Yā Muhammad (Arabic: يَا مُحَمَّد "O Muhammad") or "Yā Rasūl Allāh" (Arabic: يَا رَسُول ٱللَّٰه "O Messenger of God") are expressions used by most Muslims.[1][2][3]
Definition
The phrase means "O [name]". The word yā indicates the vocative case, signifying a direct address to a person. It is a common prefix used by Arabic speakers before personal names.[3]
Use
Use in Various Parts of the World
The vocative yā when used with Allāh is used to call upon God for help. It is also used to seek intercession through the Prophet or his family, companions and venerated figures. Some Sunnis, particularly Salafi-influenced groups, believe that this action is tantamount to Shirk (idolatry) and kufr (rejection of Islam).
Use to Call a stranger
In Saudi Arabia, Yā Muḥammad is used to address a stranger in order to begin a conversation. It is considered one of the polite and respectful ways to address a stranger, as Muhammad is considered as the most respectful name anyone can be called, hence its popularity among Muslims worldwide.
Mourning of Muharram
During the mourning of Muharram, spontaneous slogans of Ya Hussain, Ya Ali and Ya Rasulullah "Messenger of God!" are very common. On such occasions, the slogans are mostly demonstrations of strong support.[4]
References
- ^ "Ya Ali Ya Muhammad". F.I.E.L.D - First Ismaili Electronic Library and Database. A Project of the Heritage Society. Retrieved 2014-09-15.
- ^ "Proclaiming the words 'Ya RASOOLALLH'". Islamic Academy, 1251 Shiloh Rd. Plano TX 75074. Retrieved 2014-09-15.
- ^ a b "CONCEPT OF NIDAA YA RASOOLALLAH (CALLING OH MESSENGER OF ALLAH)". Usmani Mosque, 308 St Saviours Road, Leicester LE5 4HJ. Retrieved 2014-09-15.
- ^ Sir Henry Yule; Arthur Coke Burnell (1903). Crooke, William (ed.). Hobson-Jobson: A Glossary of Colloquial Anglo-Indian Words and Phrases, and of Kindred Terms, Etymological, Historical, Geographical and Discursive (The University of Michigan ed.). J. Murray. p. 419. Retrieved 15 September 2014.