Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "I have been given five things which were not given to any amongst the Prophets before me. These are: -1. Allah made me victorious by awe (by His frightening my enemies) for a distance of one month's journey. -2. The earth has been made for me (and for my followers) a place for praying and a thing to perform Tayammum. Therefore my followers can pray wherever the time of a prayer is due. -3. The booty has been made Halal (lawful) for me (and was not made so for anyone else). -4. Every Prophet used to be sent to his nation exclusively but I have been sent to all mankind. -5. I have been given the right of intercession (on the Day of Resurrection.)
The Five Exclusive Honors
Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) enumerated five unique distinctions granted to him that were not bestowed upon any prophet before him, demonstrating his exceptional status in the divine hierarchy.
Victory Through Divine Awe
The first honor: Allah instilled fear in the enemies of Islam within a radius of one month's journey, causing them to surrender without battle. This divine psychological warfare demonstrates Allah's direct support for His final messenger.
Universal Purification
The entire earth has been rendered pure for prayer and valid for tayammum (dry ablution). This facilitates worship for the Ummah, allowing prayer anywhere when water is unavailable, reflecting the universality and ease of Islamic practice.
Lawful Booty
War booty was made permissible specifically for Prophet Muhammad's community, whereas previous nations were prohibited from such provisions. This divine concession supports the material needs of the Muslim community in their struggles.
Universal Prophethood
While previous prophets were sent exclusively to their specific nations, Muhammad (ﷺ) was sent as a mercy to all mankind and jinn, making his message eternal and universally applicable until the Day of Judgment.
Intercession Rights
The greatest honor: The right of intercession on the Day of Resurrection, particularly the Grand Intercession (al-Shafā'ah al-'Uẓmā) when creation will seek relief from the standing place, and he will intercede for them before Allah's judgment.