He was gentle—neither harsh nor contemptible. He esteemed every blessing, even the slightest, never disparaging any of them. He would not fault the taste of food nor lavish it with praise. He never rose in anger unless the truth was compromised, and then he would not rest until it had been vindicated.
Another narration states: “The life of this world and whatever pertained to it never angered him; but when the truth was violated, no one could recognize him, and nothing could withstand his wrath until he had restored it.” He never became angry for himself, nor did he seek redress on his own behalf.
When he pointed, he did so with his whole hand; when he was amazed, he would turn it over; and when he spoke he articulated by striking the palm of his right hand against the inside of his left thumb. When angered, he would turn away and avert his face; when pleased, he would lower his eyes. The greater part of his laughter was a smile, revealing teeth as white as hailstones.
Al-Ḥasan said: I kept this account from al-Ḥusayn b. ʿAlī for some time, then I told him of it and found that he had already preceded me to it. He had asked about the very matters I had inquired into, questioning his father concerning the Prophet’s entering, departing, his gatherings, and his appearance, leaving nothing unmentioned.
Al-Ḥusayn said: I asked my father about the way the Messenger of Allah, ﷺ, entered his home. He replied: “His entering was permitted for himself. When he retired to his house, he divided his time into three portions: one for Allah, one for his family, and one for himself. Then he divided his personal portion among the people, granting it to both the common and the eminent, withholding nothing from them.
“Part of his practice in that time set aside for the community was to honor people of virtue, granting them permission and apportioning to each according to his rank in religion. Among them were those with a single need, others with two, and others with many. He would occupy himself with them and involve them in matters beneficial to them and to the ummah, questioning them about their concerns and informing them of what was appropriate.
“He would say: ‘Let those who are present convey to those who are absent, and inform me of the need of one who cannot convey it himself; for whoever conveys to a ruler the need of one unable to convey it, Allah will make his feet firm on the Day of Resurrection.’ Nothing else was spoken of in his presence, and he accepted nothing from anyone but that. They would enter to visit him—another narration says: to seek from him—and they would not depart without tasting something; another report says: they would not disperse until they had partaken, and they would leave as guides, that is, as jurists.
“I asked him about how he behaved when he went out. He said: ‘The Messenger of Allah, ﷺ, restrained his tongue except regarding matters that concerned the people; he would unite them and never alienate them. He honoured the noble of every clan and placed him in authority over his people. He was wary of men and took precautions against them, yet he never withheld his cheerfulness or good character from anyone. He looked after his Companions, inquired of people about what concerned them, affirmed what was good and strengthened it, condemned what was ugly and weakened it. All his affairs were balanced, without contradiction. He never neglected for fear they would neglect or grow weary. He had a provision ready for every situation. He neither fell short of the truth nor exceeded it. Those nearest to him were the best of people; the most excellent in his sight were those most generous in advice; the highest in standing with him were those best in mutual support and aid.’
“I then asked him about the Prophet’s gatherings. He replied: ‘The Messenger of Allah, ﷺ, would neither sit nor rise without remembering Allah. He did not reserve fixed places for himself and forbade others to do so. When he reached a group he sat wherever the session ended, and ordered others to do the same. He gave each of his companions their due so that no one would think—’