Blessed Names and Characteristics of Prophet Muhammad

By Abdur Raheem Kidwai

This beautiful presentation of Blessed Names and Characteristics of Prophet Muhammad draws the reader nearer to the Prophet through contemplation and reflection of his names, their meaning and how each shapes our daily lives.

By studying the Prophet's names readers may grasp the pivotal role of the Prophet in Islam and the interrelationship between God, the Prophet, and man. The Prophet's names are also reflective of his unblemished character and conduct, shedding light upon the attributes that make him a remarkable role model for all mankind.

Each name is selected from the Qur'an or a hadith. Accompanying each name is a commentary that is concise in nature but rich in meaning and style.

Abdur Raheem Kidwai (b. 1956) is a professor of English at the Aligarh Muslim University, India, and a visiting fellow at the School of English, University of Leicester, United Kingdom. He earned his two PhDs in English from the Aligarh Muslim University and the University of Leicester. He is a well-known author of many works on the Qur'an and Islam, including: The Qur'an: Essential Teachings; Daily Wisdom: Islamic Prayers and Supplications; Daily Wisdom: Selections from the Holy Qur'an; and What Should We Say?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kube Publishing Ltd
• Release date: Mar 25, 2016
• ISBN: 9781847740908

Abdur Raheem Kidwai

Abdur Raheem Kidwai is a professor of English at the Aligarh Muslim University in India and the well-known author of many works on the Qur'an and Islam.

Book preview

BLESSED NAMES AND CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PROPHET MUḤAMMAD

BLESSED NAMES AND CHARACTERISTICS

of

The Prophet

Muḥammad

Abdur Raheem Kidwai

Blessed Names and Characteristics of the Prophet Muḥammad

First published in England by

Kube Publishing Ltd

Markfield Conference Centre

Ratby Lane, Markfield,

Leicestershire LE67 9SY

United Kingdom

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Website: www.kubepublishing.com

Email: [e-mail]

© Abdur Raheem Kidwai, 2016

All rights reserved.

The right of Abdur Raheem Kidwai to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by him in accordance with the

Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988.

Cataloguing-in-Publication Data is available from the British Library

ISBN 978 1 84774 088 5 casebound

ISBN 978 1 84774 092 2 Box set edition

eISBN 978 1 84774 090 8

Typeset N.A. Qaddoura

Design Imtiaze Ahmed

Printed Imak Offset, Istanbul, Turkey

CONTENTS

Transliteration table

Preface

Introduction

Blessed Names and Characteristics of the Prophet Muḥammad

Index

TRANSLITERATION TABLE

Arabic Consonants

Initial, unexpressed medial and final:

With a shaddah, both medial and final consonants are doubled.

Vowels, diphthongs, etc.

PREFACE

THE Prophet Muḥammad (peace be upon him) occupies a pivotal position in the Islamic scheme of things. This work is intended to enable readers to gain a better idea of the many brilliant facets of the Prophet’s personality and accomplishments. For this compendium contains the elucidation of his 99 excellent names and attributes. Since these names, both personal and attributive, feature in the Qur’ān and Ḥadīth collections, their importance hardly calls for any further elaboration.

This work represents a sequel to the Kube publication, Blessed Names and Attributes of Allah which lists and elucidates 99 excellent names and attributes of Allah. It has been my endeavour to explain in simple, easy to understand English, the excellent names and attributes of the Prophet (peace be upon him) with a view to drawing attention to his various noble roles and laudable traits. Moreover, this study should help readers grasp better the Prophet’s centrality in Islam and the interrelationship between Allah, the Prophet Muḥammad (peace be upon him) and believers. Needless to add, the Prophet’s names are reflective of his impeccable character and conduct and his exalted rank. Thus, this study may inspire us further to emulate the role model embodied by him. Since the Prophet Muḥammad (peace be upon him) is the Final Messenger of Allah, his example is valid and relevant until the Last Day. This should make us all the more keen on studying and following the Prophet’s glorious example in all aspects of our life, both individual and collective. This description of the Prophet’s excellent names and attributes may also familiarize readers with a basic article of Islamic faith: the institution of Prophethood.

I am thankful to the Kube team: Brothers Haris Ahmad, Yahya Birt, and Mohammad Siddique Seddon for reposing trust in me for writing this book. Words fail me in thanking Dr M Manazir Ahsan, of the Islamic Foundation, Leicester, for his valuable input which ensured the accuracy of this work. The credit for typesetting and production goes to Br Naiem Qaddoura, also Br Imtiaze Ahmed for Cover design and template. May Allah reward all of them.

I hope this work will be successful in achieving the above mentioned objectives. May Allah make it a source of our guidance and enlightenment. (Āmīn)

Abdur Raheem Kidwai

Professor, Department of English

Aligarh Muslim University, India

Muḥarram 1437 AH

October 2015 CE

INTRODUCTION

Allah and His angels bless the Prophet. Believers, invoke blessings and peace on him.

(al-Aḥzāb 33: 56)

Allah lavishes His blessings on you (the Prophet Muḥammad) and His angels invoke blessings on you that He may lead you out of darkness into light.

(al-Aḥzāb 33: 43)

The above quoted Qur’ānic verses underscore the importance of reciting the Prophet Muḥammad’s name and invoking blessings on him. This represents the highest felicity imaginable that Allah and His angels send blessings on him. Authentic Aḥādīth promise great rewards for reciting ṣalawāt (invoking blessings and peace on the Prophet