Blessed Names and Characteristics of Prophet Muhammad. Abdur Raheem Kidwai

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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