Modesty
Muhammed (peace be upon him) was very modest and shy; in fact, he was a perfect model of modesty. It is narrated by many of his companions that he was more modest and bashful than a maiden. He never spoke loudly or in an unseeming manner. When he went shopping in the market, he always passed by the people quietly with a smile. When he heard anything undesirable in the assembly; he did not say anything out of respect for the people, but the colour of his face showed his feelings and the companions would become cautious. A'isha said that she never saw Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) laughing so immoderately that she could see the inside of his mouth, for he only used to smile.
Ibn Umar reported that a man from the Ansaar was giving his brother a warning against shyness> Then the Noble Prophet (peace be upon him) came along and said, "Leave him alone, shyness is a part of faith."
Zaid ibn Talya reported Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) as saying, "Every religion has a character trait and the character of Islam is modesty."
Abu Hurairah reported, "Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) never criticised any food (presented to him) but would eat it if he liked it; otherwise, he would leave it (without expressing dislike).
Ibn Masud reported Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) as saying, "None of my companions must tell me anything about anyone, for I like to come out to you with no ill feelings."
Abdullah ibn Musalam reported Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) as saying, "Modesty is a part of the teachings of the previous Prophets and anyone who lacks it may do whatever he likes."
He lived a simple and modest life both in Makkah, as a trader and a Messenger, and in Medinah, as the head of the state and Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). The change in his social status from that of a trader in Makkah to the head of the state of Medinah did not bring any change in his modest living. Umar reported the Prophet (peace be upon him) as saying, "Do not exalt me as the Christians have exalted Jesus son of Mary. I am just His servant, so call me Allah's servant and Messenger."
'Abdullah b. Abi Aufa' reports: "The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) never disdained to go with a slave or a widow to accomplish their tasks." Anas says that any slave-girl or maidservant of Medinah could hold the Prophet (peace be upon him) by hand and say whatever she liked or take him to the place she desired. When 'Adiy b. Hatim came to see the Prophet (peace be upon him), he called him inside his house. A maidservant brought a cushion to rest on but the Prophet (peace be upon him) placed it between him and 'Adiy and sat down on the floor. 'Adiy later said that he had then immediately realised that the Prophet (peace be upon him) was not a king.
Anas reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to visit the sick, attend funerals, ride on a donkey and accept a slave's invitation for a meal. Jabir states that the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to slow down his pace for the sake of the weak and also prayed for them. Anas said: The Prophet (peace be upon him) accepted an invitation even if he was presented a barley bread and soup whose taste had changed. " He also reports the Prophet (peace be upon him) as saying, "I am Allah's servant, I eat like a servant and sit like a servant.''
'Abdullah b. 'Amr b. al-'As says: "Once when the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) came to my house, I gave him a cushion filled with bark, but he sat down on the floor placing the cushion between me and him."
The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to tidy up his house, tether the camels, feed animals, take food with his servants, and help them in kneading flour and bringing provisions from the market.