Fath al-Rabbani

Benefits: … Between the two shoulders, but closer to the left shoulder, on the blessed back of the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, was the Seal of Prophethood. This was a clear sign and mark of prophethood on the pure body of the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam. The various narrations describing its size and color are as follows:

1. The Seal of Prophethood was like the button of a canopy bed. (Bukhari, Muslim)
2. The Seal of Prophethood was like a red-colored lump, similar to a pigeon’s egg. (Muslim)
3. The Seal of Prophethood was like a closed fist upon which there were moles. (Muslim)
4. The Seal of Prophethood was like a raised piece of flesh. (Musnad Ahmad)
5. The Seal of Prophethood was like an ostrich egg. (Ibn Hibban)
6. The Seal of Prophethood was like an apple seed. (Bayhaqi)
7. The Seal of Prophethood was like a bunduqah (a fruit the size of a jujube). (Ibn Asakir)

In reality, there is no contradiction or inconsistency in these narrations. It is also well known that a seen object cannot be fully described in words as it truly is. Some described the size of the Seal of Prophethood, some tried to describe its shape by giving the example of a pigeon’s egg, an ostrich egg, a button, or an apple seed. Some, considering its raised nature, likened it to a closed fist or a bunduqah, and it is also possible that due to age, season, or labor and exertion, there may have been differences in its color, etc.