In Islam, Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) is recognised
as the noblest amongst all the Messengers, the one whom Allah chose to convey
the final code of law, the last revealed Book of Law, the Holy Qur’an, and to
teach wisdom and purification. In the Qur’an, Allah says: “Wa ma arsalnaaka illa rahmatan lil ‘aalameen”
(Al-Anbiya 21: 108), meaning: “We have not sent you except as a mercy for
all the worlds.” This verse clearly shows that the mission of the Holy
Prophet (pbuh) was not limited to a particular people or a specific era; it is
universal, eternal, and encompasses all humanity and indeed the whole of
creation.
The Holy Prophet (pbuh) possessed unique qualities that were not granted to anyone else. His very name, “Muhammad”, is a name that Allah elevated with exceptional greatness. The name “Muhammad” is derived from the Arabic root letters Ha (ح), Mim (م), and Dal (د), which convey the meanings of praise, appreciation, and acknowledgement. Therefore, “Muhammad” means: “The one who is greatly praised; the one who deserves praise and recognition; the one worthy of commendation and respect.”
In the Qur’an and Hadith, his name has been
given a special significance. It is not merely an ordinary name; it is a title
that reflects his greatness. Hazrat Hassan ibn Thabit (ra), a Companion of the
Holy Prophet (pbuh) and also his official poet, said regarding the Prophet
(pbuh): “Never have I seen a person more perfect than you; it is as though
Allah created you without any fault.” This shows that even the Companions
understood the depth of the name Muhammad, for he (pbuh) was a
personality worthy of praise in every aspect.
Hazrat Hassan ibn Thabit (ra) was not an
ordinary poet who recited poetry for entertainment. His poetry was approved by
Allah and His Prophet (pbuh) because it served as evidence and an invitation
towards the truth of Islam. On one occasion, Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) supplicated
to Allah to send His Ruh’il-Quddus (the revelation through Hazrat
Jibreel (as)) upon Hazrat Hassan ibn Thabit (ra)). Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) said:
“O Hassan! Reply on behalf of the Messenger of Allah; that is, answer the
enemies on my behalf. O Allah! Support him, that is, Hassan ibn Thabit, with
the Ruh al-Quddus (the Holy Spirit).” This Hadith was reported in Sahih
Bukhari by Hazrat Hassan ibn Thabit and its authenticity was confirmed by
Hazrat Abu Huraira (ra) regarding this statement of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) in
favour of Hassan ibn Thabit (ra).
This demonstrates that poetry is only permitted
when it is used to defend the truth of Islam, to demonstrate the greatness of
Allah and His Prophets, His Angels, and all those aspects which Islam firmly
upholds, such as faith, the fear of Allah, and similar virtues.
In a Hadith reported by Hazrat Abu Huraira (ra)
and Hazrat Anas (ra), Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) said: “None of you will have complete
faith until he loves me more than his father, his children, and all mankind.”
(Bukhari, Muslim).
This means that whoever loves Allah must also
love those whom He sent, namely all His Prophets; but even more importantly,
they must have an exceptional love for His greatest Prophet, Hazrat Muhammad
(pbuh). This demonstrates the immeasurable value that Allah has granted to His
beloved Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), for he alone received the distinction that all
Muslim believers, without exception, should recite Darood (blessings
from Allah) upon hearing his name.
In Surah At-Tawba, Verse 128, Allah granted the
Prophet (pbuh) two of His own Names, Ra’uf and Rahim, where He
says:
“Laqad jaa’akum rasuulun min
anfusikum, ‘aziizun ‘alayhi maa ‘anittum, hariisun ‘alaykum, bil-mu’miniina ra’uufun
rahiim.”
Meaning: “Indeed, there has come to you a
Messenger from amongst yourselves. Your suffering grieves him; he is deeply
concerned for you, and towards the believers he is compassionate and merciful.”
This is an honour that was not bestowed upon
any of the other Prophets. In Surah Al-Ahzab, Verse 56, Allah says: “Innallaaha wa Malaaa-’i-katahuu yusalluuna ‘alan-Nabiyy;
Yaaa-’ayyuhal-laziina ‘aamanuu sallu ‘alayhi wa sallimuu taslimaa.” (Surely
Allah and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet. O you who believe, send
blessings upon him and offer him greetings of peace with full submission.) This
verse is a direct command from Allah to every believer to send Darood
and Salaam upon Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh), and it demonstrates the
greatness of the Holy Prophet (pbuh). There is no other personality in history
concerning whom Allah has commanded His servants to send blessings in a
continual manner.
Therefore, all of us within the Ummah of Hazrat
Muhammad (pbuh) should send Darood upon him whenever possible. Bear in
mind that Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) was the result of the supplication of Hazrat
Ibrahim (as) and Hazrat Isma’il (as) after they completed the construction of
the Kaa’ba. This supplication is found in Surah Al-Baqara, Verse 129, and is as
follows: “Rabbana wa ba’ath fiihim rasuulan
minhum yatlu ‘alayhim aayaatika wa yu’allimuhumul Kitaaba wal Hikmata wa
yuzakkiihim.” (Our Lord, send among them a Messenger from amongst
themselves who will recite Your verses to them, teach them the Book and Wisdom,
and purify them.) Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) said in Musnad Ahmad: “I myself
am the result of the supplication of Ibrahim (as) and the glad tidings
announced by Isa (as).” Hazrat Isa (as) informed the Children of Israel of
the coming of a Messenger who would be called Ahmad. This formed part of
his mission, namely to instruct his people to support that Prophet when he
would come into the world.
In Surah Al-Ahzab, Verse 40, Allah says: “Muhammadun Rasuulullah wa Khataman Nabiyyiin”
(Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets.)
This means that after him there will be no
prophet who comes with a new law; the Shariah that he brought shall
remain forever the final Shariah, and the Qur’an shall remain preserved
until the Day of Judgement. In the Hereafter as well, the remembrance and
praise of Nabi-e-Kareem (pbuh) will continue eternally. According to a Hadith
reported by Hazrat Abu Sa’id (ra) in Tirmidhi, on the Day of Judgement Hazrat
Muhammad (pbuh) will carry a banner known as “Liwa-ul-Hamd”
(the Banner of Praise). Hazrat Adam (as) and all the other Prophets will be
under that banner.
The Hadith states as follows, where Hazrat
Muhammad (pbuh) said: “I am the leader of all the children of Adam on the
Day of Resurrection, and I am not boasting. In my hand will be Liwa-ul-Hamd,
the Banner of Praise, and I am not boasting. There will be no Prophet on that
Day, neither Adam nor any other, except that they will be under my banner. And
I will be the first for whom the earth will be opened, and I am not boasting.”
Thus, we see that the Holy Prophet (pbuh) will
attain the “Maqaam-e-Mahmood”, the Most Praised Station, as Allah has
promised him; and all will glorify Allah and also praise Hazrat Muhammad
(pbuh).
Indeed, the Maqaam of the Holy Prophet
(pbuh) is a treasure that cannot be measured by worldly standards. It is a
spiritual station which Allah granted to His beloved Prophet (pbuh), and he
remains an eternal model for humanity. In every Salah, in every Adhan,
in every remembrance of Allah, the name of Muhammad (pbuh) resonates alongside
the name of Allah, and this is proof that his value, his worth is everlasting.
Whoever understands this reality understands that one’s entire life should
revolve around love and respect for Rassullullah (pbuh), and within that love
lies the key to nearness to Allah.
In the Hadiths reported by Tirmidhi and
Mishkat, Hazrat Umar (ra) said that he learned that a Duah remains
suspended between the heavens and the earth, and that nothing ascends until the
one making the Duah sends Salaam and Darood upon the
Prophet (tusaliyya ‘alan-Nabiyy).
This Hadith shows that sending Salaam and Darood is a condition
for the acceptance of all the supplications of the believers. On the Day of
Judgement, Allah will question those people who neglected to send Darood
upon the Holy Prophet (pbuh), and they will regret it.
Hazrat Anas (ra) said: “Never have I seen a
person gentler in character than the Messenger of Allah (pbuh).” Hazrat Ali
(ra) said: “Whoever was granted the opportunity to live with him was granted
a treasure of guidance.” In every aspect of life, Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh)
demonstrated mercy, patience, justice, and humility. He was a leader, a
teacher, a father, a companion, and a perfect spiritual guide; all these
excellences were found within him. He (pbuh) showed the extent of perfection
that a human being can attain, especially spiritual perfection.
The status of the Prophet (pbuh) is beyond all
human comparison. He is a mercy for the whole of creation; he is a light that
illuminated hearts; he is a guide who brought humanity from darkness into
light. Throughout every age, people have found inspiration in his life and
teachings. His value is not restricted to one people or one nation alone; it is
universal, eternal, and beyond measure.
Therefore, O sincere believers of Islam,
continue sending Darood and Salaam upon him, follow his Sunnah,
and respect his Maqaam; this is an obligation upon every believer.
Whoever honours the Holy Prophet (pbuh), Allah will honour him; whoever loves
the Holy Prophet (pbuh), attains the love of Allah. And whoever follows the
path of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) as it should be followed shall attain success
in this world and in the Hereafter.
May Allah help us all to follow the perfect example of His beloved Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh), may Allah accept our efforts in His path, and may He continue to assist us through the Ruh’il-Quddus in illuminating the world with His eternal truth. Insha-Allah, Ameen.
---Friday Sermon of 21 August 2026 ~08 Rabi’ul Awwal 1448 AH delivered by Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International Hazrat Muhyi-ud-Din Al-Khalifatullah Munir A. Azim (aba) of Mauritius.