The Rights of the Prophet ﷺ | ZAD Academy Audio | Blogpost by Zayd Haji

By Zayd Haji – Student at Zad Academy

Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,
I am Zayd Haji, a student at Zad Academy.

Alhamdulillah, we continue our journey in Islamic education by discussing the rights of our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Loving the Prophet, following him sincerely, and avoiding extremism in his regard are among the greatest obligations of every believer. These rights are rooted in the Qur’an and Sunnah, guiding us to balance love with correct belief and practice.

The Prophet ﷺ holds the highest status a human being can attain—servitude to Allah ﷻ and prophethood. Allah ﷻ says:

“Say, [O Muhammad], I am only a man like you, to whom has been revealed that your god is one God.”
(Qur’an, Surah Al-Kahf 18:110 — Quran.com/18/110)

While we must love the Prophet ﷺ more than ourselves, parents, and children, we are forbidden from exaggerating his status by attributing divine qualities to him. The Prophet ﷺ warned:

“Do not exaggerate in praising me as the Christians praised the son of Mary, for I am only a slave. So call me the slave of Allah and His Messenger.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 3445 — Sunnah.com/bukhari:3445)

Thus, claiming that the Prophet ﷺ was created from light, that he had no human qualities like shade, or that all creation was made for him, contradicts the Qur’an and authentic Sunnah.

True love for the Prophet ﷺ means obedience. Allah ﷻ says:

“He who obeys the Messenger has indeed obeyed Allah.”
(Qur’an, Surah An-Nisa 4:80 — Quran.com/4/80)

Innovations such as celebrating the Prophet’s birthday (Mawlid) or swearing by his name were never practiced by the early generations. Instead, the Prophet ﷺ commanded:

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "If somebody innovates something which is not in harmony with the principles of our religion, that thing is rejected."
(Sahih al-Bukhari 2697 — Sunnah.com/bukhari:2697)

Therefore, the correct way to honor him is to follow his Sunnah inwardly and outwardly, avoiding additions to the religion.

Among the Prophet’s rights is love for his family and respect for his companions. He ﷺ said:

“I remind you by Allah concerning my family.”
(Sahih Muslim 2408 — Sunnah.com/muslim:2408)

Regarding his companions, he ﷺ warned:

“Do not abuse my companions, for if one of you were to spend gold equal to Uhud, it would not equal a handful or even half of what they gave.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 3673 — Sunnah.com/bukhari:3673)

Loving and defending them is part of loving the Prophet ﷺ.

The rights of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ include love, obedience, following his Sunnah, avoiding extremism, respecting his family, and honoring his companions. True love is shown through adherence to revelation, not by exaggeration or innovation.

Allah ﷻ says:

“Say, [O Muhammad], if you love Allah, then follow me; Allah will love you and forgive you your sins.”
(Qur’an, Surah Aal ‘Imran 3:31 — Quran.com/3/31)

Following the Prophet ﷺ sincerely is the path to Allah’s mercy, guidance, and Paradise.