Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • The Arab prophet and founder of Islam: According to Islamic belief, Muhammad is considered the final prophet and messenger of God (Allah), through whom the Quran was revealed. He lived from approximately 570 to 632 CE.
   • An American religious and political leader: Elijah Muhammad was the leader of the Nation of Islam, a religious movement that campaigned for the spiritual, social, and economic independence of Black Americans in the mid-20th century.

Usage Examples

• Referring to the Islamic prophet:

  • Muslims believe Muhammad received the first revelation in the cave of Hira.
  • The life and teachings of Muhammad are recorded in the Hadith.

• Referring to the Nation of Islam leader:

  • Muhammad led the Nation of Islam from 1934 until his death in 1975.
  • The teachings of Muhammad emphasized black self-sufficiency.

Advanced Usage

• "The Prophet Muhammad": This is the standard respectful title used by Muslims when referring to the founder of Islam. The phrase "peace be upon him" often follows his name in Islamic contexts.

  • Muslims strive to follow the example set by the Prophet Muhammad.

• "Elijah Muhammad": Using the full name specifies the 20th-century leader and distinguishes him from the Islamic prophet.

  • Elijah Muhammad established Muhammad University of Islam.

Variants and Related Words

• Mohammed, Mohammad, Muhammed (n): Common alternative transliterations of the Arabic name for the Islamic prophet.

  • The name is sometimes spelled "Mohammed" in older English texts.

• Muhammadan (adj, historical): An outdated and often considered offensive term meaning "related to Muhammad or Islam." The preferred modern terms are "Islamic" or "Muslim."

• Muhammad Ali (n): The birth name of the famous boxer Cassius Clay, who changed his name after converting to Islam and was a follower of Elijah Muhammad.

Synonyms

• The Messenger (n): A title for the Islamic prophet Muhammad, emphasizing his role.
• The Final Prophet (n): A theological title in Islam for Muhammad.
• Elijah Poole (n): The birth name of Elijah Muhammad.

Related Phrases

• Seal of the Prophets: An Islamic phrase used to describe Muhammad's status as the final prophet.

  • Muhammad is called the Seal of the Prophets in the Quran.

• Nation of Islam: The religious movement led by Elijah Muhammad.

  • Muhammad was the longtime leader of the Nation of Islam.

Noun

1. the Arab prophet who, according to Islam, was the last messenger of Allah (570-632)
2. leader of Black Muslims who campaigned for independence for Black Americans (1897-1975)