What was written on the Holy Prophet (SAW) seal?

The correct answer is Allah Rasool Muhammad. To understand why the inscription is phrased and ordered in this specific way, one must look at the historical context of the 7th year of Hijri. During this time, the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) decided to expand the message of Islam beyond the borders of the Arabian Peninsula by writing official letters to the great monarchs of the era, including the Emperors of Byzantium (Heraclius), Persia (Khosrow), and the Negus of Abyssinia.

The Origin of the Seal

History records that when the Prophet (SAW) expressed his intent to write to these foreign rulers, his companions informed him that "Ajam" (non-Arab) kings did not accept or read letters unless they bore a formal seal. In response to this diplomatic requirement, a ring was crafted, usually described as being made of silver with an inset stone of Abyssinian origin.

The Unique Vertical Inscription

The most fascinating aspect of the seal is the arrangement of the text. While the literal phrase is "Muhammad Rasool Allah" (Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah), the inscription was carved from the bottom up to ensure that the name of Allah occupied the highest position.

The seal was divided into three lines:

Allah was at the very top.

Rasool (Messenger) was in the middle.

Muhammad was at the bottom.

This was done out of deep spiritual reverence and humility, ensuring that the Divine name was never placed below any other word. When the seal was pressed into wax or ink onto a document, this vertical hierarchy served as a visual reminder of the source of the message's authority.

Diplomatic and Historical Usage

The seal served a vital function in early Islamic statecraft. It acted as a "signature" that verified the authenticity of the correspondence. The letters sent to the rulers of the world were not merely personal notes; they were formal invitations to the faith and served as legal documents of the growing Islamic state in Madinah.

According to historical narrations found in Sahih Bukhari, the Prophet (SAW) wore this ring on the little finger of his right hand. He was very protective of the seal's design and instructed that no one else should engrave a similar ring with the same inscription to prevent forgeries or unauthorized letters being sent in his name.

The Seal After the Prophet (SAW)

The history of the physical seal continued after the passing of the Prophet (SAW). It was passed down to the first Caliph, Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA), then to Hazrat Umar (RA), and finally to Hazrat Uthman (RA). It remained in the possession of Hazrat Uthman (RA) for several years of his caliphate until a significant historical moment when it accidentally fell into the Well of Aris (Bi'r Aris) near the Quba Mosque. Despite an exhaustive three-day search, the original ring was never recovered.

Today, the "Seal of the Prophet" remains a powerful symbol of the unity and authority of the early Islamic era. Its simple yet profound design—placing the Creator at the peak and the Messenger as the humble conveyor—reflects the core theological structure of the faith itself. For students of history, the seal is not just an artifact; it is a testament to the transition of Islam from a local community to a globally recognized sovereign power.