Is there a wisdom behind naming the Prophet (peace be upon him) "Ahmad"? And is it permissible for a Muslim to say "Ahmad (peace be upon him)" or to bear witness that "Ahmad is His slave and messenger"?

"Ahmad" is one of the names of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and it was mentioned in the Quran as a glad tidings from Jesus, peace be upon him, in His saying, the Almighty: "And a bearer of glad tidings of a messenger to come after me, whose name is Ahmad." Scholars differed regarding the wisdom behind this; some believe that the attribute "Ahmad" (the most حمد-praising) precedes the existence of the attribute "Muhammad" (the praised one), and therefore it was appropriate to mention him by this name among previous nations.

However, Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, criticized this view, clarifying that the name "Muhammad" was mentioned in the Torah before the Gospel. He believes that the wisdom behind mentioning the name "Ahmad" in the Gospel lies in describing the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, as "Ahmad," the most حمد-praising of all who praise and the most worshipper of Allah, an attribute that suits the nation of Jesus, which was characterized by worship and monasticism.

It is permissible to refer to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, by the name "Ahmad" because it is one of his names. However, one must adhere to the name mentioned in the prescribed devotional acts such as the tashahhud and the adhan, which is "Muhammad"; because the wordings of devotional acts are definitive and cannot be changed, and the name "Muhammad" suits the context of praise and commendation in these instances.