Hawzah News Agency- “The majority of people who believed in Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) were those influenced by his character and behavior; of course, some individuals were also influenced by proofs and reasoning, but it is natural that most people are drawn to something because of its moral qualities,” Hujjat al-Islam Mujtaba Kalbasi, a senior lecturer at Qom Seminary.

He noted that the Holy Quran uses an “extraordinary” expression regarding the Prophet (PBUH) when it says, “and indeed you possess a great character.” (Surah Al-Qalam, verse 4)

The term "great" (عظیم) in the Quran is used in several contexts, including to describe the character of the Prophet (PBUH), which reflects the greatness of his personality, stressed the cleric.

There is no doubt that the Prophet's (PBUH) interactions, even with idolaters and those who murdered groups of Muslims during battles and conflicts, were based on Islamic and humane ethics, Kalbasi added, also quoting another verse from the Holy Quran, “It is by Allah’s mercy that you are gentle to them; had you been harsh and hardhearted, they would have surely scattered from around you.” (Surah Al-Imran, verse 159)

“His compassionate and guiding behavior was present even in wars, and he always sought to avoid conflict unless the enemy entered the battlefield with swords and intended to kill, in which case there was no choice but to fight,” he said.

The Seerah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and what has been mentioned in the Holy Quran highlight his “unique” ethical standards, according to the researcher.

The Prophet (PBUH) did not force anyone to accept Islam, Kalbasi highlighted.

“Upbringing and invitation to faith differ from other concepts, and without ethics, they lead nowhere. The Prophet (PBUH) was a guide and teacher of humanity, teaching them wisdom and the Quran,” said the scholar.

“The foundation is an invitation to God, human and divine dignity, and spiritual elevation, and this elevation cannot be achieved without ethics,” he added.