Day 2, The Most Beloved in History

In the early years of Islam, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) experienced deep sorrow when all three of his sons passed away at a very young age. In a society that placed immense value on male heirs and tribal lineage, this became a reason for some of the Quraysh—who were idol worshippers entrenched in ancient traditions—to mock and ridicule the Prophet. They claimed that he would soon be forgotten, that he had no one to carry his name or legacy, and that his message would die with him. Their taunts were filled with arrogance and disbelief, rooted in their attachment to status and lineage.
But history bore witness to a very different outcome. Today, the name Muhammad is not only remembered—it is the most common given name across the globe. It is pronounced in various forms like Mohamed, Mehmet, or Mamadou depending on cultural and linguistic backgrounds, yet it always traces back to the noble Messenger of Allah. In contrast, those who mocked him, like Al-Aas ibn Wa’il, are largely forgotten in history, their names barely mentioned except in the context of their opposition to the truth.
Every time someone accepts Islam, they begin their journey by declaring the Shahadah: the testimony of faith. It starts with believing in the oneness of Allah and affirming that Muhammad (peace be upon him) is His final messenger. This declaration is not merely ritual—it is the core of a Muslim's belief system, acknowledging the honor and truth of the Prophet's mission.
This honor is not limited to the heart alone. It resonates in every corner of the world, every minute of the day. With different time zones across the globe, there is not a single moment when someone, somewhere, is not calling the Adhan (the Islamic call to prayer). In the Adhan, the Mu’adhin announces, "Ash-hadu anna Muhammadan Rasoolullah"—"I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah." This declaration rings from Japan to Indonesia, from Pakistan to Egypt, from Nigeria to the United Kingdom, from Canada to Australia. It echoes in homes, mosques, markets, and deserts. It fills the air five times a day, in every city where Muslims live.
During the daily prayers, in the sitting portion known as Tashahhud, every Muslim, regardless of their nationality or language, sends peace and blessings upon the Prophet and his family. The Tashahhud is a solemn and universal act of honoring his legacy, repeated millions of times each day, across nations and generations.
What is even more remarkable is that this respect extends far beyond those who actively pray or adhere to Islamic practices. Many Muslims who may not be practicing still carry a deep love and reverence for the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). His name is cherished, often used for naming sons, businesses, institutions, and charities. His character and teachings are referenced in literature, poetry, and education.
The Qur’an itself is a divine testament to this honor. In Surah Al-Inshirah (Chapter 94), verse 4, Allah says: "وَرَفَعْنَا لَكَ ذِكْرَكَ"
“And We have raised high your mention.”
This is not merely poetic; it is a living reality. Allah promised to elevate the status of the Prophet—and He did. The Prophet’s name is spoken in billions of hearts and tongues, day and night. No religious figure in history is remembered with such constancy and affection.
On social media, influencers may boast about having thousands or even millions of followers. But the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is followed today by nearly two billion Muslims, and that number continues to grow. These are people who believe in his message, revere his teachings, and love him without ever having met him in person. This is not popularity—it is a divine honor, the kind of enduring legacy only Allah can bestow.
And just as he is honored in this world, he will be honored in the Hereafter. On the Day of Judgment, it will be the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) who will be granted the special intercession, the Maqam Mahmood (the praised station). He will raise the banner of praise, and all creation will look toward him. In Jannah (Paradise), his status will be unmatched, his company longed for by every believer.
This is the legacy of a man whom his enemies called forgotten. It is a legacy written not in stone, but in the hearts of billions. It is spoken in every language, inscribed in every land, and carried forward by every generation of believers. This is the fulfillment of Allah’s divine promise to His most beloved Messenger.
Indeed, as Allah declared in the Qur’an: "And We have raised your mention." (Surah Al-Inshirah, 94:4)
The name of Muhammad (peace be upon him) is more than a name. It is a symbol of truth, mercy, and guidance. It is a name that continues to shine, day after day, year after year—forever honored in this life and the next.