THE EXCELLENT NAMES OF


PROPHET MUHAMMAD 








Extracted from


The Cure


SAHIH-SHEFA





by


Supreme Justice Abulfadl Eyad,


died (1123CE - Islamic Year 544H)


Reported 


by


Grand Muhaddith Habib Hafiz Abdullah Ben Sadek


Revised by


 Muhaddith Abdullah Talidi





An adaptation


by


Servant of Hadith, Shaykh Ahmad Darwish (Arabic)


Khadeijah A. Stephens (English)


Ayesha Nadriya (Indonesian)





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The Prohibition of Favoring the Prophet  over other noble prophets








The proof that Prophet Muhammad  is the noblest of all mankind and the best of all the prophets has been established and proven in both the Koran and prophetic quotations. (Shaykh Darwish added: And the Prophet's evident high etiquette and elegance when he mentions his noble fellow prophets).  





The question arises as to the meaning of the prophetic quotations that speak of the prohibition against stating there is any preference amongst them. You will recall earlier we mentioned the prophetic saying, "No worshipper should say that I am better than Jonah Matta's son." A similar statement is reported by Masood's son. 





Abu Hurayrah also reported an incident when a Jew said, "By the One whose chose Moses over mankind." Whereupon an Ansar hit him saying, "How dare you say this when the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, is among us!" The Prophet  happened to overhear what was said and said, "Do not make differences between the prophets."





In another rendering of the preceding hadith it reads, "Do not make me better than Moses ……. Do not let any of you say I am better than Jonah, Matta's son."





Again, Abu Hurayrah reported the Prophet  said, "Whosoever says I am better than Jonah Matta's son has lied." (Shaykh Darwish commented: This is because no ordinary person, regardless of his rank or depth of knowledge is fit to judge the prophets who are far higher than ordinary humans in all aspects especially their unseen qualities.)





One day a man came to the Prophet  and addressed him saying, "O best of mankind!" He replied, "That is Abraham."





Scholars explain the meanings of these quotations in several ways. It has been explained that the prohibition occurred before he was informed that he was the Master of the children of Adam, so consequently he forbade anyone to differentiate between them in the rank of prophethood and its common core.





Another explanation is that the Prophet  said it out of humility and to forbid pride and arrogance. 





Others explained the saying with the meaning that if there was differentiation between them it could either lead to the lessening or detracting from the status of any one of them, a case in particular is what Allah said about Prophet Jonah. Scholars explain that this is in order to prevent the unknowledgeable person belittling or lessening his high rank on account misunderstanding the verse, "He went away in anger thinking We had no power over him" (21:87). When reading this verse, such a person might incline to think that he was lesser in rank.





It has also been explained that it is the prohibition of differentiating between the prophethood and the delivery of the Message. All the prophets are equal in this respect and consequently there is no difference. However, there is differentiation between the prophets regarding the elevation of their states, miracles, election, rank and kindness.





Although all of the prophets, peace be upon all of them, have the blessed connection of prophethood, we should reserve some differentiation. This is because Allah Himself has favored some of them above others. For example there are Messengers who received a message, and Messengers who possess resolution and firmness, as one finds in Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad, or Idris (Enoch) – the one who was raised to a high position. John – the one to whom judgment was given when he was young. David – was the one to whom the Psalms was given. Jesus – the one to whom clear signs were given. Moses to whom Allah spoke, and others whom Allah raised in degree. Allah tells us, "We have preferred some prophets above others" (17:55). And, "Of these Messengers, We have preferred some above others" (2:253).





A scholar of Islam commented on the word "preferred" saying, "Preference is that of preferring them in this world, and of this there are three aspects:


1. The greatness and prominence of their signs and miracles.


2. The purity and size of their nation.


3. The quality and prominence.





To clarify the third aspect, it is that it refers to the generous gifts highlighting the honor given specially to them by Allah and included such eliteness as being selected for speech, favors and close friendship.





One finds that the Prophet's conduct was always guarded against saying or doing anything that could be used as a source of dissension, because there are those who would not hesitate to belittle the prophethood of Jonah, peace be upon him, and disregard the fact that he was among those who were chosen. It was said as an act of compassion on behalf of the Prophet  for his nation.





Another explanation is the possibility that the word "I" refers to whosoever says it, in other words no one should think he is better than Jonah because of the Words of Allah concerning him. The degree of prophethood is better and higher and therefore its value cannot be diminished by even an atom.





Allah willing, (inshaAllah), we will discuss this matter further.





Success is from Allah, and He is the Helper – there is no god except Him!





The Excellent Names of the Prophet 


Jubair Mutim's son tells us of the names given to the Prophet  and said that the Prophet  said, "I have been given five names. I am Muhammad, I am Ahmad, I am Al Mahi (the eraser) by whom Allah extinguishes disbelief. I am Al Hasher (the gatherer) at whose feet mankind will gather, and I am Al Aqib (the last in prophetic succession)."





One of the special gifts, given to Prophet Muhammad  by Allah lies in the fact that Allah named him "Ahmad and Muhammad" which are names derived from the Arabic root "to praise". The name Muhammad bears the meaning "the object of more praise", whereas Ahmad bears the meaning of "more praised". Both the names Muhammad and Ahmad are found in the Koran, and these names are also derived from the same root from which some of the finest Names of Allah are derived. Therefore the creation praise the Creator with His Divine praised finest Name, and also venerate His Prophet with his praised prophetic name.





Prophet Muhammad  is the most excellent, and best of all those who praise and the one who is most praised among creation.





Prophet Muhammad is referred to by the name 'Ahmad' in the Koran, and this name was known to Jesus and mentioned in the original Gospel revealed to him. The name 'Ahmad' is derived from the word 'praise' whereas the Prophet's name 'Muhammad' bears the meaning of abundance of praise.





On the Day of Resurrection, the Prophet  will come as the bearer of the Banner of Praise (to Allah) and this is will be the completion of the perfection of the praise for him, and his Lord will, as promised, give him the Praiseworthy Station. At that time and place, the first and last generations will thankfully praise him for the intercession he makes for them, and as we learned earlier, he will begin praising Allah in a way never given to anyone before. In the previous Books given to the prophets, the nation of Prophet Muhammad  are referred to as "the praisers", therefore it befits him that he is called Muhammad and Ahmad.





These two names are very special and contain not only qualities but signs. Before Prophet Muhammad's advent, no one had been called Ahmad. Allah in His wisdom had preserved it especially for him. Even though the name Ahmad had been written in previous scriptures proclaiming the good news of his coming, no one was called by it before his coming. 





The same can be said of his name Muhammad. Neither Arabs nor non-Arabs knew of it until shortly before his birth when they heard the news and that it would be  a person bearing this name who had been selected to be a prophet. 


When the news of his name became known, six Arabs named their son Muhammad in the hope that it would be their son who would be the chosen one, but Allah had selected His Message to be placed with Muhammad, Abdullah's son. The six Muhammad's were, the son of Uhayha whose grandfather was Al Julah Al Awsi, the son of Maslama Al Ansari, the son of Barra Al Bakri, the son of Sufyan whose grandfather was Mujashi, the son of Humran Al Jufi and the son of Khuza'I As Sulami. Allah prevented all of them from claiming the prophethood and there was no contender amongst them and the name was established as being his.





Of the Prophet's name "Al Mahi" – the eraser - the one who would erase disbelief, it has been said that it might possibly be because he erased disbelief from Mecca and other Arab lands of which he prophesized would convert and came about after his passing. In many visions, and in the state of wakefulness, the Prophet  was shown the boundaries of his nation and promised it would extend to those limits. The erasing of disbelief is referred to in general, meaning victory and overcoming as Allah says, "It is He who has sent forth His Messenger with guidance and the Religion of truth to uplift it above every Religion" (9:33). 





Prophet Muhammad’s name "Al Aqib" – the last in prophetic succession - is that no other prophet will come after him, he is the last, the seal of the Prophethood. The Prophet  told his Companions, "I am Al Aqib, and there will be no prophet after me." Allah says, "He is the Messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets" (33.40).





The Prophet’s name "Al Hasher" – the gatherer - it is because the people will be gathered at his feet. This name has also been explained as meaning that all people will be gathered before him because Allah says, "In order that you will be a witness above the people, and that the Messenger be a witness above you" (2:143). It has also been said that "gathered at his feet" is an indication of his precedence over all others. Allah says, "that they are standing on a sincere footing with their Lord" (10:2). "Gathered at his feet" has also been explained with the meaning in front and around him, and that it also refers to his prophetic way.





The Prophet  tells us that he has five names. These names existed in the ancient scriptures and were known to their knowledgeable religious authorities. And Allah knows best.





The father of Moses Al Ashari tells us, the Prophet  said, "I am Muhammad, Ahmad, of all the prophets I am the last to come, I am the Gatherer, the Prophet of Repentance, the Prophet of Heroism. "In another report it reads "The Prophet of Mercy and Rest."





Allah willing (inshaAllah), all these names are correct.





Allah speaks of His Prophet  saying, "We have not sent you except as a mercy to all the worlds" (21:107). He also says, "to recite to them His verses, to purify them, and to teach them the Book and the Wisdom" (62:2.) Also, "And guides them to a Straight Path" (5:16) and He speaks of his qualities saying, "he is gentle, merciful to the believers" (9:128).





Prophet Muhammad  spoke of his nation saying, "It is a nation that has been shown mercy." Of his nation Allah says, "they charge each to be patient, and charge each other to be merciful" (90:17).





In His Mercy, Allah sent Prophet Muhammad  not only as a Prophet and a Messenger for his nation but also for all mankind, and the one who asks for their forgiveness. Allah made Prophet Muhammad’s  nation one that shows mercy, and one to whom mercy is attributed. Prophet Muhammad  commanded his followers to be merciful to one another and praised this quality in them saying, "Allah loves those of His worshipers who are merciful." The Prophet  encouraged his followers to be merciful and said, "The Merciful loves those who are merciful, therefore show mercy to all upon the earth and whosoever is in the heavens will show mercy to you."'





The title "Prophet of Heroism" is an indication that he will fight.





This is reported again by Hudhayfa who said that the Prophet  is "The Prophet of Mercy, the Prophet of Repentance and the Prophet of Heroism."





In the Koran, Allah calls His Prophet  by many blessed names, some we have already mentioned. Amongst those not mentioned are the: Light, Luminous Lamp, Detailing Warner, Warner, Bearer of Glad Tidings, the Detailing Bearer of Glad Tidings, Witness, Witnesser, Manifest Truth, Seal of all the Prophets, Compassionate, Merciful, Trusty, Mercy to all the worlds, Blessing of Allah, Firmest Tie, Straight Path, Generous, Unlettered Prophet, and the Inviter to Allah. (Shaykh Darwish commented: This is because no ordinary person, regardless of his rank or depth of knowledge is fit to judge the prophets who are far higher than ordinary humans in all aspects especially their unseen qualities.)





The Prophet  has many other attributes as well as majestic names. Some are mentioned in the ancient scriptures and also in the scriptures of the prophets. 





In the Prophet's sayings one finds many names frequently used by his Companions and followers. These include names such as the: Chosen, Selected, Abu'l Kasim, the Beloved, Messenger of the Lord of the Worlds, Accepted, Intercessor, the Fearfully Aware, Amender, Truthful, Confirmer, Guide, Master of the Children of Adam, Master of the Messengers, Leader of the Fearfully Aware, Leader of those whose forehead and feet shine from the traces of ablution, Beloved of Allah, Friend of the Merciful, Possessor of the Visited Pool, Intercessor, the Praiseworthy Station, Possessor of Means, the Excellent and the High Degree, Possessor of the Crown, Ascended, Banner and Staff, Rider of Burak, the traveler at the speed of light, Owner of the She-Camel and the Fine Camel, the Possessor of Proof, Power, Seal, Sign and the Evidence, Possessor of the Staff and the Possessor of the Two Sandals. 





In previous scriptures the following names are found: the Relied Upon, the Chosen, the Establisher of the Prophetic Way, the Pure, the Spirit of Purity, the Spirit of the Real. In the Gospel he is referred to as, "the Paraclete". Tha'labah explained that the Paraclete is the one who distinguishes between truth and falsehood.





The preceding suffices as brief glimpse at his blessed names, titles and qualities of which there are many more. 





Allah Honors the Prophet  with some of His Names


The Honor of Allah to the Prophet  by gifting him with some of His own Beautiful Names and by describing him with some of His own splendid qualities





We are told in the Holy Koran of the honor Allah bestowed on many of His prophets by gifting them with some of His Own Names. For example, he called Prophets Ishmael and Isaac "Alim" meaning the "knowing" and their father Prophet Abraham "Halim" meaning the "forbearing". Prophet Noah was bestowed with the name, "Shakur" meaning "thankful" and both Prophets John and Jesus were given the name "Barr", meaning "devoted". Prophet Moses was blessed with the names "Karim" and "Qawwi" meaning "noble" and "strong". Prophet Joseph was given the name "Hafidh Alim" meaning the "knowing guardian", and Prophet Job was named "Sabur" meaning the patient. Prophet Ishmael was also called "Sadiq Al Wa'd" meaning "True to the promise". Peace be upon all the prophets.





As for Prophet Muhammad  one finds that Allah preferred, honored and adorned him with an abundance of His Own Names, and that he was known by these names to earlier prophets. 





There are many gifted names, amongst which Judge Eyad, gathered the following:





We begin with His Name "Al Hamid" which means "Praiseworthy". The meaning is that Allah praises Himself by Himself and His worshipers praise Him. It also bears the meaning of the One (Allah) who praises Himself and praises acts of obedience. Our beloved Prophet  is called by two names both of which mean praised, they are Muhammad and Ahmad. To shed more light, Ahmad bears the meaning of the greatest of those who praise, and the most noble of those to be praised. Hasan, Thabit's son, the great poet, known for his poetry said that praised the Prophet  indicated to this when he said, "For him it has been taken from His Own Name so that he is ennobled".





Allah has called Himself, "the Kind, the Gentle" (Ar Rauf) and "the Most Merciful" (Ar Raheem). There is a similarity between these two Names, and we find Allah adorning His Prophet  with them in His Words, "and is gentle, merciful to the believers." (9:128). 





Amongst the Names of Allah is "the Clear Truth" (Al Haqq Al Mubin). "The Truth" (Al Haqq) which is existent, and is an irrefutable reality. "Clear" (Al Mubin) is the One whose Divinity is apparent. Allah calls His Prophet  by clarity saying, "until the truth and a clear Messenger came to them" (43:29). And, "I am a plain warner" (15:89). Allah also refers to him saying, "Say: 'O people! The truth has come to you from your Lord. Whosoever is guided is guided only for himself, and whosoever goes astray, he is astray for himself. I am not a guardian over you." (10:108). And He says, "they belied the truth when it came to them" (6:5). It has been said that the preceding refer to Prophet Muhammad  others say it means the Koran. However, what is understood is that it is the opposite of falsehood. The Prophet's truthfulness and characteristics are an irrefutable reality. "The clear" is he whose actions and message are clear, or the one who clarifies what Allah sent him with. Allah says, "so that you can make clear to people what has been sent down to them" (16:44).





Allah has named Himself "An Noor", meaning "The Light". He is the Possessor of Light, the Creator, and illuminates the heavens and the earth with lights. Allah is the One who enriches the hearts of believers with the light of guidance. In chapter 5 verse 15, Allah tells us "A light has come to you from Allah and a Clear Book." It has been said that the light refers to the Prophet  and it has also been said that it refers to the Koran. Allah calls His Prophet  "a caller to Allah by His permission, a light shedding lamp" (33:46). This verse makes his position clear, confirms his Prophethood and what he brings to mankind illumines the hearts of believers.





Another of the Names of Allah is "The Witness" (Ash Shahid) and bears the meaning of the One who is All-Knowing. Allah calls His Prophet  "a witness" and says, "O Prophet, We have sent you as a witness" (33:46) and, "and that the Messenger be a witness above you" (2:143).





Furthermore, another of the Names of Allah is, "The Generous and Honorable" (Al Karim). It has the attributes of being the One, with whom there is much good. It has also been explained as meaning, "The Overflowing of Generosity", and, "The Forgiving" as well as "the High". Allah calls the Prophet  "Noble". In a prophetic quotation the Prophet  said, "I am the most noble and master of the children of Adam." Each meaning of the name is equally valid for him.





Allah has named Himself "The Mighty" (Al Adhim). And its meaning is the One who is majestic, everything relies upon Him. When He speaks of the Prophet  "Surely, you are of a great morality" (68:4).


 


Allah has named Himself ''The Thankful" (Ash Shakur). This Name bears the meaning of the One who rewards even the smallest action. Scholars have also said that it means, the One who praises those who obey. Allah described Prophet Noah with it saying, "He was truly a thankful worshiper" (17:3). In gratitude for the blessings given to him by his Lord, Prophet Muhammad  said, "Why shouldn't I be a thankful worshiper?" It is recognition of its worth, and praise of Him, as well as striving for increase because Allah says, "If you give thanks, I will increase you" (14:7).





Two of His other Names are "The Knower" (Al Alim), the "Knowing" (Al Allam) the Knower of both the Unseen and Seen. Allah bestowed His Prophet  with the virtue of knowledge from Him. He says, "He taught you what you did not know. The Bounty of Allah to you is ever great" (4:113), and in another verse Allah says, "and teach you that of which you have no knowledge" (2:151). 





He is also called Ash-Sadek (the true) and many hadiths mention the Prophet  as being Ash-Sadek Al Masduq (the truthful and confirmer).


 


Amongst the Names of Allah are, "The Guardian" (Al Wali), and "The Master (Al Mawla), both bear the meaning of Helper. Allah tells us, "Your guide is only Allah, His Messenger" (5:55). In the saying of the Prophet  he said, "I am the guardian of those who believe." Allah says, "The Prophet has a greater right on the believers than their own selves" (33:6). The Prophet  said, "To whomsoever I am his authority, Ali is also his authority." 





Another of the Names of Allah is "The Pardoner" (Al 'Afoe). The meaning of this is that He is the One who acquits. In both the Koran and the Torah Allah refers to the Prophet  by this name, and we find Him commanding Prophet Muhammad  to accept what is easy, saying "Accept the easing" (7:199), and "yet pardon them, and forgive" (5:13). When this verse was revealed to the Prophet  he asked the Archangel Gabriel to expanded upon its meaning. Gabriel replied, "Wait until I ask the One who knows." Upon his return Gabriel said, "O Muhammad, Allah orders you to renew yourself with those who sever themselves from you, and to give to those who refuse to give to you, and forgive those who are unjust to you."





The Prophet  said, "Pardon those who wrong you." He is also described in the Torah as "He is neither coarse, nor harsh, rather he pardons and overlooks."





Amongst the Names of Allah is, "The Guide" (Al Hadi). Allah gives success to whosoever of His worshipers He wills, meaning guidance to His Way and His invitation to them. Allah says, "Allah invites you to the House of Peace. He guides whom He will to a Straight Path" (10:25). 





Allah says, "And you, surely guide to a Straight Path" (42:52), and refers to the Prophet  saying, "a caller to Allah by His permission" (33:46). Allah is the ultimate Guide and says, "You cannot guide whom you please; it is Allah who guides whom He will. He knows well those who are guided" (28:56). In this verse there is an indication to the way in which this attribute can be applied to other than Allah.





He, the Exalted is called, "The Guardian of Faith" (Al Mu'min), "The Protector" (Al Muhaymin), and these Names have similar meanings. Allah's Name Al Mu'min, means that He is the One who confirms His promise to His worshipers. He confirms the truthfulness of His Word and His believing worshipers and Messengers. It has also been explained with the meaning Allah is the One who affirms His Oneness about Himself. It has also been said it means that He is the One who protects His worshiper in this world from injustice. And protects believers in the Everlasting Life from the punishment. Al Muhaymin has been explained as meaning the "Trustworthy". As for Amen (Ameen) it is the word which is used at the end of supplications, and it has been said that it is amongst the Names of Allah and that its meaning is the "Guardian of Faith (Mu'min). As for the "Protector" (Muhaymin) it is said that it means Witness and the Protector.





The Prophet  was given names Al Ameen, Al Mu'min, Al Muhaymin. Well before his prophethood, he was known as Al Ameen.





Allah says, "he believes in Allah and trusts the believers" (9:61). Meaning the Prophet  confirms with the truth. The Prophet  said, "I am the trustworthy of my Companions." This also means the Prophet is Al Mu'min (witness and protector)





"The Pure" (Al Quddus), is another of the Names of Allah, and means the One detached from all imperfections, and pure from the characteristics of creation. The Mosque in Jerusalem, (Bayt Al Maqdis) is so called, because it was there that a person can be purified of sin, and also "purified" was used in the purified valley, "For you are in Towa, the sacred valley" (20:12)", and the Pure Spirit (Gabriel) "and supported him with the Spirit of Purity (Gabriel)" (2:87).





In the previous scriptures of the prophets Prophet Muhammad’s name is recorded as being "purified" which means being in the status of purified from all sins, Allah told him, "that Allah forgives your past and future sins" (48:2), or it is said to mean that, it is by him people are purified, by his being in the status of no sin, and that by following the Prophet  they are freed from sin as Allah says, "to purify them" (62:2). Of his Prophet  Allah says, "By His permission He takes them out from darkness to the light" (5:16). It has also been said that its meaning is the status of purity from all blameworthy qualities and baseness.





Allah is called "The Mighty" (Al Aziz), and this name means having absolute power, conqueror and victor, or, the One of whom there is no likeness, or gives power to others. Allah tells us, "But the might belongs to Allah, and His Messenger" (63:8).





Allah called Himself "The Bringer of Glad Tidings and Warning". He says, "Their Lord gives them glad tidings of mercy from Him” (9:21). And, "Allah gives you glad tidings of John" (3:39) and "Allah gives you glad tidings of a Word (Be) from Him" (3:45). Allah speaks of Prophet Muhammad  as being the bearer of glad tidings, as a warner and a herald, in other words, some one who conveys good news to those who obey Allah and warns those who disbelieve and disobey.