How was the calmness of prophet muhammad? What was the dignity of prophet muhammad? What is the calmness in islam? What is the dignity in islam?
Dignity means calmness, equanimity, and protecting pride, honor, and self-esteem. Dignity, which also means clemency and loftiness, is the opposite of frivolity. Dignity is a very important characteristic just as much as the badness of vanity. However, it should not be forgotten that showing dignity does not mean to be a scowling, difficult, and quarrelsome person. Dignity is the point of balance between vanity and despicability.
Calmness, on the other hand, entails self-possession, sobriety, reliability, constancy, and solemnity. It is the state of peacefulness after cessation of excitement and panic. This state can also be expressed as quietude.
It is stated in the following verse that dignity in its perfect sense is an attribute belonging to Allah: “What is the matter with you that you hope not toward Allah for dignity?” (Nuh, 71; 13)
Allah the Almighty calls human beings to be afraid of His Divine Existence, to believe in His Patience as much as His Majesty, and to not disrespect Him. If they follow all these orders, then Allah the Almighty will bestow upon them dignity and calmness and have them attain high rankings.
Another meaning of dignity is to show the proper respect to Allah and His Messenger (pbuh). One of the duties of the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) was to teach people how to show their dignity before Allah and His Messenger. This is expressed in a verse as follows:
“We have truly sent you as a witness, as a bringer of Glad Tidings, and as a Warner: In order that you (O men) may believe in Allah and His Messenger, that you may assist and honor Him, and celebrate His praises morning and evening.” (al-Fath 48; 8-9)
This verse states that after having faith in Allah and His Messenger there is the requirement of showing respect and dignity towards them as well. Only in this way, can a dignified stance among humans be possible. Other acts and behaviors outside such a stance are doomed to be frivolous.
Dignity is such an attribute that is loved by everybody and it brings respect to its owner. Dignified people should not be conceited but, on the contrary, they are required to observe utmost modesty in their actions and behavior. When modesty and dignity exist together, they form the perfect morality. The following verse defines how a Muslim’s dignity needs to be:
“And the servants of (Allah) Most Gracious are those who walk on the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them, they say, Peace!” (al-Furqan 25; 63)
Dignity of the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) attracted other people’s respect and his modesty had him be loved by them. Our Prophet (pbuh) had the best morality among human beings. He would always act with dignity and calmness. He would never speak loudly and respond evil with evil. On the contrary, he would forgive and show mercy. (Darimi, Muqaddimah, 2) He would even order to go out to the mosque for prayer with dignity and calmness. It was narrated by Abdullah bin Abi Qatada (r.a.):
“My father said, “While we were praying with the Prophet (pbuh) he heard the noise of some people. After the prayer he asked:
“What is the matter?” They replied:
“We were hurrying for the prayer.” He told them:
“Do not make haste for the prayer. When you hear the Iqama, proceed to offer the prayer with calmness and solemnity and do not make haste. And whenever you come for the prayer, you should come with calmness, and pray whatever you get (with the imam and the congregation) and complete the rest which you have missed.” (Bukhari, Adhaan, 20-21)
Another incident was narrated by Ibn Abbas (r.a.)
“I proceeded along with the Prophet on the day of Arafat (ninth day of Dhul-Hijja). The Prophet heard a great hue and cry and the beating of camels behind him. So he beckoned to the people with his lash and invited them to calmness saying:
“O people! Be quiet. Hastening is not a sign of righteousness.” (Bukhari, Hajj, 94)
Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) did not lose his calmness and dignity even under most exasperating and irritating conditions. He would endure people’s rudeness and treat them with gentleness. Anas (r.a.) narrated:
“While I was walking with the Prophet who was wearing a Najrani outer garment with a thick hem, a bedouin came upon the Prophet and pulled his garment so violently that I could recognize the impress of the hem on his shoulder caused by the severity of his pull. Then the bedouin said, “O Muhammad! Order your companions to give me something from Allah’s Fortune what Allah has given to you.” The Prophet turned to him and smiled, and ordered that a gift be given to him.” (Bukhari, Humus, 19)
Allah’s Apostle (pbuh) never hit a person, be it a woman or one of his servants, except during fighting for the sake of Allah. He would also not take revenge from anybody. He would punish people for the sake of Allah only when they violate the prohibitions of Allah. (Muslim, Fadail, 79)
Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) was also careful about his actions and behaviors in congregation. A behavior contrary to dignity could not be seen from him. He would usually stay quiet and would not speak unless necessary. Abu Malik al-Ashjai’ narrated that his father had said that:
“When we were young, we would sit with the Messenger of Allah. I have not seen anybody who stays quiet longer than the Messenger of Allah. When his companions begin talking, he would just smile.” (Haythami, X, 298)
Source: An Excellent Exemplar, Osman Nuri Topbaş, Erkam Publications