Questions on Prophet’s appearance, hair straightening, dua for memory, and ‘Ihsaan’ in salah.

Al-jawab billahi at-taufeeq (the answer with Allah’s guidance)

1) Appearance

Muhammad (pbuh) was of a height a little above the average. He was of sturdy build with long muscular limbs and tapering fingers. The hair of his head was long and thick with some waves in them. His forehead was large and prominent, his eyelashes were long and thick, his nose was sloping, his mouth was somewhat large and his teeth were well set. His cheeks were spare and he had a pleasant smile. His eyes were large and black with a touch of brown. His beard was thick and at the time of his death, he had seventeen gray hairs in it. He had a thin line of fine hair over his neck and chest. He was fair of complexion and altogether was so handsome that Abu Bakr composed this couplet on him:

“as there is no darkness in the moonlit night so is Mustafa, the well-wisher, bright.”
His gait was firm and he walked so fast that others found it difficult to keep pace with him. His face was genial but at times, when he was deep in thought, there were long periods of silence, yet he always kept himself busy with something. He did not speak unnecessarily and what he said was always to the point and without any padding. At times he would make his meaning clear by slowly repeating what he had said. His laugh was mostly a smile. He kept his feelings under firm control – when annoyed, he would turn aside or keep silent, when pleased he would lower his eyes.
(Shamail Tirmizi).

2) It is permissible to use chemical substances to straighten the hair. As long as there are no Haraam ingredients in the substance. Also, in order for the Masah to be correct, the substance must not coat the hair, thus preventing water from reaching it.

3) Recite: ربى زدنى علما

Transliteration: ‘Rabbi Zidni Ilma’

Translation: ‘O my Lord, increase my knowledge’

It may be recited as many time as possible. (Aamale Qurani)

Or recite the Du’a below, twenty times after the morning prayers. (Aamale Qurani) :

رب اشرح لى صدرى و يسرلى امرى واحلل عقدة من لسانى يفقهو قولى

Transliteration: ‘Rab-bish-rahlee Sadree wa-Yassirlee Amree Wa-hlul U’qdatam Mil-lisaanee Yafqahu Qaulee’

(Musa) said: “O my Lord! Expand me my breast; Ease my task for me; And remove the impediment from my speech. So they may understand what I say” (Ta Ha, 25:28)

4) Generally somethings has an image. Allah Ta’ala is free from all this. The Quraan mentions that “there is no likeness to Him”. Hence we ought to feel as though that Allah Ta’ala is seeing us.

And Only Allah Ta’ala Knows Best.

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Moulana Qamruz Zaman
London, UK