رَحْمَةُ النَّبِيِّ ﷺ

Allah says to the Prophet ﷺ: وَإِنَّكَ لَعَلَىٰ خُلُقٍ عَظِيمٍ wa innaka la'alaa khuluqin 'aẓiim "And you truly have a magnificent character." (meaning of verse 68:4)

Here is how kind he was.

With children When he passed by children, he said to them "As-salaamu 'alaykum!" (Bukhari 6247, Muslim 2168). He kissed his grandson Al-Hasan. He said: "Whoever is not gentle with others, others will not be gentle with him." (Bukhari 5997, Muslim 2318) He even carried his granddaughter Umaama during the prayer (Bukhari 516, Muslim 543).

With those who helped him Anas was a young boy who helped him for ten years. Anas tells us that the Prophet ﷺ never said "uff!" to complain to him, nor "why did you do that?" (Bukhari 6038, Muslim 2309).

With animals The Prophet ﷺ told the story of a man who gave water to a very thirsty dog. Allah was pleased with him and forgave him (Bukhari 2466, Muslim 2244 [À VÉRIFIER : numéros]).

Little activity: today, do like the Prophet ﷺ: say "As-salaamu 'alaykum" with a big smile, and be gentle with an animal or with someone smaller than you.

Understanding the lesson

Explanation The Prophet ﷺ was the best of people, and he was also the gentlest. He did not make fun of children: he greeted them and played with them. He did not shout at Anas, even when Anas made a mistake. Being gentle means speaking kindly, not hitting, not shouting, and paying attention to others. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Allah is Gentle and He loves gentleness in all things." (Bukhari 6927, Muslim 2593 [À VÉRIFIER : numéros]) Kindness is for everyone: family, friends, people we do not know, and even animals.

Lessons to draw from it • I say "As-salaamu 'alaykum" to others, even to the little ones. • I do not shout and I do not hit: I speak gently. • I give food and water to animals, and I do not hurt them.

Key points to remember • The Prophet ﷺ had a magnificent character (68:4). • He greeted children (Bukhari 6247, Muslim 2168). • Whoever is not gentle with others, others will not be gentle with him (Bukhari 5997, Muslim 2318).

The main message The Prophet ﷺ was gentle with everyone. When I am kind, I am like him, and Allah loves me.