manners of that prince were such, that he never grieved any one of his friends and servants. Uns Ibn Malik says, 'I served that prince for ten years, both at home and on journeys, and he never said to me, "Why didst thou do this ? or why didst thou not do that?" that is to say, whenever I was at fault in my service, he never slapped my face, saying, "Why didst thou do this? or why didst thou not do that?"'

Aisha the faithful declared, 'No one had better manners than the Prophet of God: to any one calling him by his name, he would answer, "Here am I." He always accommodated himself to his friends: when they spoke of the world, he did the same; and if they mentioned the next world, he joined them in that; and if they laughed at what had been done in the days of ignorance, he would likewise smile.' Once when Aisha the faithful was asked how the Prophet had lived in his family, she replied, 'Like other men: he would help in sweeping the house, he would sew his clothes, mend his sandals, give water to the camels, milk the sheep, assist the servants in their work, take his meals together with them, and himself fetch the necessary things from the market.'

Hasan Ibn Ali narrates: 'When I asked my father how the Prophet spent his time in his own house, he answered, "He divided his time into three parts: one he devoted to the service of God, the other to inquiring after the members of his household, and the third to his own private wants; and sometimes he also employed a portion of the latter part by improving the state of the people, and instructing the leading men amongst them."'

Hosein Ibn Ali narrates: 'When I asked my father how the Prophet lived in public, he answered, "He kept his tongue from what is unprofitable, conciliated and pleased his companions, and did not offend them. He treated the honourable men of the people with distinction, and gave to the people their due. He never neglected good manners, duly saluted his companions, and inquired after their state. He approved of what was good, and condemned what was bad. Those nearest to him were the best of the people; and the most honoured those who were most benevolent to the Mussulmans."' In reply to my question after his

Excellency's conduct in assemblies, my father said, 'He never sat down or rose in an assembly, without mentioning the name of God; and in going to an assembly, he always sat down in any place which he found vacant, and enjoined also upon his friends to do the same. He gave to every one present what was due to him, and treated all with respect and honour. When any one had an interview and conversation with him, he had patience till it was over, without occupying himself with his own concerns. Whoever asked help of him was sure to be relieved, or, at least comforted with kind words. He showed such kindness to the people, as if he was the father of them all. In the administration of justice he was no respecter of persons: his council-chamber was a place of knowledge, modesty, patience, and faithfulness. No one was allowed to raise his voice high in his council; and if any of those present was guilty of a fault, he would not expose but conceal it. These councils were all virtue and piety, where the great were honoured, the small had mercy shown them, and the absent and needy were protected.'

It is recorded that the abstinence of that prince was such that if the entire world had been offered unto him, he would not have looked at it; and when he departed from this world, his armour had been pawned to a Jew; and for three successive days his stomach did not taste bread. It is likewise recorded that, for two days in succession, he could not satisfy himself with barley-bread. It might happen in the Prophet's family that no fire was lit for a whole month, but that they lived upon dates and water. So also it could happen that his Excellency laid himself down at night hungry, when on the following day he was going to fast; and yet, if he had asked for it, God would have given him more than could enter any one's imagination. ¹ It is recorded that Gabriel once came to that apostle and said, 'Verily, the Most High sends thee greeting, and lets thee know that if thou desirest it, I am to convert these mountains of Mecca into gold and silver,