Children Around the Prophet summary

Muhammad and the Children

There was no bigger joy for the children of Madina than the joy of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) walking among them. The nature of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was so compassionate towards kids, especially that children loved him whenever they interacted with him. His love and kindness had a lasting impact on everyone around him. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was famous for his kind nature and never gave any corporal punishment to anyone. He thought the trend was otherwise at that time. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was kind and humble to anyone without having any concern about the religion of a person or whatever background they had.

Several instances illustrate the Prophet’s approach to children. For example, when a baby urinated on his clothes, he simply washed them without showing displeasure. He valued unconditional love and respect for children. Anas, one of the young companions, shared memories of the Prophet greeting him and his friends while they were playing and showing a playful sense of humour. The Prophet also understood the joy of surprises and gifts, often giving them to children in person and assigning them tasks to build responsibility and self-esteem.

Our Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was a kind and gentle teacher who used to be very humble towards the children. When a boy was throwing stones at the date palm tree, she advised the boy that he should eat the fallen dates first and then prayed for the well-being of the boy. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was the epitome of honesty and loyalty, even in the smallest of matters. He became an example of keeping promises and a role model of integrity for children.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) from a Child’s Perspective

Prophet Muhammad’s influence on children was deeply rooted not just in his actions but in his very presence. His lineage, an important aspect of 7th-century Arab society, traced back to noble ancestry, and his name carried a weight of respect. Born in 570 CE, Muhammad’s life took a significant turn at the age of 40, when he received his first revelation, marking the beginning of his role as a Prophet. His journey began in Mecca and later shifted to Medina, where his impact on the community, including children, became even more profound.

As described in the Shamail Al-Tirmidhi, the physical appearance of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) played a major role in how people and children especially connected with him. The beauty of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was usually compared to the beauty of the moon, especially his beautiful features. Children are often drawn towards beauty, and so they were attached to and attracted towards the presence of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).

As described in some Hadiths, the face of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was so handsome that not even children but the elders of the community were comfortable around him. The beautiful personality and the nature of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) made it easier for the children to approach him for anything, and he was not just a symbol of leadership for them but also a person where they found comfort and peace.

A story about Abdullah ibn Salam, a local rabbi who converted to Islam after being deeply impressed by the Prophet’s face, illustrates its powerful impact. This suggests that even young children would have been profoundly affected by his appearance.

The Face of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him)

The communication style and the physical appearance of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) left a lasting impact on the children who knew him. Our Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) had expressive eyes and used to wear a bright and vibrant smile, which made him really approachable and comforting and attracted the children to him naturally.

Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him) used to speak very clearly and fit his words very mindfully according to every individual, and he was specific with his words for the children. This beautiful personality attracted the children towards him and made it easier for him to teach and guide them because the children were ultimately drawn to him and would believe and do whatever he used to do. Even after he aged, nothing changed for the people around him as they were equally comfortable then.

A well-known story of Anas ibn Malik, who served the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him) during his youth, perfectly illustrates this lasting influence. Anas cherished the memory of the Prophet’s face throughout his life, often recalling its beauty and the kindness it radiated. This memory remained with him as a source of comfort and admiration long after the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him)’s passing, demonstrating the profound and enduring impact Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him) had on those he interacted with. To truly appreciate the influence of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him), one must consider not just his teachings but also the unique qualities of his character that made him beloved by all, especially the children who knew him.

The Behavior of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him)

Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him)’s deep compassion and mercy toward children were evident even in the most challenging moments of his life. One powerful example comes from the Battle of Taif, where, despite suffering severe injuries and public humiliation, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him) chose forgiveness over revenge. Rather than seeking retribution, he prayed for the hearts of his enemies to soften, hoping for future positive change. This act of mercy, even in the face of personal pain, highlighted his unwavering commitment to fostering goodness rather than vengeance.

His sensitivity towards children was remarkable in everyday situations as well. To the point that, if a child is crying during his prayers, he would shorten the prayer so that he can immediately look after the kid and ease him and the mother as well. This gesture was a huge example of how empathetic he was and how much he valued kindness and humility. Even in spiritual matters, he never forgot about his people. There is a Hadith from Anas ibn Malik that beautifully mentions the unmatchable mercy of our Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him) towards children. Through his caring nature and kindness towards children, he was a beloved of everyone in the community.

The Children around the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him)

The young companions of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him) provide a unique and intimate lens through which to view his character. Figures like Anas ibn Malik, who served the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him) for ten years, offer detailed glimpses into his daily life, showcasing his patience, kindness, and humility. Hassan ibn Ali (RA), the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him)’s beloved grandson, held a special place in his heart, while Abdullah ibn Omar, influenced by his formative years spent with the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him), grew into a man whose life was deeply shaped by those early interactions. Similarly, Abdullah ibn Abbas, known for his scholarly prowess, absorbed a wealth of knowledge from the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him) at a young age, becoming one of the most revered scholars in Islamic history.

These examples challenge the common perception that Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him) was always surrounded by older, wiser companions. In fact, children and young people were an integral part of his life, and he valued them deeply. These young companions not only learned from the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him) but actively participated in his life, sharing moments of joy, wisdom, and growth. Their experiences reveal a different side of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him)—one that further highlights his compassion, his ability to mentor with care, and his dedication to nurturing the next generation.