The Names of the Prophet (SAW)

Read the first part, Love of the Prophet

2a. The Praised One

The name Muhammad is the derived object from the verb “hamd” which means to praise exceedingly. Thus, he is the one who is praised exceedingly. Scholars offer the following reasons as to why:

• He is the most praised by Allah and the angels.
• His name is mentioned in the Adhan and Salam, which are repeated frequently throughout the day.
• His name would go on to be the most used.

2b. The story behind His Name

The books of Sirah mention that the Prophet (SAW) was named by him grandfather, Abdul Muttalib. When Abdul Muttalib was asked why he named his grandchild a name unknown by his relatives and the people, he responded, “I hope that he will be one who is praised in the heavens and earth.”

2c. His Lineage

Muhammad Ibn ‘Abdullaah Ibn ‘Abdul-Muttalib (who was called Shaybah) Ibn Haashim, (named ‘Amr) Ibn ‘Abd Munaf (called Al-Mugheera) Ibn Qusayy (also called Zayd) Ibn Kilaab Ibn Murrah Ibn Ka’b Ibn Lu’ayy Ibn Ghaalib Ibn Fahr (who was called Quraysh and whose tribe was called after him) Ibn Maalik Ibn An-Nadr (so called Qays) Ibn Kinaanah Ibn Khuzaymah Ibn Mudrikah (who was called ‘Amir) Ibn Elias Ibn Mudar Ibn Nizar Ibn Ma’ad Ibn Adnaan. (Reported by Bukhari)

Ibn Al Qayyim mentions that the scholars are in agreement, up and until ‘Adnan. Thereafter, they differ not only on the names, but also the number separating him and Prophet Ibrahim (As).

2d. His Other Names

A principle in the Arabic language states, “The more names an object has, the more prestigious and maginificient it is.” Based on this principle, we realize why Allah and the Day of Judgment has so many names.

When it comes to the names of the Prophet (SAW) scholars have attempted to enumerate them. Imam Al Suyuti came up with roughly 500 different names. Where the Maliki scholar ibn al Arabi lists close to a thousand different names for the Prophet (SAW).

Here is a small glimpse into those names:

It is related that Jubayr ibn Mut’im said that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “I have five names: I am Muhammad and Ahmad. I am al-Mahi, the Effacer by whom Allah will efface disbelief. I am al-Hashir, the gatherer, after whom people will be gathered, and I am al-‘Aqib (there will no Prophet after me.)”  (Sahih Al Bukhari)

2e. His mention in the Scriptures

2e.1. The Qur’an

Muhammad is but a messenger, messengers (the like of whom) have passed away before him. Will it be that, when he dieth or is slain, ye will turn back on your heels? He who turneth back on doth no hurt to Allah, and Allah will reward the thankful. (3:144)

Muhammad is not the father of any man among you, but he is the messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets; and Allah is ever Aware of all things. (33:40)

And those who believe and do good works and believe in that which is revealed unto Muhammad – and it is the truth from their Lord – He riddeth them of their ill-deeds and improveth their state. (47:2)

Muhammad is the messenger of Allah. And those with him are hard against the disbelievers and merciful among themselves. Thou (O Muhammad) seest them bowing and falling prostrate (in worship), seeking bounty from Allah and (His) acceptance. The mark of them is on their foreheads from the traces of prostration. Such is their likeness in the Torah and their likeness in the Gospel – like as sown corn that sendeth forth its shoot and strengtheneth it and riseth firm upon its stalk, delighting the sowers – that He may enrage the disbelievers with (the sight of) them. Allah hath promised, unto such of them as believe and do good works, forgiveness and immense reward. (48:29)

2e.2. The Torah and the Gospels

And the LORD said unto me, They have well [spoken that] which they have spoken. I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require [it] of him. (Deuteronomy 18:17-19)

And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned. (Isaiah 29:12)

“Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you”. (John 16:7)

The disciples answered, “O Master, who shall that man be of whom you speak, who shall come into the world?” Jesus answered with joy of heart: ‘He is Muhammad;, Messenger of God, and when he comes into the world, even as the rain makes the earth to bear fruit when for a long time it has not rained, even so shall he be occasion of good works among men, through the abundant mercy which he shall bring. For he is a white cloud full of the mercy of God, which mercy God shall sprinkle upon the faithful like rain.’ (Barnabas 163)

Jesus answered: ‘Believe me, Barnabas, that every sin, however small it be, God punishes with great punishment, seeing that God is offended at sin. Wherefore, since my mother and my faithful disciples that were with me loved me a little with earthly love, the righteous God has willed to punish this love with the present grief, in order that it may not be punished in the flames of hell.
And though I have been innocent in the world, since men have called me “God,” and “Son of God,” God, in order that I be not mocked of the demons on the day of judgment, has willed that I be mocked of men in this world by the death of Judas;, making all men to believe that I died upon the cross. And this mocking shall continue until the advent of Muhammad, the Messenger of God, who, when he shall come, shall reveal this deception to those who believe in God’s Law. Having thus spoken, Jesus said: ‘You are just, O Lord our God, because to you only belongs honour and glory without end.’ (Barnabas 220)

The next part: Characteristics of the Prophet (SAW)