Is it correct to name the Prophet, peace be upon him, a "reformer" or a "revolutionary," or must we adhere to what Allah named him, namely "Messenger" and "Prophet"?
The names of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, are numerous, and books have been authored enumerating and explaining them. Imam al-Salihi mentioned that he came across 500 names. However, naming the Prophet with "al-Muslih" (the reformer) has not been authentically established with a sound chain of narration; rather, it was mentioned in a statement quoted from a judge. As for "al-Thawri" (the revolutionary), no one has mentioned it among his names.
Accordingly, it is not permissible to name him "al-Muslih" or "al-Thawri," because most of the names they mentioned are actually attributes, so using them as names is metaphorical. Describing him, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, as "al-Muslih" is permissible because he rectified the corruption that humanity was in. However, describing him as "al-Thawri" is forbidden, because revolution (thawra) is commotion and impetuosity, and the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, was not driven by revolution, but rather by revelation. He did not go forth to the people except by Allah's command. Furthermore, some people of whims and desires describe the Prophet as "al-Muslih," "the genius," and "al-Thawri" to escape from describing him with prophethood and messengership.
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- Original fatwa ID
- 35693
- Imported
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- Source text, unreviewed
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