Prophets
Muhammad ﷺ
Muḥammad
The final Prophet and Messenger of Allah, sent as a mercy to all worlds. He received the Quran, established Islam, and is the seal of the prophets — none comes after him.
Who is Muhammad ﷺ?
Muhammad ﷺ is the final Prophet and Messenger of God, the Seal of the Prophets (Khatam al-Nabiyyin), sent to all humankind as a mercy to the worlds. Born in Mecca around 570 CE, he received the revelation of the Quran over twenty-three years and established the religion of Islam in its complete form. Belief in him as God's final messenger is part of the testimony of faith.
The Prophet's Life and Mission
Known even before prophethood as al-Amin ("the trustworthy"), Muhammad ﷺ received his first revelation at age forty in the cave of Hira. He called his people from idolatry to the worship of the One God, endured persecution in Mecca, migrated to Medina (the Hijra), and built the first Muslim community. Within his lifetime, much of Arabia embraced Islam.
The Best of Creation and a Mercy to the Worlds
The Quran describes him: "And We have not sent you except as a mercy to the worlds" (21:107), and "Indeed, you are of a great moral character" (68:4). His life (the Sunnah) — his words, actions, and approvals — is the second source of Islamic law after the Quran and the perfect model for Muslims to follow.
Muhammad ﷺ in the Quran
- "Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but the Messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets." (33:40)
- "There has certainly come to you a Messenger from among yourselves..." (9:128)
- "Whoever obeys the Messenger has obeyed Allah." (4:80)
The Love and Honour Due to Him
Muslims send blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ (salawat) whenever his name is mentioned, in obedience to the Quran: "Indeed, Allah and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet. O you who believe, send blessings upon him and greetings of peace" (33:56). Love of the Prophet ﷺ — following his example and honouring his teaching — is central to a believer's faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Muhammad ﷺ called the Seal of the Prophets?
Because he is the last and final prophet; no prophet will come after him. His message completes and confirms the message of all the prophets before him.
What does the symbol ﷺ mean?
It is an abbreviation of "salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam" — "may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him" — said out of love and reverence whenever the Prophet is mentioned.
Etymology & origin
Muhammad (محمد) comes from the root Ḥ-M-D (ح-م-د), meaning "to praise". The name means "the one who is praised abundantly" or "the most praiseworthy". From the same root come Ahmad (another of his names, "most praising of God"), hamd (praise), and Mahmud (praised). It is a name perfectly suited to the one sent as a mercy and praised in the heavens and the earth.
References
- Quran:
- 3:144, 4:80, 9:128, 21:107, 33:40, 33:56, 48:29, 68:4
- Hadith:
- Bukhari 3 (the beginning of revelation in the cave of Hira); Bukhari 6094 (I am Muhammad and Ahmad); Muslim 2278 (I am the master of the children of Adam, no boast); Bukhari 3535 (the Seal of the Prophets — the analogy of the brick); Bukhari 14 (none believes until I am dearer to him than all people)
Related terms
Adam
The first human and first prophet, created by Allah from clay. Father of mankind, taught the names of all things, and the first to be honored by the angels' prostration.
Hijra
The migration of the Prophet and his followers from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, marking the start of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar and the first Muslim state.
Ibrahim
Abraham, one of the five greatest prophets and "Khalilullah" (Friend of Allah). Father of Ismail and Ishaq, he built the Kaaba and is the patriarch of monotheism.
Isa
Jesus, one of the five greatest prophets, born miraculously of the virgin Maryam. Given the Injil (Gospel), he performed miracles by Allah's leave and will return before the End of Times.
Musa
Moses, one of the five greatest prophets and "Kalimullah" (the one who spoke with Allah). He confronted Pharaoh, led the Children of Israel from Egypt, and received the Torah.
Nuh
Noah, one of the five greatest prophets (Ulul-Azm). He called his people to monotheism for 950 years, built the Ark, and was saved with the believers from the Flood.