A Day in the Life of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)
The life of the Prophet (PBUH) is of profound significance and countless examples that show his status as a role model for not only the Muslims but for all mankind. His life was dominated by superior morality, good habits, nobility and gentleness. All of which are characteristics that prevent people from getting entangled in a web of sin. Let’s have a closer look at the daily routine of the beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), how it reflects his nature and draw some inspiration by implementing his habits in our own daily life to become better versions of ourselves.
Early Morning
To prepare for the day, the first thing the Prophet (PBUH) would do as soon as he woke up was recite the appropriate dua. Reportedly there are multiple variations of the supplication the Prophet (PBUH) would recite as soon as he would wake up, here is one of the example,
After which he would use the miswak and make wudhu. Additionally, if necessary the Prophet (PBUH) would also perform ghusl at the start of the day, all this done to ensure he was in a state of complete purity before engaging in any form of worship of Allah (SWT)
The day for the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) often started before dawn, as he preferred to participate in the act of nightly worship, also known as “Tahajjud Prayer”. To grasp a deeper meaning on the importance of Tahajjud and other types of nafl prayers, have a look at our blog: Beyond the Basics: Unlock the Power of Non-Obligatory Prayers.
Once he had completed his nightly prayers, the Prophet (PBUH) would then head to the masjid in order to participate in the congregational Fajr prayer,
The Prophet (PBUH) prioritized the Fajr prayer, making it the longest of the five daily prayers. He used this quiet time to engage in dhikr and Quran recitation. This practice not only strengthened his faith but also set a positive tone for the day.emphasizing the importance of tranquility and reflection, and he encouraged his followers to do the same.
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Moving on, After completing his early morning acts of worship, the Prophet (PBUH) would have breakfast. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day with a plethora of benefits for the mind and body. Hence, the Prophet (PBUH) prioritized this meal and stated
"Eat your meal at dawn, for there is a blessing in the meal at dawn" [Sahih Bukhari]
Though this hadith refers to the importance of suhoor (the meal at dawn in Ramadan), the same teaching can be applied to breakfast as well. The simplicity of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) is also reflected in his modest diet, the Prophet (PBUH) often indulged in certain foods such as; water, dates, milk, barley bread or honey, etc.
Mid Day
As the day progressed, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would engage with his community. The Prophet would offer his Dhuhr and Asr prayers and often hold gatherings in the mosque where he shared knowledge about Islam, addressed questions, and provided counsel to those in need.
During this time of day, the Prophet (PBUH) would also attend to the needs of his family and community. He believed in the importance of family and often spent time with his wives and children, providing them with love and support.
The Post-lunch hours of the Prophet (PBUH) were reserved to fulfill his political leadership duties. He dealt with various matters regarding the community, including disputes, governance, and social justice. His approach to leadership was characterized by fairness, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility.
This balance between communal responsibilities and family life is a vital lesson, reminding us of the importance of nurturing both our families and our communities.
Another important habit of the Prophet (PBUH) was that he would take care of his body, as he stated,
"...Your body has a right over you…" [Sahih al-Bukhari 5199]
Although this is related to excessive praying or fasting, it also holds well in every other aspect of life. We are already aware of the fact that Allah (SWT) is the real owner of everything and we are merely a trustee, this is why it is our duty to care and nurture this responsibility bestowed upon us for safekeeping. An easy way to implement this is by making a conscious effort to stay active. It's not necessary, you spend hours on end in the gym however even small acts of exercise can be tremendously beneficial. The Prophet (PBUH) and his companions put great emphasis on staying fit, as they used to ride horses, practice archery, wrestle, walk, run, etc. A good balance of intense and mild forms of exercise.
Day End
As the day came to a close, the Prophet (PBUH) would perform Maghrib prayer and spent the majority of the evening hours with his family and engaging in communal worship. He encouraged his companions to make the most of this time, as the night was seen as a special opportunity for reflection and closeness to Allah. Additionally, it provides a great opportunity to wind down from the hectic day and return back to Allah, thank him for his blessings and connect with the Lord.
Before heading to bed, he made sure to perform wudhu. Though it may seem out of the ordinary to perform wudhu at such a time, however, there are numerous ahadith of the Prophet(PBUH) that stress on the recommendation and importance of making wudhu before going to sleep, for example;
To understand the importance of making wudhu before going to sleep, Check out one of our other blogs; Will the Prophet (PBUH) be able to recognize the Muslims on the Day of Judgment?
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