Muḥammadsa had now reached adulthood and his physical development had completed. Therefore, at this point it will be quite relevant to mention his appearance. It is recorded that Muḥammadsa was of moderate height and had an incredibly beautiful complexion. He was not excessively white shaded, such as appeared displeasing to the eye, nor was he of a dark brown complexion. Instead, he was slightly fairer than dark brown. The hair on his head were not completely straight, rather they were slightly curled. His beard was thick and beautiful. He possessed a well balanced body. His skin was delicate and soft. His body and sweat discharged a delightful fragrance. He had a large head and was broad-chested. His hands and feet were relatively full of flesh. His palms were wide and his face was round. He possessed a broad forehead and a beautiful nose which appeared slightly risen. He possessed sparkling black eyes adorned with long eyelashes. He walked swiftly but in a dignified manner. His style of conversation was soft and gentle, such as if the listener desired he could count his words. In a state of anger, his face would turn red and in times of happiness it would gleam brilliantly.1 A famous historian from England, Sir William Muir, makes mention of the appearance of Muḥammadsa in the following words:
“His commanding mien inspired the stranger with an undefined and indescribable awe; but on closer intimacy, apprehension and fear gave place to intimacy and love”2
1 * Ṣaḥīḥ Bukhārī, Kitābul-Manāqib, Bābu Ṣifatin-Nabīsa, Ḥadīth No. 3547-3548
* Shamā’ilun-Nabawiyyah, By Imām Tirmidhī, Ḥadīth No. 8, Bābu Mā Jā’a fī Khalqi Rasūlillāhisa, Dārul-Kutubil-‘Arabī, Beirut, (1998)
2 Life of ‘Mahomet’, By Sir William Muir, p. 27, London Smith, Elder & Co. 1978