Status Of Prophet Muhammad In Islam

The Scripture Qur’an enjoins total obedience to Prophet Muhammad. A believer is commanded to show him the utmost respect. Whenever his mere name is mentioned, the believer sends peace upon him and invokes God’s blessing upon him. The Qur’an clearly states that the Prophet has greater right on the believers than they have on themselves.

The following quotes from the Qur’an will demonstrate the status of Prophet Muhammad in the eyes of the believers.

“And most surely you (Prophet) conform to sublime morality.” [Surah Al-Qalam, verse 4]

“Surely God and His angels bless the Prophet; O’ you who believe! Call for (divine) blessings on him and salute him with a (becoming) salutation.” [Surah Al-Ahzab, verse 56]

“Surely (as for) those who speak evil things about God and His Apostle, God has cursed them in this world …” [Surah Al-Ahzab, verse 57]

“O’ Prophet, surely We have sent you as a witness and as a bearer of good news and as a Warner, and as one inviting to God by His permission, and as a light-giving torch.” [Surah Al-Ahzab, verses 45 & 46]

“Certainly you have in the Apostle of God an excellent exemplar, in him who hopes in God and the latter (judgment) day, and remembers God much.” [Surah Al-Ahzab, verse 21]

“The Prophet has greater claim on the faithful than they have on themselves…,” [Surah Al-Ahzab, verse 6]

“And We have sent you not but as a mercy to the worlds.” [Surah Al-Anbiya’, verse 107]

“Say: Obey God and the Apostle…,” [Surah Al-‘Imran, verse 32]

“O’ you who believe! Do not raise your voices above the voice of the Prophet, and do not speak loud to him as you speak to one another, lest your deeds become null while you do not perceive. Surely, those who lower their voices before God’s Apostle are the ones whose hearts have been tested for piety…;” [Surah Al-Hujarat, verses 2, 3]

Prophet Muhammad measured up to the highest standard divinely laid for him. Historians, philosophers, students of world religions, and world leaders have nothing but flowing praise for his noble personality, as well as his spiritual and temporal accomplishments.

Thus it is clear that giving the utmost respect, bestowing the highest honor, and holding the Prophet dearer than one’s own life is integral part of the faith of a Muslim.

Most non-Muslims, especially in the west are unaware of this important aspect of Islamic faith and do not understand the sensitivity of Muslims in this respect. Drawing the very picture of the Prophet is considered sacrilegious, and prohibited in Islam.

It must be emphasized that Islam teaches peace, tolerance, forgiveness, compassion, sanctity of life, and treating others with respect.

Violence, unlawful behavior, hurting others, and causing damage to the property of others is strictly prohibited. Those who indulge in such behavior are acting outside the teachings of Islam.