (ummi), serving as proof against claims that he copied ancient scriptures Min Akhlaq al-Rasul al-Ka….
• True dreams (al-ru'ya al-saliha) and shepherding sheep in Mecca, which trained him for guiding people Min Akhlaq al-Rasul al-Ka…+1.

After defining moral character (khuluq) linguistically and technically, al-Abbad cites historical testimonies affirming the Prophet's honesty and trustworthiness before his mission Min Akhlaq al-Rasul al-Ka…+1. These include the accounts of Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, the Quraysh during the reconstruction of the Kaaba, Abu Jahl's private admission of his truthfulness, Abu Sufyan ibn Harb's dialogue with the Byzantine emperor Heraclius, the pre-Islamic business partner al-Sa'ib al-Makhzumi, Abd Allah ibn Salam, and Mikraz ibn Hafs Min Akhlaq al-Rasul al-Ka…+1.

The book then analyzes Quranic descriptions of the Prophet's character—such as the verse وَإِنَّكَ لَعَلَى خُلُقٍ عَظِيمٍ ("And indeed, you are of a great moral character")—referencing classical interpretations by Ibn Abbas, Mujahid ibn Jabr, al-Suddi, al-Hasan al-Basri, and Aisha's explanation that his character was the Quran Min Akhlaq al-Rasul al-Ka….

In the final thematic sections, al-Abbad elaborates on specific prophetic virtues supported by authentic hadith reports Min Akhlaq al-Rasul al-Ka…+1:

• Generosity (al-jud wa-al-karam): Spending for the sake of God and giving generously to soften hearts toward Islam Min Akhlaq al-Rasul al-Ka…+1.
• Humility (al-tawadu‘): Interacting gently with servants, women, and children, and assisting his family in household tasks Min Akhlaq al-Rasul al-Ka…+1.
• Mercy and Forbearance (al-rahmah wa-al-rifq): Patience under mistreatment and choosing ease over hardship Min Akhlaq al-Rasul al-Ka…+1.
• Sincere Counsel in Preaching (al-nush fi al-da‘wah): Enduring hardship during the mission, exemplified by his encounter at al-Ta'if, and using effective parables to teach Min Akhlaq al-Rasul al-Ka…+1.
• Courage and Physical Endurance (al-quwwah wa-al-shaja‘ah): Bravery during moments of alarm and diligence in nocturnal worship Min Akhlaq al-Rasul al-Ka….

The treatise concludes by highlighting the duties of Muslims toward the Prophet, including sincere love, adherence to his Sunnah without religious innovation (bid‘ah) or extremism (ghuluww), and sending prayers upon him Min Akhlaq al-Rasul al-Ka…+1.

Reception

The scholar Omar Sulaiman al-Ashqar cited Min Akhlaq al-Rasul in his survey of Islamic ethics as one of the commendable contemporary books dedicated to prophetic morals Nahw Thaqafa Islamiyya As….