Muhammadمُحَمَّد
Transliteration: Mu-ḥam-mad
Meaning: The Praised One
معنی: وہ جس کی بہت زیادہ تعریف کی جائے
Arabic Root: ح-م-د (Hamida)
Muhammad (مُحَمَّد) is the personal name given to the Prophet ﷺ by his grandfather, Abdul Muttalib, on the seventh day after his birth — a name unusual and rare among the Arabs of that era. When asked why he chose such a...
Muhammad
مُحَمَّدMeaning: The Praised One
Complete Meaning of Muhammad
Muhammad (مُحَمَّد) is the personal name given to the Prophet ﷺ by his grandfather, Abdul Muttalib, on the seventh day after his birth — a name unusual and rare among the Arabs of that era. When asked why he chose such an uncommon name, Abdul Muttalib reportedly said he wished for his grandson to be praised by Allah in the heavens and by people on earth. This name is mentioned explicitly four times in the Quran: Surah Aal-e-Imran (3:144), Surah Al-Ahzab (33:40), Surah Muhammad (47:2), and Surah Al-Fath (48:29). Linguistically, 'Muhammad' is an intensive passive participle from the root ḥ-m-d, meaning one who is praised repeatedly and continuously — not a single act of praise, but an ongoing, perpetual state of being praised. This matches his reality: he is praised in the Quran, in the call to prayer five times daily (the Shahada), in the Tashahhud of every prayer, and by the testimony of over a billion Muslims throughout history.
Arabic Root: ح-م-د (Hamida) — to praise, to commend. Muhammad is the passive participle pattern (maf'ul) meaning 'one who is praised repeatedly and constantly' — not just praised once, but praised again and again by Allah, the angels, and all of creation.
Why Muhammad Is Significant
- 1.It is the name by which the entire Muslim Ummah identifies its final Prophet — recited in the Shahada (declaration of faith) and in every Tashahhud of the five daily prayers
- 2.Unlike most of his other titles, 'Muhammad' was given to him as an infant — before revelation, before prophethood — by his grandfather's choice, fulfilling what scholars consider a divine foreshadowing
- 3.The name is unique in that it was extremely rare in pre-Islamic Arabia, yet it became, within a few centuries, one of the most common names on earth
- 4.Some scholars note the linguistic 'completeness' of the name — Ahmad (his other Quranic name) describes superlative praise of Allah, while Muhammad describes the superlative praise he receives — together forming a complete circle of praise
- 5.Sahih hadith confirm the Prophet ﷺ specifically identified himself by this name when introducing himself to delegations and tribes
Muhammad in the Quran
مَا كَانَ مُحَمَّدٌ أَبَا أَحَدٍ مِّن رِّجَالِكُمْ وَلَٰكِن رَّسُولَ اللَّهِ وَخَاتَمَ النَّبِيِّينَ ۗ وَكَانَ اللَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيمًا
(Quran 33:40)
Hadith References for Muhammad
"I am Muhammad, and I am Ahmad, and I am Al-Mahi by whom Allah effaces disbelief, and I am Al-Hashir at whose feet the people will be gathered, and I am Al-Aqib."
"Name yourselves with my name, but do not use my kunya (Abul Qasim)."
Virtue
Whoever takes my name but does not follow my way has not benefited from my name.
How to Use "Muhammad" in Salawat (Blessings)
When sending blessings (Salawat) upon the Prophet ﷺ, the name 'Muhammad' is the most commonly invoked, as in the Salawat Ibrahimiyyah recited in every Tashahhud: 'Allahumma salli ala Muhammad wa ala aali Muhammad' (O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad). Reciting this name with presence of heart and love is itself an act of worship.
Spiritual Lesson from "Muhammad"
The name Muhammad teaches believers that true honor is granted by Allah, not seized by human effort. He did not choose his own name, nor did he campaign for the praise that would later surround it — Allah simply caused him to be the most praised human being in history because of his character, sincerity, and mission. This is a lesson in humility: the praise we seek from people is fleeting, but the praise Allah grants through righteous character is eternal.
Can I Name My Child "Muhammad"?
Muhammad is the single most popular Muslim baby boy name in the world and is highly encouraged. The Prophet ﷺ said: 'Name yourselves with my name' (Bukhari & Muslim), though scholars note he asked that his kunya 'Abul Qasim' not be combined with it during his lifetime to avoid confusion — a restriction that no longer applies after his passing, according to the majority of scholars.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about "Muhammad"
Q1.What does the name Muhammad mean in Islam?
Q2.How many times is the name Muhammad mentioned in the Quran?
Q3.Who gave the Prophet ﷺ the name Muhammad?
Q4.Is it permissible to name a child Muhammad?
Q5.What is the difference between Muhammad and Ahmad?
Name Information
Quick Reference
Quran 33:56
Recommended: Recite Salawat upon learning this name
🔗 Related Names
Browse Other Names
Send Blessings Upon the Prophet ﷺ
"Indeed, Allah and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet. O you who believe, send blessings upon him and greet him with peace." — Quran 33:56
Understanding Muhammad — A Complete Islamic Guide
Muhammad (مُحَمَّد) is one of the blessed names of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, meaning "The Praised One". This name falls under the Quranic category of his names and titles and is mentioned 4 times in the Holy Quran.
Muhammad (مُحَمَّد) is the personal name given to the Prophet ﷺ by his grandfather, Abdul Muttalib, on the seventh day after his birth — a name unusual and rare among the Arabs of that era. When asked why he chose such an uncommon name, Abdul Muttalib reportedly said he wished for his grandson to be praised by Allah in the heavens and by people on earth. This name is mentioned explicitly four time...
Arabic Root: ح-م-د (Hamida) — to praise, to commend. Muhammad is the passive participle pattern (maf'ul) meaning 'one who is praised repeatedly and constantly' — not just praised once, but praised again and again by Allah, the angels, and all of creation.
Muhammad Among the Quranic Names
The 300+ names and titles of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ are grouped into categories that help readers understand the source and nature of each name. Muhammad belongs to the Quranic category, which includes names and titles explicitly mentioned in the verses of the Holy Quran.
Other Quranic Names:
How Muslims Use "Muhammad" Today
In Salawat
Muslims invoke the Prophet's ﷺ blessed names — including Muhammad — when sending Salawat (blessings) upon him, an act of worship highly rewarded in Islam.
In Study (Seerah)
Each name reveals a unique dimension of the Prophet's ﷺ character and mission, helping students of Seerah understand his complete biography.
As a Baby Name
Muhammad is the single most popular Muslim baby boy name in the world and is highly encouraged. The Prophet ﷺ said: 'Name yourselves with my...
Continue Exploring the Names of the Prophet ﷺ
Browse Islamic Names
Send Blessings Upon the Prophet ﷺ
"Indeed, Allah and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet. O you who believe, send blessings upon him and greet him with peace." — Quran 33:56
May Allah send abundant blessings and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his companions. Ameen.