The Noble Features of Rasulullah SAW 101

Anas RA reports:

"Rasulullah SAW was neither tall nor was he short (i.e. he was of medium stature). In complexion, he was neither very white like lime, nor very dark, nor brown which results in darkness (he was illuminant, more luminous than even the full-moon on the 14th night)."

"The hair of Rasullullah SAW was neither very straight nor very curly (but slightly wavy). When he attained the age of forty, Allah the Almighty granted him Nubuwwah (prophethood). He lived for ten years in Makkah (refer explanation below) and in Madinah for ten years. At that time there were not more than twenty white hair on his mubarak (blessed) head and beard."

Rasullullah SAW was of a medium stature, but slightly taller. This has been reported in a narration from Hind bin Abi Haalah RA and others. An objection may arise concerning these two Ahadith, that it is stated in one hadieth that when Rasullullah SAW used to stand up in a group, he (SAW) appeared to be the tallest among them. The explanation to this is that - this phenomenon was not due to his (SAW) physical height, but was a result of a Mu'jizat (Miracle).

Further explaining above - the manner that - no one had reached a higher status than Rasullullah SAW in Kamalaati Ma'nawiyyah (super intellectual status); likewise in the Surah Zaahiri (outward appearance) - no one could excel him (SAW).

It is stated in the hadith under discussion that Rasullullah SAW lived for ten years in Makkah Mukarramah after Nubuwwah (prophethood). For this reason it is stated that he attained the age of sixty years. This is contrary to what has been reported in the other Ahaadith, where it is stated that Rasullullah SAW lived there for thirteen years and attained the age of sixty three years. In some Ahaadith it is stated that Rasullullah attained the age of sixty five years.

Imam Bukhari RA says:

"Most narrations show that Rasullullah SAW lived for sixty three years."

The Ulama have summed up these Ahaadith in two ways. First, that Rasullullah SAW received Nubuwwah (prophethood) at the age of forty and risalah three years thereafter, and after that he lived for ten years in Makkah Mukarramah. According to this, the three years between nubuwwah and risalah have been omitted in the hadith under discussion.