Quran Cordoba - Examining the Details Radiating from the Figure of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

This is the Muhammadiyyah Book of Shamāil, the work of Imam al-Tirmidhi, presenting more than 400 detailed hadiths regarding the physical appearance, attitudes and morals of the Prophet ﷺ 

These hadiths give us a rich visual depiction of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)—not just as he existed in history, but as he lived in the hearts and imaginations of his readers. Masha Allah.

عَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ، أَنَّهُ سَمِعَهُ، يَقُولُ‏:‏ كَانَ may Allah bless him and give him peace and blessings God willing God willing

From Anas bin Malik, he heard it, he said, " The Messenger of Allah had a stature that was neither too tall nor too short. His skin was not too white, nor brownish. His hair was curly, not too curly and not too stiff straight ."

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Visual Heritage of the Prophet's : The Beauty of Shamāil Muhammadiyyah

1. Ideal Body Proportions: Not Too Tall, Not Too Short

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is described as having a medium body posture—not thin, not fat, with broad shoulders and a flat, noble chest, reflecting nobility and balance. 

Anas bin Malik RA described that he walked steadily, as if the earth was spread out for him.

إِذَا مَشَى يَتَكَفَّأُ‏

"When he walked, he stepped with full confidence (steadfast)."

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2. Wavy Hair: Simple, Yet Charming

The Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) hair was neither curly nor straight, but rather gently wavy. When long, it reached his ears—sometimes down to his shoulders, depending on how he cared for it—in a natural and simple style.

Hadith from Anas bin Malik, he said, "That the Messenger of Allah,

God bless you وَكَانَ شَعَرُهُ لَيْسَ بِجَعْدٍ، وَلَا سَبْطٍ أَسْمَرَ اللَّوْنِ

“Neither tall nor short, (proportional) with a good physical posture, hair that is neither curly nor straight, brownish in color”

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3. Suitable Skin: Rosy White, Radiant, Not Too Dark

His skin color was not pale white, but a radiant reddish white—as it was said, "brighter than the full moon of the 14th night." 

This silhouette gives a warm, close and homely impression.

وَجْهُهُ، تَلَأْ ْلُؤَ الْقَمَرِ لَيْلَةَ الْبَدْرِ 

 "The Messenger of Allah with a face that shines like the full moon"

In another hadith in Syamail Muhammadiyah,

أَنْظُرُ إِلَيْهَ أَحْسَنُ مِنَ الْقَمَرِ‏ عَنْ جَابِرِ بْنِ سَمُرَةَ، قَالَ‏:‏ رَأَيْتُ God willing

Jabir bin Samurah, he said, "I saw the Messenger of Allah. I kept looking at him and also looking at the moon. Indeed, to me, he looked more beautiful than the moon."

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4. Steadfast steps & a look full of humility

When walking, the Prophet ﷺ was always steady and full of authority—as if the earth were moving beneath his feet. However, in his great act, he lowered his gaze, looking more at the earth than at the sky—an expression of sincere humility.

God willing هَوْنًا، ذَرِيعُ الْمِشْيَةِ، إِذَا مَشَى كَأَنَّما يَنْحَطُّ مِنْ God willing God bless you إِلَى السَّمَاءِ‏

"When he walked, he lifted his legs strongly, without feeling lazy. His steps were wide and steady, as if he was going down a hill. If he turned his head, he would turn his whole body. He often lowered his gaze, looking at the earth more often than at the sky." (HR. Tirmizi)

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5. Unmatched Extraordinary Good Looks

Al-Bara bin Azib RA once testified, "I have never seen anyone more handsome than him." Even compared to the full moon—its light is more amazing. All recorded by Imam Tirmizi in his Shamail hadith collection, 

مَا رَأَيْتُ شَيْئًا قَطُّ أَحْسَنَ مِنْهُ‏.‏

"I have never seen anyone more beautiful than him."

مَا رَأَيْتُ مِنْ ذِي لِمَّةٍ فِي حُلَّةٍ حَمْرَاءَ أَحْسَنَ مِنْ رَسُولِ اللّٰهِ لَهُ شَعَرٌ يَضْرِبُ مَنْكِبَيْهِ، بَعِيدُ مَا God willing

"I have never seen anyone with hair flowing below the ears, dressed in red, more handsome than the Prophet Muhammad. Some of his hair hung down to his shoulders."

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Who Does He Look Like? The Facial Traces of Previous Prophets

Interestingly, in a spiritual experience, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) saw the previous prophets. Moses resembled the Shaykh, Jesus resembled Urwah ibn Mas'ud, Abraham resembled himself, and Gabriel resembled Dihyah.

Why is it important for us to know the physical details of the Prophet ﷺ?

• Treating spiritual longing: Without being able to see his physical appearance, these details become a bridge for the heart to love and long for the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ more.

• An example of intelligence that enhances moral insight: His simplicity and humility are not only moral, but are also reflected physically. This is a clear visual example.

• Inspiration for a balanced life: His stature teaches that a spiritual leader must also have independence and balance, not a life full of luxury, excess or coercion.

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ALSO READ: Syamail Muhammadiyyah: Gazing at the Beauty of the Morals and Personality of the Prophet ﷺ

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Syamail Muhammadiyah: Complete, Noble, Full of Light Profile

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was a symbol of balance in his profile and physique, between authority and gentleness, purity and humility. 

From the ideal body posture to the simple wavy hair, from the skin color that glows like the moon—all show a majestic figure that brings humans closer to the light of Allah.

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The Book of Shamā'il Muhammadiyyah is a spiritual treasure that brings a feeling of love and reverence to the hearts of its readers.

Wallahu'alam

Source: Syamail Muhamadiyah, Cordoba Books, 2025

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