Question:
Assalamualaikum, is it true that Yasin and Taha are the names of the Prophet PBUH?
Answer:
Waalaikumussalam wbt.
Alhamdulillah, praise and thanks to Allah for the countless blessings He has blessed us all with. Blessings and salutations to the Prophet Muhammad PBUH, his wives, his family, companions and all those that follow his teachings to the day of judgement.
The Prophet PBUH has several names or monikers as stated in the Quran and sahih hadiths. Among them is a hadith narrated by Imam al-Bukhari:
- From Mut’im, the Prophet PBUH said:
لِي خَمْسَةُ أَسْمَاءٍ: أَنَا مُحَمَّدٌ، وَأَحْمَدُ وَأَنَا المَاحِي الَّذِي يَمْحُو اللَّهُ بِي الكُفْرَ، وَأَنَا الحَاشِرُ الَّذِي يُحْشَرُ النَّاسُ عَلَى قَدَمِي، وَأَنَا العَاقِبُ
I have five names: I am Muhammad and Ahmad; I am Al-Mahi through whom Allah will eliminate infidelity; I am Al-Hashir who will be the first to be resurrected, the people being resurrected there after; and I am also Al-`Aqib (i.e. There will be no prophet after me).”
Sahih al-Bukhari (3532)
Furthermore, there is another sahih narration from Imam Muslim who mentions other names of the Prophet PBUH:
- From Abu Musa al-Asy’ari, the Prophet PBUH once mentioned his many names:
أَنَا مُحَمَّدٌ، وَأَحْمَدُ، وَالْمُقَفِّي، وَالْحَاشِرُ، وَنَبِيُّ التَّوْبَةِ، وَنَبِيُّ الرَّحْمَةِ
“I am Muhammad, Ahmad. Muqaffi (the last in succession), Hashir, the Prophet of repentance, and the Prophet of Mercy.”
Sahih Muslim (2355)
Considering both hadiths, we understand that the Prophet PBUH has several names of which he named himself. As for in the Quran, there are too many names or monikers used for our beloved Prophet Muhammad PBUH:
- Allah SWT states:
وَقُلْ إِنِّي أَنَا النَّذِيرُ الْمُبِينُ
And say, "Indeed, I am the clear warner,”
Surah al-Hijr (89)
According to the above question, the names of Yasin and Taha mentioned as the name of the Prophet PBUH is stated in a narration by Imam al-Qadhi bin ‘Iyadh in his book al-Syifa but with sighah tamridh. (See al-Syifa, 448/1). Furthermore, it is also written by Ibn ‘Asakir in his book al-Kamil. (See al-Kamil fi Dhu’afa’ al-Rijal, 509/4). It is also mentioned in the Arabic poems.
In answering this question, we try to include the opinions of commentary scholars in this matter. Among them is Syeikh Abdul Rahman al-Sa’di in his commentary that Taha is one of the al-muqatha’ah (individual letters) which usually persists at the beginning of numerous surah and it is not among the names of the Prophet PBUH. (See Taysir al-Karim al-Rahman, 501/1)
Whereas, Syeikh Wahbah al-Zuhaili states his opinion in his commentary saying that the opinion which says taha is the name of the Prophet PBUH is accepted. (See Tafsir al-Wasith, 1509/2). While Yasin is said to be both the name of the Prophet PBUH as well as al-muqatha’ah letters. (See Tafsir al-Wasith, 2144/3)
Thus, we state that scholars have differing opinions in this issue and we would also like to state that it is not an issue to choose either opinions in this matter for it does not involve anything that is related to any rulings or usul in aqidah.
Conclusion
As a conclusion, associating good names to the Prophet PBUH is not an issue even if it comes from a dhaif narration. Some scholars are not too rigid in this matter as long as it does not involve matters of halal and haram and usul aqidah. Lastly, may Allah SWT give us understanding in religion and strength to follow the example of our beloved Prophet Muhammad PBUH. Amin.
Wallahu a’lam.