In the Footsteps of Muhammad (PBUH) - (9)

His Bravery

     The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was the first to face any danger and the bravest among the people. 'Ali said, 'On the day of Badr, we used to resort to the Prophet (PBUH) seeking protection and he was the nearest to the enemy. He was the bravest among people on that day.' He also said, 'Whenever the fighting got fierce and the people met each other face to face, we used to seek the protection of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and none of us used to be nearer to the enemy than him.'

     The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) did not use not to talk much. When he ordered the people to fight, he was the first to initiate fighting. When the polytheists were about to defeat the Muslims, no one was braver than him that day. He descended from his white mule and said,

"I am the Prophet without a lie:

I am the son of Abdul-Muttalib."

His Modesty

     The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was the most modest among people despite the authority he had. Ibn 'Amir said, 'I have seen him throwing Al-Jamrah riding on a gray she-camel. He never hit people, repelled them, nor treated them harshly.'

     He did not disdain to ride on a donkey or let another ride behind him. He used to visit the sick and escort the funeral. He used to respond to the invitation of a slave, to mend his footwear, and his garment. He used to help his wives in some of the routine work. His companions did not use to rise for him because they knew that he disliked this. He used to greet the children whenever he passed by them. A man was brought before him and when he saw him, he trembled with fear. At that, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said to him: "Keep calm! I am not a king. I am the son of a woman who used to eat dried meat."

     He did not use to distinguish himself with a special place when he was among his companions. A stranger might not know him except after asking who he was. He never ate from a table till his death. When he sat among people, he used to join in their talk if it was related to the Hereafter. If it was about this worldly life, he would share with them out of modesty. They used to recite poetry in his presence and mention some affairs of the pre-Islamic era and laugh, but he used to smile. 

Reference:

Selected Writings on Purifying the Soul, by Sa'eed Hawwa, page 538-539. (a non Ibadhi Book)