was his proper name, it also indicated that he possessed this quality and singled him out as embodying its meaning in the fullest measure. Others may bear this name and may or may not possess some share of the quality it denotes. As for the noble Messenger—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—he is Muhammad both in name and in description.

Praise is extolling someone for virtue. It is narrower than commendation but broader than gratitude. Commendation may be given both for what a person does by choice and for qualities with which he has been endowed without any choice on his part. A person may therefore be commended for his tall stature and handsome face, just as he may be commended for giving his wealth, his courage, and his knowledge. Praise, however, applies to the latter and not the former. That is, a person is praised for giving his wealth, for courage, knowledge, and similar things that proceed from his own choice; but he is not praised for a handsome face, tall stature, a fine physical form, or similar qualities over which he has no choice.

Gratitude is expressed only in return for a blessing. Thus, every expression of gratitude is praise, but not every praise is gratitude; and every praise is commendation, but not every commendation is praise.1

Ibn al-Qayyim—may Allah have mercy on him—said: “The distinction between praise and commendation may be stated as follows: speaking of another’s virtues is either a bare statement unaccompanied by love and goodwill toward him, or it is accompanied by love and goodwill. The former is commendation, whereas the latter is praise. Praise, therefore, is to speak of the praised person’s virtues while loving, venerating, and honoring him.”2 End quote.