Many of us often wonder what the Prophet (peace be upon him) looked like. We learn how he conducted his affairs, and how he cared for his family and his companions, and we listen to his teachings. We may feel that he is close to us, and that we know him well, but we cannot visualize his physical appearance. Yet we have several detailed descriptions of him, some of which are given by those who were in close contact with him over a long period of time, such as his cousin and son-in-law, Ali ibn Abi Talib. Rather than give such a detailed account of the Prophet’s physical appearance, we will concentrate on his general description and on pointing out some aspects of how he looked in different situations.
Ata’ ibn Yassar mentions that he asked Abdullah ibn Amr ibn Al-Aas, a young companion of the Prophet who reported a large number of Hadiths, about the Prophet’s description in the Torah. This is in reference to the Qur’anic statement that the Prophet is clearly described in both the Torah and the Gospel: “Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered Prophet whom they shall find described in the Torah and the Gospel that are with them. He commands them to do what is right and forbids them to do what is wrong, and makes lawful to them the good things of life and forbids them all that are foul. He lifts from them their burdens and the shackles that weigh upon them. Those, therefore, who believe in him, honor and support him, and follow the light that has been bestowed from on high through him shall indeed be successful.” (7: 157)
Abdullah ibn Amr answered: “Yes indeed! The Torah includes some of his description given in the Qur’an: ‘Prophet! We have sent you as a witness (to the truth), and as herald of good tidings, and a warner,’ (33: 45) to all mankind. You are My servant and My messenger. I have called you Al-Mutawakkil, the one who relies (on Me).” He is further described as “neither harsh nor crude. He is not one to speak loudly in markets. Nor does he repel one bad action with a similarly bad one, but he forgives and forbears. God will not gather him to Himself until He has established through him the perfect religion, purging it of all crookedness so that people will declare that ‘There is no deity other than God.’ And through him God will open some blind eyes, deaf ears and sealed hearts.”
We note here that there is no description of the Prophet’s physical appearance. What is important is the Prophet’s character, which is described in clear terms, and a statement of his role and status. He is certainly a witness to the truth and a herald bringing good news and issuing a warning. The good news is given to those who follow the truth he states, and the warning is to those who turn away from it. They have to change their stance if they wish not to incur God’s displeasure and be liable to His punishment. He is given a name that describes his character. No matter how strong the opposition he faces, he places his trust in God and feels sure that the truth will eventually triumph.
Abdullah ibn Amr goes on to describe the Prophet’s behavior as stated in the Qur’an and the Torah. All the characteristics that make people turn away are alien to him. Thus, he is neither crude nor harsh. He does not shout or raise his voice when he walks in the market areas, where many tend to shout in order to attract attention. He maintains an air of dignity and calmness. He does not return a bad action with a similarly bad one. Rather, he forbears and forgives. This is how he wins people’s hearts. Then his mission is defined. He is to set the divine faith on its firm foundation, which is the belief in God’s absolute oneness. When people accept this, their hearts, ears and eyes are wide open. They see the truth for what it is and follow it.
There are several Hadiths that describe the Prophet’s physical appearance. These are very detailed. In addition, we have numerous Hadiths that describe certain aspects of his appearance or how he conducted himself. For example, we have a good description of the way he walked. Ali reports: “When God’s Messenger walked, he would bend forward a little as if he were coming downhill.” (Related by Al-Tirmidhi, Ibn Saad and Al-Baghawi.) This is the sort of walk that gives a clear impression of a very strong person for whom walking was a simple exercise. When we walk downhill, we find walking easy, and we are fast because the sloping ground makes it easier for us to move forward.
This is confirmed by the following description given by Abu Hurayrah: “I have never seen anyone better looking than God’s Messenger. It was as if the sun was reflected in his face. I never saw anyone walking faster than the Prophet. It was as if the ground shrank for him. We would be making a strenuous effort (to keep up with him) while he walked effortlessly.” (Related by Ahmad, Al-Tirmidhi, Ibn Hibban, Al-Bayhaqi and others.) Again this gives a clear impression of the Prophet’s physical strength. It was not as if he made any effort to give such an impression. He would be walking normally, but his walk was fast for his companions who had to put a real effort to keep up with him.
Another description of his walk is that given by Ibn Abbas: “When the Prophet walked, he moved all his body in such a way that gives a clear image that he was neither lacking ability nor lazy.” (Related by Ibn Saad and Ibn Hibban.) It is indeed important to realize that his way of walking always indicated physical strength, but his physical strength was never highlighted as a main characteristic of his. Indeed people concentrated on his character and the way he behaved.
Other Hadiths describing his way of walking may be quoted, such as Jabir’s report: “When the Prophet walked, his companions walked in front of him, leaving his back for the angels.” (Related by Ibn Hibban.) Abu Hurayrah reports: “The Prophet walked with his full feet, coming forward altogether, or going back altogether. I never saw anyone like him.” (Related by Ibn Hibban and Ibn Katheer.)
