Dear Hadi,
Dear Reader,
Thank you for your question. The struggle to be brave is something that so many believers think about. The main question is, what was the example of the Prophet (pbuh), and how can we try to live up to it.
The life of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) has long stood as an enduring example of moral strength, deep conviction, and unwavering courage. His bravery was rooted in steadfast faith, calm resolve, and the confidence that truth deserved sacrifice. Throughout the challenges of persecution in Mecca and the trials of conflict in Medina, he displayed a unique form of courage that inspired his companions and continues to resonate with millions around the world.
One of the most striking examples of his bravery appears during the migration from Mecca to Medina. With enemies closing in and danger surrounding him, the Prophet (pbuh) remained composed, offering reassurance instead of despair. As he and his closest companion, Abu Bakr (ra), hid in the Cave of Thawr while Quraysh forces searched for them, Abu Bakr (ra) feared that the enemy might discover their hiding place. The Prophet (pbuh) responded with calm certainty. The Qur’an preserves this moment in Surah At-Tawbah: “Do not be afraid, for God is with us” (Qur’an 9:40). This was not only a reassurance for Abu Bakr (ra), but a testament to the Prophet’s (pbuh) unshakeable trust in God even under the threat of imminent capture.
His courage was equally evident on the battlefield. Although he preferred peace and avoided conflict whenever possible, when battle did become necessary, he displayed extraordinary courage and fearlessness. His cousin, Ali ibn Abi Talib (ra), known for his own legendary bravery, described the Prophet’s (pbuh) presence in battle in powerful terms. Ali (ra) said that when the fighting reached its fiercest and the situation grew most perilous, “we sought protection by drawing close to the Messenger of Allah (pbuh), and none of us was closer to the enemy than him.”
In reflecting on these moments, it becomes clear that the courage of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was woven into every dimension of his life — in his trust in God, in his protection of his companions, and in his commitment to truth and justice. His bravery was the kind that does not merely confront danger, but transforms those around him, offering strength to the weak and resolve to the hesitant.
As we try to follow this example, we suggest three things:
First, that we pray for courage. Courage, like everything else, is a blessing from God. If we strengthen our faith in general, and specifically pray for courage and strength, we hope that this will be accepted. We look to the Quran. In Surat Fussilat (Quran 41: 30-31), we see that the believers are not alone. Angels are with them helping them overcome fear and sadness:
30. “Indeed, those who say, ‘Our Lord is Allah,’ and then remain steadfast — the angels descend upon them, saying: ‘Do not fear and do not grieve, but receive good tidings of Paradise which you were promised.’”
31. “We are your supporters in the worldly life and in the Hereafter. And you will have therein whatever your souls desire, and you will have therein whatever you ask for —"
In surat al-Fath (Quran 48:4), we see that God bestows tranquility on the heart of the believer:
“It is He who from on high has bestowed inner peace upon the hearts of the believers, so that - seeing that God’s are all the forces of the heavens and the earth, and that God is all-knowing, truly wise - they might grow yet more firm in their faith.”
We pray, and we hope isA that we are made among those whom these verses describe.
Secondly, we have to understand that courage require sacrifice. It is a deal that we make to sacrifice things in this world for the hereafter. We see this in the Quran in Surat al Tawbah (Quran 9:111):
“BEHOLD, God has bought of the believers their lives and their possessions, promising them paradise in return … [and so] they fight in God's cause…”
If we become firm in this deal, the losses entailed by confronting danger and injustice, become more tolerable.
Thirdly, we have to be aware of our limitations and accept them. As the Quran states, “God does not hold a soul responsible beyond its capacity…” (Quran2:286). Each of our capacities for courage is different. Scientific evidence supports the idea that biological factors—including inherited differences in the nervous system and variation in adrenaline/catecholamine responses—contribute to why people differ in how they respond to danger. Some people are just inherently braver than others. Perhaps that is why when the Prophet (pbuh) was asked: “Can a believer be a coward?” He replied “Yes.” Then he was asked, “Can a believer be a miser?” He said “Yes.” Finally, he was asked: “Can a believer be a liar?” He replied “No.” This narration appears in Al‑Muwatta (the collection by Imam Malik. The hadith — in its answer “Yes” to cowardice or miserliness — acknowledges that believers are human, and may possess character flaws, weaknesses or fears at certain times. That means being a believer does not guarantee constant bravery or generosity; belief does not immunize a person against all negative traits or emotional reactions. However, constant lying and deceit is more of a personal choice, which is incompatible with faith.
We hope this brings you some comfort isA.
In peace.