Prophet Muhammad, may Allah grant and bless him peace, was a very dignified person. His behaviour was calm and composed with patient and caring attitude towards persons around him. Kharija, son of Zaid, (may Allah be pleased with him) observed that he would not move his limbs while talking. Normally he would keep silence, speaking only when needed. The companions in his audience also behaved accordingly. They did not raise their voices. A very apt description of the audience of the Prophet is that the companions of the Prophet would sit in silence, keeping their heads bowed down, as if birds were perched on them. A serene atmosphere prevailed. Abu Sayeed al Khudri, may Allah be pleased with him, reported the sitting posture of the Prophet. He would clasp his hands around his legs, drawing them closure to his stomach.
The Prophet spoke only when needed. However, whenever he opened his mouth, all those present would understand what he was saying. No ambiguity, no mincing of words, rather simple expressions in a language that conveyed the message clearly. He was neither fast nor very slow in speaking. Jabir, son of Abdullah, may Allah be pleased with both of them, described the manner of speaking of the Prophet that his words contained both elegant phrasing and ease of flow. Lady Ayesha, may Allah be pleased with her, said that when the Prophet spoke, a person could count his words. He did not laugh, as such, and would only smile at times. The companions also reciprocated this pattern of mild smile with no burst of laughter in the presence of the Prophet.
Ibn Abi Hala, may Allah be pleased with him, observed that the silence of the Prophet was on account of four counts; those of patience, caution, appraisal or reflection.
He would incline forward while walking, like a man going down a slope. He never strode hastily, rather he walked with firm feet, as if in total concentration.
He liked perfumes and encouraged their use. He said, “I have been made to love three things in this world: women, scent, and the coolness of my eyes is in the prayer.