The Prophet Muhammad(pbuh) always treated people courteously, irrespective of their social status or religious beliefs, and behaved everyone who came to his house and all whom he met in the street with the same refined manners. In this respect, he never discriminated between people on the basis of their social status or beliefs, but treated them all alike with courtesy and politeness.
It was his gentleness and politeness that endeared him to all who came into contact with him. There are many instances in history which reveal the miraculous effect of his gentle and courteous way of dealing with the unbelievers. Some people, who were determined to destroy him and his faith , were completely changed by his conduct.
He never used any abusive language to any one in his life, and never uttered even a harsh word to anyone. He even prevented others from using harsh language. If he ever wanted to warn others, he would do so in a very mild and affectionate tone. Some people addressed him maliciously with the words, "death on you" instead of "peace on you". Hearing this, his wife, A'ishah, could not restrain herself and wanted to answer them . The Prophet(pbuh) warned her, saying that Allah(God) did not like harsh words. (Muslim, 5656).
The Prophet(pbuh) was not harsh or rough or loud-voiced in the streets, and he was not characterized by coarseness of lewd speech. He would never interrupt when others were talking. He would never point out the weaknesses of others by name but would express his dislike in a general way. He always spoke politely and courteously to all people, whether low or high, rich or poor.
All his actions and movements were characterized by simplicity. When mounted, he would not mind seating another, even a slave, behind him. In brief, civility and good and refined manners, courtesy, mildness, pleasant speech, are the main features of the dealings of the Prophet (pbuh) with the people.
Gentleness is a fine gift of nature. It is that characteristic in one's personality that brings out the other's true nature in communication. It also creates confidence and security to your immediate partner in communicative dialogue. The Prophet(pbuh) paid more attention to this value in communication because he himself was the practical example of gentility. The Quran refers to this quality of the Prophet(pbuh) in these words: "Thus it is due to mercy from Allah(God) that you deal with them gently, and had you been rough, hard hearted, they would certainly have dispersed from around you" ( Quran : 3/159 )
( pbuh = peace be upon him )
