The Essence of Islam – Volume I — Page 205
The Holy Prophetsa 205 commanded to say: O my servants. This verse was revealed in this form so that God Almighty might convey the good news of limitless mercies and might comfort those who are broken-hearted in consequence of their sins. Thus, Allāh the Glorious desired to exhibit a sample of His mercies and to make it manifest to what extent He honours His faithful servant with special favours. By adopting the form: Say: O my servants; God in effect said:. Look at My beloved Messenger and see at what high rank he has arrived through his perfect obedience to Me that now all that is Mine is his. He who desires salvation should become his servant. That is to say, he should obey him so perfectly as if he was his slave. Then whatever sins he might have committed will be forgiven him. The word 'abd in Arabic idiom also means slave as it is said: 122. . . ولعبد مؤمِن خَيْرٌ مِّن مُّشْرِكٍ. In the verse to which we have drawn attention, it is indicated that he who desires salvation should establish the relationship of a slave with this Prophet. That is to say, he should not step outside his commandment and should consider himself bound to his obedience as a slave is bound and he would then obtain salvation. One pities those benighted souls who bear such rancour towards the. Holy Prophet [peace and blessings of Allāh be on him] that they consider that names like Ghulām Nabī, Ghulām. Rasul, Ghulam Muṣṭafā, Ghulām Aḥmad and Ghulām. Muḥammad, amount to associating the Holy Prophet [peace and blessings of Allāh be on him] with God, whereas the verse indicates that these names are a means of salvation. As 'abd implies that a person so named 122 A believing slave is better than an idolater. '-al-Baqarah, 2:222 [Publisher]