وَإِنَّ مُحَمَّدًا صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ عَبْدُهُ الْمُصْطَفَى وَنَبِيُّهُ الْمُجْتَبَى وَرَسُولُهُ الْمُرْتَضَى
Muhammad ﷺ is Allah’s chosen servant, selected Prophet, and approved Messenger.
وَإِنَّهُ خَاتَمُ الْأَنْبِيَاءِ وَإِمَامُ الْأَتْقِيَاءِ وَسَيِّدُ الْمُرْسَلِينَ وَحَبِيبُ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ
The Prophet ﷺ is the Seal of the Prophets, leader of the God-fearing, master of the Messengers, and beloved of the Lord of the worlds.
The apparent difficulty: Can Muhammad ﷺ be both Allah’s servant and the leader of the messengers?
Resolution: Servanthood states that the Prophet ﷺ is Allah’s servant, while messengership and leadership state his chosen rank. Highest honor does not annul servanthood.
Inference to avoid: It is unsound either to diminish his rank because he is a servant or to ascribe divinity because of his honor.
Application: Honor the Messenger through blessing and obedience, while reserving worship for Allah.