Seal of Muhammad
In its own language: ختم الرسول (Khatm ar-Rasul)
From Arabic Khatm ar-Rasul, meaning Seal of the Messenger
Relics and designs attributed to the Prophet's signet ring and correspondence marks.
The Seal of Muhammad refers to physical objects and inscriptions linked to the Prophet. The Topkapı seal is a red agate stone kept in Istanbul. The Muqwaki seal is a circular design used on flags today.
- Topkapı seal is red agate in crystal and ivory.
- Muqwaki seal is a circular forgery.
- Ring lost in a well in Medina.
- Hand imprint used for protection letters.
What it is
The Seal of Muhammad describes items believed to be the signet ring or marks used by the Prophet for correspondence. Two main versions exist. The Topkapı seal is a rectangular piece of red agate kept in Turkey. It bears an inscription identifying him as God's messenger. The Muqwaki seal is a circular design based on a letter sent to a Byzantine official. This version is widely recognized in modern contexts.
Where it comes from
Tradition holds that Muhammad used a silver ring with his name and God's name. He ordered no copies made. After his death, the ring passed to Caliphs Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman. Uthman reportedly lost the original in a well in Medina. A replica was later found in Baghdad in 1534 and brought to Istanbul. Scholars view the Muqwaki letter as a literary forgery created centuries later.
How it is done
The seal functioned as a personal signature for documents. The Topkapı seal was used to stamp papers. Another method involved pressing an inked hand onto paper. This created an imprint representing the Prophet himself. This technique appears in letters granting protection to religious communities.
Tools and materials
Materials include red agate, carnelian, and silver. The Topkapı relic is encased in crystal with an ivory border. Inscriptions use Arabic script. The text typically reads 'God', 'Messenger', and 'Muhammad'. Word order varies between historical accounts and later medieval inventions.
Seal of Muhammad, drawn and placed
- Living
- Revived
- Fading
- Historical
- Legendary
- Performed
- Lineage
- Islamic tradition
What it is for
The seal authenticated official correspondence. It served as a mark of authority and divine connection. Carnelian stones were traditionally viewed as guards against poverty. The hand imprint granted legal protections and privileges to specific groups, such as Christian monks.
Who does it
Scholars analyze these items using palaeography and history. Experts like Joseph Karabacek identified textual forgeries. Muslim historians track the lineage of the ring through the first Caliphs. Modern researchers note the anachronistic style of the Muqwaki design.
Peoples and places
The relics are central to Islamic heritage in Turkey and Egypt. Ottoman Sultans preserved the Topkapı seal. The Muqwaki design has been adopted by various groups, including modern political movements. Different cultures interpret the word order and authenticity differently.
At a glance: who, where and when
What people believe
Muslim tradition views the seal as a sacred object. The loss of the original ring was seen as an omen. The correct order of words on the seal is debated. Some scholars argue starting with 'God' is more appropriate. Others cite early coins showing 'Muhammad' first.
Cautions and what is closed
Scholars have determined the Muqwaki letter to be a fake. The writing style does not match early Arabic papyri. The narrative lacks historical value. The seal design hints at Ottoman Turkish origins rather than the seventh century.
Questions people ask about Seal of Muhammad
What is the Seal of Muhammad?
It refers to relics and designs linked to the Prophet. The Topkapı seal is a red agate stone. The Muqwaki seal is a circular design used on flags today.
Where is the Topkapı seal kept?
It is kept in the Topkapı Palace in Istanbul, Turkey. It is part of the Sacred Relics collection held by the Ottoman Sultans.
Is the Muqwaki seal authentic?
Scholars consider it a forgery. Palaeographic analysis shows the writing style is anachronistic. It likely originates from the Ottoman era, not the time of Muhammad.
Good reading and sources
- Seal of Muhammad on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Seal of Muhammad", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryJaadu rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Names and customs differ from one community to the next, and some knowledge is closed to outsiders and left out here. This page describes belief and practice. It does not say that any of it works, it is not a how-to, and it is not medical advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-13.
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