Abu Sufyan told me that Heraclius said to him, "When I inquired you what he (i.e. Muhammad) ordered you, you replied that he ordered you to establish the prayer, to speak the truth, to be chaste, to keep promises and to pay back trusts." Then Heraclius added, "These are really the qualities of a prophet."
Commentary on the Qualities of Prophethood
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 2681 presents profound testimony from Heraclius, the Byzantine Emperor, recognizing the essential characteristics of prophethood through the teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
The Five Pillars of Prophetic Character
Establishing Prayer (Iqāmat as-Salāh): The foundation of worship connecting creation with the Creator, demonstrating spiritual discipline and constant remembrance of Allah.
Speaking Truth (Sidq al-Qawl): The cornerstone of moral character, encompassing honesty in speech and integrity in all verbal interactions.
Maintaining Chastity (al-'Iffah): Preserving purity in thought, action, and relationships, guarding against immorality and indecency.
Fulfilling Promises (Wafā' bil-'Uhūd): Honoring commitments and covenants, whether with Allah or with people, establishing trust in society.
Returning Trusts (Adā' al-Amānāt): Faithfully discharging responsibilities and safeguarding what is entrusted, the bedrock of social security.
Scholarly Insights
Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes in Fath al-Bari that these five qualities encompass both rights of Allah (Huqūq Allah) and rights of creation (Huqūq al-'Ibād), demonstrating the comprehensive nature of Islamic teachings.
Al-Qurtubi observes that Heraclius, despite being a non-Muslim ruler, recognized these as universal prophetic qualities because they align with innate human recognition of goodness (al-fitrah as-salīmah).
Ibn al-Jawzi emphasizes that these characteristics represent the practical manifestation of faith, transforming abstract belief into tangible moral excellence that benefits both individual and society.