Lessons from Chapter 10: Teachings and Defeat
The prophet was unwavering toward his principles, yet his strict adherence to principles did not deter his human side. His personality would exude warmth and charisma.
"Always his distinctive feature was the combination of strict faithfulness to his principles and human warmth constantly radiating from his presence. The companions were so eager for his company that they would take turns with him, in order to spend as much time as possible with him, listening and learning. Their love for him was deep, respectful, and faithful."
"In his daily life, though he was preoccupied by attacks, treachery, and his enemies' thirst for revenge, Muhammad remained mindful of the small details of life and the expectations of those around him, constantly allying rigor and the generosity of the fraternity and forgiveness. His Companions and his wives saw him pray for hours during the night, away from others, alone with the whispered prayers and invocations that nurtured his dialogue with the One."
This is a very beautiful story. This story shows another dimension of the prophetic leadership, one that is filled with sense of gratitude, humility, and responsibility.
Aishah, Muhammad's wife, being impressed and surprised with the amount of worship that the prophet takes part in, was asking the prophet: "Don't you take on too much [ worship ] while God has already forgiven all your past and future sins?" The prophet answered: "How could I but be a thankful servant?"
He was not extreme when it came to piousness. He was a proponent of striking a balance between worship and the life.
"He did not demand of his Companions the worship, fasting, and meditations that he exacted of himself. On the contrary, he required that they ease their burden and avoid excess; to some Companions who wanted to put an end to their sexual life, pray all night long, or fast continuously (such as Uthman Ibn Mazun or Abdullah Ibn Amr Ibn al-As), he said: "" Do not do that! Fast on some days and eat on others. Sleep part of the night, and stand in prayer another part. For your body has rights upon you, your eyes have a right upon you, your wife has a right upon you, your guest has a right upon you. " [Al Bukhari]
"He once claimed, repeating it three times: "Woe to those who exaggerate [who are too strict]!"
