Ethics of the Prophets

By: Muhammad Mehdi Taaj Langroodi

The Fourfold Characteristics of the Prophets
It has been narrated on the authority of Imam Sadeq peace be upon him: Patience, truthfulness, forbearance and good temper are some of the characteristics of the Prophets.

Visitation
It has been reported on the authority of the holy Prophet of Islam: The best habit of Prophets and the righteous ones is visitation of one another for the sake of God.

Cheerfulness and Shaking Hand
Jaber Ibn Abdollah Anseri has quoted the holy Prophet as saying: A sign of Prophets and the righteous ones was that when they met, cheerfulness was seen from their faces and they shook hands.

The Prophets’ Dislike Of Affectation And Undue Trouble
The holy Prophet has said: "We Prophets, the Trustworthy and the pious ones do not like affectation and undue trouble".

Prophets And Moral Virtues
Imam Sadeq has said: God Almighty has made Prophets distinguished for their moral virtues. whoever has such virtues must be thankful to God and whoever lacks them has to beseech God for them. Imam Sadeq was asked: What are moral virtues? The Imam said: Piety, moderation in spending patience, thankfulness, forbearance, modesty, generosity, courage, zeal, truthfulness, benefaction, trustworthiness, certainty, good temper, and fairness".

Prophet’s Salient Characteristics
Imam Sadeq has said: The Prophets, four salient characteristics are: 1- Benefaction:2- Generosity:3- Patience during disaster and unpleasant events:4- Act in relation to a believer’s right.

To Perfume The Whisker
It has been reported on the authority of Imam Sadeq: "To perfume the whisker is the habit of Prophets and respect for the honorable recorders."

Cleanliness
It has been reported on the authority of Imam Reza: "Cleanliness is one of the characteristics of the Prophets."

To Have Walking Stick
The holy Prophet has said to have a walking stick is a sign of a believer and the habit of the Prophets. In another hadith, we read: "Leaning against a walking stick is a habit of the Prophets."

The Fivefold Characteristics Of The Prophets
Imam Reza has said: "Roosters have five characteristics of the Prophets: 1- Knowing the prayer timing 2- Zeal 3- Generosity 4- courage 5- Love of one’s wife

Being Kind To Ladies
Imam Sadeq has said: "Being Kind to ladies is among the Prophets habits."

The Way The Prophets Slept
Imam Ali said: "Prophets sleep on their back, their eyes do not sleep, for they are looking forward for receiving revelation."

The Prophet’s Vigil
It has been reported on the authority of Imam Ali: "Staying awake to pray leads to physical health, God’s pleasure and Mercy as well as restoration to the Prophet’s moral virtues."

Keeping Away From A Sinful Look
Imam Sadeq quoting Prophet Moses in the story of Prophet Shuaib’s daughter as saying: "Walk behind me and lead the way, for we — the Prophets — do not look at women’s rumps."

The Prophet’s Forgiveness
It has been reported on the authority of Imam Sadeq: To be powerful and to forgive is one of the habits of the Prophets and the pious ones."

Avoiding Flattery
Imam Ali has said: "Flattery is not the habit of the Prophets."

The Prophets’ Way Of Speaking
The holy Prophet has said: "We — the Prophets — have been commissioned to speak to people to the extent of their understanding."

The Prophet’s Heritage
The holy Prophet has said: "Surely the Prophets have bequeathed neither Dirham nor Dinar but they have left a bequest of Knowledge."

The Prophet’s Supper
Imam Ali has said: "the Prophets would have dinner after performing their night prayer. Therefore, do not forsake dinner, for forsaking it will affect your health."

Farming And Shepherdism
Muhammad Ibn Attiah has reported on the authority of Imam Sadeq: "God Almighty likes farming and shepherdism for His messengers so that they will not dislike rainfall."

Brushing One’s Teeth
It has been reported on the authority of Imam Sadeq: "To brush one’s teeth is the habit of the Prophets."

Truthfulness And Trustworthiness
It has been reported on the authority of Imam Sadeq: "God Almighty has not ordained a messenger save with truthfulness and trustworthiness towards both benefactor and wrongdoer."

Where The Prophets Cannot Endure
It has been reported on the authority of Imam Sadeq: "God Almighty afflicted Prophet Job (Ayyub) without having committed any sin to the extent that people reproached him and surely the Prophets cannot endure reproach."

The Prophets And Perfume
It has been reported on the authority of Imam Reza: "Wearing perfume is the habit of the Prophets."

The Prophets And Tribulation
It has been reported on the authority of Prophet Jacob (Yaqoob): "Tribulation afflicts the Prophets and those who resemble us more immediately than any one else."

Prophets And Immaculacy
Imam Sadeq has reported on the authority of his father, Imam Baqer: The Prophets are immaculate; they are innocent and pure; they do not commit any sin nor are unjust. They do not even commit mortal or venial sin."

Longevity In The Light Of Obedience To God
Imam Ali has said: "Longevity in the light of obedience to God is one of the characteristics of Prophets."

Perfume, Espouse, And Toothbrush
It has been reported on the authority of Imam Sadeq: "Prophets are endowed with three virtues: Wearing Perfume, love of espouse, and brushing their teeth."

Prophets’ Generosity
It has been reported on the authority of Imam Moosa Ibn Ja’afar: "All Prophets and their successors were generous."

Prophets’ Weapon
It has been reported on the authority of Imam Reza who said to his disciples: Resort to the Prophets’ weapon. They asked: What is the weapon of Prophets? The Imam answered: Doa.