The presence of the Messenger of God (peace be upon him and his family) held a magnificent and exalted position in the eyes of Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (peace be upon him). The Imam (peace be upon him) placed great emphasis on venerating and honoring the Prophet (peace be upon him and his family). Accordingly, whenever Imam al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) narrated a Hadith from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) and mentioned his noble name, the immense grandeur of that sacred existence would affect him, and his state would visibly change.
For example, Shaykh Saduq narrates from Malik ibn Anas (a renowned scholar from Medina and an Imam of the Sunni tradition), who said: “(The status of the Messenger of God in the eyes of Imam al-Sadiq was so great and revered that) whenever Imam al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) wished to mention the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family), he would say, ‘The Messenger of God (peace be upon him and his family) said such and such,’ his complexion would change… so much so that it seemed as if those who had known him could no longer recognize him” .[1]
The intensity of Imam al-Sadiq’s (peace be upon him) love and reverence for the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) extended to such a level that he held the blessed name of “Muhammad” in special esteem. Abu Harun, one of his companions, said: “I was a companion of Imam al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) in Medina. After being absent for several days, I went to see him. He said, ‘O Abu Harun! It has been a few days since I have seen you.’ I replied, ‘God has blessed me with a son, and I could not visit you during this time.’ He said, ‘May God bless you with goodness for your son! What did you name him?’ I said, ‘Muhammad.’ When Imam al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) heard the name Muhammad, he bent his head so low towards the ground in respect that it seemed his blessed face was about to touch the earth. He then said: ‘Muhammad, Muhammad, Muhammad!’ Then he continued, ‘My soul, my mother, my father, and all the people of the earth are sacrificed for the Messenger of God (peace be upon him and his family)! Never insult this boy, never strike him, never treat him badly, and know that there is no house in which the name of Muhammad is mentioned, except that house is sanctified every day’” .[2]
Therefore, it is appropriate for us to also show the utmost reverence and respect when mentioning the blessed name of the Messenger of God (peace be upon him and his family). After hearing or speaking his sacred name, we should recite the honorable Salawat. We should always present our apologies before the Messenger of God (peace be upon him and his family), acknowledging our shortcomings in fulfilling our duties toward him.[3]
(Taken from the book “Muntaha al-Amal,” written by the revered scholar Shaykh Abbas Qummi (may God have mercy on him), with slight modifications)
Footnotes:
[1] *Al-‘Ilal al-Sharayi’, Vol. 1, p. 235
[2] Al-Kafi, Vol. 6, p. 39
[3] Majmua’ al-Waraam, Vol. 2, p. 237