The Prophet Muhammad (SWS) passed away on June 8th, 632. When he passed away, he left for his umma a path to follow, the sunnah, a legacy that we should look up to and attempt to actively emulate. We should ask ourselves, how can we integrate his behavior, mannerisms, and character into our own lives? I would like to not focus on his death itself, but his sunnah that we can implement in our own lives evident through the various roles that he played in society.
The Prophet (SWS) was a businessman, but most importantly he was known to people as an honest and truthful individual. He was given the name Al-Amin, the Trustworthy One, because of his reputation. Khadijah (RA) was especially impressed by his attention to detail and tranquility, despite the extreme heat.
“A man mentioned to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) that he was deceived in a business transaction, whereupon Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said: When you enter into a transaction, say: There should be no attempt to deceive.” (Sahih, Book 21, Hadith 59)
The Prophet (SWS) was a righteous leader. He stood up for equality, human rights, and justice. He was a religious, political, and social leader.
“All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except bypiety (taqwa) and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood.”
The Prophet (SWS) was a neighbor and treated his neighbors with generosity.
Abu Huraira relates: “The Prophet (SWS) said: ‘He who believes in God and in the Day of Judgement should occasion no inconvenience to his neighbor.” (Muslim)
The Prophet (SWS) was a spouse and one who treated his wives affectionately. The society at the time was extremely patriarchal, oppressive, and misogynistic. However, Prophet (SWS) practiced love, kindness, and care when he was around his wives.
In his Farewell Sermon on Mount Arafat, he emphasized, "O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under Allah’s trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers.”
The Prophet (SWS) was a caregiver. A father.
The Prophet (SWS) was an arbiter, or a judge.
The Prophet (SWS) was an orphan.
The Prophet (SWS) was a teacher.
The Prophet (SWS) was a friend.
The Prophet (SWS) was a companion.
The Prophet (SWS) was a servant of God.
We can all relate to Prophet (SWS) in one way or the other, and it is incumbent for us to adopt his mannerisms and character. He believed in peace, equality, justice, fairness, and human rights.