بسم ﷲ الرحمٰن الرحیم
Our beloved Prophet ﷺ as Ahmad, Muhammad and Mahmood(ﷺ)
Neha Zafar
TIL Women English – Year 2
Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
I have names. I am Muhammad and Ahmad.
(Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the final messenger of Allah, is honored by many names that reflect his noble character and profound connection with the Divine. Among these names, Ahmad, Muhammad, and Mahmood hold particular significance. Each name highlights a different facet of his personality and mission.
Muhammad (محمد ﷺ) – The Praised One
The name Muhammad (محمد) comes from the Arabic root ḥ-m-d (ح م د) which means “to praise” or “to be thankful. Muhammad means ” the one who is constantly praised”
According to Ibn Kathir, his grandfather, Abdul Muttalib, chose this name after a dream in which he was told that his grandson would be praised by both the heavens and the earth. This prophecy has indeed come to pass, as the Prophet ﷺ is revered by billions of people around the world.
Before receiving prophethood, the Prophet ﷺ was known for his honesty, integrity, and moral character, earning him the title Al-Amin (The Trustworthy). His conduct was so exemplary that even those who did not accept his message could not deny his noble qualities.
In the Quran Allah says,
“And indeed, you are of a great moral character.”
Surah Al-Qalam, 68:4
The ayah highlights that the Prophet ﷺ was praised not just for his outward actions but for his inner character, making Muhammad a name that reflects his excellence.
In Al-Sirah al-Nabawiyyah, Ibn Kathir elaborates on the significance of this name, emphasizing how it symbolizes the Prophet’s unique status as the beloved of Allah and the epitome of moral virtue.
Ahmad (أحمد ﷺ) – The Most Praiseworthy
Ahmad (أحمد) also derives from the same root ḥ-m-d (ح م د). Ahmad is “the one who praises” and “the one who is most praised.” This name was prophesied in earlier scriptures, particularly in the Injil, where Isa (علیہما السلام) foretold the coming of a prophet named Ahmad:
“And [mention] when Jesus, the son of Mary, said, ‘O children of Israel, indeed I am the messenger of Allah to you confirming what came before me of the Torah and bringing good tidings of a messenger to come after me, whose name is Ahmad.'”
Surah As-Saff, 61:6
The name Ahmad, was an uncommon name in Arabia, and was exclusive to the Final Messenger of Allah ﷺ [Mariful Quran]
In Madarij al-Salikeen, Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah reflects the Prophet’s ﷺ unique ability to perfectly embody and exemplify the act of praising Allah. The name Ahmad also emphasizes the Prophet’s ﷺ profound connection with Allah, as he was constantly engaged in the praise and remembrance of his Lord. His life was a testament to his deep spiritual devotion, making him the worthiest of praise in return.
Mahmood (محمود ﷺ) – The Praised One in the Highest Heavens
Mahmood (محمود) is a اسم مفعول (passive participle) derived from the root ḥ-m-d (ح م د)
Mahmood which means “the Praised One” is another name that is particularly associated with the unique station that the Prophet ﷺ will be granted on the Day of Judgment. The Quran mentions this special rank:
“And from [part of] the night, pray with it as additional [worship] for you; it is expected that your Lord will resurrect you to a praised station.”
Surah Al-Isra, 17:79
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“When the Day of Judgment arrives, I will be the leader of the children of Adam on that Day, and I do not boast. I will be the first to intercede and the first to have his intercession accepted. My intercession will be for those who are in the Fire to be released from it. I will be the first to knock at the gate of Paradise, and it will be opened for me. I will be the first to enter Paradise, and then the Prophet will be granted the Maqam al-Mahmood (the Praised Station).”
(Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)
The name Mahmood not only highlights the concept of praise but also emphasizes that the Prophet ﷺ is honored and respected by all of the creation.
The Unity of Ahmad, Muhammad, and Mahmood
The names Ahmad, Muhammad, and Mahmood are deeply intertwined with the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ mission and his relationship with Allah. They are not merely names but encapsulate his role as the seal of the prophets, the leader of all humanity, and the most beloved of Allah. These names also serve as a source of inspiration for Muslims, reminding them of the virtues they should strive to embody in their own spiritual journeys.
جزاك اللّٰه خيرا كثيرا
