48 / Defining Praise and Distinguishing It from Gratitude

Our discussion of praise continues. We have already discussed the virtue of praise, explained its reward, mentioned the occasions on which it is prescribed and some of its formulas, as well as other related matters. Here we shall discuss the meaning of praise linguistically and in Islamic usage, the distinction between praise and gratitude, and the distinction between praise and commendation.

Linguistically, praise is the opposite of censure. Ibn Fāris said in Mujam Maqāyīs al-Lugha: “The letters h-m-d constitute a single root with one fundamental meaning: the opposite of censure. One says, ‘I praised so-and-so; I praise him.’ A man is described as mahmūd (praiseworthy) or muhammad (highly praised) when his praiseworthy, rather than blameworthy, qualities are numerous. It is for this reason that we have mentioned that our Prophet was named Muhammad—may Allah bless him and grant him peace.”1 End quote.

Al-Layth said: “To say, ‘I deemed the man praiseworthy,’ means that I found him worthy of praise.” Others likewise said: “One says, ‘We went to so-and-so and found him praiseworthy or blameworthy,’ meaning that we found him deserving of praise or censure.”2

The words of Allah Most High, “And bringing good tidings of a Messenger to come after me, whose name is Ahmad,”3 indicate that he—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—is praiseworthy in his character and deeds, with nothing in him deserving censure. The same applies to His words, “Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”4 Thus, although Muhammad here