In How to be Like the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, Shaykh 'Abdullah Siraj al-Din provides Muslims with a wholesome guide on virtue and Muhammadan character. Originally titled "Al-Hady" in Arabic, this work delves deeply into the character and manners of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. In the process, it covers many different elements of good character, thus providing a framework the help the reader nurture and refine his or her own character through following the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.
Shaykh 'Abdullāh begins with a focus on the essence of prophetic character. With this in mind, he emphasizes the importance of creating pleasant interactions in our daily life. The initial chapters of the work provide detailed insights into the Prophet's ﷺ directives on things such as giving the salam (greetings), along with other aspects of one's life, such as fostering mutual love amongst family and friendly relations. These impactful acts are depicted as fundamental to building a compassionate and cohesive Muslim community.
A significant portion of the text is dedicated to the virtues and benefits of charity and generosity, discussing how these acts extinguish sins, bring blessings, and protect from divine wrath. The Shaykh expounds on the Prophet's ﷺ teachings regarding the avoidance of miserliness and other aspects of life, such as the cultivation of humility. He continues by highlighting the severe consequences of arrogance and showcases the Prophetic exaltation of those who embody true humility.
Furthermore, the book addresses interpersonal conduct, underscoring the Prophet's ﷺ guidance on avoiding harmful speech, backbiting, and divisiveness. The Shaykh stresses the importance of maintaining unity, practicing truthfulness, and concealing the faults of others, reflecting the believer's high moral standards.
Shaykh ʿAbdullāh also explores the broader spiritual aspects of the Muslim's life, including directives on the Qiyam prayer, the significance of pure intentions, and the avoidance of ostentation. The book also stresses the necessity of filial piety, compassion towards animals, and the avoidance of harming others, reflecting the comprehensive nature of Islamic ethics.
The final chapters deal with the importance of seeking forgiveness, the merits of reciting the Qur'an, and the significance of praying for the Beloved of Allah ﷺ. The Shaykh's work concludes with an emphasis on adhering to the Sacred Law (shariah).
This book is an essential guide for anyone seeking to cultivate the character of the greatest example - the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ - in their lives.
