The Five Prophetic Sciences

The Terminology of the Prophetic Sciences and Their Importance

'Prophetic sciences' is a comprehensive term that includes five distinct sciences related to the Prophet ﷺ: the science of Shama'il, the science of Dalail, the science of Khawaas, the science of Fada'il, and the science of Sirah. The purpose of studying them is to deepen love for the Prophet ﷺ and to achieve true adherence to his noble Sunnah.

• Ilm al-Shama'il — the outward (apparent) and inward (hidden) attributes of the Prophet ﷺ
• Ilm al-Dalail — miracles and evidences of prophethood
• Ilm al-Khawaas — what was uniquely assigned to him ﷺ among the other prophets
• Ilm al-Fada'il — a comparison of the Prophet ﷺ with the other prophets (peace be upon them)
• Ilm al-Sirah — his life from birth to death

Al-Shama'il al-Muhammadiyya and its noble books

Ilm al-Shama'il: the discipline that examines the physical (outward) attributes and the moral/spiritual (inward) qualities of the Prophet ﷺ. The most prominent books in this field are: Al-Shama'il al-Muhammadiyya by Imam al-Tirmidhi; Shama'il al-Habib al-Mustafa ﷺ by Shaykh Muhammad Abu al-Huda al-Ya'qubi (Dar al-Ilm wa Skird Nolidj); and Al-Rawd al-Basim by al-Hafiz al-Manawi.

• Al-Shama'il al-Muhammadiyya by Imam al-Tirmidhi — the origin and primary reference of this science
• Shama'il al-Habib al-Mustafa ﷺ by Shaykh Muhammad Abu al-Huda al-Ya'qubi — among the most comprehensive contemporary works
• Ash-Shifa bi Ta'rif Huqooq al-Mustafa by al-Qadi 'Iyad — on virtues and special characteristics
• Al-Khasa'is al-Kubra by Imam al-Suyuti — concerning what was specifically granted to him ﷺ