In this book, the author introduces the life of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to an audience who is looking for a brief introduction and peel into His personality, character, wisdom and teaching rather than in terms of the minute details of His biography.

There are many books on the life of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) available in many languages. The earlier books were detailed and focused more on socio-political struggles and events in the life of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Indeed, such books reveal many insights and lessons.

Nonetheless, the personality of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) transcends many roles. He (pbuh) was a highly successful political leader, legislator, and military commander. But, these are one of the few aspects of His personality. Qur’an introduces Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as having best morals.

Therefore, to a contemporary person, it is important to learn the key insights from His personality, character, wisdom, approach towards struggles of life and dealing with adverse circumstances.

In this way, all people living even in present age can relate to Him and also take guidance and insights from His life. This seems to be the main aim of the book.    

In the first chapter, the author gives a life sketch of the Prophet’s (pbuh) life with mention of key events which happened in His life. After that, the author illustrates the personality and character of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) through the various narrations and Quranic verses.

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) had exemplary patience. He (pbuh) lost His father and mother very early in life. He (pbuh) was a keen seeker of truth throughout His life. He (pbuh) was always honest with everyone, so much so that everyone trusted Him. He (pbuh) was known as the Sadiq (truthful) and Ameen (trustworthy).

He (pbuh) lived modestly. Before and after the political rise, His lifestyle did not change. Infact, for the propagation of Islam, He (pbuh) cut down His time in successful entrepreneurship. He (pbuh) faced persecution with resolve.

Author gives several examples that how Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) avoided confrontation and resorted to peace whenever possible. Even when He (pbuh) could take revenge from the persecutors, He (pbuh) did not. He (pbuh) showed inclusivity.

In Meesaq-e-Medina, He (pbuh) provided many rights to non-Muslim Jews in the Islamic state. The later stance of caution was only due to them taking treacherous route against the State and Muslims not once, but three times.

At the time when Muslims got political ascendancy, He (pbuh) still preferred peace if it was offered by the other side. He (pbuh) accepted unequal terms in Hudaibiya and avoided confrontation. He (pbuh) preferred peace and reconciliation. Even before obtaining Prophet hood, He (pbuh) showed his wisdom in reconciliation on the occasion of placing Hajr-e-Aswad in Holy Kaaba. Even at the conquest of Makkah, He (pbuh) entered with His head down in thankfulness to Allah. 

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is one man in history, whose acts and speech matched perfectly and at all times. He (pbuh) said that ‘accustom yourselves to do good if people do good, and do not do wrong even if they commit evil’.

He (pbuh) preached excellence in moral behaviour. He (pbuh) said: “A person who does not keep his promise has no religion.” He (pbuh) also said: “Speak that what is good, otherwise remain silent”. In one narration, He (pbuh) said: “Kindness is a mark of faith, and whoever is not kind has no faith.” He (pbuh) also said: “Best among you are those who have the best manners and character”.

He (pbuh) was so humble that He (pbuh) would be the first to greet anyone He (pbuh) met even if it was a child. He (pbuh) said: “A true believer does not taunt or curse or abuse or talk indecently.” He (pbuh) preached in last Hajj sermon that everyone is equal. Race, gender, wealth and social status do not matter.

Some of the non-Muslim contemporaries of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) used to tease Him (pbuh) during His life. Qur’an mentions that people who did not believe in Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) called upon Prophet (pbuh) in words which had dual meanings and their hearts implied the meanings which tease (2:104). God forbid, they used to call Prophet (pbuh) a poet, fore-teller and magician (69:41-42). God forbid, they even called Him (pbuh) as mad (15:6) and Muftari, i.e. forger or liar (16:101).

Qur’an denies these claims and mentions that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was on an exalted standard of character (68:4) and sent as blessing for all worlds (21: 107).

He (pbuh) was greeted with garbage thrown by a lady. When she did not do that on one day due to illness, He (pbuh) went to her home and inquired her health. He (pbuh) was stoned till His feet were in blood in Taif, isolated to live in the valley of Shi’b Abi Talib and forced to live in exile yet He (pbuh) asked Allah’s mercy for the people.

He (pbuh) was keen well-wisher of people and make them get close to Allah. He (pbuh) did not seek or demand any personal gain. In fact, He (pbuh) forgave everyone if they would come to the path of following One Creator. He (pbuh) even forgave the woman who massacred the body of His beloved uncle. All in all, this book is a good introduction to the personality, character and wisdom of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to illustrate how He (pbuh) exhibited patience, resolve, modesty, leading by example, reconciliation, inclusivity, equity, justice, benevolence, kindness, honesty, well-wishing and God-consciousness both in His teachings and His conduct of life.