Of course, you have to avoid extremism, unnecessary swearing and content which demeans women.

However, we shouldn’t subconsciously aim to act like ANY of these people we see on Youtube or online. They do not reflect the prophetic model of masculinity – the Prophet (saws).

He was the most courageous of people. For example, Ali (ra) said following the battle of Badr ‘none of us would be closer to the enemy than him (saws)’ (Ahmed).

In the battle of Hunayn, when the believers were ambushed by arrows from all sides, it was the Prophet (saws) who maintained his ground whilst Abu Sufyan (ra) was trying to hold his mule back.

He was the strongest of people as we know from the story of Rukana, whom he wrestled three times, throwing him to the ground (Abu Dawud). He (saws) was the epitome of strength and bravery.

On the other hand however, he was the most merciful and gentle of people. It’s mentioned in a commentary of the Shamaail that a young girl could take him by the hand if she needed any help. When asked for anything, he would never say ‘no’ outright due to his humility (Muslim).

He was shyer than a virgin (Bukhari) and he would befriend Julaybeeb (ra), though he was somewhat of an outcast in the community.

How many have this fusion of traits now? In many cases, you might find one trait dominant over the other, but the Prophet (saws) had innate balance.

He was the epitome of man (saws) – not driven by demanding respect or exerting authority. A true ‘abd in its purest sense, living for Allah whilst exhibiting the purest character.

Therefore, we shouldn’t forget that the Messenger (saws) is who we should emulate and nobody else.