The word Muhammad (SAW) as a name has been mentioned in Quran only__________times.

The correct answer is Four times.While the presence and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) permeate every chapter of the Quran, his specific proper name, "Muhammad," is mentioned exactly four times across the entire text. This is a significant point of study for linguists and theologians, as it highlights the Quran’s stylistic preference for addressing the Prophet (SAW) through his honorable titles—such as Ya Ayyuha-n-Nabi (O Prophet) or Ya Ayyuha-r-Rasul (O Messenger)—rather than his personal name.

The Four Occurrences in the Quran

Each of the four mentions occurs in a specific historical and theological context, primarily in Madinan Surahs:

Surah Al-Imran (3:144): This mention occurred during a critical moment following the Battle of Uhud. When a rumor spread that the Prophet (SAW) had been martyred, the verse was revealed to remind the believers that "Muhammad is no more than a messenger; other messengers have passed away before him." It served as a vital theological reminder of the distinction between the eternal nature of the message and the mortality of the messenger.

Surah Al-Ahzab (33:40): This is perhaps the most famous mention, as it establishes the finality of his prophethood. The verse states, "Muhammad is not the father of [any] one of your men, but [he is] the Messenger of Allah and the seal of the prophets." This was revealed during a period of social transition in Madinah to clarify legal and familial relationships while cementing his status as the Khatam-an-Nabiyyin.

Surah Muhammad (47:2): In the chapter named after him, the text refers to those who believe and do righteous deeds and believe in what has been sent down to Muhammad. Here, the use of his name serves as a formal verification of the source of the revelation that the believers must follow.

Surah Al-Fath (48:29): The final mention appears in the context of the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah and the eventual victory of the Muslims. It begins with the powerful declaration: "Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah; and those with him are forceful against the disbelievers, merciful among themselves."

The Mention of "Ahmad"

In addition to the name Muhammad, the Quran mentions the Prophet (SAW) by the name Ahmad one time in Surah As-Saff (61:6). In this verse, Prophet Isa (AS) (Jesus) foretells the coming of a messenger after him whose name shall be Ahmad. While Ahmad and Muhammad share the same Arabic root (H-M-D, meaning "praise"), they are technically distinct names, which is why the answer to the specific frequency of the name "Muhammad" remains four.

Linguistic and Theological Significance

The rarity of the name "Muhammad" in the Quran is often contrasted with the frequency of other prophets' names, such as Musa (AS), who is mentioned over 130 times. Islamic scholars explain this by pointing out the "Direct Address" style of the Quran. Because the Quran is the direct speech of Allah to the Prophet (SAW), it is linguistically more intimate and respectful to address him by his titles (Al-Muzzammil, Al-Mudathir) or his roles (Prophet and Messenger) rather than his personal name. This reflects the high station of the Prophet (SAW) in the divine presence, where his role as the conduit of the final message takes precedence over his individual identity.