The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) - His Name

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

The name "Muhammad" means "the praised one". Therefore, the Prophet's name is as much a title that describes the Prophet's qualities, as it is a name that identifies the Prophet (s.a.w) as an individual.

Any noble quality one can imagine, the Prophet (s.a.w) possessed. He is divinely protected; he is the seal of all Prophets; he is Allah's obedient slave; he is the chosen one from Allah's created beings; and he is Allah's Khaleel - a Khaleel is more than a friend; it denotes the highest level of friendship and love - therefore, he is certainly deemed one who is worthy of being commended by Allah. And he (s.a.w) is deemed worthy of praise by people, for he is near to their hearts, merciful towards them, and blessed no matter where he is.

He is worthy of praise because his character became refined through revelation, and because his personality became polished through prophethood.

He was known by various names, each of which pointed to at least one of his noble qualities. The Prophet Isa (a.s) gave glad tidings of him to his people, promising them that a Prophet named Ahmad was soon going to be sent to guide mankind to the truth.

A few of his other names are Al-Aqib, Al-Hashir and Al-Mahee. 

Al-Aqib means "one who succeeds others", or "one who comes after others"; the Prophet (s.a.w) was given that name because he came after all other Prophets (a.s), and because no other Prophet will come after him.

Al-Hashir connotes the meaning of resurrection; the Prophet (s.a.w) was given that name because, when this world will come to an end, people will be resurrected at his feet. 

And as for the name of Al-Mahee, it connotes the meaning of "erasing something"; the Prophet (s.a.w) was called Al-Mahee because, through him, Allah erased disbelief.

The Prophet (s.a.w) was mentioned in both the Torah and the Injeel (the Gospel); he was helped in his mission by the Angel Jibraeel (a.s); he carried the banner of honour for the Banu Luaiy clan; and he was the most honoured member of the Banu Abd-Manaf ibn Qusaiy clan.

He (s.a.w) was rightly guided himself; he was the best of guides for others; he was elevated in ranking by his Lord; he was thankful for all that Allah blessed him with; and he was, and continues to be, a source of countless blessings for all of mankind.

May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, upon his family, and upon his companions as long as stars appear in the sky, as long as birds continue to sing, and as long as the wind continues to blow - Ameen!

Wasalaam!