Simplicity in Muhammad’s (ﷺ) Character
Hearts have clues without which they cannot be unlocked; the most important clue is that of simplicity. The first thing that impresses one upon meeting another is simplicity. Its meaning is the opposite of mannerism and pretence, it is the meaning of every conduct in which one does not seek others praise or favor.
Anyone lacking a good attribute likes to be described well; a miser wishes to be described as generous, a coward as bold, the feeble dislike to be termed so.
Simplicity is the opposite of that, as man seems his true image without deception. Mannerism is a way that if one follows, one must, out of necessity, come to falsehood and pretence. It is merely showing other than the truth, a behavior that means one is just interested in people’s impression of oneself rather than reality.
Mannerism is an attribute difficult to pursue, as if it is not a matter of disposition one can practice just once or twice for a day or more, but one cannot continue, therefore, an artificial person will inevitably come back to normal and people will know exactly who he is. If it is easy to deceive some people for some time, it is impossible to deceive all people all the time.
Mannerism is weakness for the one who practices it cannot face people with his real manners and reactions, thus he pretends to please them and shows manners that are not of his disposition. Were he strong, he would face people naturally, but he prefers to sail under false colors preferring conveniences and mere showing off.
A pretender always reaps people’s anger, hatred and wrath at the end, for he will be exposed after committing errors or his deeds exposed him in ordeal.
Therefore those he did his best to satisfy will loathe him; he will gain no good. Nothing is dearer to Allah and people than a pure person whose words and deeds reflect him from within deception or pretence.
If we look closely at Muhammad (peace be upon him), we shall find Him the farthest from pretentiousness. Why should not it be so since He recites to people what Allah has ordained in the Qur’an, “Say, (O Muhammad), ‘I do not ask you in the Qur’an any payment, and l am not of the pretentious:” (Sad: 86)
In a tradition, the Prophet (peace be upon him) says, “Those for whom the (hell) fire is forbidden to touch are those who are always accessible, having a polite and tender nature”
It was narrated that Allah allowed a man to enter paradise for his toleration, as both as judge and a litigant..
Muhammad (peace be upon him) spent His life far from mannerism, even was most disparaging of it and urged His companions (may Allah bless them) to stay away from it. One of the closet companions, Umar bin Al-Khattab, tells us,”Muslims are asked to avoid artifice.”
How beautiful it is to plant in youth, since their early days to keep away from mannerism and abide by simplicity and spontaneity till simplicity becomes an attribute of their characters.
Simplicity in Utterance
Some people think that using the strangest and most complicated words is the only way of proving their wisdom and knowledge, indulging in a lot of mannerism. However, Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) utterance was easy and understandable, in a way that suits the listener, despite the fact that He was able to use the most eccentric and complicated words.
He was the most eloquent all the Arabs, but He adopted simplicity of utterance to be understood by the old and the young, the educated and the illiterate, men and women, even the young child.
His wife Aisha (may Allah bless her) says, The speech of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) was so clear that all those who listened to It would understand it.”
That is, His language was simple, completely far from speaking gutturally.
She also says, “Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) used to utter words (so distinctly) that if one intended to count (the words uttered) he would be able to do so.”
That is, He did not talk rapidly, but rather clearly and understandably.
His companion, Anas (may Allah bless him) says, “Whenever the Prophet (peace be upon him) said something, He would repeat His words thrice so that the meanings would be understood fully.”
Which means that the simple word, if well-chosen, will be greatly impressive; therefore, all leaders and reformers took care of their speeches, preparing them well — and changing words fora better understanding of their priorities was the choice of easy words that easily get to the people, and in many cases they sought the help of specialists to prepare their speeches.
Simplicity in Appearance
Perhaps people pay attention most to their appearances and the way they look even with mannerism and pretence. One most fix himself inside-out. Muhammad (peace be upon him) was keen on good looking as a way of caring for others, to show them the best image together with fine utterance and good manners. Simplicity here is in choosing what is available to get the best image.
Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to comb His hair and put in order His appearance within the limits of what was available.
He did not order anyone to wear patched or worn out clothes to look like an ascetic or a worshiper.
Allah made it lawful for every believer to adorn as long as he does this lawfully.
Allah, the Almighty said, “Say, ‘Who has forbidden the adornment of Allah which He has produced for His servants and the good (lawful) things of provision’?” (AI-Araf: 32)
He ordered purification and good — looking at every prayer,”O children of Adam, take your adornment at every masjid, and eat and drink, but be not excessive! (Al-Araf: 31)
Muhammad (peace be upon him) was smart-looking, paid attention to the cleaning of His garment, wore perfume to go out smelling good, but not with making pretences as to neglect work or borrow money to spend on handsomeness as some do or to appear above His status; on the contrary, He did this within limits.
He used to keep something in store for festivals or for receiving Arab delegations.
His companion, Al-Baraa bin Aazeb (may Allah bless him) says, “I saw Allah’s Apostle (peace be upon him) wearing a red mantle. I have never seen anything more graceful than that.”
Of mannerism is that one wears something unusual in one’s milieu so as to be distinguished. Muhammad (peace be upon him) prohibited this and said, “If anyone wears a garment for gaining fame, Allah will clothe him in a similar garment on the Day of Resurrection.”
Related to mannerism, is that one throws away a good garment because it is out of date. It is better – if not using it oneself – to give it to another to use. Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to patch His old garment to use or give to charity.
