How can one reconcile the different narrations regarding the color of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, which describe him as "azhar al-lawn" (of a bright, clear color), "shadeed al-bayad" (intensely white), and "abyad mushrab bi-humra" (white with a reddish tinge)?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
He (peace be upon him) was of a radiant complexion (azhar al-lawn), meaning white with a reddish tint. The affirmed whiteness is that which is mixed with redness, and the negated whiteness is that which is not mixed with it, which is the color Arabs disliked and called "amhaq," meaning intensely white like the color of gypsum. The intended meaning of "sumrah" (brownish hue) is the redness mixed with whiteness.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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