Q: Should we say that the Prophet (peace be upon him) is the best of mankind or the best of creation? Is there any evidence that he is the best of creation as many people say?

A: Many texts in the Qur’an and Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet) speak of the greatness of our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his sublime status before his Lord (Exalted be He) through the noble attributes and unique characteristics that Allah bestowed only upon him, which indicates that he is the best of creation, the most honored by Allah, and the greatest in status before Him. Allah (Glorified be He) says, Allâh has sent down to you the Book (The Qur’ân), and Al-Hikmah (Islâmic laws, knowledge of legal and illegal things i.e. the Prophet’s Sunnah - legal ways), and taught you that which you knew not. And Ever Great is the Grace of Allâh unto you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم). It is difficult to list all the different types of honors that Allah bestowed upon the Prophet (peace be upon him). For example, Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) took him as a Khalil (favorite servant); made him the seal of His Messengers; revealed the best of His Books to him, and made his message one that applies to both mankind and the jinn until the Day of Resurrection. Moreover, Allah forgave him his past and future sins; and caused miracles to happen through him that superseded those of all the prophets who came before him. In addition, he will be the leader of the sons of Adam, the first one for whom the grave will be opened, the first one to intercede, and the first one whose intercession will be accepted. Also, in his hand will be a banner of praise on the Day of Resurrection; he will be the first one to cross Sirat (the bridge over the Fire), the first one to knock on the gate of Jannah (Paradise), and the first one to enter it. There are many other (Part No. 26; Page No. 36) unique characteristics and miracles that are mentioned in the Qur’an and Sunnah, which have led scholars to unanimously agree that the Prophet (peace be upon him) is the greatest of creation in status before Allah (Exalted be He). Shaykh-ul-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allah be merciful to him) said, "Muslims have unanimously agreed that the Prophet (peace be upon him) is the greatest of creation in status before Allah, and no other created being has any status that is higher than his or any power of intercession that is greater than his."Based on what is mentioned above, as well as many other proofs, it becomes clear that our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the best of all prophets and the best of creation, and the greatest of them in status before Allah (Exalted be He). But in spite of these virtues and unique characteristics, he (peace be upon him) is no more than a human being, so it is not permissible to call upon him or seek his help instead of Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He). Allah says, Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "I am only a man like you. It has been revealed to me that your Ilâh (God) is One Ilâh (God - i.e. Allâh). So whoever hopes for the Meeting with his Lord, let him work righteousness and associate none as a partner in the worship of his Lord." May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.