Blessed Names and Characteristics of Prophet Muhammad. Abdur Raheem Kidwai
Читать онлайн.| Название | Blessed Names and Characteristics of Prophet Muhammad |
|---|---|
| Автор произведения | Abdur Raheem Kidwai |
| Жанр | Культурология |
| Серия | Blessed Names |
| Издательство | Культурология |
| Год выпуска | 0 |
| isbn | 9781847740908 |
In view of the above, the Prophet’s Companions (Ṣaḥābah) regarded it as their great privilege to record, elucidate, and transmit the Aḥādīth about the Prophet’s names and attributes.
In the light of their study of the Qur’ān and Ḥadīth, Muslim scholars have enumerated hundreds of names and attributes of the Prophet which feature in Jalāl al-Dīn al-Suyūṭī’s Al-Bahjah Al-Bahiyyah fī Al-Asmā’ Al-Nabwiyyah, Muḥammad Ibn Yūsuf Ṣāliḥī Shāfiʿī’s Subul Al-Hudā and Zurqānī’s Sharḥ Al-Mawāhib Al-Ludaniyyah. Of these, his 99 names and attributes are widely known. Their study enables us not only to gain a better, clear picture of his excellent personality and laudable traits, it also helps us grasp and appreciate the all-embracing Islamic belief system and world view. Moreover, it instructs us how to lead life by emulating the role model embodied by the Prophet, for Allah proclaims: “Surely there is a good example for you in the Messenger of Allah (the Prophet Muḥammad).” (al-Aḥzāb 33:21) It thus inculcates into us love, respect, and regard for Allah’s Final Messenger whom Allah “sent down as mercy unto mankind.” (al-Anbiyā’ 21:107)
Islam is, no doubt, Allah-centred faith yet in its scheme of things, the Prophet Muḥammad (peace be upon him) occupies a central position. The Qur’ān declares:
Those who believe and do good deeds and believe in the revelations sent down to Muḥammad – for it is the truth from their Lord – He will remove from them their misdeeds and improve their condition.
(Muḥammad 47: 2)
In the above quoted passage, Allah assures Muslims forgiveness for their sins if they lead their life in accordance with the Divine message sent down to the Prophet (peace be upon him). Our commitment to his message will bring us success in both this world and the next. He is part of the chain of Allah’s Messengers who conveyed divine guidance to mankind. More remarkably, he stands out as the Final Messenger whose teachings are valid until the end of time. (al-Anʿām 6: 85–90 and al-Aḥzāb 33: 40) He belongs to the progeny of the Prophets Abraham, and Ishmael (peace be upon them). His appearance on the firmament of the seventh century Makkah signifies Allah’s acceptance of the following fervent supplication made by the Prophets Abraham and Ishmael (peace be upon them):
Our Lord! Raise up for them (the children of Ishmael) a Messenger from among them who will recite to them Your revelations and will teach them the Book and Wisdom and will purify them (of sins and unbelief). Surely you alone are Almighty and All-Wise.
(al-Baqarah 2: 129)
It is on record that the Prophet (peace be upon him) accomplished the following missions in line with the import of the above verse: (a) conveying the meaning and message of the Qur’ān, (b) instructing everyone in Islamic faith and practices, and (c) facilitating redemption and salvation for people. His main assignment consisted in giving good news to believers, and warning unbelievers. Not only did he faithfully transmit the divine message, he also set the exemplary way of life. His distinguished life and conduct serve as the role model valid for all time and place. Little wonder then, that Allah elevated him to the highest station of praise and glory:
And We have exalted your fame
(Alam Nashraḥ 94: 4)
Your Lord will raise you to the rank of praise and glory
(al-Isrā’ 17: 79)
Abiding by the Prophet’s teachings represents obeying Allah, a point recurrently stated in the Qur’ān, Ḥadīh and Sunnah, his sayings and deeds respectively, are therefore of utmost importance in Islam and constitute the primary sources of Islamic faith.
Notwithstanding