How to honour the Prophet
Muslims claim to honour Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) by sending salutations on him, dressing like him, growing a beard and adopting a hairstyle to imitate his appearance, copying his sleeping and eating habits and many more aspects of his personal life. This always originates from sincere devotion but is often based on questionable reports. Is this really what it means to honour Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him), or does the Qur'an provide the real method of honouring him.
Honour is accepting the Qur'an as sufficient
The Qur'an declares that Islam is complete when Allah says "...today I have perfected your system for you, and completed My blessings upon you, and I have approved Islam as the system for you..." (5:3), and describes its own words as "...completed with truth and justice; there is no changing His words..." (6:115).
It is the only Book Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) was commanded to "follow what was sent down to you from your Lord..." (7:3), and a revelation where "...there is no changing His words..." (18:27).
Honouring Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) means recognising that he fulfilled his mission entirely and that the revelation he delivered requires no further additions. Honouring Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) means refusing to attribute to him what is uncertain. The only certain record of his inspired speech is that which "...is a divine inspiration" (53:4).
Honour is to follow the religion of the Prophet
Today, people follow the opinions of jurists such as Abu Hanifa, Malik, etc. whereas those who honour Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) "...follow the light that was sent down with him..." (7:157) instead. Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) was inspired to warn the believers against copying the Jews and Christians who had "...taken their priests and monks to be patrons besides Allah..." (9:31).
To honour Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) is to return to the revelation that came from his own mouth, recognise it as the only inspired speech he conveyed, and refuse to dilute it with later additions. Honouring Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) means refusing to place later authorities beside him.
Analogy of real honour
Imagine a classroom with two students and a teacher.
The first student studies the lessons, understands the material, and prepares for the exam. He succeeds because he followed the teacher's actual teaching.
This is the one who follows the Qur’an in this life and, by Allah's mercy, enters the paradise in the hereafter.
The second student ignores the lessons entirely. Instead of learning, he spends his time copying the teacher's walk, clothing, speech, and hairstyle. When the exam comes he fails and not because the teacher wronged him, but because he abandoned the teaching itself.
So it is with Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him): true honour lies in following the revelation he delivered which refines a persons character, and not in imitating outward forms whilst neglecting the Qur’an.
Conclusion
Honouring Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) is not found in his physical imitation, but in implementing his message. By returning to the Qur'an, we free Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) from the burdens of later inventions. True honour is not a costume, but a commitment to copying Prophet Mohammed's (peace be upon him) character based on the Qur'an.