The Quran enumerates little about the early life of the Islamic prophet Muhammad or other biographic details, but it talks about his prophetic mission, his moral excellence, and theological issues regarding him. According to the Quran, Muhammad is the last in a chain of prophets sent by Allah (33:40). The name "Muhammad" is mentioned four times in the Quran, and the name "Ahmad" (another variant of the name of Muhammad) is mentioned one time.[1] However, Muhammad is also referred to with various titles such as the Messenger of Allah, Prophet, unlettered, etc., and many verses about Muhammad refer directly or indirectly to him.[2][3] Also, Surah (chapter) 47 of the Quran is called "Muhammad".[4]
| Sura | Verse | English transition |
|---|---|---|
| Muhammad (Arabic: سورة محمد) | 2 | But those who believe and work deeds of righteousness, and believe in the (Revelation) sent down to Muhammad - for it is the Truth from their Lord,- He will remove from them their ills and improve their condition.[9] |
| As-Saff (Arabic: سورة الصف) | 6 | And remember, Jesus, the son of Mary, said: "O Children of Israel! I am the messenger of Allah (sent) to you, confirming the Law (which came) before me, and giving Glad Tidings of a Messenger to come after me, whose name shall be Ahmad." But when he came to them with Clear Signs, they said, "this is evident sorcery!" [11] |
| Al-Fath (Arabic: سورة الفتح) | 29 | Muhammad is the messenger of Allah; and those who are with him are strong against Unbelievers, (but) compassionate amongst each other. Thou wilt see them bow and prostrate themselves (in prayer), seeking Grace from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure. On their faces are their marks, (being) the traces of their prostration. This is their similitude in the Taurat; and their similitude in the Gospel is: like a seed which sends forth its blade, then makes it strong; it then becomes thick, and it stands on its own stem, (filling) the sowers with wonder and delight. As a result, it fills the Unbelievers with rage at them. Allah has promised those among them who believe and do righteous deeds forgiveness, and a great Reward.[10] |
| Al-Ahzab (Arabic: سورة الأحزاب) | 40 | Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but (he is) the Messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets: and Allah has full knowledge of all things.[8] |
| Al Imran (Arabic: آل عمران) | 144 | Muhammad is only a messenger: many Were the messenger that passed away before him. If he died or were slain, will ye then Turn back on your heels? If any did turn back on his heels, not the least harm will he do to Allah; but Allah (on the other hand) will swiftly reward those who (serve Him) with gratitude.[7] |
There are also references to Muhammad as "Messenger", "Messenger of God", and "Prophet" (such as in Quran 2:101, 2:143, 2:151, 3:32, 3:81, 3:144, 3:164, 4:79–80, 5:15, 5:41, 7:157, 8:1, 9:3, 33:40, 48:29, and 66:9). Other terms are used, including "Warner", "bearer of glad tidings", and the "one who invites people to a Single God" (,12:108, and 33:45–46), "Seal of the Prophets" (Khatam an-Nabiyyin) 33:40 i.e. there will be no more prophets after him), a "Summoner unto Allah" and "a Lamp that gives bright light" 33:46 Verse 29:48 -- "And you did not recite before it any scripture, nor did you inscribe one with your right hand. Otherwise the falsifiers would have had [cause for] doubt"—is thought to indicate that Muhammad was illiterate and had not read any earlier scriptures. The Quran disclaims any superhuman characteristics for Muhammad but describes him as a man possessing the highest moral excellence (Quran 68:4 "And thou dost, surely, possess sublime moral excellences"). God made him a good example or a "goodly model" for Muslims to follow (68:4, and 33:21), full of sympathy for Muslims ("Grievous to him is what you suffer; [he is] concerned over you and to the believers is kind and merciful" 9:128) . In Islamic tradition, Muhammad's relation to humanity is as a bringer of truth (God's message to humanity), and as a blessing (39:33, and 21:107) whose message will give people salvation in the afterlife. It is believed by at least one pious commentator that it is Muhammad's teachings and the purity of his personal life alone that keep alive the worship of God.