Throughout history, many great leaders and guides have emerged, but none compare to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa), the most exemplary leader, moral guide, and role model. Allah the Almighty sent the Holy Prophet (sa) as the perfect guide for all of humanity, embodying the highest standards of morality and conduct. The Holy Qur’an beautifully describes him:

اِنَّکَ لَعَلٰی خُلُقٍ عَظِیۡمٍ

“And thou dost surely possess high moral excellences.” (Al-Qalam:5)

In addition to blessing us with the greatest moral guide in the history of mankind, Allah Almighty has also given us another profound commandment in the Holy Qur’an:

قُلۡ اِنۡ کُنۡتُمۡ تُحِبُّوۡنَ اللّٰہَ فَاتَّبِعُوۡنِیۡ یُحۡبِبۡکُمُ اللّٰہُ وَیَغۡفِرۡ لَکُمۡ ذُنُوۡبَکُمۡ ؕ وَاللّٰہُ غَفُوۡرٌ رَّحِیۡمٌ

“Say, ‘If you love Allah, follow me: then will Allah love you and forgive you your faults. And Allah is Most Forgiving, Merciful.’” (Aal-e-`Imran: 32) Though it may seem challenging to live up to the high standard of his character and adopt his habits, there are some simple steps we can take to start moving in the right direction.

The Prophet Muhammad (sa) made it a habit to greet everyone with a smile. This simple gesture has the power to uplift spirits and ease life’s sorrows and tensions. He beautifully said,

تَبَسُّمُكَ فِي وَجْهِ أَخِيكَ لَكَ صَدَقَةٌ

“Your smiling in the face of your brother is charity”, (Jami` at-Tirmidhi)

Another admirable habit of the Holy Prophet (sa) was his practice of sleeping early. The Prophet (sa) would prepare his bed, perform ablution, and always sleep on his right side, a practice he also encouraged his companions to follow. He stated:

إِذَا أَتَيْتَ مَضْجَعَكَ فَتَوَضَّأْ وَضُوءَكَ لِلصَّلاَةِ، ثُمَّ اضْطَجِعْ عَلَى شِقِّكَ الأَيْمَنِ

“When you go to bed, you should perform the ablution for the prayer, and then lay down on your right side.” [Bukhari] This practice not only brings us blessings but also benefits our overall health. Eating together in a sitting is also a cherished habit of the Holy Prophet (sa). He has been reported to have said:

كُلُوا جَمِيعًا وَلَا تَفَرَّقُوا فَإِنَّ الْبَرَكَةَ مَعَ الْجَمَاعَةِ

“Eat together and not separately, for the blessing is associated with the company.” (Ibn Majah) We can adopt this habit by having meals together as a family, which would also help bring us together. The Holy Prophet (sa) was also very regular in brushing his teeth. He also liked for his companions that they brush their teeth regularly. He states:

لولا أن أشق على أمتي – أو على الناس- لأمرتهم بالسواك مع كل صلاة

“Had I not thought it difficult for my Ummah, I would have commanded them to use the Miswak (tooth-stick) before every Salah” [al-Bukhari and Muslim]. This habit again is not only granting us blessing by following the footsteps of the Holy Prophet (sa) but also is necessary for our health. We should try our best to brush our teeth and take care of our personal hygiene regularly. Another easy to adapt habit of the Holy Prophet (sa) is greeting. It is reported that the Holy Prophet (sa) used to greet every person by saying, “Assalamu Alaikum”, which means peace is upon you. He states:

أَفْشُوا السَّلاَمَ

Spread (the greeting of) Salaam

In another narration He states: ‘Whoever commences Salaam is very close to Allah and His Messenger Muhammad ﷺ’ (Abu Dawood). This practice is another wonderful way to receive blessings and to foster love and friendship within our community. To increase mutual love and bring the society together Holy Prophet (sa) also used to encourage giving of gifts to one another. The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Give gifts to one another and you will love one another.” (Bukhari). These are just a few of the simple habits of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa) that we can easily incorporate into our lives for both spiritual and physical benefit. May Allah the Almighty grant us the strength to adopt these noble practices and follow in the footsteps of the Holy Prophet (sa). Ameen.