This statement agrees with what we have already set forth—praise be to God.

Al-Ḥākim relates in his al-Mustadrak (1), through the chain of ʿAbd al-Raḥmān ibn Zayd ibn Aslam—about whom there is some discussion—from his father, from his grandfather, from ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb, may God be pleased with him, that the Messenger of God ﷺ said:

“When Adam committed the sin he said, ‘My Lord, I ask You by the right of Muḥammad (2) that You forgive me.’ God said, ‘O Adam, how did you come to know Muḥammad when I have not yet created him?’ He replied, ‘My Lord, when You fashioned me with Your Hand and breathed into me of Your spirit, I raised my head and saw written upon the pillars of the Throne: “There is no god but God; Muḥammad is the Messenger of God.” I therefore knew that You would not attach to Your Name except the name of the most beloved of creation to You.’ God said, ‘You have spoken the truth, O Adam. Indeed, he is the most beloved of creation to Me; and because you have asked Me by his right, I have forgiven you. Were it not for Muḥammad, I would not have created you.’”

Al-Bayhaqī commented: “ʿAbd al-Raḥmān ibn Zayd ibn Aslam is the sole narrator of this report, and he is weak (3); God knows best.”

God, Exalted is He, says: “And [recall] when God took the covenant of the prophets: ‘Whatever I give you of Scripture and wisdom—then, should a messenger come to you confirming what you possess, you must believe in him and support him.’ He said, ‘Do you affirm and accept My charge upon that?’ They said, ‘We affirm.’ He said, ‘Then bear witness, and I am with you among the witnesses. Whoever then turns away after that—those are the defiantly disobedient.’” (Āl ʿImrān 3:81–82)

ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib and ʿAbd Allāh ibn ʿAbbās, may God be pleased with them both, said: “God did not send any prophet without first taking from him the pledge that, should Muḥammad ﷺ be sent while he was alive, he would believe in him and support him, [and He commanded him to take the same pledge from his community: should Muḥammad be sent while they were alive, they would believe in him and support him] (4).”

This is an explicit proclamation and reminder of his honor and lofty rank among all nations and upon the tongues of the prophets, informing them—and through them their peoples—of his forthcoming mission at the end of time, and that he is the noblest of the messengers and the Seal of the prophets.

Abraham the Friend further clarified his affair, unveiled his story, laid bare his secret (5), and displayed his glory (6), his birth, and his land when, having completed the building of the House, he said:

“Our Lord, raise up among them a messenger from among themselves who will recite Your verses to them, teach them the Book and wisdom, and purify them. Indeed, You are the Mighty, the Wise.” (al-Baqarah 2:129)

Thus the first clear and manifest proclamation of his mission to the people of the earth came from the tongue of Abraham, the Friend—second only to Muḥammad in honor with God—may God’s blessings and peace be upon them both and upon all the prophets.