This is the complete authority reference on Prophet Muhammad ﷺ — his names with Arabic roots and meanings, physical description from authenticated Hadith, full life timeline, miracles with Hadith grading, personal duas in Arabic, and his character as described by his companions and the Quran itself.
Who Is Muhammad ﷺ? — The Founding Entity
In Islamic theology, Muhammad ibn Abdullah ibn Abd al-Muttalib (مُحَمَّد بْن عَبْدِ الله) is the Seal of Prophets — the final messenger in the line of prophethood that began with Adam AS and ran through Ibrahim, Musa, Isa, and all other prophets. His mission is established in the Quran:
Quran 21:107:
وَمَآ أَرْسَلْنَٰكَ إِلَّا رَحْمَةً لِّلْعَٰلَمِينَ
“And We have not sent you except as a mercy to the worlds (Rahmatun lil-Alamin).”
And Quran 33:40: “Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but the Messenger of Allah and the Seal of Prophets (Khatam al-Nabiyyin).” These two verses establish the twin pillars of his mission: universal mercy and final prophethood.
The Arabic root ح-م-د (ḥ-m-d) — to praise, to laud — is the most celebrated root in Islam. It gives us: Muhammad (the Praised One), Ahmad (the Most Praiseworthy), Mahmud (the one who is praised), and Alhamdulillah (All praise belongs to Allah). The Prophet ﷺ said: “I am Muhammad, and I am Ahmad, and I am Al-Aqib — after whom there is no prophet.” — Muslim 2354 (Sahih)
The Names of the Prophet ﷺ — Asma’ al-Nabi
The Prophet ﷺ himself taught five of his names: “I have five names: I am Muhammad, I am Ahmad, I am Al-Mahi by whom Allah obliterates unbelief, I am Al-Hashir at whose feet humanity will be gathered, and I am Al-Aqib.” — Bukhari 3532, Muslim 2354 (Sahih)
| Arabic Name | Transliteration | Meaning | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| مُحَمَّد | Muhammad | The Praised One (passive intensive form of ḥ-m-d) | Quran 3:144; Bukhari 3532 |
| أَحْمَد | Ahmad | The Most Praiseworthy — Isa AS foretold this name | Quran 61:6; Muslim 2354 |
| الْمُصْطَفَى | Al-Mustafa | The Chosen One — from ṣ-f-w (to choose, to purify) | Muslim 2276 |
| الْحَبِيب | Al-Habib | The Beloved (of Allah) — from ḥ-b-b (love) | Tirmidhi 3616 |
| الْأَمِين | Al-Amin | The Trustworthy — his title before prophethood | Bukhari 4834 |
| خَاتَمُ النَّبِيِّين | Khatam al-Nabiyyin | Seal of the Prophets — the final prophet | Quran 33:40 |
| رَحْمَةٌ لِلْعَالَمِين | Rahmatun lil-Alamin | Mercy to the Worlds — his mission’s definition | Quran 21:107 |
| السِّرَاجُ الْمُنِير | Al-Siraj al-Munir | The Illuminating Lamp — guide for humanity | Quran 33:46 |
| الْمَاحِي | Al-Mahi | The Obliterator — through whom Allah erases disbelief | Bukhari 3532 |
| الْحَاشِر | Al-Hashir | The Gatherer — humanity assembled at his feet on Day of Judgment | Bukhari 3532 |
| الْعَاقِب | Al-Aqib | The Last — he who comes last in the line of prophets | Bukhari 3532 |
| الشَّاهِد | Al-Shahid | The Witness — who will testify for his Ummah | Quran 33:45 |
| الْمُبَشِّر | Al-Mubashir | The Bearer of Glad Tidings | Quran 33:45 |
| النَّذِير | Al-Nadhir | The Warner — against the consequences of disbelief | Quran 33:45 |
| الْأُمِّي | Al-Ummi | The Unlettered Prophet — who could not read or write | Quran 7:157 |
| طه | Taha | Quranic name — “We have not sent down the Quran to distress you” | Quran 20:1 |
Physical Description — Al-Shama’il al-Muhammadiyah
The companions left detailed physical descriptions of the Prophet ﷺ. Imam al-Tirmidhi compiled the most authoritative collection in Al-Shama’il al-Muhammadiyah — 415 narrations on his appearance, character, and daily life.
Al-Bara’ ibn Azib RA — Bukhari 3549 (Sahih):
“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ was of medium stature, broad between the shoulders. His hair reached between his earlobes and his shoulders. I saw him wearing a red garment — I have never seen anything more beautiful than him.”
Life Timeline — From Birth to the Farewell
570 CE — Year of the Elephant — Birth in Mecca
Born on 12 Rabi al-Awwal. His father Abdullah had died before his birth. His mother Aminah gave him to a wet-nurse from the Banu Sa’d tribe — Halimah al-Sa’diyyah. The Quran references this year with the account of Abraha’s army (Surah Al-Fil, 105:1).
576 CE — Death of His Mother Aminah
Aminah bint Wahb died on the return journey from visiting her husband’s grave in Madinah — at Abwa. The Prophet ﷺ was 6 years old. His grandfather Abd al-Muttalib then took guardianship.
578 CE — Abu Talib Takes Guardianship
Abd al-Muttalib died when the Prophet ﷺ was 8. His uncle Abu Talib — leader of Banu Hashim — became his guardian and protector, a role he maintained until his own death in 619 CE.
595 CE — Marriage to Khadijah RA (Age 25)
He managed her trading caravans and she proposed marriage. Khadijah bint Khuwaylid was 40, twice-widowed, and the wealthiest woman in Mecca. Their marriage lasted 25 years until her death. He never took another wife while she lived. She was the first Muslim.
610 CE — First Revelation (Age 40)
In Cave Hira on Mount Nur, during Ramadan. The angel Jibreel AS embraced him and said: “Iqra” (اقْرَأ — Read!). He replied: “I cannot read.” After three embraces, the first five verses of Surah Al-Alaq were revealed: “Read in the name of your Lord who created…” — Quran 96:1-5. Bukhari 3. He returned to Khadijah RA trembling. She took him to Waraqah ibn Nawfal — a Christian scholar who confirmed: “This is the Namus who came to Musa.”
619 CE — ‘Ām al-Ḥuzn (Year of Grief)
Both Khadijah RA and Abu Talib died within days of each other. The Prophet ﷺ named this the Year of Grief. Khadijah’s death was an immense personal loss. Abu Talib’s death removed his tribal protection — enabling the Quraysh to intensify persecution.
619–620 CE — Isra and Mi’raj (Night Journey and Ascent)
Allah consoled him with the greatest journey. In one night: from Mecca to Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem (Isra), then ascent through the seven heavens (Mi’raj), meeting all previous prophets, witnessing Jannah and Jahannam, and receiving the command of 5 daily prayers. Quran 17:1 and Quran 53:1-18.
622 CE — Al-Hijra (Migration to Madinah)
Year 1 of the Islamic calendar begins here. The Quraysh plotted assassination. The Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr RA slipped out at night, hid in Cave Thawr for three days, then travelled to Madinah. He arrived on 12 Rabi al-Awwal 1 AH. The Ansar received him with joy and tears.
624–627 CE — The Major Battles
Badr (624 CE): 313 Muslims defeated 950 Quraysh — the turning point. Uhud (625 CE): 70 Companions martyred including Hamzah RA. The Prophet ﷺ was injured. Khandaq/Trench (627 CE): Salman al-Farisi RA proposed the defensive trench — the Quraysh laid siege but retreated after two weeks.
630 CE — Fath Makkah (Conquest of Mecca)
The most remarkable moment: no bloodshed. 10,000 Muslim soldiers entered Mecca. The Prophet ﷺ entered humbly on his camel, head bowed in gratitude. The people gathered expecting punishment. He said: “Go — you are free.” He entered the Kaaba and cleared it of 360 idols, reciting: “Truth has arrived and falsehood has perished” (Quran 17:81).
632 CE — Farewell Pilgrimage and Death
The Farewell Sermon on Mount Arafah — 124,000 companions present. He declared: “I have left among you that which will not lead you astray: the Book of Allah and my Sunnah.” Three months later, on 12 Rabi al-Awwal 11 AH (8 June 632 CE), he passed away in Aisha RA’s room in Madinah, his head in her lap. He was 63. He was buried where he died — beneath what is now the green dome of Masjid al-Nabawi.
The Miracles — Mu’jizat al-Nabi ﷺ
Islamic theology distinguishes between Mu’jizat (مُعْجِزَات — miracles granted to prophets) and Karamat (كَرَامَات — wonders granted to awliya). The Prophet ﷺ was given more miracles than any previous prophet, with the Quran being the eternal miracle.
Miracle 1 — Greatest and Everlasting
The Quran
The Quran is the miracle of miracles — the only miracle of any prophet that remains fully present and verifiable today. Allah challenged all of humanity and jinn to produce even one chapter like it (Quran 2:23) — the challenge remains unmet. Revealed over 23 years, preserved in memory by thousands of companions, unchanged in a single letter. No other prophetic miracle of any prophet has this permanence.
Miracle 2
Shaqq al-Qamar — Splitting of the Moon
Quran 54:1: “The Hour has drawn near and the moon has split.” Ibn Masud RA: “We were with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ at Mina when the moon split into two pieces. He said: ‘Be witness!'” — Bukhari 3637, Muslim 2800 (Sahih). The Quraysh dismissed it as sorcery — but travellers from distant lands confirmed they had seen it. One of the most widely transmitted physical miracles.
Miracle 3
Water Flowing from His Fingers
At Hudaybiyyah — 1,400 companions, no water. A small vessel was brought to the Prophet ﷺ. He placed his hand in it and water poured from between his fingers until all 1,400 companions drank and made Wudu. — Bukhari 3576, Muslim 1856 (Sahih). Jabir RA reported: “I saw water gushing from between his fingers like springs.”
Miracle 4
Jidhul Nakhla — The Weeping Tree Trunk
The Prophet ﷺ used to deliver Friday sermon leaning on a palm tree trunk. When a proper pulpit was built, the trunk was heard weeping like a young child until the whole mosque was moved to tears. The Prophet ﷺ descended, placed his hand on it, and it became silent. — Bukhari 918, Tirmidhi 505 (Sahih). Witnessed by the entire congregation.
Miracle 5
Food Multiplication
Multiple authenticated instances: Jabir RA’s wedding: one goat and a small amount of barley fed over 1,000 people — from a pot that remained full (Bukhari 4101). Abu Talha RA’s house: 70–80 people fed from food sufficient for one. Umm Sulaym’s butter: a small amount fed the entire army of Tabuk.
Miracle 6
Healing — Ali RA’s Eye at Khaybar
On the eve of the Battle of Khaybar, the Prophet ﷺ called Ali RA — who had severe eye pain. The Prophet ﷺ applied his saliva to Ali’s eyes. Ali RA said: “My eye was healed as if it had never pained me.” — Bukhari 2942, Muslim 2406 (Sahih).
Miracle 7
Isra and Mi’raj — Night Journey and Ascent
From Mecca to Jerusalem in one night on Al-Buraq — then ascent through the seven heavens, meeting Adam AS, Yahya and Isa AS, Yusuf AS, Idris AS, Harun AS, Musa AS, and Ibrahim AS. He saw Sidrat al-Muntaha and received the 5 daily prayers directly from Allah. The Quraysh called him a liar — but he described Masjid al-Aqsa in detail that companions who had visited verified. — Quran 17:1; Bukhari 3887 (Sahih).
Miracle 8
Animals Speaking to Him
A camel complained to the Prophet ﷺ that its owner overworked and underfed it — Abu Dawud 2549. A wolf spoke to the shepherd and mentioned the Prophet ﷺ by name. Trees and rocks gave Salam to him as he passed. — Muslim 2277. Jabir ibn Samura RA narrated: “I know a stone in Mecca that used to give me Salam before my prophethood. I know it now.”
His Duas ﷺ — Full Arabic Text
The Prophet ﷺ was given Jawami’ al-Kalim (جَوَامِع الكَلِم) — words of vast meaning in concise form. His duas are the most eloquent ever uttered and cover every human condition.
Dua for Distress — Dua al-Karb
Bukhari 7426, Muslim 2730 (Sahih)
لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ الْعَظِيمُ الْحَلِيمُ، لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ رَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيمِ، لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ رَبُّ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَرَبُّ الْأَرْضِ وَرَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْكَرِيمِ
“There is no god except Allah, the Mighty, the Forbearing. There is no god except Allah, Lord of the Magnificent Throne. There is no god except Allah, Lord of the heavens, Lord of the earth, and Lord of the Noble Throne.”
Dua for Anxiety — Taught to Ibn Masud RA
Ahmad 3704 (Sahih)
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي عَبْدُكَ وَابْنُ عَبْدِكَ وَابْنُ أَمَتِكَ، نَاصِيَتِي بِيَدِكَ، مَاضٍ فِيَّ حُكْمُكَ، عَدْلٌ فِيَّ قَضَاؤُكَ، أَسْأَلُكَ بِكُلِّ اسْمٍ هُوَ لَكَ سَمَّيْتَ بِهِ نَفْسَكَ، أَوْ أَنْزَلْتَهُ فِي كِتَابِكَ، أَوْ عَلَّمْتَهُ أَحَدًا مِنْ خَلْقِكَ، أَوِ اسْتَأْثَرْتَ بِهِ فِي عِلْمِ الْغَيْبِ عِنْدَكَ، أَنْ تَجْعَلَ الْقُرْآنَ رَبِيعَ قَلْبِي وَنُورَ صَدْرِي وَجَلَاءَ حُزْنِي وَذَهَابَ هَمِّي
“O Allah, I am Your servant, son of Your servant, son of Your female servant. My forelock is in Your hand. Your decree upon me is just. I ask You by every name You have named Yourself with — to make the Quran the spring of my heart, the light of my chest, the removal of my grief, and the departure of my anxiety.”
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Anyone who says this dua — Allah will remove his grief and anxiety and replace them with joy.”
Dua in Sujood (Prostration)
Muslim 486 (Sahih)
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِرِضَاكَ مِنْ سَخَطِكَ، وَبِمُعَافَاتِكَ مِنْ عُقُوبَتِكَ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْكَ، لَا أُحْصِي ثَنَاءً عَلَيْكَ، أَنْتَ كَمَا أَثْنَيْتَ عَلَى نَفْسِكَ
“O Allah, I seek refuge in Your pleasure from Your anger, and in Your pardon from Your punishment, and I seek refuge in You from You. I cannot enumerate Your praise — You are as You have praised Yourself.”
Dua of Laylatul Qadr — Taught to Aisha RA
Tirmidhi 3513 (Sahih)
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
“O Allah, You are the Pardoner (Al-Afuww), You love to pardon, so pardon me.”
See the full Laylatul Qadr dua guide.
Dua for Entering the Morning
Abu Dawud 5068 (Sahih)
اللَّهُمَّ بِكَ أَصْبَحْنَا، وَبِكَ أَمْسَيْنَا، وَبِكَ نَحْيَا، وَبِكَ نَمُوتُ، وَإِلَيْكَ النُّشُورُ
“O Allah, by You we enter the morning, by You we enter the evening, by You we live, by You we die, and to You is the resurrection.”
His Last Words ﷺ
Bukhari 4437 (Sahih)
الرَّفِيقَ الْأَعْلَى
“To the Highest Companion (Al-Rafiq al-A’la).” — Aisha RA said: “He was dipping his hand in water and wiping his face, saying: ‘There is no god but Allah — indeed death has its agonies.’ Then he raised his hand and said: ‘To the Highest Companion’ — and passed away.”
His Character — Al-Akhlaq al-Nabawiyyah
Quran 68:4:
وَإِنَّكَ لَعَلَىٰ خُلُقٍ عَظِيمٍ
“And indeed, you are of a great moral character.”
When Aisha RA was asked about the Prophet ﷺ’s character, she said: “His character was the Quran.” — Muslim 746. Meaning: he was the living embodiment of everything the Quran commands.
Send Durood and Salawat Upon Him ﷺ
Quran 33:56:
إِنَّ اللَّهَ وَمَلَٰٓئِكَتَهُۥ يُصَلُّونَ عَلَى النَّبِيِّ ۚ يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ صَلُّوا۟ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلِّمُوا۟ تَسْلِيمًا
“Indeed, Allah and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet. O you who believe, send blessings upon him and greet him with peace.”
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Mohammed Basheer is the founder of Sukoonly.com, an Islamic blog focused on duas, prophetic healing, and Qur’anic wisdom. He writes with sincerity and spiritual depth for seekers around the world.