What is the ruling on naming the Prophet’s City as the Radiant City?
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The questioner : May Allah reward you, O Shaykh. What is the ruling on naming the Prophet’s City as the Radiant City?
And what is the reason for that?
The Shaykh : The Radiant City is a later name that was not known to the Salaf. They say it is radiant because it was illuminated by the Islamic religion, for the Islamic religion illuminated the lands. I do not know; perhaps the first one to use it believed that it is still radiant and that it was illuminated by the presence of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) in it, so we do not know his intention. However, it is better than this name to say: the Prophet’s City. The Prophet’s City is better than the Radiant City, it is better, meaning. And although it is not obligatory, if you say “the City,” that is sufficient. For this reason, you will find that all the expressions of the Salaf are: he went to the City, he returned to the City, he resided in the City. And the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) said: If one were to say “the Radiant” or “the Prophet’s,” but if it is necessary to describe it, then “the Prophet’s” is better than “the Radiant,” because its distinction by prophethood is more specific than its distinction by radiance. Because if we say “the Radiant,” meaning the one illuminated by Islam, that would include what?
Every Islamic land, for it is illuminated by Islam. So if it is necessary to describe it with something, describe it as “the Prophet’s.”
Now you have heard the adhan, and with it the session ends. Until another meeting, if Allah wills, and praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds. And may Allah send prayers and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad, and upon his family and all his Companions. And Glory be to You, O Allah, our Lord, and praise be to You. I testify that there is no deity but You. I seek Your forgiveness and I repent to You.
And what is the reason for that?
The Shaykh : The Radiant City is a later name that was not known to the Salaf. They say it is radiant because it was illuminated by the Islamic religion, for the Islamic religion illuminated the lands. I do not know; perhaps the first one to use it believed that it is still radiant and that it was illuminated by the presence of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) in it, so we do not know his intention. However, it is better than this name to say: the Prophet’s City. The Prophet’s City is better than the Radiant City, it is better, meaning. And although it is not obligatory, if you say “the City,” that is sufficient. For this reason, you will find that all the expressions of the Salaf are: he went to the City, he returned to the City, he resided in the City. And the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
The City is better for them
المدينة خير لهمEvery Islamic land, for it is illuminated by Islam. So if it is necessary to describe it with something, describe it as “the Prophet’s.”
Now you have heard the adhan, and with it the session ends. Until another meeting, if Allah wills, and praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds. And may Allah send prayers and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad, and upon his family and all his Companions. And Glory be to You, O Allah, our Lord, and praise be to You. I testify that there is no deity but You. I seek Your forgiveness and I repent to You.