The names of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), also known as Asma-un-Nabi, carry immense spiritual and historical significance, reflecting his noble character, divine mission, and status as the final Messenger of Allah (SWT). Muslims around the world honor the Prophet (PBUH) not only by his most recognized name, “Muhammad”, but also by many other beautiful titles and attributes such as Ahmad, Mustafa, Al-Amin, and Habibullah. The name of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is a major part of the O-level Islamiyat syllabus. Whether you are an Edexcel or Cambridge student, learning from them is important.
In this detailed guide, we will explore the 99 names of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), including their meanings, references in the Quran, and the spiritual significance of reciting these names.
Names of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and their significance
Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) is known as the seal of the prophets, meaning the last messenger of Allah. Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) brought guidance for all mankind. His life, his actions, his way of conduct, and his words are an example for every muslim to follow and learn. The Cambridge O-level syllabus has also included this as part of their education. If you pursue A-levels, then this topic is more advanced. That’s the difference between O-level and A-level. The names of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) are saved in the form of Hadith and Sirah. The Quran has referred to the Prophet (PBUH) with several names on different occasions.
Each name of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) carries a unique meaning, highlighting a different perspective of his life, attributes, or mission. Muhammad is the name by which our Holy Prophet (PBUH) is known the most.
إِنَّ لِي أَسْمَاءً أَنَا مُحَمَّدٌ وَأَنَا أَحْمَدُ وَأَنَا الْمَاحِي الَّذِي يَمْحُو اللَّهُ بِيَ الْكُفْرَ وَأَنَا الْحَاشِرُ الَّذِي يُحْشَرُ النَّاسُ عَلَى قَدَمَىَّ وَأَنَا الْعَاقِبُ.
I have many names: I am Muhammad, I am Ahmed (the greatest praiser), I am Mahi (The dispeller) through whom Allah dispels disbelieve. I am Hashir (the gatherer) at whose feet mankind will be mustered, and I am the Aqib (the last in succession). Bukhari and Muslim.
How many names of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) were there?
The Islamic scholars have identified 99 names of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It is reported that there are several other names that the Prophet (PBUH) was addresed with on different occasions, but the confirmed and most known Asma-un-Nabi are 99 in total.
The 99 names of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):
The 99 names of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) are listed below:
No | Arabic | Transliteration | Translation |
1 | عادل | Aadil | The Justice |
2 | عالم | Aalim | The Scholar |
3 | عبدالله | Abdullah | Slave of Allah |
4 | ابوالقاسم | Abu al Qaasim | The father of Qasim |
5 | ابو الطاھر | Abu at Tahir | The father of Tahir |
6 | ابوالطیب | Abu at Tayyib | The father of Tayyib |
7 | ابو ابراھیم | Abu Ibrahim | The father of Ibrahim |
8 | عفو | Afoow | Forgiver |
9 | احید | Aheed | He who takes to one side |
10 | احمد | Ahmad | Much praised |
11 | اجیر | Ajeer | He who is rewarded |
12 | علم الایمان | Alam ul Eeman | The banner of faith |
13 | علم الیقین | Alam ul Yaqeen | The banner of belief |
14 | علم الھدیٰ | Alamul Hudaa | Banner of guidance |
15 | علیم | Aleem | The Knowledgeable |
16 | امین | Ameen | The Honest One |
17 | النجم الثاقب | An Najm-us-Saqib | Shining star |
18 | عاقب | Aqib | The Latest |
19 | عربی | Arabi | The Arabi |
20 | اول | Awwal | The First |
21 | عین الغر | Ayn ul Ghurr | The chief of the chosen one |
22 | عین النعیم | Ayn un Naeem | The spring of blessing |
23 | عزیز | Aziz | The Honoured One |
24 | بالغ | Baaligh | He who attains the elevated station |
25 | بار | Bar | Pious |
26 | بشیر | Basheer | The Messenger of Good News |
27 | بیان | Bayan | Obvious words |
28 | برھان | Burhan | The Evidence |
29 | بشریٰ | Bushraa | Giver of good tidings |
30 | داع | Daa | The Invitor |
31 | دلیل الخیرات | Daleel ul Khyayraat | To guide to virtue |
32 | فاتح | Faateh | The Victor |
33 | فاضل | Faazil | Virtuous |
34 | فصیح اللسان | Faseehul Lisaan | The eloquent of speech |
35 | فتاح | Fatah | The Successor, The Opener |
36 | غنی | Ghani | The Rich |
37 | قريب | Qarib | The Near |
38 | غوث | Ghaus | Succour, listener to complaints |
39 | غیث | Ghays | Shower of mercy |
40 | غیاث | Ghiyaas | Full of succour |
41 | ھاد | Haad | The Leader |
42 | حبیب الله | Habeebullah | Beloved of Allah |
43 | حبیب | Habieb | The Beloved |
44 | حفی | Hafeey | Very merciful |
45 | حافظ | Hafiz | The Guardian |
46 | حکیم | Hakeem | The Wise |
47 | حامد | Hamid | The Praiser |
48 | حمید | Hamied | The Thankful |
49 | حق | Haq | The True, The Truth |
50 | حریص علیکم | Harees-un-Alaikum | The Covetous for the Believers |
51 | ھاشم | Hashim | The Destroyer, The Crusher of Evil |
52 | حاشر | Hashir | The Awakener, The Gatherer |
53 | ھاشمے | Hashmi | The Hashmi |
54 | ھدیه الله | Hidayatullah | Gift of Allah |
55 | حجازی | Hijazi | The Hijazi |
56 | حزب الله | Hizbullah | Army of Allah |
57 | ھدی | Hudaa | Guide |
58 | حجه | Hujjat | The Right Argument |
59 | اکلیل | Ikleel | Chief (of Prophets) |
60 | امام | Imam | The Guide |
61 | امام المتقین | Imamul Muttaqeen | Leader of the pious |
62 | عزالعرب | Izzul Arab | The honour of Arabs |
63 | جامع | Jaami | Perfect |
64 | جبار | Jabbar | Dominant |
65 | جواد | Jawwad | The Generous |
66 | کاف | Kaaf | Sufficient, enough |
67 | کامل | Kaamil | Perfect |
68 | کاشف الکرب | Kaashiful Kurab | He who solves difficulties |
69 | کفیل | Kafeel | Surety |
70 | کلیم الله | Kaleemullah | Who converses with Allah |
71 | کریم | Kareem | The Noble |
72 | خلیل الرحمٰن | Khaleel ur Rahman | The friend of the Compassionate |
73 | خلیل | Khalil | The True Friend |
74 | خاتم الانبیآء | Khatamul anbiya | Seal of the Prophets |
75 | خاتم الرسل | Khatamur Rusul | Seal of Messengers |
76 | خطیب الامم | Khateebul Umam | Sermoniser for the people |
77 | خطیب | Khatieb | The Sermoniser |
78 | خاتم | Khatim | The Finalizer |
79 | ماح | Maah | The obliterator of Infidelity |
80 | مدنی | Madani | The Resident of Madina |
81 | مدعو | Madoow | Who is called |
82 | مھد | Mahd | The Guided One |
83 | مھدی | Mahdee | Who is guided |
84 | مھدی | Mahdiy | He Who is Well Guided |
85 | محمود | Mahmood | The Commendable |
86 | مکین | Makeen | Who is given rank |
87 | مکین | Makeen | Who is given rank |
88 | مخصوص بالعز | Makhsoos bil Izz | Chosen to be honoured |
89 | مخصوص بالمجد | Makhsoos bil Majd | Chosen to be on the right path |
90 | مخصوص بالشرف | Makhsoos bil Sharaf | Picked up as a noble |
91 | معلوم | Maloom | Known |
92 | مامون | Mamoon | Secure |
93 | منصور | Mansoor | Who is helped |
94 | معراج | Maraj | The Place of Ascent, The Above |
95 | مشھود | Mashhood | He who is witnessed |
96 | مشکور | Mashkoor | The Thankful |
97 | متین | Mateen | The Strong |
98 | موصول | Mawsool | Having a link with Allah |
99 | مفتاح | Miftaah | Key to the secrets |
What are the five names of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)?
The five common and most used names of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that are mentioned in the Quran and Hadith are:
- Muhammad
- Ahmed
- Al-Mahi
- Al-Hashir
- Al-Aqib
Why does Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) have many names?
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) has many names because of the diverse roles he has played during his lifetime. All his actions and words were guiding humanity. Each of his names represents a distinct attribute that reflects his mission and personality. For example, Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) was known as Al-Amin due to his fair and truthful nature towards his business. He set an example for the muslim ummah to be fair towards their trade and businesses. These multiple names reflect his roles as a leader, teacher, mercy to mankind, and the bearer of divine truth.
Short Names and Titles of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the Quran:
Other than the common names, different short names and titles of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) are mentioned in the Quran on different occasions. Below is a list of a few short titles and tnames of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) with their meaning:
- Muhammad: Mentioned in Surah Muhammad and Surah Aal-e-Imran
- Ahmed: Mentioned in Surah- As-Saff
- Muzammil: This means “The wrapped one” and is mentioned in Surah Muzammil
- Muddasir: The cloaked one, mentioned in Surah Al-Muddasir
- Mustafa: The chosen one
- Habibullah: The beloved of Allah
- Al-Saqid: The Truthful
- Al-Amin: The trustworthy
Spiritual Importance of reciting the names of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):
Reciting and remembering the names of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is a way to express love towards him. It is said that learning the names of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) brings:
- Increase love for the Prophet
- Strengthen connection with his Sunnah
- Spiritual blessings and peace of heart
Names of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in Different Cultures:
In different parts of the world, the names of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) are pronounced differently and translated differently while keepin tier spiritual signficance.
For Example:
- In Turkey: The name “Mehmet” is derived from Muhammad.
- In Persia/Iran: Titles like “Mustafa” and “Ahmad” are popular.
- In South Asia (Pakistan, India): Names such as “Ahmed,” “Mustafa,” and “Habib” are widely used.
How to Teach Children the Names of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):
Teaching children the names of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is an excellent way to build respect and love for our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from a younge age. Teaching children these names will strengthen their faith while teaching them the qualities of our Prophet PBUH. Below are a few ways to teach younge children the names of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):
1. Use Flashcards or Posters
Visual learning is powerful for children. Create colorful flashcards or posters of the 99 names of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) with meanings and place them around the home or classroom. Encourage children to memorize one or two names daily, along with their translations. This simple activity can be integrated into regular Islamic studies, much like revising O-level past papers for steady progress in academics.
2. Engage Through Nasheeds and Rhymes
Children love music and rhythm. Singing simple nasheeds (Islamic songs) about the Prophet’s names helps them remember with joy and enthusiasm. Just as students revise their A-level results to track improvement, parents can assess their children’s progress by encouraging them to sing these nasheeds during family gatherings or Islamic events.
3. Read Stories from the Seerah
The Seerah (biography) of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is full of lessons tied to his names and titles. For example, reading stories about why he was called “Al-Amin” (The Trustworthy) or “Rahmatul-lil-Alameen” (Mercy to all Worlds) gives children context behind these names. Just as students look for O-level results or prepare for A-level resits with determination, children can be motivated by understanding the values behind these names and practicing them.
4. Connect Names with Real-Life Lessons
Whenever your child learns a new name of the Prophet (PBUH), relate it to a moral value or daily life example. For instance, when teaching “Al-Sadiq” (The Truthful), emphasize honesty in homework or playtime. Parents can draw parallels with famous Islamic personalities like the Ashra Mubashra, who embodied the values of truthfulness, faith, and integrity.
5. Interactive Learning Sessions
Host weekly Islamic storytelling sessions where you discuss one or two names in detail. You can create quizzes, much like academic tests or past papers, to make learning more interactive and memorable.
Conclusion: Learn and Honor the Names of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
The names of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) are not just beautiful titles but a reflection of his divine mission, noble character, and unmatched spiritual importance in Islam. Each name carries profound meaning, teaching us lessons of kindness, honesty, and devotion. By learning, understanding, and reciting these names, we strengthen our connection with the Prophet (PBUH) and bring his teachings into our daily lives.
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FAQs:
1. What is the most common name of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)?
The most common name is “Muhammad,” which means “the praised one.”
2. How many names of the Prophet Muhammad are mentioned in the Quran?
At least five names are mentioned directly in the Quran, including Muhammad, Ahmad, Al-Muzzammil, Al-Muddathir, and Abdullah.
3. What does the name Ahmad mean?
Ahmad means “the one who praises Allah the most.”
4. Which name of Prophet Muhammad means “The Chosen One”?
The name “Mustafa” means “The Chosen One.”
5. Is Muhammad the only name of the Prophet?
No, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is known by many names and titles, each reflecting a unique attribute.