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Muhammad ya muhammad
Yā Muhammad (Arabic: يا محمد), or "Ya Rasullallah" is an expression used by some Muslims, which means "Oh Muhammad" or "Oh Messenger of Allah" respectively.
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Definition
The phrase means "O [name]". Literally, the word Yā means O (a vocative, signifying a direct address to a person). It is a common prefix used by Arabs to call each other. Someone named Mohammed will be addressed in Arabic as Yā Mohammed.
Use in Various Parts of the World
Some Muslims regularly uses this phrase or "Ya Rasullallah" to ask the Islamic prophet Muhammad in distress and show respect, nearness and deep affection with Muhammad.This phrase is used by a few sects. In mainstream Islam one cannot say this with the intention that the Prophet can hear you, so they refrain form saying this although it may be acceptable in poetry in veneration of Prophet Muhammad.
Use to Call a stranger
In Saudi Arabia, Yā Muḥammad is used to address a stranger in order to begin a conversation. It is considered one of the polite and respectful ways to address a stranger, as Muhammad is considered as the most respectful name anyone can be called, hence its popularity among Muslims worldwide.
Request for strength
Ya Ali is mostly used as a request for strength by the Shia along with its alternative form Ya Ali Madad (یا علی مدد, O! Ali, help!). Ali is established as the strongest, bravest, cleverest, chivalrous warrior and the son-in-law of the Prophet. He is also one of the rightly guided Caliphs in Sunni school of thought. There is a tradition of using these phrases as slogans in religious gatherings meant to increase one's level of morale and also in situations demanding religious passion. For example, two or more people having to lift a weight would say 'یا علی مدد'. It is believed to give one strength to endure problems and difficulties, especially those who are helpless.
Remembrance of Muharram
During the Remembrance of Muharram, spontaneous slogans of Ya Hussain, Ya Ali and Ya Rasulullah "Messenger of God!" are very common. On such occasions, the slogans are mostly demonstrations of strong support.
Criticism
Some of Sunni sects said that the interpretation of Islam is against the sayings of "Ya Ali", "Ya Rasoolullah and "Ya Hussain" as they believe these people are not alive and cannot hear them, whereas the Shia sect believes this to be a permissible form of asking for help. The difference between the 2 schools of thought being that the Sunni school considers this as invoking Allah and the Shia sect believing that it is not invoking Allah but merely seeking their assistance.