Does God choose prophets for qualifying traits within them, or are those traits created in them after their selection for prophethood? And if a prophet other than Muhammad, may God’s prayers and peace be upon him, had been chosen, would he have been of similar character?

Allah Almighty chooses from His creation those whom He knows are worthy of His message, and that it is a station befitting none but them, and that they are the purest of humankind and most deserving of being chosen. This is due to His all-encompassing knowledge, hearing, and sight of everything. He is most knowledgeable of those who will be grateful to Him and endure on His behalf. From this, Allah Almighty chose the angels, among them Jibreel, Mika'il, and Israfil. He chose the prophets from mankind, and the messengers, among them the Ulul Azm (Prophets of Strong Will), and then the two close friends of Allah, Ibrahim and Muhammad (may Allah bless them both). He chose Muhammad (peace be upon him) from Bani Hashim, and Bani Hashim from Quraysh, and Quraysh from Kinanah, and Kinanah from the descendants of Isma'il. Thus, he (peace be upon him) is the best of creation in soul and lineage. Then He chose his Companions, the best of the hearts of mankind after his own heart.