Translation of Classical Arabic Text

Key Points

• The passage describes characteristics of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as described by various narrators.
• The description emphasizes that he was not excessively tall or short, but had a balanced physique.
• He is described as having a moderate build, fair complexion, and redness in the white of his eyes.
• Other physical features mentioned include his round face, black eyelids, and sturdy bones.

Translation

"He was not extremely tall." In another narration: "He had a round face." In another narration: "He had broad shoulders."

Al-Kisāʾī, Al-Asmaʿī, Abū ʿAmr, and others mentioned different interpretations of this narration. Their descriptions indicate his balanced physique.

"He was not excessively tall or short, but a moderate build." This means that his creation was balanced and not disproportionate. He was not frail in physique, but rather robust.

"He was neither plump nor lanky." Al-Asmaʿī said: "Perfection in everything he had, making him inherently beautiful." Others said: "His muscles were well-proportioned."

"He was red-hued." Implying he had a light reddish complexion.

"Possessor of dark pupils." Meaning he had very dark eyes. Al-Asmaʿī said: "Darkness denotes beauty."

"His eyes were intense black." Referring to the darkness of his eyelids.

"Prominent forehead and browbone." Referring to the grandeur of his head's features, like the kneecaps, elbows, and shoulders.

"His calves and feet were robust." Indicating their thickness and strength.

"When he walked, he lifted his feet as if walking on a slope." The term "slope" refers to the inclination in his gait.

Translation of Classical Arabic Text

Analysis of Physical Features

• Asbābuhu (His Fingers Are Gathered): His fingers are conjoined.
• Regarding his saying: "Laysa bis-sabṭ wa-lā al-ju'ad al-qaṭṭ": He is neither slender nor curly-haired.
• Al-qaṭṭu (Curly Hair): Intense curly hair like the hair of Ethiopians.
• As-sabṭu (Slender): What does not have any roughness. He says so and he is with curly hair.
• Regarding his saying: "Kāna azhar (He was luminous)": Azhar refers to the bright white color, which does not mix with any redness.
• Regarding his saying: "Laysa bil-amhaq (He is not ruddy)": Amhaq refers to intense whiteness that does not mix with any redness, not bright white but like the color of gypsum or similar.
• Regarding his saying: "Fī 'aynayhi shuklah (He has a reddish hue in his eyes)": Shuklah is like the reddish tint found in the whiteness of the eye.
• Al-murhah (White color): The whiteness that is not mixed with anything else.
• Regarding his saying: "Ahdabu al-ashfar (His eyelashes are lengthy)": It means that his eyelashes are long.
• Regarding his saying: "Shabhu adh-dhira'ain (The part between his arms)": It means the breadth between his arms.
• Al-masrubah (Fine hair): Hair that is fine and stretches from the chest area to the navel.

Authentic Prophetic Description

In a narration about the description of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him):

• Al-Mummāghitu (He Walks Briskly): The one who walks swiftly in a tall manner.
• Al-Mutaraddidu (His Fingers Are Interwoven): The one whose fingers overlap like cords in a concise manner.

Characteristics of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

Physical Description

The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, was fair-skinned with a reddish tinge, bright-eyed, well-built with abundant hair. His hair flowed to his shoulders like a comb. He had no hair on his torso or abdomen. His hands and feet were sturdy, and he walked as if descending a slope or detaching from a rock. When he turned, he turned his whole body. His sweat resembled pearls, and the scent of his perspiration was more fragrant than musk.

Behavior and Demeanor

The Prophet, peace be upon him, was neither very tall nor short, not feeble nor debased. He was the best person I had ever seen in Allah's creation, with the most pleasant scent and gentle hands. His hair reached the midpoint of his ears and he leaned, while walking.

Citations:
(٦٦٧) Reported by Abu al-Husayn ibn Bashran
(٦٦٨) Mentioned in (ص) as "I saw"
(٦٦٩) Not found in (ص)
(٦٧٠) Mentioned in (ص) as "his ears"
(٦٧١) Source: Tahdhib Tarikh Dimashq al-Kabir (1:316) and (1:320)

The Physical Description of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

Abu Hurairah was asked about the description of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and he said: He was the best of people in appearance and the most beautiful. He was of medium stature, neither tall nor short. His hair reached his shoulders. His forehead was large. He had intense black hair and thick eyelashes. When he walked, he lifted his feet firmly. His joints were large but not protruding. When he threw his cloak over his shoulders, it seemed as though he was wearing a silver garment. When he laughed, it was as if light radiated from his face. I have never seen anyone before or after him like him.

Reference: Additional note from (S) and the narration can be found in the book "Tahdhib Tarikh Dimashq Al-Kabir (1:319)"