Know Your Prophet ﷺ

خصائص النبي ﷺ

Khaṣā'il: Commentary of Shamā'il

By Imām Muḥammad ibn ʿĪsā at-Tirmidhī & Sheikh Muḥammad Zakariyyā Kāndhlawī

A comprehensive commentary on the characteristics, appearance, character, and lifestyle of the Messenger of Allāh (صلى الله عليه وسلم). This work provides authentic narrations detailing every aspect of the Prophet's blessed life, serving as a guide for those who wish to know and emulate the best of creation.

Note: This page contains English translations and references. The complete Arabic text of all hadith can be found in the book PDF below.

Authentic Hadith CollectionScholarly CommentaryComplete Biography

Physical Appearance

المظهر الجسدي

4 Sections

The Seal of Prophethood

خاتم النبوة

Note: The Arabic text of this hadith can be found in the complete book PDF.

Kāna khātam an-nubuwwati bayna katifayhi

Translation: The Seal of Prophethood was between his shoulders.

Narrator: Anas ibn Mālik (رضي الله عنه)

Reference: Tirmidhī

Explanation

The Seal of Prophethood was a physical mark that distinguished the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) as the final messenger.

Reflection

This unique physical characteristic was a sign of Allah's favor and a proof of his prophethood.

The Hair of the Messenger of Allāh

شعر رسول الله

Note: The Arabic text of this hadith can be found in the complete book PDF.

Kāna sha'ru rasūlillāhi ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam ilā anṣāfi udhunayhi

Translation: The hair of the Messenger of Allāh (صلى الله عليه وسلم) reached the middle of his ears.

Narrator: Anas ibn Mālik (رضي الله عنه)

Reference: Tirmidhī

Explanation

The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) maintained his hair at a moderate length, neither too long nor too short.

Reflection

This teaches us moderation in appearance and grooming, following the Sunnah of the Prophet.

The White Hair of the Messenger of Allāh

الشيب في شعر رسول الله

Note: The Arabic text of this hadith can be found in the complete book PDF.

Mā kāna fī ra'si rasūlillāhi ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam wa liḥyatihi illā sab'a 'ashrata sha'ratan bayḍā'

Translation: There were only seventeen white hairs in the head and beard of the Messenger of Allāh (صلى الله عليه وسلم).

Narrator: Anas ibn Mālik (رضي الله عنه)

Reference: Tirmidhī

Explanation

The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) had very few white hairs even in his later years, showing his blessed appearance.

Reflection

This demonstrates the special blessing Allah bestowed upon His beloved Prophet.

The Application of Kohl

الكحل

Note: The Arabic text of this hadith can be found in the complete book PDF.

Kāna rasūlullāhi ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam yaktahilu bil-ithmid

Translation: The Messenger of Allāh (صلى الله عليه وسلم) used to apply kohl with ithmid.

Narrator: Ibn 'Abbās (رضي الله عنهما)

Reference: Tirmidhī

Explanation

The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) would apply kohl (antimony) to his eyes, which has both medicinal and beautifying benefits.

Reflection

This shows the Prophet's attention to cleanliness and health, as kohl has medicinal properties for the eyes.

Noble Character

الأخلاق النبيلة

3 Sections

The Character of the Messenger of Allāh

خلق رسول الله

Note: The Arabic text of this hadith can be found in the complete book PDF.

Kāna rasūlullāhi ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam aḥsana an-nāsi khuluqan

Translation: The Messenger of Allāh (صلى الله عليه وسلم) had the best character among people.

Narrator: Anas ibn Mālik (رضي الله عنه)

Reference: Bukhārī, Muslim

Explanation

The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) was known for his excellent character, which was a reflection of the Qur'an.

Reflection

The Prophet's character is the perfect example for us to follow. His manners were a living embodiment of Islamic teachings.

The Humility of the Messenger of Allāh

تواضع رسول الله

Note: The Arabic text of this hadith can be found in the complete book PDF.

Kāna rasūlullāhi ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam ashaddu ḥayā'an min al-'adhrā'i fī khidrihā

Translation: The Messenger of Allāh (صلى الله عليه وسلم) was more bashful than a virgin in her seclusion.

Narrator: Abū Sa'īd al-Khudrī (رضي الله عنه)

Reference: Bukhārī, Muslim

Explanation

The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) possessed the highest level of modesty and humility, which is a sign of true faith.

Reflection

Modesty is a beautiful quality that adorns a believer. The Prophet's humility teaches us to be humble and modest in our interactions.

The Modesty of the Messenger of Allāh

الحياء

Note: The Arabic text of this hadith can be found in the complete book PDF.

Al-ḥayā'u lā ya'tī illā bi-khayr

Translation: Modesty does not bring anything except good.

Narrator: The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم)

Reference: Bukhārī, Muslim

Explanation

The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) taught that modesty is always beneficial and leads to good outcomes.

Reflection

True modesty prevents us from committing sins and encourages us to do good deeds.

Daily Life & Habits

الحياة اليومية والعادات

4 Sections

The Walking of the Messenger of Allāh

مشي رسول الله

Note: The Arabic text of this hadith can be found in the complete book PDF.

Kāna rasūlullāhi ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam idhā mashā takaffa'a

Translation: When the Messenger of Allāh (صلى الله عليه وسلم) walked, he would lean forward slightly.

Narrator: Abū Hurayrah (رضي الله عنه)

Reference: Tirmidhī

Explanation

The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) walked with purpose and determination, showing strength and resolve.

Reflection

The way we walk reflects our character. The Prophet's walk showed confidence and purpose.

The Sitting of the Messenger of Allāh

جلوس رسول الله

Note: The Arabic text of this hadith can be found in the complete book PDF.

Kāna rasūlullāhi ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam yajlisu 'alā al-arḍ

Translation: The Messenger of Allāh (صلى الله عليه وسلم) used to sit on the ground.

Narrator: Anas ibn Mālik (رضي الله عنه)

Reference: Tirmidhī

Explanation

The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) would sit humbly on the ground, showing his simplicity and humility.

Reflection

This teaches us humility and simplicity, not seeking elevated positions or showing off.

The Eating of the Messenger of Allāh

أكل رسول الله

Note: The Arabic text of this hadith can be found in the complete book PDF.

Kāna rasūlullāhi ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam ya'kulu bi-aṣābi'ihi ath-thalāth

Translation: The Messenger of Allāh (صلى الله عليه وسلم) used to eat with his three fingers.

Narrator: Ka'b ibn Mālik (رضي الله عنه)

Reference: Bukhārī, Muslim

Explanation

The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) would eat with three fingers, showing moderation and proper etiquette.

Reflection

Following the Prophet's eating habits teaches us moderation and proper manners at the table.

The Sleeping of the Messenger of Allāh

نوم رسول الله

Note: The Arabic text of this hadith can be found in the complete book PDF.

Kāna rasūlullāhi ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam idhā awā ilā firāshihi qāla: Bismika rabbī waḍa'tu janbī

Translation: When the Messenger of Allāh (صلى الله عليه وسلم) went to his bed, he would say: "In Your name, my Lord, I lay my side down."

Narrator: Ḥudhayfah (رضي الله عنه)

Reference: Bukhārī, Muslim

Explanation

The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) would remember Allah before sleeping, showing that every moment of his life was connected to Allah.

Reflection

Remembering Allah before sleep brings peace and protection, and ensures we end our day with dhikr.

Worship & Spirituality

العبادة والروحانية

5 Sections

The Worship of the Messenger of Allāh

عبادة رسول الله

Note: The Arabic text of this hadith can be found in the complete book PDF.

Kāna rasūlullāhi ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam yaqūmu min al-layli ḥattā tatafaṭṭara qadamāhu

Translation: The Messenger of Allāh (صلى الله عليه وسلم) would stand in prayer at night until his feet would become swollen.

Narrator: Al-Mughīrah ibn Shu'bah (رضي الله عنه)

Reference: Bukhārī, Muslim

Explanation

Despite being forgiven all his sins, the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) would worship Allah extensively out of love and gratitude.

Reflection

The Prophet's devotion teaches us that worship should come from love and gratitude, not just obligation.

The Forenoon Prayer (Ṣalāh aḍ-Ḍuḥā)

صلاة الضحى

Note: The Arabic text of this hadith can be found in the complete book PDF.

Kāna rasūlullāhi ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam yuṣallī aḍ-ḍuḥā thamāniya rak'āt

Translation: The Messenger of Allāh (صلى الله عليه وسلم) would pray the forenoon prayer (ḍuḥā) with eight rak'āt.

Narrator: Umm Hānī' (رضي الله عنها)

Reference: Muslim

Explanation

The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) would perform the voluntary forenoon prayer, showing the importance of optional prayers.

Reflection

Voluntary prayers are a means of drawing closer to Allah and earning extra rewards.

The Fasting of the Messenger of Allāh

صيام رسول الله

Note: The Arabic text of this hadith can be found in the complete book PDF.

Kāna rasūlullāhi ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam yaṣūmu ḥattā naqūlu lā yufṭiru wa yufṭiru ḥattā naqūlu lā yaṣūmu

Translation: The Messenger of Allāh (صلى الله عليه وسلم) would fast so much that we would say he never breaks his fast, and he would break his fast so much that we would say he never fasts.

Narrator: Ibn 'Abbās (رضي الله عنهما)

Reference: Bukhārī, Muslim

Explanation

The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) would fast on various days, showing moderation and following the Sunnah of fasting on Mondays and Thursdays.

Reflection

The Prophet's fasting pattern teaches us balance and the importance of voluntary fasting.

The Recital of the Messenger of Allāh

تلاوة رسول الله

Note: The Arabic text of this hadith can be found in the complete book PDF.

Kāna rasūlullāhi ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam yaqra'u al-Qur'āna ḥarfan ḥarfan

Translation: The Messenger of Allāh (صلى الله عليه وسلم) would recite the Qur'an letter by letter.

Narrator: Umm Salamah (رضي الله عنها)

Reference: Tirmidhī

Explanation

The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) would recite the Qur'an slowly and clearly, giving each letter its due right.

Reflection

Reciting the Qur'an slowly and thoughtfully allows us to reflect on its meanings and benefits.

The Weeping of the Messenger of Allāh

بكاء رسول الله

Note: The Arabic text of this hadith can be found in the complete book PDF.

Kāna rasūlullāhi ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam idhā qara'a al-Qur'āna bakā

Translation: When the Messenger of Allāh (صلى الله عليه وسلم) would recite the Qur'an, he would weep.

Narrator: Ibn Mas'ūd (رضي الله عنه)

Reference: Tirmidhī

Explanation

The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) would be moved to tears when reciting the Qur'an, showing his deep connection with the words of Allah.

Reflection

Being moved by the Qur'an shows true faith and understanding. We should strive to connect with the Qur'an emotionally.

Relationships

العلاقات

3 Sections

The Speech of the Messenger of Allāh

كلام رسول الله

Note: The Arabic text of this hadith can be found in the complete book PDF.

Kāna rasūlullāhi ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam lā yatakallamu illā bimā ya'nīhi

Translation: The Messenger of Allāh (صلى الله عليه وسلم) would not speak except about what was meaningful.

Narrator: Anas ibn Mālik (رضي الله عنه)

Reference: Tirmidhī

Explanation

The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) was careful with his words, speaking only what was beneficial and avoiding idle talk.

Reflection

This teaches us the importance of mindful speech and avoiding unnecessary or harmful words.

The Laughter of the Messenger of Allāh

ضحك رسول الله

Note: The Arabic text of this hadith can be found in the complete book PDF.

Kāna rasūlullāhi ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam akthara an-nāsi tabsaman

Translation: The Messenger of Allāh (صلى الله عليه وسلم) was the most smiling of people.

Narrator: Jarīr ibn 'Abdullāh (رضي الله عنه)

Reference: Tirmidhī

Explanation

The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) would often smile, showing his pleasant and approachable nature.

Reflection

A smile is charity and makes others feel comfortable. The Prophet's cheerful disposition attracted people to Islam.

The Joking of the Messenger of Allāh

مزاح رسول الله

Note: The Arabic text of this hadith can be found in the complete book PDF.

Kāna rasūlullāhi ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam yamzahu wa lā yaqūlu illā ḥaqqan

Translation: The Messenger of Allāh (صلى الله عليه وسلم) would joke, but he would only speak the truth.

Narrator: Abū Hurayrah (رضي الله عنه)

Reference: Tirmidhī

Explanation

The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) would engage in light-hearted conversation and humor, but always within the bounds of truth.

Reflection

This shows that Islam encourages joy and happiness, as long as it doesn't involve lying or harming others.

Download Complete Book PDF

Download the complete book with full Arabic text, detailed explanations, and references

Book Information

Original Title: Khaṣā'il: Commentary of Shamā'il

Authors: Imām Muḥammad ibn ʿĪsā at-Tirmidhī & Sheikh Muḥammad Zakariyyā Kāndhlawī

Translation: Muftī Abdus Subhan ibn Amanulla Dalvi

Editors: Muftī Ahmed ibn Sheikh Mohammed, Sheikh Ismaaeel Undre & Yusuf Zanella

General Editor: Yahya Batha

Publisher: Turath Publishing (1443/2021)

ISBN: 978-1-906949-74-7

Source: Khaṣā'il: Commentary of Shamā'il

All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all that exists. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon His Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, his family, and all of his companions.