Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "I have five names: I am Muhammad and Ahmad; I am Al-Mahi through whom Allah will eliminate infidelity; I am Al-Hashir who will be the first to be resurrected, the people being resurrected there after; and I am also Al-`Aqib (i.e. There will be no prophet after me).
Exegesis of the Five Names of the Prophet (ﷺ)
The noble hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari 3532 reveals five blessed names of the Final Messenger, each carrying profound spiritual meanings and divine wisdom.
Muhammad and Ahmad
Muhammad means "the praised one" - he who is abundantly praised in this world and the Hereafter. Ahmad means "the most praiseworthy" - indicating his supreme station as the most deserving of praise before Allah.
Scholars note that Muhammad refers to his worldly praise while Ahmad refers to his celestial praise, particularly his role as the intercessor on Judgment Day.
Al-Mahi
"The Eraser" - through whom Allah obliterates disbelief (kufr). This name signifies the ultimate victory of Islam over polytheism and the complete removal of idolatry from Arabia during his lifetime.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explains that this erasure occurs both literally through conquest and spiritually through guidance.
Al-Hashir
"The Gatherer" - humanity will be resurrected at his feet on Judgment Day. He is the first to emerge from the grave, and all creation will be assembled following his resurrection.
This name emphasizes his leadership over all humanity in the Hereafter, just as he was their guide in this world.
Al-Aqib
"The Last" - no prophet shall come after him, making him the final seal of prophethood. This name confirms the completion of divine revelation and the perfection of Allah's religion through him.
Al-Qurtubi states that this name contains the greatest glad tidings for his ummah, as it signifies the eternal validity of his message until the Hour is established.