Ibn Majah

Benefits and Issues:

➊ The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) described his own virtues because they pertain to the future, which cannot be known without being informed.

➋ The purpose of mentioning these unique qualities is to inform about the reality of the matter, not to express pride.

➌ In certain situations, it becomes necessary to mention one’s own virtues, just as Yusuf (alayhis salam) said: “Appoint me over the storehouses of the land; indeed, I am a good keeper, knowledgeable.” () This is not included in the prohibited self-praise.

➍ The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) is the leader of all mankind, meaning that among all humans born from Adam (alayhis salam) until the Day of Judgment, he is the most virtuous. Thus, he is superior to all prophets and messengers as well. For this reason, the station of “Wasilah” in Paradise and the “Maqam Mahmood” on the Day of Resurrection are reserved specifically for the Messenger (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam).

➎ The flag is also a symbol of leadership. The Messenger’s flag is the “Banner of Praise” (Liwa’ al-Hamd). All of creation will praise the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam), while the Messenger (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) will praise and glorify Allah Ta’ala.

➏ Rising from the graves is the beginning of the Day of Resurrection, and entering Paradise is the culmination of this sequence. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) has the honor of precedence in both: he will be the first to rise from the graves after being resurrected, and the gate of Paradise will also be opened for him (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam).

➐ On the Day of Resurrection, intercession (shafa’ah) will occur by the permission of Allah Ta’ala. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) will go beneath the Throne and perform a lengthy prostration, and will praise Allah Ta’ala with praises that have never been uttered before. Then, the Messenger (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) will be granted permission for intercession, and that intercession will be accepted. After the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam), other prophets (alayhimus salam), then the martyrs, the memorizers of the Qur’an, and other righteous people will intercede with Allah Ta’ala in order of rank.

➑ Believing in all these details is included in belief in the Hereafter.