The Essence of Islam – Volume I — Page 205
The Holy Prophetsa 205 commanded to say: O my servants. This verse was re- vealed in this form so that God Almighty might convey the good news of limitless mercies and might comfort those who are broken-hearted in consequence of their sins. Thus, Allah the Glorious desired to exhibit a sample of His mercies and to make it manifest to what extent He honours His faithful servant with special favours. By adopting the form: Say: O my servants; God in effect said: Look at My beloved Messenger and see at what high rank he has arrived through his perfect obedience to Me that now all that is Mine is his. He who desires salvation should become his servant. That is to say, he should obey him so perfectly as if he was his slave. Then whatever sins he might have committed will be forgiven him. The word 'abd in Arabic idiom also means slave as it is said: 122 ولعبد المؤْمِنٌ خَيْرٌ مِّن مُّشْرِكٍ In the verse to which we have drawn attention, it is indi- cated that he who desires salvation should establish the relationship of a slave with this Prophet. That is to say, he should not step outside his commandment and should consider himself bound to his obedience as a slave is bound and he would then obtain salvation. One pities those benighted souls who bear such rancour towards the Holy Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be on him] that they consider that names like Ghulām Nabī, Ghulām Rasūl, Ghulam Mustafa, Ghulam Ahmad and Ghulām Muhammad, amount to associating the Holy Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be on him] with God, whereas the verse indicates that these names are a means of salvation. As 'abd implies that a person so named 122 'A believing slave is better than an idolater. ' al-Baqarah, 2:222 [Publisher]