The Seal of Prophets, the Beloved, Light Personified
The Prophet Mohammed has many titles and is venerated in Islam for his goodness and piety, and as the last of the prophets sent by God
Interior of Prophet's Mosque (2013-01-23) by Khadim-un-nabi RaoAmerican Research Center In Egypt (ARCE)
The Prophet Mohammed
In Islam, worship is reserved only for God, but Mohammed is highly venerated as a prophet who was chosen by God as his messenger.
In many religions and cultures, ancestors, royals, or religious figures are often venerated through depictions and artwork. However, one of the tenants of Islam is not depicting the prophet as worship of any figure besides God is prohibited.
Folio from an unidentified text; verso, The prophet Muhammad on his way to conquer Mecca; recto, text, The prophet Muhammad proceeds to conquer the Holy Shrine of Mecca (19th century)Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art
Ways to Venerate
Historically, some artists have depicted the Prophet, but usually with his face veiled. However, these images are very rare.
Hilye (Verbal Portrait of the Prophet Muhammad) Hilye (Verbal Portrait of the Prophet Muhammad)Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Instead, Muslims show reverence for Mohammed through their actions, traditions, language, and music.
The Prophet in the Qur'an
Muhammed's exalted status is detailed in Islam's holy book, the Qur'an, which describes his moral excellence and presents him as a good example to follow (sura 33, verse 21).
Qur'an Manuscript Qur'an Manuscript (probably 14th century)The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Lessons of the Sunnah
The Sunnah records the day-to-day living of the Prophet, Mohammed; his actions, sayings, and beliefs. It is regarded as a model of behavior for Muslims to follow.
The ablution area at the Ghousia Mosque, Gladstone Street, Peterborough (2012-03-06) by Steve Cole, English HeritageHistoric England
The way Muslims enter and leave the mosque, perform ritual washing, and even the number of times they pray, is done in a way that emulates the Prophet Mohammed and one way they honor and venerate him.
Selection of Hadiths (Sayings of the Prophet Muhammad) (14th century?)Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art
The Sunnah is also an important source for Islamic law, Sharia.
Right-hand half of a double-page calligraphy (Possibly 17th century) by Calligrapher: Mir Ali al-TabriziSmithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art
Power of Words
Islamic artists represent the Prophet through decorative, descriptive texts, rather than figural depiction.
Hilya Sharifa by the Master Calligrapher Mustafa Ezzat Effendi (1865) by Mustafa Ezzat EffendiAmerican Research Center In Egypt (ARCE)
Describing the Prophet
Hilya is a type of Ottoman literature which describes the physical characteristics of the Prophet. It is believed that reading or possessing an account of his attributes protects one from danger, evil, and sickness.
Hilye were also a way for master calligraphers to demonstrate their skills in honor of the prophet. The papers were collected and placed in houses and palaces to invoke the Prophet’s presence, bringing perpetual baraka (blessings) for the inhabitants.
Songs and Poetry
Language is also used to honor the Prophet in song. The Islamic world is rich in religious music, often poetry set to song. Talaʽ al-Badru ʽAlaynā (The Full Moon Rises Over Us) is a traditional poem that the people of Medina sang to the Prophet Mohammed upon his arrival.
Under the Green Dome
Another way that followers show their devotion is through acts of devotion. Many Mulsims visit the al-Rawda al-Mubaraka, the spot where the Prophet is buried in Medina, Saudia Arabia. His tomb is located under the Green Dome and is one of the holiest sites in Islam and a source of blessing.
Birthday Celebration
The birthday of the Prophet, Mulid al Nabawi, is celebrated not just in Egypt, but around the world. It is commemorated on 12th day of Rabi' al-Awwal, the third month in the Islamic calendar.
People gather in mosques or public areas to watch performers who recount events from the prophet’s life, sing religious songs, recite verses of the Qur'an, or lead prayers or chants.
Love, Devotion, Respect
The Prophet’s birthday is celebrated around the world in Muslim communities and one of the many ways of celebrating the Prophet and showing him love, devotion, and respect.
Story by Tessa Litecky
This story was created in association with a museum exhibition and academic conference titled Exalted Spirits: The Veneration of the Dead in Egypt through the Ages, jointly organized by The American Research Center in Egypt (ARCE), The American University in Cairo (AUC), and the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities (MoTA) in Egypt.
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