As Muslims commemorate the Mawlid, the birth of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the meanings of love, respect, and following the example of the Messenger of Allah are renewed.

It is important for Muslims to understand the attributes that must be affirmed regarding the Prophet ﷺ, those that cannot be attributed to him, and the human qualities that are permissible for him as both a human being and a Messenger of Allah.

The Al-Azhar Global Fatwa Center explained that Allah chose Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and granted him the qualities of perfection appropriate to prophethood and messengership. He was truthful, trustworthy, conveyed the message of his Lord, and was protected in what he conveyed from Allah.

What Are the Essential Attributes of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ?

The Al-Azhar Global Fatwa Center published a statement during the Mawlid entitled “What Is Necessary, Impossible, and Permissible Regarding the Prophet.”

The center explained that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ must be described with every human perfection appropriate to his noble prophetic status.

Among these essential attributes are:

• Truthfulness.
• Trustworthiness.
• Conveying the divine message.
• Intelligence and discernment.
• Sound reason.
• Wisdom and understanding.
• Noble lineage.
• Excellence in appearance and character.
• Freedom from qualities that would repel people from the prophetic mission.

Truthfulness and Trustworthiness

Truthfulness and trustworthiness are fundamental qualities of the prophets and messengers.

A Messenger of Allah cannot be characterized by lying or betrayal, particularly regarding the message entrusted to him by Allah.

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was widely known for his truthfulness and trustworthiness even before his prophethood.

Conveying the Message and Intelligence

Among the essential qualities of the Prophet ﷺ are conveying the message and sound intelligence.

A Messenger conveys what Allah commands him to convey and does not conceal the revelation entrusted to him. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was also characterized by wisdom, understanding, and sound judgment.

What Attributes Cannot Be Attributed to the Prophet ﷺ?

The Al-Azhar Global Fatwa Center explained that the opposites of the Prophet’s essential qualities cannot be attributed to him.

These include:

• Lying.
• Betrayal.
• Concealing what Allah commanded him to convey.
• Stupidity or lack of understanding.
• Insanity.
• Harsh or repulsive character.
• Repulsive physical defects.
• Dishonorable lineage.
• Any deficiency incompatible with the status of prophethood.

Allah protected His Messenger ﷺ from qualities and shortcomings that would contradict his noble prophetic status.

The Prophet’s Protection in Conveying Revelation

One of the essential beliefs concerning Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is that he was protected from error in conveying the message of Allah.

He did not lie about Allah or conceal a revelation that he had been commanded to convey.

This protection is part of the special status of the prophets and messengers.

Was Prophet Muhammad ﷺ a Human Being?

Yes. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was both a human being and a Messenger of Allah.

Therefore, ordinary human characteristics that do not diminish his prophetic status were permissible for him, including eating, drinking, marriage, sleeping, and certain forms of human forgetfulness.

Regarding his sleep, the Sunnah states that his eyes slept while his heart remained awake.

Could the Prophet ﷺ Forget?

Human forgetfulness could occur in matters unrelated to conveying the divine message or in matters he had not been commanded to convey.

However, Allah protected him regarding the transmission of revelation and the religious message entrusted to him.

This distinction demonstrates the difference between his human nature and his role as a Messenger conveying the guidance of Allah.

What Are the Rights of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ Upon the Ummah?

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ has tremendous rights upon his Ummah.

Among the greatest are believing in him, affirming his prophethood, loving him, obeying him, following his Sunnah, and honoring his noble status.

Allah says:

“The Prophet is closer to the believers than their own selves, and his wives are their mothers.”

These rights encompass several dimensions of faith and daily conduct.

Believing in the Prophet ﷺ

One of the greatest rights of the Messenger ﷺ is that Muslims believe in him, affirm his prophethood, and accept the qualities of perfection and protection appropriate to his prophetic status.

Faith in Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is an essential part of Islamic belief.

Loving the Prophet ﷺ

Loving the Messenger of Allah ﷺ is among the greatest expressions of faith.

This love should be reflected in a Muslim’s conduct through following his Sunnah, learning about his life, adopting his noble character, and sending blessings and peace upon him.

Obeying the Prophet and Following His Sunnah

Among the Prophet’s rights upon his Ummah is obedience to his guidance and adherence to his Sunnah.

A Muslim seeks to place the teachings brought by the Prophet ﷺ above personal desires and worldly inclinations.

True love for the Prophet is therefore expressed through action, conduct, and following his example.

Honoring and Revering the Prophet ﷺ

Muslims are required to honor and revere the Prophet ﷺ and uphold his Sunnah while avoiding both exaggeration and disrespect.

Studying his biography, learning about his character, and understanding his guidance are important ways of maintaining a meaningful connection with his legacy.

Following the Prophet’s Character

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was an example of mercy, patience, generosity, wisdom, and excellent character.

Learning from his life allows Muslims to translate their love for him into everyday behavior and ethical conduct.

Learning About the Prophet’s Life and Message

Studying the Seerah, or biography of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, is an important way to understand his mission, character, teachings, and guidance.

Sharing accurate knowledge about his message also helps communicate the values of Islam, including mercy, justice, compassion, and goodness.

Summary: The Prophet’s ﷺ Attributes and Rights

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ must be described with qualities such as truthfulness, trustworthiness, conveying the message, intelligence, sound reason, noble lineage, and excellent character.

Their opposites—such as lying, betrayal, concealing revelation, insanity, and qualities incompatible with prophethood—cannot be attributed to him.

At the same time, the Prophet ﷺ was human. He ate, drank, married, slept, and experienced human circumstances that did not diminish his prophetic status.

Among his greatest rights upon the Ummah are faith in him, love for him, sending blessings and peace upon him, obedience, following his Sunnah, honoring him, studying his life, and emulating his noble character and guidance.

What are the essential attributes of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ?

They include truthfulness, trustworthiness, conveying the message, intelligence, sound reason, noble lineage, and excellent character.

What attributes cannot be attributed to the Prophet ﷺ?

Lying, betrayal, concealing revelation, insanity, stupidity, and other qualities incompatible with prophethood cannot be attributed to him.

Was Prophet Muhammad ﷺ a human being?

Yes. He was a human being and a Messenger of Allah, and he experienced permissible human characteristics such as eating, drinking, sleeping, and marriage.

What are the Prophet’s rights upon the Muslim Ummah?

Believing in him, loving him, sending blessings and peace upon him, obeying him, following his Sunnah, honoring him, and studying his life.

How can Muslims show love for the Prophet ﷺ?

By sending blessings and peace upon him, following his Sunnah, learning his biography, and emulating his noble character and guidance.