The Prophet’s Blessed Name: Muhammad
In this short video, Shaykh Ruzwan Mohammed gives a brief insight into the blessed name Muhammad
Compilations of the Names of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) have been an art and tradition for centuries: Qaḍi Abu Bakr Ibn al-ʿArabi relates in his commentary on Kitab al-Shamaʾil, that some have claimed the Prophet has a thousand names. Ibn al-Faris includes over two thousand in his Tafsir Asma al-Rasul. Abu al-Ḥasan al-Subki states there are four thousand. Qasṭallani relates just over five hundred in al-Mawahib al-ladunniyya. Dalaail u’l Khayraat, composed by Imam Muhammad bin Sulayman al-Jazuli, glorifies the Prophet Muhammad with two hundred names. However, the name of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), the only one used in the testification of our faith, is Muhammad. A name that can only be unique to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). The only name to be used in khutbas to fulfill the criteria (according to majority of schools). That is his blessed name: Muhammad.
Abu Talib (the Prophet’s uncle) wrote poetry about him in which he speaks of the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him). In one poem he mentions that Allah Most High extracted his name (Muhammad) from His name (Allah Most High), because the one that possesses the grand throne is Mahmudun: The one that deserves praise. (And he said) my nephew is called Muhammad. (peace and blessings be upon him).
Ibn Imad mentions an interesting narration from the time of Sulayman (may Allah be pleased with him), that he controlled demons through the name Muhammad. He also mentions that the Ark of Nuh (may Allah be pleased with him) was guided through the name Muhammad.
After the Prophet’s death (peace and blessings be upon him) – during the battle of Yarmouk – Khalid bin Walid and Ikrimi ibn Abi Jahl used “wa Muhammada!” as their battle cry when the battle was intense.
Furthermore, Prophet Adam (may Allah be pleased with him) will be known as Abu Muhammad. From all his progeny and successors, he will be honoured by being referred to as the father of the Best of Creation: Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).
May Allah Most High bless, sanctify and grant peace to one named Muhammad – the Praised One (peace and blessings be upon him).
As Rabi Al-Awwal approaches, let us celebrate the birth of the beloved by knowing him better. By taking the opportunity to connect ours hearts to Allah’s beloved.
Other resources related to the Prophet’s names:
Names from the Dalail-al-Khayrat
Key Hadiths on the Names of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)
Why did the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) have many names? by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
