The Virtues of the Seal of the Prophets
Khaalid Abu Saalih
"How ugly for the Muslims to fail to know of the virtues of their Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him. It is a shame that they do not know what Allah, Glorified and Exalted, has singled him out from the miracles and honors in this worldly life and the Hereafter."
- Categories: Love of the Prophet -
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
All the praises and thanks be to Allâh, Who guided us to Islam. Prayers and peace of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, the best of the creation, and upon all his family and companions, the noble masters.
I quote the words of imam Al-Âjeri, may Allah have mercy on him, "How ugly for the Muslims to fail to know of the virtues of their Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him. It is a shame that they do not know what Allah, Glorified and Exalted, has singled him out from the miracles and honors in this worldly life and the Hereafter."
The virtues of our Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, are as abundant as the drops of the rain. They are as many as the number of the leaves of trees. They are as innumerous as the grains of sand of the deserts and the waters of the seas. Allah says, {Allâh has sent down to you the Book (The Qur’ân), and Al-Hikmah (Islâmic laws, knowledge of legal and illegal things i.e. the Prophet’s Sunnah - legal ways), and taught you that which you knew not. And Ever Great is the Grace of Allâh unto you (O Muhammad).} [Surat An-Nisâ': 113]
{وَأَنزَلَ اللَّـهُ عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَعَلَّمَكَ مَا لَمْ تَكُن تَعْلَمُ ۚ وَكَانَ فَضْلُ اللَّـهِ عَلَيْكَ عَظِيمًا}
How can someone like me calculate the virtues of the teacher of humanity, the jewel of the crown of humanity, and the best person who trod on the ground? He is the seal of the Prophets and the most noble of the creations, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him.
He has created him in a perfect image,
Then the Creator of humankind has chosen him a favorite.
His virtues are unique,
His essence of goodness has no partner.
How can someone like me get acquainted with the praiseworthy attributes of this who has been praised by his Lord, who has been favored by Him to others, and who has been mentioned by every beautiful and good qualities? He is of lofty status and glory. He is honorable, noble, lofty, classy, virtuous, praiseworthy, righteous, and decent.
His virtues are perfect that if he gives the full moon some of his light,
None of his light will be out of sight.
How much his describers spend in describing his attributes,
Time will end while his attributes will not.
Although we acknowledge our inability to completely grasp all the aspect of these Mohammedan greatnesses and prophetic virtues, we will mention what comes to our minds of them of what have been mentioned in the Book and Sunnah. This is to remind our Muslim brothers and us of the virtues of this noble Prophet.
These virtues include:
1- The description of the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, as the general and special mercy.
Allah Almighty says, {And We have sent you (O Muhammad): not but as a mercy for the ‘Âlamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists).} [Surat Al-Anbiyâ': 107]
{وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ إِلَّا رَحْمَةً لِّلْعَالَمِينَ
Allah also says, {And He is Ever Most Merciful to the believers.} [Surat Al-Ahzâb: 43]
{وَكَانَ بِالْمُؤْمِنِينَ رَحِيمًا}
The Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said, "I am but a mercy that is gifted [to the creation of Allah]." [Reported by Al-Hâkim. It is classified as authentic by Al-Albâni]
2- The description of the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, as the one with the great exalted character.
Allah Almighty says, {And Verily, you (O Muhammad) are on an exalted (standard of) character.} [Surat Al-Qalam: 4]
{وَإِنَّكَ لَعَلَىٰ خُلُقٍ عَظِيمٍ}
The Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said, "I has been sent to complete the great morals." [Reported by At-Tabarâni and Al-Hâkim. It is classified as authentic by Al-Albâni]
3- The description of the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, as being observant and compassionate about his nation.
Allah Almighty says, {Verily, there has come unto you a Messenger (Muhammad) from amongst yourselves (i.e. whom you know well). It grieves him that you should receive any injury or difficulty. He (Muhammad) is anxious over you (to be rightly guided, to repent to Allâh, and beg Him to pardon and forgive your sins in order that you may enter Paradise and be saved from the punishment of the Hell-fire); for the believers (he is) full of pity, kind, and merciful.} [Surat At-Tawbah: 128]
{لَقَدْ جَاءَكُمْ رَسُولٌ مِّنْ أَنفُسِكُمْ عَزِيزٌ عَلَيْهِ مَا عَنِتُّمْ حَرِيصٌ عَلَيْكُم بِالْمُؤْمِنِينَ رَءُوفٌ رَّحِيمٌ}
The Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said, "My similitude and your similitude is like a man who saw the enemy and went to guard his people, but, being afraid they might get there before him, he shouted, 'Be on your guard!'" [Reported by Muslim]
4- The description of the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, as being gentle and not harsh-hearted.
Allah Almighty says, {And by the Mercy of Allâh, you dealt with them gently. And had you been severe and harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about you} [Surat Âl-Imrân: 159]
{فَبِمَا رَحْمَةٍ مِّنَ اللَّـهِ لِنتَ لَهُمْ ۖ وَلَوْ كُنتَ فَظًّا غَلِيظَ الْقَلْبِ لَانفَضُّوا مِنْ حَوْلِكَ}
5- Obeying him is obligatory and is linked to escaping (from Hellfire).
Allah says, {And obey Allâh and the Messenger (Muhammad) that you may obtain mercy.} [Surat Âl-Imrân: 132]
{وَأَطِيعُوا اللَّـهَ وَالرَّسُولَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ}
6- Obeying him is joined to the obedience of Allah Almighty.
Allah Almighty says, {He who obeys the Messenger (Muhammad), has indeed obeyed Allâh,} [Surat An-Nisâ': 80]
{مَّن يُطِعِ الرَّسُولَ فَقَدْ أَطَاعَ اللَّـهَ}
7- It is forbidden to disobey him, and he who disobeys him is doomed.
Allah Almighty says, {On that day those who disbelieved and disobeyed the Messenger (Muhammad) will wish that they were buried in the earth, but they will never be able to hide a single fact from Allâh.} [Surat An-Nisâ': 42]
{يَوْمَئِذٍ يَوَدُّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا وَعَصَوُا الرَّسُولَ لَوْ تُسَوَّىٰ بِهِمُ الْأَرْضُ وَلَا يَكْتُمُونَ اللَّـهَ حَدِيثًا}
He also says, {Say (O Muhammad): "Obey Allâh and the Messenger (Muhammad)." But if they turn away, then Allâh does not like the disbelievers} [Surat Âl-Imrân: 32]
{قُلْ أَطِيعُوا اللَّـهَ وَالرَّسُولَۖ فَإِن تَوَلَّوْا فَإِنَّ اللَّـهَ لَا يُحِبُّ الْكَافِرِينَ}
the Almighty also says, {And let those who oppose the Messenger’s (Muhammad) commandment (i.e. his Sunnah - legal ways, orders, acts of worship, statements) (among the sects) beware, lest some Fitnah (disbelief, trials, afflictions, earthquakes, killing, overpowered by a tyrant) should befall them or a painful torment be inflicted on them.} [Surat An-Nûr: 63]
{فَلْيَحْذَرِ الَّذِينَ يُخَالِفُونَ عَنْ أَمْرِهِ أَن تُصِيبَهُمْ فِتْنَةٌ أَوْ يُصِيبَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ}
The Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said, "All my followers will enter Paradise except those who refuse." The companions said, "O Messenger of Allah! Who will refuse?" He said, "Whoever obeys me will enter Paradise, and whoever disobeys me is the one who refuses (to enter it)." [Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
8- It is obligatory that we love him, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him.
Allah Almighty says, {Say: If your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your wives, your kindred, the wealth that you have gained, the commerce in which you fear a decline, and the dwellings in which you delight are dearer to you than Allâh and His Messenger, and striving hard and fighting in His Cause, then wait until Allâh brings about His Decision (torment). And Allâh guides not the people who are Al-Fâsiqûn (the rebellious, disobedient to Allâh).} Surat At-Tawbah: 24]
{قُلْ إِن كَانَ آبَاؤُكُمْ وَأَبْنَاؤُكُمْ وَإِخْوَانُكُمْ وَأَزْوَاجُكُمْ وَعَشِيرَتُكُمْ وَأَمْوَالٌ اقْتَرَفْتُمُوهَا وَتِجَارَةٌ تَخْشَوْنَ كَسَادَهَا وَمَسَاكِنُ تَرْضَوْنَهَا أَحَبَّ إِلَيْكُم مِّنَ اللَّـهِ وَرَسُولِهِ وَجِهَادٍ فِي سَبِيلِهِ فَتَرَبَّصُوا حَتَّىٰ يَأْتِيَ اللَّـهُ بِأَمْرِهِ ۗ وَاللَّـهُ لَا يَهْدِي الْقَوْمَ الْفَاسِقِينَ}
The Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said, "None of you is completely a believer unless I become more beloved to him than his father, son, and all people." [Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
9- He is, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, is closer to man than man himself.
Allah Almighty says, {The Prophet is closer to the believers than their ownselves,} [Surat Al-Ahzâb: 6]
{ النَّبِيُّ أَوْلَىٰ بِالْمُؤْمِنِينَ مِنْ أَنفُسِهِمْ}
When 'Umar ibn Al-Khattâb said to the Prophet, "O Messenger of Allah, you are dearer to me than everything except my own self," the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, said to him, "No, by Him in Whose Hand my soul is, (you will not have complete Faith) till I am dearer to you than your own self." Then 'Umar said to him, "Now, by Allah, you are dearer to me than my own self." Upon which the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, said to him, "Now, O 'Umar, (now you are a believer)." [Reported by Al-Bukhari]
10- Venerating and glorifying him, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, alive and dead.
Allah Almighty says, {Verily, We have sent you (O Muhammad) as a witness, as a bearer of glad tidings, and as a warner [8]. In order that you (O mankind) may believe in Allâh and His Messenger (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him), and that you assist and honour him (the Prophet), and (that you) glorify (Allâh’s) praises morning and afternoon.} [Surat Al-Fath: 8-9]
{ إِنَّا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ شَاهِدًا وَمُبَشِّرًا وَنَذِيرًا (8) لِّتُؤْمِنُوا بِاللَّـهِ وَرَسُولِهِ وَتُعَزِّرُوهُ وَتُوَقِّرُوهُ وَتُسَبِّحُوهُ بُكْرَةً وَأَصِيلًا}
11- It is prohibited to raise the voice above his voice, alive and dead.
Allah Almighty says, {O you who believe! Raise not your voices above the voice of the Prophet (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him), nor speak aloud to him in talk as you speak aloud to one another, lest your deeds should be rendered fruitless while you perceive not.} [Surat Al-Hujurât: 2]
{يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَرْفَعُوا أَصْوَاتَكُمْ فَوْقَ صَوْتِ النَّبِيِّ وَلَا تَجْهَرُوا لَهُ بِالْقَوْلِ كَجَهْرِ بَعْضِكُمْ لِبَعْضٍ أَن تَحْبَطَ أَعْمَالُكُمْ وَأَنتُمْ لَا تَشْعُرُونَ}
12- It is obligatory to ask Allah to send His salat on the Prophet.
Allah Almighty says, {Allâh sends His Salât (Graces, Honours, Blessings, Mercy) on the Prophet (Muhammad), and also His angels (ask Allâh to bless and forgive him). O you who believe! Send your Salât on (ask Allâh to bless) him (Muhammad), and (you should) greet (salute) him with the Islâmic way of greeting (salutation i.e. As-Salâmu ‘Alaikum ).} [Surat Al-Ahzâb: 56]
{ إِنَّ اللَّـهَ وَمَلَائِكَتَهُ يُصَلُّونَ عَلَى النَّبِيِّ ۚ يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا صَلُّوا عَلَيْهِ وَسَلِّمُوا تَسْلِيمًا}
Moreover, the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said, "Let him be humbled, the man who does not ask Allah to send His salat on me when I am mentioned where he is present." [Reported by Muslim]
13- His nation is forbidden to call him by the name.
Allah Almighty says, {Make not the calling of the Messenger (Muhammad) among you as your calling one of another.} [Surat An-Nûr: 63]
{لَّا تَجْعَلُوا دُعَاءَ الرَّسُولِ بَيْنَكُمْ كَدُعَاءِ بَعْضِكُم بَعْضًا}
14- The Prophets are called by their names except our Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him.
Allah Almighty has called each Prophet with his name. Allah says, {O Adam! Dwell} [Surat Al-Baqarah: 35],
{يَا آدَمُ اسْكُنْ}
{O Nûh (Noah)! Come down (from the ship)} [Surat Hûd: 48],
{يَا نُوحُ اهْبِطْ}
{O Ibrâhîm (Abraham)! Forsake this.} [Surat Hûd: 76],
{يَا إِبْرَاهِيمُ أَعْرِضْ عَنْ هَـٰذَا}
{O Mûsâ (Moses) I have chosen you above men} [Surat Al-A'râf: 144],
{يَا مُوسَىٰ إِنِّي اصْطَفَيْتُكَ}
and {O ‘Îsâ (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary)! Remember} [Surat Al-Mâ'idah: 110]
{يَا عِيسَى ابْنَ مَرْيَمَ اذْكُرْ}
However, Allah has not spoken to our Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, by the name in glorification for him. Rather, He says, {O Prophet (Muhammad)! Verily, We have sent you as witness, and a bearer of glad tidings, and a warner,} [Surat Al-Ahzâb: 45]
{يَا أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ إِنَّا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ شَاهِدًا وَمُبَشِّرًا وَنَذِيرًا}
and {O Messenger (Muhammad)! Proclaim (the Message) which has been sent down to you from your Lord.} [Surat Al-Mâ'idah: 67]
{يَا أَيُّهَا الرَّسُولُ بَلِّغْ مَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْكَ مِن رَّبِّكَ}
When his name was mentioned, it was combined with mentioning the Message. Allah Almighty says, {Muhammad is no more than a Messenger, and indeed (many) Messengers have passed away before him.} [Surat Âl-Imrân: 144]
{وَمَا مُحَمَّدٌ إِلَّا رَسُولٌ قَدْ خَلَتْ مِن قَبْلِهِ الرُّسُلُ}
and {Muhammad is the Messenger of Allâh.} [Surat Al-Fath: 29]
{ مُّحَمَّدٌ رَّسُولُ اللَّـهِ}
When he was mentioned with Ibrâhîm, peace be upon him, Ibrâhîm was mentioned by name while he was mentioned by title. Allah says, {Verily, among mankind who have the best claim to Ibrâhîm (Abraham) are those who followed him, and this Prophet (Muhammad)} [Surat Âl-Imrân: 68]
{ إِنَّ أَوْلَى النَّاسِ بِإِبْرَاهِيمَ لَلَّذِينَ اتَّبَعُوهُ وَهَـٰذَا النَّبِيُّ}
15- His heart, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, is opened.
Allah Almighty says, {Have We not opened your breast for you (O Muhammad)?} [Surat Ash-Sharh: 1]
{ أَلَمْ نَشْرَحْ لَكَ صَدْرَكَ}
16- His fame, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, is raised high.
Allah Almighty says, {And have We not raised high your fame?} [Surat Ash-Sharh: 4]
{وَرَفَعْنَا لَكَ ذِكْرَكَ}
Honorable, he has the seal of Prophethood,
His signs are blessed and testifying.
Allah has joined the name of the Prophet to His,
Five times, in the adhan, "I bear witness" is said.
His name is derived from His name,
The Owner of the Throne is Mahmûd (praised) and he is Muhammad (the praising).
17- His Message is general (for all people for all the times and ages).
Allah Almighty says, {And We have not sent you (O Muhammad) except as a giver of glad tidings and a warner to all mankind,} [Surat Saba': 28]
{وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ إِلَّا كَافَّةً لِّلنَّاسِ}
Moreover, the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said, "By Him in Whose Hand is the life of Muhammad, he who amongst the community of Jews or Christians hears about me but does not affirm his belief in that with which I have been sent and dies in this state (of disbelief), he shall be but one of the denizens of Hellfire." [Reported by Muslim]
18- The Covenant of the Prophets is taken for him.
Allah Almighty says, {And (remember) when Allâh took the Covenant of the Prophets, saying: "Take whatever I gave you from the Book and Hikmah (understanding of the Laws of Allâh), and afterwards there will come to you a Messenger (Muhammad) confirming what is with you; you must, then, believe in him and help him." Allâh said: "Do you agree (to it) and will you take up My Covenant (which I conclude with you)?" They said: "We agree." He said: "Then bear witness; and I am with you among the witnesses (for this)."} [Surat Âl-Imrân: 81]
{وَإِذْ أَخَذَ اللَّـهُ مِيثَاقَ النَّبِيِّينَ لَمَا آتَيْتُكُم مِّن كِتَابٍ وَحِكْمَةٍ ثُمَّ جَاءَكُمْ رَسُولٌ مُّصَدِّقٌ لِّمَا مَعَكُمْ لَتُؤْمِنُنَّ بِهِ وَلَتَنصُرُنَّهُ ۚ قَالَ أَأَقْرَرْتُمْ وَأَخَذْتُمْ عَلَىٰ ذَٰلِكُمْ إِصْرِي ۖ قَالُوا أَقْرَرْنَا ۚ قَالَ فَاشْهَدُوا وَأَنَا مَعَكُم مِّنَ الشَّاهِدِينَ}
19- Allah is his advocate.
When they (the disbelievers) said that he was a poet, Allah said, {And We have not taught him (Muhammad) poetry, nor is it suitable for him.} [Surat Yâ-Sîn: 69]
{وَمَا عَلَّمْنَاهُ الشِّعْرَ وَمَا يَنبَغِي لَهُ}
When they said that he was a soothsayer, Allah said, {Nor is it the word of a soothsayer (or a foreteller)} [Surat Al-Hâqqah: 42]
{وَلَا بِقَوْلِ كَاهِنٍ}
When they said that he was mad, Allah said, {You (O Muhammad), by the Grace of your Lord, are not mad.} [Surat Al-Qalam: 2]
{مَا أَنتَ بِنِعْمَةِ رَبِّكَ بِمَجْنُونٍ}
When they said that he had gone astray, Allah said, {Your companion (Muhammad) has neither gone astray nor has erred.} [Surat An-Najm: 2]
{ مَا ضَلَّ صَاحِبُكُمْ وَمَا غَوَى}
20- Allah Almighty has taken an oath by his life.
Allah Almighty says, {Verily, by your life (O Muhammad), in their wild intoxication, they were wandering blindly.} [Surat Al-Hijr: 72]
{لَعَمْرُكَ إِنَّهُمْ لَفِي سَكْرَتِهِمْ يَعْمَهُونَ }
21- He, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, does not speak out of his own desire.
Allah Almighty says, {Nor does he speak of (his own) desire. (3) It is only a Revelation revealed.} [Surat An-Najm: 3-4]
{وَمَا يَنطِقُ عَنِ الْهَوَىٰ* إِنْ هُوَ إِلَّا وَحْيٌ يُوحَىٰ }
21- It is forbidden to make a decision before the Prophet.
Allah Almighty says, {O you who believe! Make not (a decision) in advance before Allâh and His Messenger, and fear Allâh.} [Surat Al-Hujurât: 1]
{يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تُقَدِّمُوا بَيْنَ يَدَيِ اللَّـهِ وَرَسُولِهِ ۖ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّـهَ}
23- Giving a pledge for him is giving a pledge for Allah.
Allah Almighty says, {Verily, those who give Bai‘ah (pledge) to you (O Muhammad) they are giving Bai‘ah (pledge) to Allâh.} [Surat Al-Fath: 10]
{إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يُبَايِعُونَكَ إِنَّمَا يُبَايِعُونَ اللَّـهَ }
24- He, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, is the seal of the Prophets.
Allah Almighty says, {Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allâh and the last (end) of the Prophets.} [Surat Al-Ahzâb: 40]
{مَّا كَانَ مُحَمَّدٌ أَبَا أَحَدٍ مِّن رِّجَالِكُمْ وَلَـٰكِن رَّسُولَ اللَّـهِ وَخَاتَمَ النَّبِيِّينَ ۗ }
In addition, the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said, "My similitude in comparison with the other Prophets before me, is that of a man who has built a house nicely and beautifully, except for a place of one brick in a corner. The people go about it and wonder at its beauty, but say, 'Would that this brick be put in its place!' So I am that brick, and I am the last of the Prophets." [Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
25- Forgiveness is mentioned before the gentle reproach in speaking with him.
Allah Almighty says, {May Allâh forgive you (O Muhammad). Why did you grant them leave (for remaining behind; you should have persisted as regards your order to them to proceed on Jihâd),} [Surat At-Tawbah: 43]
{عَفَا اللَّـهُ عَنكَ لِمَ أَذِنتَ لَهُمْ}
26- He is given the River of Al-Kauthar.
Allah Almighty says, {Verily, We have granted you (O Muhammad) Al-Kauthar (a river in Paradise).} [Surat Al-Kauthar: 1]
{إِنَّا أَعْطَيْنَاكَ الْكَوْثَرَ}
27- Allah protects him from people and He suffices him from their plots.
Allah Almighty says, {Allâh will protect you from mankind.} [Surat Al-Mâ'idah: 67]
{وَاللَّـهُ يَعْصِمُكَ مِنَ النَّاسِ}
and {Truly! We will suffice you against the scoffers,} [Surat Al-Hijr: 95]
{إِنَّا كَفَيْنَاكَ الْمُسْتَهْزِئِينَ}
Moreover, He, the Almighty, says, {For he who hates you (O Muhammad), he will be cut off (from posterity and every good thing in this world and in the Hereafter).} [Surat Al-Kauthar: 3]
{إِنَّ شَانِئَكَ هُوَ الْأَبْتَرُ}
28- Allah and His angels bear witness that he is the Messenger.
Allah Almighty says, {Allâh knows that you are indeed His Messenger,} [Surat Al-Munâfiqûn: 1]
{وَاللَّـهُ يَعْلَمُ إِنَّكَ لَرَسُولُهُ}
Allah Also says, {But Allâh bears witness to that which He has sent down (the Qur’ân) unto you (O Muhammad); He has sent it down with His Knowledge, and the angels bear witness. And Allâh is All-Sufficient as a Witness.} [Surat An-Nisâ': 166]
{لَّـٰكِنِ اللَّـهُ يَشْهَدُ بِمَا أَنزَلَ إِلَيْكَ ۖ أَنزَلَهُ بِعِلْمِهِ ۖ وَالْمَلَائِكَةُ يَشْهَدُونَ ۚ وَكَفَىٰ بِاللَّـهِ شَهِيدًا
رَبَّنَا وَابْعَثْ فِيهِمْ رَسُولًا مِّنْهُمْ يَتْلُو عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتِكَ وَيُعَلِّمُهُمُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَيُزَكِّيهِمْ}
29- The Prophets, peace be upon them, have invoked Allah for him to be sent. In addition, they have given the glad tidings of his message.
Allah Almighty says, {Our Lord! Send amongst them a Messenger of their own (and indeed Allâh answered their invocation by sending Muhammad), who shall recite unto them Your Verses and instruct them in the Book (this Qur’ân) and Al-Hikmah (full knowledge of the Islâmic laws and jurisprudence or wisdom or Prophethood), and purify them.} [Surat Al-Baqarah: 129]
{رَبَّنَا وَابْعَثْ فِيهِمْ رَسُولًا مِّنْهُمْ يَتْلُو عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتِكَ وَيُعَلِّمُهُمُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَيُزَكِّيهِمْ}
Moreover, Allah Almighty says, {And (remember) when ‘Îsâ (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), said: "O Children of Israel! I am the Messenger of Allâh unto you, confirming the Taurât [(Torah) which came] before me, and giving glad tidings of a Messenger to come after me, whose name shall be Ahmad. But when he (Ahmad i.e. Muhammad) came to them with clear proofs, they said: "This is plain magic."} [Surat As-Saf: 6]
{وَإِذْ قَالَ عِيسَى ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ يَا بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ إِنِّي رَسُولُ اللَّـهِ إِلَيْكُم مُّصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيَّ مِنَ التَّوْرَاةِ وَمُبَشِّرًا بِرَسُولٍ يَأْتِي مِن بَعْدِي اسْمُهُ أَحْمَدُ ۖ فَلَمَّا جَاءَهُم بِالْبَيِّنَاتِ قَالُوا هَـٰذَا سِحْرٌ مُّبِينٌ}
30- He, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has been mentioned in the Holy Books.
Allah Almighty says, {Those who follow the Messenger, the Prophet who can neither read nor write (i.e. Muhammad) whom they find written with them in the Taurât (Torah) (Deut, xviii 15) and the Injeel (Gospel) (John xiv, 16).} [Surat Al-A'râf: 157]
{الَّذِينَ يَتَّبِعُونَ الرَّسُولَ النَّبِيَّ الْأُمِّيَّ الَّذِي يَجِدُونَهُ مَكْتُوبًا عِندَهُمْ فِي التَّوْرَاةِ وَالْإِنجِيلِ}
31- He, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, is a good example and a role model.
Allah Almighty says, {Indeed in the Messenger of Allâh (Muhammad) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes for (the Meeting with) Allâh and the Last Day, and remembers Allâh much.} [Surat Al-Ahzâb: 21]
{لَّقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِي رَسُولِ اللَّـهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ لِّمَن كَانَ يَرْجُو اللَّـهَ وَالْيَوْمَ الْآخِرَ وَذَكَرَ اللَّـهَ كَثِيرًا}
32- He, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has pure sharp heart and vision.
Allah Almighty says, {The (Prophet’s) heart lied not in what he (Muhammad) saw.} [Surat An-Najm: 11]
{مَا كَذَبَ الْفُؤَادُ مَا رَأَىٰ}
and {The sight (of Prophet Muhammad) turned not aside (right or left), nor it transgressed beyond the limit (ordained for it).} [Surat An-Najm: 17]
{مَا زَاغَ الْبَصَرُ وَمَا طَغَىٰ}
33- Allah Almighty is the One Who taught him and made him to read.
Allah Almighty says, {and taught you that which you knew not.} [Surat An-Nisâ': 113]
{وَعَلَّمَكَ مَا لَمْ تَكُن تَعْلَمُ}
and {We shall make you to recite (the Qur’ân), so you (O Muhammad) shall not forget (it),} [Surat Al-A'lâ: 6]
{سَنُقْرِئُكَ فَلَا تَنسَىٰ}
34- Allah Almighty is the One Who raised, guided, and made him rich.
Allah Almighty says, {Did He not find you (O Muhammad) an orphan and gave you a refuge? (6) And He found you unaware (of the Qur’ân, its laws, and Prophethood) and guided you? (7) And He found you poor and made you rich (self-sufficient with self-contentment)?} [Surat Ad-Dhuhâ: 6-8]
{}
35- Allah Almighty has supported and strengthened him.
Allah Almighty says, {He it is Who has supported you with His Help.} [Surat Al-Anfâl: 62]
{هُوَ الَّذِي أَيَّدَكَ بِنَصْرِهِ}
and {and strengthened him with forces (angels) which you saw not,} [Surat At-Tawbah: 40]
{وَأَيَّدَهُ بِجُنُودٍ لَّمْ تَرَوْهَ}
36- He, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, is favored to other Prophets.
The Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said, "I have been given superiority over the other Prophets in six respects. I have been given words which are concise but comprehensive in meaning. I have been helped by terror (in the hearts of enemies). The spoils have been made lawful to me. The earth has been made for me clean and a place of worship. I have been sent to all mankind and the line of Prophets is closed with me." [Reported by Muslim]
37- The Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, will be the first to enter Paradise.
The Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said, "I will come to the gate of Paradise on the Day of Resurrection and would seek its opening. The keeper would say, 'Who are you?' I would say, 'Muhammad.' He would then say, 'It is for you that I have been ordered, and not to open it for anyone before you.'" [Reported by Muslim]
38- The Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, is the intercessor (on the Day of Judgment).
The Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said, "Every Prophet has an invocation, which he invoked Allah with and has been responded to. However, I have made my invocation to intercede for my nation on the Day of Judgment." [Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
39- He is the master of people on the Day of Judgment.
The Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said, "I am the master of the sons of Adam on the Day of Judgment, no pride. In my hand is the banner of praise, no pride. There is not a Prophet that day, Adam and all other Prophets, except under my flag. I am the first intercessor and the first intercessor whose intercession is accepted, no pride." [Reported by Ahmed and At-Tirmidhi. It is classified as authentic by Al-Albani.]
40- He, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has the most followers on the Day of Judgment.
The Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said, "I am amongst the Prophets who has the most followers on the Day of Judgment." [Reported by Muslim]
41- He, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has been given the most concise eloquent and clear words.
The Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said, "I have been given the opening words, the most concise but comprehensive in meaning words, and the closing clear words." [Reported by Ahmed and At-Tabarani. It is classified as authentic by Al-Albani.]
42- He, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, is the owner of Al-Wasîlah, which is the highest rank in Paradise.
The Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said, "When you hear the Mu'adhdhin, repeat what he says, then ask Allah to send His Salât (Graces, Honors, Blessings, Mercy) on me, for everyone who asks Allah to send His Salât on me once, Allah would send His Salât on him ten times. Then beg from Allah al-Wasila for me, which is a rank in Paradise fitting for only one of the slaves of Allah, and I hope that I may be that one. If anyone who asks that I be given the al-Wasila, he will be assured of my intercession." [Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
43- He, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, is the owner of Al-Maqâm Al-Mahmûd.
Allah Almighty says, {It may be that your Lord will raise you to Maqâm Mahmûd (a station of praise and glory, i.e. the honour of intercession on the Day of Resurrection.)} [Surat Al-Isrâ': 79]
{عَسَىٰ أَن يَبْعَثَكَ رَبُّكَ مَقَامًا مَّحْمُودًا}
Ibn Abbas said, "Muhammad, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has a status with his Lord that no sent Prophet or a close angel can come near to. Allah Glorified and Exalted, shows His creation his virtues over all those of old, and those of later times."
44- He, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, is the first to pass the Sirât (the thin Path or Bridge to Paradise).
He, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said, "… and I will be the first to pass (the Sirât)." [Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
45- 44- He, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, is the most pious of the creation. He has the best soul and house.
He, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said, "I am the most pious among you to Allah and the most knowing of His Limits." [Reported by Ahmed. It is classified as authentic by Al-Albani]
He, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has also said, "I am Muhammad, the son of Abdulla ibn Abd Al-Muttalib. Allah Almighty has created the creation and put me in their best. He has made them in two parties and put me in the better party. He has made them tribes and put me in the best tribe. He has made them households and put me in the best household. Therefore, I am the best in household and the best in soul." [Reported by Ahmed and Abu Dawûd. It is classified as authentic by Al-Albani]
46- He, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, is the owner of the Fountain on the Day of Judgment.
The Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said, "I am your predecessor at the Fountain. I will be waiting for some of you to be brought in front of me till I will know them and then they will be taken away from me. Upon which I will say, 'O Lord, (these are) my companions! O Lord, (these are) my companions!' He will say, 'You do not know what new things they introduced (into the religion) after you.'" [Reported by Al-Bukhari]
We ask Allah to make us from the people whom he will intercede to. We ask Him that He make him give us from his noble hand a sip that will make us never be thirsty afterwards. All the praises and thanks be to Allâh, the Lord of the ‘Âlamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists).
Prepared by Khalid Abu Salih
Dar Al-Watan