The Names and Title of the Prophet ﷺ

The Names of the Prophet ﷺ

The Prophet ﷺ has many names mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah. Among these, only two names, "Muhammad" and "Ahmad," are found in the Quran, while numerous other names appear in the Sunnah, which will be highlighted in this article.

When Was the Prophet ﷺ Named?

On the seventh day after his birth, the Prophet’s ﷺ grandfather, Abdul Muttalib, circumcised him in accordance with Arab custom, sacrificed a ram on his behalf, hosted a feast, and named him "Muhammad" ﷺ. This name was unfamiliar to the Arabs at the time, prompting the Quraysh to ask Abdul Muttalib, “Why have you chosen a name unlike those of his relatives?” He responded, “I wanted him to be praised by Allah in the heavens and His creation on Earth.”

Why Was the Prophet ﷺ Named Muhammad?

Ibn Kathir mentions in Al-Bidaya wa’l-Nihaya (1/669):

"Some scholars said Allah inspired them to name him Muhammad because of the praiseworthy qualities it denotes, ensuring that his name and deeds align perfectly in form and meaning."

It is also said that Abdul Muttalib named him Muhammad due to a vision he had: he dreamt of a silver chain emerging from his back, with one end in the heavens, another on Earth, a third in the east, and the fourth in the west. The chain then turned into a tree with light on every leaf, and people from the east and west clung to it. When he sought an interpretation, it was explained that a descendant of his would be born who would be followed by people worldwide and praised by those in the heavens and on Earth. Additionally, his mother had been told in a vision that she would give birth to the leader of this nation and should name him Muhammad^[1] .

The Prophet’s Response to Insults

Bukhari (3533) narrates from Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه that the Prophet ﷺ said:

"Do you not marvel at how Allah diverts the insults and curses of Quraysh from me? They insult and curse ‘Mudhammam,’ but I am Muhammad!"

The Five Names of the Prophet ﷺ

Bukhari (3532) and Muslim (2354) narrate from Jubayr ibn Mut’im رضي الله عنه that the Prophet ﷺ said:

"I have five names: I am Muhammad, Ahmad, Al-Mahi (the one through whom Allah erases disbelief), Al-Hashir (the one after whom people are gathered), and Al-Aqib (the last prophet)."

Al-Aqib means the one after whom there is no prophet.

Muslim (2355) narrates from Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari رضي الله عنه that the Prophet ﷺ said:

"I am Muhammad, Ahmad, Al-Muqaffi (the successor of prophets), Al-Hashir, the Prophet of Repentance, and the Prophet of Mercy."

The Prophet’s Title (Kunya)

The Prophet ﷺ was titled "Abu Al-Qasim." Muslim (2133) narrates from Jabir ibn Abdullah رضي الله عنه that the Prophet ﷺ said:

"Name yourselves after me, but do not adopt my title, for I am Abu Al-Qasim, and I distribute among you."

The Name "Muhammad" in the Quran

The name "Muhammad" appears as a proper noun for the Prophet ﷺ four times in the Quran:

1. Surah Aal Imran (3:144)

" Muḥammad is no more than a messenger; other messengers have gone before him."

2. Surah Al-Ahzab (33:40)

" Muḥammad is not the father of any of your men, but is the Messenger of Allah and the seal of the prophets."

3. Surah Al-Fath (48:29)

" Muḥammad is the Messenger of Allāh; and those with him are forceful against the disbelievers, merciful among themselves."

4. Surah Muhammad (47:2)

" As for those who believe, do good, and have faith in what has been revealed to Muḥammad—which is the truth from their Lord—He will absolve them of their sins and improve their condition."

Why the Quran Does Not Address the Prophet ﷺ by Name

This practice teaches Muslims to show reverence and respect for the Prophet ﷺ. Scholars have explained this as follows:

1. Zainuddin Al-Razi in An Exquisite Model in Questions and Answers about the Marvels of Quranic Verses (p. 412) wrote:

"Why does Allah address the Prophet ﷺ as ‘O Prophet’ or ‘O Messenger’ rather than by name, unlike other prophets like Musa or Isa? The reason is to honor and exalt the Prophet ﷺ. For example, Allah says:

‘O Prophet, why do you forbid what Allah has made lawful for you?’
‘O Messenger, convey what has been revealed to you from your Lord.’"

2. Ibn Taymiyyah in As-Sarim Al-Maslul (p. 422–423):

"Allah honored him in addressing him with titles befitting his status, such as ‘O Prophet’ and ‘O Messenger,’ instead of his name, which reflects Allah’s reverence. It also teaches Muslims to address him with respect, saying: ‘O Messenger of Allah’ or ‘O Prophet of Allah,’ rather than using his name directly."

3. In Dar' Ta’arud Al-‘Aql wa An-Naql (1/297–298), Ibn Taymiyyah elaborates:

"When addressing the Prophet ﷺ, Muslims should follow Allah’s example in showing respect, such as avoiding calling him by name. However, when speaking about him, it is appropriate to use his name, as Allah does in the Quran: