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In this edition we continue our exploration of the names of The Prophet ﷺ.

1. Tayyib
The Prophet ﷺ is known as Tayyib, Fragrant. His perspiration was as fragrant and sweet, and was often used by companions in their perfume. The palm of The Prophet ﷺ was as sweet as musk and amber, and when he would rub his hand over the heads of children, people could recognise those that had been touched by the Prophet ﷺ. He was not only physically fragrant but also so in other ways - for example, in his words and his deeds.

2. Sayyid
This name, meaning Master, comes from a number of authentic hadiths. One hadith reads:

I am the master of the children of Adam on the Day of Resurrection (Muslim)

The word sayyid means one who is peoples' chief and leader because of his character and noble qualities. Scholars also mention that it refers to someone who is noble in the sight of his Lord. All of the above meanings are applicable to the Prophet ﷺ.

3. Rasul and Nabi
Allah does not address The Prophet ﷺ in the Qur'an directly by his name. Instead, Allah uses the titles Rasul and Nabi. This is unique to our Prophet ﷺ - other prophets are addressed by their names. Rasul translates as Messenger, which is a Prophet (Nabi) who has been commanded to convey a message to people. Messengers, therefore, form a subset of Prophets. Scholars say that Messengers are tasked with delivering new types of law or specific scriptures, whereas those that are only Prophets are responsible for calling people to a previously conveyed law.

4. Rasul Al Rahmah
Allah mentions in the Qur'an:

"We have not sent you but as a mercy to the worlds" (21:107)

Rasul Al Rahmah is the Messenger of Mercy. Allah sent the Prophet ﷺ as a mercy not just to mankind, but to all of the worlds. Believers are shown mercy for the Prophet's sake by being granted faith in this world, and being saved from eternal punishment in the next world. Qastallani mentions that for his ﷺ sake, Nuh (alayhis salam) was delivered from the flood; and for his ﷺ sake, fire turned cool for Ibrahim (alayhis salam).

5. Qayyim
Qayyim means upright and refers to someone who comprises all noble traits and qualities, and takes care of the affairs of other people. It is mentioned that this is his ﷺ name in the Psalms of David.

Source: Al Fasi’s commentary on the Dala’il Al Khayrat (مطالع المسرات بجلاء دلائل الخيرات), Heavenly Light to the Beacon of Pure Light