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Allah calls Himself　Al-Muhyee—The Giver of Life— on two occasions in the Quran. Al-Muhyee is the One who created life and decides what will be brought to life. He is the only One who can bring something to life, including the spiritual life to the hearts!

The Bestower of Life, The Reviver

Muhyee comes from the root haa-yaa-yaa, which points to four main meanings. The first meaning is to live. The second main meaning is to become apparent or distinct. The third is to revive, vitalize and call into being and the fourth main meaning is to be sound, or whole.

This root appears 184 times in the Quran in 12 derived forms. Examples of these forms are yuhyee (“grants life”), hayyan (“alive”) and al hayaatu (” the life”).

Al-Muyhee is the only One who can give life to whomever He pleases, surrounding the creation with the right conditions to survive. Then He decrees death, to restore life and join the soul and body on the Day of Judgement to repay us for what we did in this world and this is an easy task for Him!

Al-Muhyee Himself says: … Indeed, He who has given it life is the Giver of Life to the dead. Indeed, He is over all things competent. [Quran, 41:39] So observe the effects of the mercy of Allah – how He gives life to the earth after its lifelessness…[Quran, 30:50]

The Plan of Life

The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam narrated: Verily, each of you is brought together in his mother’s abdomen for forty days in the form of a drop of fluid. Then it is a clinging object for a similar [period]. Thereafter, it is a lump looking like it has been chewed for a similar [period]. The angel is then sent to him and he breathes into him the spirit. He is also commanded to issue four decrees: to record his sustenance, his life span, his deeds and [whether he will be] unhappy [by entering Hell] or happy [by entering Paradise]..[part hadith, Al-Bukharee, Muslim]
Al-Muhyee bestows our life in stages and grows our body in a miraculous way, from a drop of fluid into a detailed body clothed with muscles, flesh, veins and skin. But not only psycically, Al-Muhyee also gives us life by sending an angel to breath the spirit into us and we remain limited in knowledge of our innerselves. On top of bestowing our lives, Al-Muhyee also commands to issue four decrees which determine the course of our life. Such is the plan of life of Al-Muyee!

How Can You Live By This Name?

1. Be convinced Al-Muhyee can make anything happen.
He it is Who gives life and causes death; so, when He decrees an affair, He only says to it: Be, and it is [Quran, 40:68] This is one of the most hope giving ayaat for those who call upon Him. As Al-Muhyee can bring everything to life and even restore life to that which appeared dead to us, so rest assured taking care of your matters is easy for Him, all you have to do is ask Him, wholeheartedly and sincerely. Turn every worry, moment of stress, wish and desire into a dua!

2. Ask for a heart alive with faith.
Scholars have described hearts, just like bodies, to be of three types; the healthy heart, the dead heart and the sick heart. The alive heart is a heart of faith, its services are exclusively reserved for Allah, willingly and lovingly, with total reliance, relating all matters to Him, in fear, hope, and sincere dedication and it is extremely important to work for a healthy heart: The Day on which neither wealth nor sons will be of any use, except for whoever brings to Allah a sound heart. [Quran 26:88-89]

3. Revive the sunnah.
Mankind has many different concepts of success in life. But what is the right way? He brings (beings/things) to life and causes death; therefore, believe in Allah and in His Messenger, the Prophet who believes in Allah and in His words, and follow him, so that you may walk in the right way [Quran, 7:158]. So make an effort to apply the sunnah in your daily life and for extra reward, revive acts from the sunnah by telling others about them, from the forgotten sunan like the prostration of gratefullness (sajda us shukr) to the neglected acts, like giving salaam on the street!

4. Cherish life.
Al-Muhyee gave you life and placed you on this earth as an ambassador. Respect your life by using your time wisely and respect other people’s life by benefiting them with your knowledge, skills and emotional support and never harm another life unjustly, not even the life of an animal. If you truly cherish life you constantly strive against lughw – useless activities as mentioned in the Quran – this includes useless conversations, watching things of no benefit etc.

5. Learn from nature.
Study the extremely valuable lessons Al-Muhyee teaches you through His works in nature. Among His Signs is that you see the earth laid bare, and then, when We send down water on it, it quivers and swells. He Who gives it life also gives life to the dead. Certainly He has power over all things. [Quran, 41:39] When you see the change of seasons, from greenery to bareness, reflect on the ups and downs of your life and that after dark(difficult) times, light(easy) times come.

6. Strive for knowledge.
Islamic knowldge is a light, ask Al-Muyhee to walk in light in this life and the next! Is he who was dead then We raised him to life and made for him a light whereby he walks among people like him whose likeness is that of one who is in utter darkness from which he cannot come out? [Quran, 6:122]

7. Remind yourself and others of the After-Life.

The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wasallam was asked: “Which of our companions are best?” He replied: One whose appearance reminds you of God, and whose speech increases you in knowledge, and whose actions remind you of the hereafter. [al-Muhasibi]

Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem.

O Allah, Al-Muhyee, we know that You are the only Giver of Life. Bless us with hearts that are alive with faith encouraging us to righteous actions. Make us of those who  live by and revive the sunnah of Your Prophet, guide us in reflecting on Your signs in nature and learn from them. Give us beneficial knowlegde, grant us respect for our own life and the lives of others and make us of the best companions, reminding ourselves and others about the Hereafter, ameen!

Allah calls Himself Al-Hakeem— The All-Wise, The Judicious— on 33 occasions in the Quran. Al-Hakeem is the One with ultimate wisdom, who did not create and legislate anything in vain. Al-Hakeem carries out His divine will with His perfect wisdom: He judges, decrees, inflicts, and relieves in the most rightful way, place, and time. He is all-wise in His creating and perfecting, in His commanding, His sayings and actions!

The All-Wise, The Ultimate Ruler and Designer

Hakeem and Haakim come from the root haa-kaaf-meem, which carries three main meanings. The first meaning is to restrict or prevent something or someone. The second main meaning of this root is that of being wise and of knowing the true nature of things. The third is to pass judgement, to decide and put matters in correct places.

This root appears 210 times in the Quran in 13 derived forms. Examples of these forms are yahkumu (will judge), hukman (wisdom, judgement), and al hikmah (the wisdom).

This attribute of Allah shows that He legislates rules to turn mankind from wrongdoing, all His rules are for our own benefit. Al-Hakeem does His work most accurately and perfectly, as He knows how to calculate, measure and design in perfection.

Al-Hakeem Himself says: O Musa! Verily, it is I, Allah, the All-Mighty, the All-Wise. [Quran, 27:9] … Alif Lam Ra: A Book, the Verses thereof are perfected and then elaborated from the Him, Who is All Wise, Well-Acquainted (with all things) [Quran, 11: 1] Falsehood cannot come to it (the Quran) from before it or behind it; (it is) sent down by the All Wise One, the One Worthy of all Praise. [Quran, 41:42]

Knowledge, Power and Wisdom

‘Ilm (knowledge) and hikmah (wisdom) are two separate attributes which have to be linked together for success. Of what benefit is knowledge if you do not use it with wisdom? And how far do you get if you are wise in your ways, but you do not have knowledge? Allah’s name Al-Hakeem is often paired with Al-‘Aleem (The All-Knowing). The other most often repeated couple is Al-Hakeemwith Al-‘Azeez (The Most-Powerful). This shows us that Allah ‘azza wajal uses both His knowledge and power in the wisest way to guide us through the life of this world, testing us with tailor-made trials, challenges and opportunities for us to proof our faith in Al-Hakeem.

How Can We Live By This Name?

1. Trust in Al-Hakeem. If Al-Hakeem decides you should lose or gain something, there is a wisdom behind it. If something happens that displeases you it would be unwise to be unhappy with Al-Hakeem. You lost money, or even a person, or didn’t get what you so badly wanted? How many times in life have you looked back and seen the wisdom behind things that happened to you, things which may have greatly saddened you at the time? Wisdom is to trust the wisdom of Al-Hakeem at all times, no matter how hard it may seem! And Allah is All-Knowing, All Wise. [Quran, 60:10]

2. Stick to the laws of Al-Hakeem. All the rules of Al-Hakeem (the sharee’ah) are set to reform the creation and not to cause hardship in life. In other words; His rules are best for you. Al-Hakeem made you and thus knows exactly what you need to succeed. If we don’t understand His rulings, we should not blame the rules, but our own understanding. So focus and reflect and know that the ruling only belongs to Al-Hakeem and ask Him to make you of those who value His laws above man-made laws in your daily life.

3. Reflect on the perfection of Al-Hakeem’s work. Remind yourself of Al-Hakeem seeing His wisdom reflected in His creation. The oxygen, the salt levels in your blood are all perfectly measured, if they would be slightly different you would die instantly. Take the time to look around you (and at yourself) and realize the beautiful and perfect wisdom of Al-Hakeem. It is He Who made everything that He has created perfect, and began the creation of man from clay. [Quran, 32:7]

4. Make the Book of Al-Hakeem your companion. The attribute of hikmah is one you should strive for too. Derive your wisdom from your knowledge of Allah. Where can we find this knowledge? In the Quran and the Sunnah. So make the Quran your close companion, by reciting it, understanding it and acting upon it. Ya Seen. By the Quran, “Al-Hakeem” (i.e. full of wisdom) [Quran, 36: 1] The more you follow the commands of the All-Wise, the wiser you will become!

5 . Have hikmah in your dealings.

Use your blessings with wisdom by using them to gain the pleasure of Al-Hakeem. How many of have wealth but waste it? How many of us have health, but we misuse it? Being wise is using your intelligence, wealth, time, and skills to please Al-Hakeem. The same goes for calling other people to Al-Hakeem— do so with hikmah!

6. Ask Al-Hakeem for understanding.

Of all things you daily ask of Allah, make sure you keep asking Him for understanding of the deen of Islam.

Al-Hakeem says: And whosoever is granted wisdom is indeed granted abundant good. [Quran, 2:269]

Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem.

O Allah, Al-Hakeem, we know that You are the One who possesses ultimate wisdom. Make us of those who are content with Your decisions. Adorn us with wisdom in dealing with ourselves and others and with spreading Your message. Make us reflect on Your wisdom by looking at creation. Grant us understanding of Your book and guidelines and actions which reflect this understanding. Ameen!

Allah calls Himself Al-Waasi’— The All-Encompassing, The All-Sufficient, The Bountiless— on nine occasions in the Quran. Al-Waasi’ is beyond any limits in essence and has boundless capacities. He encompasses the whole of creation with His blessings, care, and kindness. He is the Self-Sufficient and is sufficient for all. Nothing is beyond Him, and there are no limits to any of His attributes; the mind simply can’t grasp His essence and power!

The All-Sufficient, Bountiful, and All-Pervading

Waasi’ comes from the root waw-seen-ayn, which carries three main meanings. The first meaning is that of being vast, sufficient in capacity or size, and spacious. The second main meaning of this root is to be plentiful and bountiful. The third is to embrace, comprehend, and pervade.

This root appears 32 times in the Quran in six derived forms. Examples of these forms are wasi’a (encompasses), wus’ahaa (its capacity), and waasi’atun (spacious).

The concept of waasi’ in the Arabic language points out to something that has no limits; it’s something too vast to imagine. This attribute of Allah is in itself limitless, just like His other attributes, such as His Giving, Seeing, Hearing, and Knowing.

Al-Waasi’ Himself says: … But if they separate [divorce] Allah will enrich each, from His abundance. And ever is Allah Encompassing and Wise [Quran, 4:130] … That is the favor of Allah; He bestows it upon whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing [Quran, 5:54] … Indeed, your Lord is vast in forgiveness [Quran, 53:32]

A Formula for Success

Al-Waasi’ inspires to a beautiful supplication with an amazing, encompassing answer stating His attribute of wasi’a. He says: And ordain for us good in this world’s life and in the life hereafter, for surely we turn to you. He said: (As for) my chastisement, I will afflict with it whomsoever I please, and my mercy encompasses all things; so I will ordain it (especially) for those who guard (themselves against evil) and pay the zakat and those who believe in our signs. [Quran, 7:156]

This is your formula for success: in your heart, have fear, as Al-Waasi’ is the Only One who can punish whomever he wishes to punish. Have hope, because His mercy encompasses everything. In your actions stay away from evil, purify yourself and your wealth, and believe in the signs explained to you in the Quran and in the universe.

How Can We Live By This Name?

1. Increase in praising Al-Waasi’.  He is the One whose attributes are immense. Everything connected to Him is immense and perfect. Al-Waasi’ is as He praised Himself. We cannot praise Him as He deserves but we can try to remember and praise Him as much as we can. Are we really saying subhanAllah, alhamdulillah and Allahu akbar all through the day, whenever we have a spare moment? Do we really keep our tongue moist with the remembrance of Allah? Remind yourself of this great attribute of vastness and increase your daily dhikr!

2. Contemplate His kingdom.  His Kingdom encompasses everything we can see and not see. To appreciate the limitlessness of Al-Waasi’, look at His creations. Look at the sky and the galaxy, the balance, the perfection and the spaces in the universe that are still unknown to us. Al-Waasi’ says: and the heavens we raised high with power, and most surely we make things ample. [Quran, 51:4]

3. Ask Al-Waasi’.  His power encompasses everything and there’s nothing Al-Waasi’ can’t do. ‪He’s never distracted by anything in his infinite sphere of activities and knowledge. He has sufficient means to respond to each single request in His tremendous dominion. So ask Him for every need you have and turn to Him with every worry you feel.

4. Be an ambassador of good.  His dominion is incredible and vast. Al-Waasi’ placed you on this world and watches your every move. All you did, do, and will do is embraced by His knowledge. Your only God is Allah; there is no god but He; He comprehends all things in (His) knowledge  [Quran, 20:98]. Take your role on this earth seriously and be an ambassador of Islam by showing good manners and calling others to Al-Waasi’.

5.  Never despair in any characteristic of Allah.  Despairing in any capacity of Al-Waasi’ means you are putting a limit on the One whose abilities are beyond any limit; may Allah protect us from this thinking! If you think that He can’t forgive you because you’re too evil, you’re denying this attribute because His mercy is limitless! So never despair in any of His roles, whether The Provider, The Judge, The Answerer of Prayers; be firm in faith that all His capacities cannot be limited by anything or anyone.

6. Be aware of your actions. Al-Waasi’ says: And to Allah belongs the east and the west. So wherever you turn, there is the Face of Allah. Indeed, Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing [Quran, 2:115] Even though this ayah was revealed regarding the direction of the prayer (qibla),  you can also let it inspire you to be aware in your actions of the all-encompassing knowledge, hearing, mercy and might of Al-Waasi’!

7. Embrace others with your kindness.  Include all servants of Al-Waasi’ in your kindness and good treatment at all times and be gracious to people and be attentive to the requests of those who ask you.

Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem.

O Allah, Al-Waasi’, we know that You are the One who encompasses everything and everyone. Make us of the dhaakireen— those who constantly remember Your vastness and perfection and whose actions reflect this awareness. Inspire us to contemplate Your endless dominion and make us turn to You for every request. Guide us in being good, kind, and just ambassadors of Your religion on this earth, and enable us in our faith to never doubt any of Your characteristics. Ameen!

Allah calls Himself Al-Mujeeb, the one who responds, the answerer of prayers, on one occasion in the Quran. He is the One who responds to needs, answers prayers and He is the One who penetrates each obstacle in order to respond!

Mujeeb comes from the root jeem-waw-baa, which points to three main meanings. The first meaning is to answer, reply, respond, and accept. The second main meaning is to cut, pierce, or penetrate and the third is to have a dialogue or conference.

This root appears 43 times in the Quran in five derived forms. Examples of these forms are ujeebu (“I respond”), jaboo (“carved out”), istajaaboo (“respond”) and jawaabaa (“(the) answer”).

Al-Mujeeb Himself says: … Indeed, my Lord is near and responsive [Quran, 11:61] and … [We are] the best of responders.[Quran, 37:75]

Responding to Each Request with Ease

The name Al-Mujeeb is related in meaning to Al-Hakeem(The All-Wise), Al-‘Aleem (The All-Knowing), As-Samee’(The All-Hearing), Al-Baseer (The All-Seeing), Al-Wahhaab (The Giver of Gifts) and Al-Kareem. He responds to our requests in a way that displays His ultimate wisdom and knowledge. While we call out to Him He is All-Hearing and All-Seeing and He often gives us more than we deserve or even ask. He is the Most Generous.

His amazing power and wisdom in responding to our requests is demonstrated in this part of a beautiful hadith qudsi:

… O My servants, were the first of you and the last of you, the human of you and the jinn of you to rise up in one place and make a request of Me, and were I to give everyone what he requested, that would not decrease what I have, any more that a needle decreases the sea if put into it.. [Muslim, at-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah]

How Can You Live By This Name?

1. Respond to the call of Al-Mujeeb.

Al-Mujeeb says: When my servants ask thee concerning Me I am indeed close (to them); I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on Me; let them also with a will listen to My call and believe in Me; that they may walk in the right way. (Quran 2:186) Your share in this Name is that you are responsive to the commandments of Al-Mujeeb!

2. Know the art of asking.

Ask for His forgiveness before you ask for anything, as was the formula of the Prophet Yunus ‘alayhi sallam when he desperately needed his supplication to be answered to be saved from the belly of the whale. Ask Al-Mujeeb for everything (halal) you wish in the Hereafter but also in this world. He loves it that you ask Him for everything you need in your deen and dunya (worldy matters). Ask him for clothing, a house to live in, food, drink, guidance, success etc.

3. Think good of Al-Mujeeb.

Al-Mujeeb does not disappoint a believer who calls upon Him, however don’t be hasty as His delay is not His denial. The answer to your dua’ might come in a different form or time you wanted or expected. Made under the right circumstances – such as not earning haram income when asking Him or asking Him for something haram, like cutting of family ties – Al-Mujeeb responds to your dua, postpones it or prevents something bad from happening.

4. Practise four powerful Quranic supplications for four powerful responses.

Al-Mujeeb relates to you the responses He gave after being supplicated to in different types of hardship. So whenever you are in a similar situation, apply the same dua’ and have faith in the response of Al-Mujeeb!

When you feel sad, say: There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers. [Quran, 21:87] The response: So We responded to him and saved him from the distress. And thus do We save the believers. [Quran, 21:88]

When you feel scared say: Sufficient for us is Allah, and [He is] the best Disposer of affairs. [Quran, 3:173] The response: So they returned with favor from Allah and bounty, no harm having touched them. [Quran, 3:174]

When you are ill say: Indeed, adversity has touched me, and you are the Most Merciful of the merciful[Quran, 21:83] The response: So We responded to him and removed what afflicted him of adversity. And We gave him [back] his family and the like thereof with them as mercy from Us and a reminder for the worshippers [of Allah]. [Quran, 21:84]

When you feel hurt by other people say: I entrust my affair to Allah. Indeed, Allah is Seeing of [His] servants (Quran 40:44) The response: So Allah protected him from the evils they plotted, and the people of Pharaoh were enveloped by the worst of punishment. [Quran, 40:45]

5. Do good to strive for your prayers being answered.

Do as many good deeds as you can, check yourself in having a balance of hope as well as fear and be humble and not arrogant in your relationship with Allah and in your dealings with others. Al-Mujeeb says about responding to the request of Zakariyyah: Indeed, they used to hasten to good deeds and supplicate Us in hope and fear, and they were to Us humbly submissive. (Quran 21:89-90)

6. Respond to the servants of Al-Mujeeb.

Be of those who don’t just respond to the plight of those in need but of those who also actively look themselves for those who are in need of support. Have an active attitude in relation to the requests of the environment you live in and of the Ummah as a whole!

Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem.

O Allah, Al-Mujeeb, we know that You are the answerer and fulfiller of prayers. Guide us to respond to Your call and be responsive to those in need and make us call upon and supplicate to you in the best manner. Don’t let our prayers be unanswered and adorn us with certainty in Your response, ameen!

Allah calls Himself Ar-Raqeeb— The Watchful, The All-Observing, The Witness— on three occasions in the Quran. Ar-Raqeeb is the One Who sees what is hidden in the hearts and He is the One Who charges your soul for what it has earned. He is the All-and-Ever-Watchful, observing everyone’s actions, thoughts, and feelings. Ar-Raqeeb is also The Controller; preserving and organizing the affairs of creation with the perfect planning!

The Watcher, The Observer, and The Controller

Raqeeb comes from the root raa-qaaf-baa, which points to three main meanings. The first meaning is to look, watch, observe, and be vigilant. The second main meaning is to erect in order to care for something. Raqeeb is the one who takes charge, which includes protecting, maintaining, and preserving. The third is to regard, to hold in consideration and respect.

This root appears 24 times in the Quran in six derived forms. Examples of these forms are raqabatin (“a slave”), raqeebun (“an observer”), fartaqib (“so watch”) and laa yarquboona (“they do not respect (the ties) ”).

In the Arabic language raqeeb means is the one who watches over or supervises things. That includes raqeeb al-jaysh (sergeant) who guards and protects, and raqeeb al-qawm who guards the people. [See: Lisaan al-‘Arab under ‘raqiba’] Amarqab is a high place on which someone is on guard to observe what is beneath and ar-raqaba is the neck, because it is erect.

Ar-Raqeeb Himself says: Surely, Allah is Ever an All?Watcher over you.[Quran 4:1] And Allah is Ever a Watcher over all things [Quran 33:52] and … but when You took me up, You were the Watcher over them; and You are a Witness to all things. [Quran 5:117].

A beautiful example of belief in Ar-Raqeeb

Narrated `Abdullah ibn Zayd ibn Aslam, from his father, from his grandfather, who said: When I was accompanying `Umar ibn al-Khattab on his patrol of Madinah at night, he felt tired, so he leant against a wall. It was the middle of the night, and (we heard) a woman say to her daughter, “O my daughter, get up and mix that milk with some water.” The girl said, “O Mother, did you not hear the decree of Amir al-Mu’minin (chief of the believers) today?” The mother said, “What was that?” The girl said, “He ordered someone to announce in a loud voice that milk should not be mixed with water.” The mother said, “Get up and mix the milk with water; you are in a place where `Umar cannot see you.” The girl told her mother, “I cannot obey Him (Allah) in public and disobey him in private.” [Sifat al-Safwah and Wafiyat al-A’yan and cited by Ibn al-Jawzi in Ahkam al-Nisa’]

This is an example of how we should understand and be aware of Ar-Raqeeb. This young woman was upright in her deeds, in public and private, because she believed that Allah was observing her at all times! The righteous leader ‘Umar Ibn Abdul-Azeez descended from her!

How Can You Live By This Name?

1. Know that you are never alone.

A scholar in the past advised: “Repeat the following statement whenever you go to bed, wake up or go out, “Allah looks at me; Allah watches me; Allah witnesses me”. Knowing that Ar-Raqeeb is watching over you is called muraqabah; remind yourself Allah is watching your every move, feel His presence and converse with Him, making dua to Him to keep your intentions pure and your deeds upright. When someone you look up to is watching you, you always try harder, what about Allah? So next time give extra sadaqah, pray on time and read the Quran more and impress Ar-Raqeeb!

2. Mind your words.

Some of us might stay away from the major sins, such as adultery and interest, but we daily commit thousands of sins with the way we speak and what we speak about. Be inspired by Ar-Raqeeb to mind every word you speak and ask yourself: does this speech please Allah or make Him angry? Allah says: Man does not utter any word except that with him is an observer prepared [to record]. [Quran, 50:18]

3. Remember Ar-Raqeeb when you are tempted.

One day Umar ibn al-Khattab radiyallahu ‘anhu found a shepherd and asked if the boy would sell him a sheep. The boy replied that it was not his. `Umar ibn al-Khattab made him an offer to see how he would react, He said: “If your master asks you, tell him that the sheep was eaten by a wolf.” He looked at him and said, “And what would I say to Him (i.e. Allah)?” `Umar cried and said, “By Allah, you are right. What would you say to Him?” Whenever you feel tempted to something haraamor not doing something Allah wants from you (like praying, wearing hijab etc) think about Ar-Raqeebwatching you; would you dare to look up to the sky and say ‘no’ to Allah? A’udhubillah!

4. Be raqeeb to yourself.

Be raqeeb yourself, by watching over others and stand up for good and against wrong. And be on the watch for the Shaytan and his tricks!

5. Supplicate to Ar-Raqeeb .

When the Prophet Yunus ‘alayhi sallam was all alone in the whale, what did he say? Then he called out in the darkness (saying), “There is no god except You. All Extolment be to You! Surely, I have been of the unjust. [Quran, 21:87]

Memorize this dua and supplicate with it to Ar-Raqeeb: The Prophet Yunus was all alone and He sought forgiveness from the One Who was watching Him all along. Next time when you are all alone, whether it be psychically because you are stuck somewhere, or mentally because you feel down, seek forgiveness from Ar-Raqeeb and He will give you a way out!

Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem.

O Allah, Ar-Raqeeb, we know that You watch over and control all things. Guide us to be watchful over our hearts and our obligations towards you, adorn us with ihsaan, worshiping you as though we see You for if we don’t see you, You surely see us, aid us in purifying our intentions, help us remember Your watchfulness over us, and make this awareness an inspiration for us to increase our good deeds and stay away from our bad habits, ameen!

Allah calls Himself Al-Kareem— The Generous, The Honourable, The Beneficent— on two occasions in the Quran. He is Al-Kareem in both His essence, being the source of all virtue, good and honor. He is Al-Kareem in His dealings with His creation; He forgives, He follows through and His continually giving forth of the most precious bounties exceeds all expectations!

The Most Generous, Most Esteemed and Beneficent

Kareem, Akram, and Ikraam come from the root kaaf-raa-meem, which points out to two main meanings. The first meaning is to be generous, giving, and beneficent. The second main meaning of this root is to be highly esteemed, honoured and valued.

This root appears 47 times in the Quran in eight derived forms. Examples of these forms are al-akram (“the Most Generous”), kareemun (“noble”), kiraaman (“dignified ones”), al-mukrameen (“the honoured ones”) and al-ikraam (“and Honor ”).

In the Arabic language ‘kareem’ does not just mean generous but the term embraces many meanings. ‘Kareem’ includes being forbearing, kind, gentle, patient, noble, pure and beneficial. In other words each and every laudable thing is being described as ‘kareem’.

Examples are a precious ‘kareem’ stone, a beneficial ‘kareem’ letter and a noble, good-looking, a ‘kareem’ person.

Al-Kareem Himself says: O man! What has made you careless about your Lord, Al-Kareem (the Generous), Who created you, fashioned you perfectly and gave you due proportion? In whatever shape He willed, He put you together. [Quran 82: 5-8] and… Read! And your Lord is Al-Akram.[Quran 96: 3]

Al-Kareem Related to other Names

The name Al-Kareem implies all that is honourable, good, and virtuous and therefore is strongly related to various other Asmaa was-Sifaa (names and attributes) of Allah ‘azza wajal.

Al-Kareem is related to Al-Wahhaab (The Giver) and Ar-Razzaaq (The Provider) in the sense that He initiates favors to His slaves, beyond what we deserve. Al-Kareembrought you into existence even though He was not obliged to do so. Al-Kareem gives us the whole world, as He tells us: It is He Who created for you all that is in the earth. [Quran, 2: 29] Our book, the Quran, is not only an instruction but also a cure. Our prayers are not only rituals, but also treasure chests of multiple rewards. Our food is not just one kind, but an amazing variety of tastes, structures and flavours; this is the giving of Al-Kareem!

Al-Kareem is related to Al-‘Afuw (The Pardoner) because even when you sin and forget about it, Allah deals with you generously and makes you live comfortably. It is He who covers your sins and when you turn to Him out of His amazing generosity He doesn’t just forgive but completely erases your bad deeds and on top of this turns them into good deeds. He is At-Tawwaab. What a generous Lord!

Related to Ash-Shakoor (The Appreciative), Al-Kareem rewards you generously when you only present to Him little sincere acts of worship. The ultimate example is Jannah: everlasting pleasure for a couple of years of worship in this life!

Al-Kareem is also related to Al-Haleem (the Forebearing), whenever He gives He gives most generously and when Al-Kareem is disobeyed, He forgives most forbearingly, subhanAllah. He has the most generous and gracious way of forgiving.

Al-Kareem is related in meaning to Al-Wadood (The Loving); us being worthy of His divine love is truly a generosity we should recognize! Al-Kareem says: Verily, those who believe and work deeds of righteousness: the Most Gracious shall bestow love upon them. [Quran, 19: 96]

His Attribute of karam truly is beyond our imagination!

How Can You Live By This Name?

1. Be generous to be close to Al-Kareem.

Allah’s names and attributes are of two types: those that are attributed only to Him ( e.g. Al-Khaaliq, The Creator) and those that can and should be strived for to be attributed to ourselves, one of them is Al-Kareem. Be generous with your belongings, time, and even your words. The prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: The generous one is close to Allah, close to people, far from the fire; a stingy person is far from Allah, far from people, far from Paradise; and the generous ignorant person is more beloved to Allah than a stingy worshipper. [At-Tirmidhi]

2. Develop a relationship with the Quran al-Kareem.

Allah’s book, the Quran, is kareem because it is full of benefits and guidance, good things and blessings, it includes not a single error or contradiction. Open Al-Quran al-Kareem at least every single day; even if you read one ayah a day, understand it and let it transform your character, mind and heart and see how it will make you more kareem, insha’Allah!

3. Spread the message of Islam.

Al-Kareem honoured (karram-na) us as human beings and specifically honours us as Muslims. Recognize the worth Al-Kareem gave you in being a human being with intellect and use it to benefit the Ummah. Share the ayaat of the Quran with others, teach someone else, even if it is one hadith and spread the message of Islam by showing beautiful, honorable manners to non-Muslims.

4. Don’t forget the fire.

Indulging in all the blessings Al-Kareem gave you, don’t forget about hellfire. The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said, The people will be thrown into Hell ( Fire) and it will keep on saying, ‘Is there any more?’ till the Lord of the worlds puts His Foot over it, whereupon its different sides will come close to each other, and it will say, ‘Qad! Qad! (enough! enough!) By Your ‘Izzat (Honor and Power) and Your Karram (Generosity)!’ Paradise will remain spacious enough to accommodate more people until Allah will create some more people and let them dwell in the superfluous space of Paradise. [Saheeh al-Bukharee]

5. Study about Al-Kareem.

Al-Kareem says: O man! What has made you careless about your Lord, Al-Kareem (the Generous). Study about Allah, learning about His names and attributes and what they mean to you. Do not be deceived by this world and by the Shaytan. Know that Al-Kareem will never let down those who spend their lives obeying Him, even though others might say practicing your deen is not “cool.” Don’t ever think those who have much in this life but are denying Him, will have any share in the Hereafter. You are here because of Him and for Him; use the intellect and skills Al-Kareem gave You to work towards His pleasure and His ultimate generosity: Paradise!

Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem.

O Allah, Al-Kareem, we know that You are the Most Generous and Most Esteemed in Your being and dealings. Guide us to be generous to others, aid us to develop honouroble and noble manners, adorn us with understanding and practicing of Your book. Guide us in spreading the noble message of Islam and return the honour to the Ummah. Make us reflect Your attribute of karama by always being thankful for Your favors which are beyond our basic needs and only turning to You when we ask and enter us into Your greatest generosity, Jannatul ‘Alaa without reckoning, ameen!

Allah calls Himself Al-Kareem— The Generous, The Honourable, The Beneficent— on two occasions in the Quran. He is Al-Kareem in both His essence, being the source of all virtue, good and honor. He is Al-Kareem in His dealings with His creation; He forgives, He follows through and His continually giving forth of the most precious bounties exceeds all expectations!

The Most Generous, Most Esteemed and Beneficent

Kareem, Akram, and Ikraam come from the root kaaf-raa-meem, which points out to two main meanings. The first meaning is to be generous, giving, and beneficent. The second main meaning of this root is to be highly esteemed, honoured and valued.

This root appears 47 times in the Quran in eight derived forms. Examples of these forms are al-akram (“the Most Generous”), kareemun (“noble”), kiraaman (“dignified ones”), al-mukrameen (“the honoured ones”) and al-ikraam (“and Honor ”).

In the Arabic language ‘kareem’ does not just mean generous but the term embraces many meanings. ‘Kareem’ includes being forbearing, kind, gentle, patient, noble, pure and beneficial. In other words each and every laudable thing is being described as ‘kareem’.

Examples are a precious ‘kareem’ stone, a beneficial ‘kareem’ letter and a noble, good-looking, a ‘kareem’ person.

Al-Kareem Himself says: O man! What has made you careless about your Lord, Al-Kareem (the Generous), Who created you, fashioned you perfectly and gave you due proportion? In whatever shape He willed, He put you together. [Quran 82: 5-8] and… Read! And your Lord is Al-Akram.[Quran 96: 3]

Al-Kareem Related to other Names

The name Al-Kareem implies all that is honourable, good, and virtuous and therefore is strongly related to various other Asmaa was-Sifaa (names and attributes) of Allah ‘azza wajal.

Al-Kareem is related to Al-Wahhaab (The Giver) and Ar-Razzaaq (The Provider) in the sense that He initiates favors to His slaves, beyond what we deserve. Al-Kareembrought you into existence even though He was not obliged to do so. Al-Kareem gives us the whole world, as He tells us: It is He Who created for you all that is in the earth. [Quran, 2: 29] Our book, the Quran, is not only an instruction but also a cure. Our prayers are not only rituals, but also treasure chests of multiple rewards. Our food is not just one kind, but an amazing variety of tastes, structures and flavours; this is the giving of Al-Kareem!

Al-Kareem is related to Al-‘Afuw (The Pardoner) because even when you sin and forget about it, Allah deals with you generously and makes you live comfortably. It is He who covers your sins and when you turn to Him out of His amazing generosity He doesn’t just forgive but completely erases your bad deeds and on top of this turns them into good deeds. He is At-Tawwaab. What a generous Lord!

Related to Ash-Shakoor (The Appreciative), Al-Kareem rewards you generously when you only present to Him little sincere acts of worship. The ultimate example is Jannah: everlasting pleasure for a couple of years of worship in this life!

Al-Kareem is also related to Al-Haleem (the Forebearing), whenever He gives He gives most generously and when Al-Kareem is disobeyed, He forgives most forbearingly, subhanAllah. He has the most generous and gracious way of forgiving.

Al-Kareem is related in meaning to Al-Wadood (The Loving); us being worthy of His divine love is truly a generosity we should recognize! Al-Kareem says: Verily, those who believe and work deeds of righteousness: the Most Gracious shall bestow love upon them. [Quran, 19: 96]

His Attribute of karam truly is beyond our imagination!

How Can You Live By This Name?

1. Be generous to be close to Al-Kareem.

Allah’s names and attributes are of two types: those that are attributed only to Him ( e.g. Al-Khaaliq, The Creator) and those that can and should be strived for to be attributed to ourselves, one of them is Al-Kareem. Be generous with your belongings, time, and even your words. The prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: The generous one is close to Allah, close to people, far from the fire; a stingy person is far from Allah, far from people, far from Paradise; and the generous ignorant person is more beloved to Allah than a stingy worshipper. [At-Tirmidhi]

2. Develop a relationship with the Quran al-Kareem.

Allah’s book, the Quran, is kareem because it is full of benefits and guidance, good things and blessings, it includes not a single error or contradiction. Open Al-Quran al-Kareem at least every single day; even if you read one ayah a day, understand it and let it transform your character, mind and heart and see how it will make you more kareem, insha’Allah!

3. Spread the message of Islam.

Al-Kareem honoured (karram-na) us as human beings and specifically honours us as Muslims. Recognize the worth Al-Kareem gave you in being a human being with intellect and use it to benefit the Ummah. Share the ayaat of the Quran with others, teach someone else, even if it is one hadith and spread the message of Islam by showing beautiful, honorable manners to non-Muslims.

4. Don’t forget the fire.

Indulging in all the blessings Al-Kareem gave you, don’t forget about hellfire. The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said, The people will be thrown into Hell ( Fire) and it will keep on saying, ‘Is there any more?’ till the Lord of the worlds puts His Foot over it, whereupon its different sides will come close to each other, and it will say, ‘Qad! Qad! (enough! enough!) By Your ‘Izzat (Honor and Power) and Your Karram (Generosity)!’ Paradise will remain spacious enough to accommodate more people until Allah will create some more people and let them dwell in the superfluous space of Paradise. [Saheeh al-Bukharee]

5. Study about Al-Kareem.

Al-Kareem says: O man! What has made you careless about your Lord, Al-Kareem (the Generous). Study about Allah, learning about His names and attributes and what they mean to you. Do not be deceived by this world and by the Shaytan. Know that Al-Kareem will never let down those who spend their lives obeying Him, even though others might say practicing your deen is not “cool.” Don’t ever think those who have much in this life but are denying Him, will have any share in the Hereafter. You are here because of Him and for Him; use the intellect and skills Al-Kareem gave You to work towards His pleasure and His ultimate generosity: Paradise!

Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem.

O Allah, Al-Kareem, we know that You are the Most Generous and Most Esteemed in Your being and dealings. Guide us to be generous to others, aid us to develop honouroble and noble manners, adorn us with understanding and practicing of Your book. Guide us in spreading the noble message of Islam and return the honour to the Ummah. Make us reflect Your attribute of karama by always being thankful for Your favors which are beyond our basic needs and only turning to You when we ask and enter us into Your greatest generosity, Jannatul ‘Alaa without reckoning, ameen!

Allah calls Himself Al-Muqeet— The All-Sustainer, The All-Nourisher, The All-Preserver— on one occasion in the Quran. He is the powerful maintainer who sustains, nourishes, protects, and oversees all that exists. Al-Muqeet is taking care of all living beings by sending down all kinds of physical and spiritual nourishment for them!

The Ultimate Maintainer, Nourishing and Overseeing Creation

Muqeet come from the root qaaf-waw-taa, which carries four main meanings. The first meaning is to supply, maintain, and sustain. The second main meaning of this root is to feed and nourish. The third is to keep, preserve, and guard, and the fourth is to witness, observe, and watch over.

This root appears twice in the Quran in two derived forms. Examples of these forms are aqwātahā (its sustenance) and muqeetan (a keeper).

Linguistically, muqeet refers to the attribute of sustaining. Al-Muqeet sustains bodies and the souls and He has taken it upon Himself to sustain His creation. As He creates all things, Al-Muqeet also creates what sustains them; He makes accessible what is necessary and what is luxury. He gives us what we need to survive, until He wills to put an end to life— then He simply withholds what keeps us alive. Al-Muqeet alone is capable and knowledgeable of everything.

Al-Muqeet Himself says: … And ever is Allah , over all things, a Keeper [Quran, 4:85].

Sustaining Body and Soul

Al-Muqeet protects and sustains living beings; in this sense this name is strongly related to Al-Hafeedh, The Preserver. He does not only sustain our bodies with provisions like food and drink, but Al-Muqeet also for example sustains the heart through knowledge. Sustaining us is even more specific than the attribute of providing for us, Ar-Razzaaq.

Al-Muqeet and Al-Mugheeth

Some reports give the name al-Mugheeth instead of al-Muqeet. Al-Mugheeth is interpreted as meaning the Helper, for He helps His slaves at times of difficulty when they call upon Him; He answers them and saves them. It also has the meaning of the One Who responds and the One Who is called upon. Ighaathah [help] refers to actions and istijaabah [responding] refers to words, but they may be used interchangeably. Ibn al-Qayyim said: He is the Helper of all His creatures, and He responds to those who are desperate [Sharh Asmaa’ Allaah ta’aala al-Husna by Dr. Hissah al-Sagheer]

How Can We Live By This name?

1. Make abundant dua to Al-Muqeet.

Al-Muqeet hears the silent dua and responds to it and knows your affliction and is the only One Who removes it. Call upon Al-Muqeet, using this beautiful name, to ask to sustain your body with provisions and your heart with the knowledge of Islam.

2. Recognize Al-Muqeet in every sustenance.

Let this name inspire you to equip yourself with this good manner: every time food is brought to you, recognize Al-Muqeet and His amazing grace through which you are provided with food. This goes for all the daily life provisions you never really think about, even the knowledge you are able to gain to strengthen your mind and heart. If you train yourself to such recognition you will be able to live by this name.

3. Sustain others with the help of Al-Muqeet.

If you are grateful to Al-Muqeet for His sustenance, protection and nourishment He will make you treasure-house for His servants, enabling you to sustain others, teach them knowledge, and lead them to the ever-Living, the Sustainer.

4. Seek your wishes from Al-Muqeet only.

Only seek the fulfilment of all your wishes and desires from Him, for only Al-Muqeet holds the keys to the treasures of His sustenance. Al-Muqeet said in a hadith qudsi to Musa ‘alayhi sallam: O Musa! Ask Me with regard to everything, including your shoe strings and the salt for your pot.

5. Rely on Al-Muqeet.

He can sustain and look after the whole creation without ever getting tired, so be sure Al-Muqeet looks after you in the best possible way. Rely on Him to provide for you, nourish you and protect you by never seeking haram means of sustenance or doubting in His power to maintain you.

6. Nourish your soul by faith in Al-Muqeet.

Nourish your heart by having faith in His Oneness and nourish your soul by the five pillars of Islam; shahadah, prayer, zakat, fasting and Hajj.

7. Use your sustenance in the right way.

Whatever Al-Muqeet blessed you with, protected you with and gave you access to, show Him that you use it to please Him and not to anger Him. Pay your zakah over your belongings, give abundant sadaqah with your time and skills and don’t misuse your sustenance by using it for inpermissable things or by being ungrateful or unsatisfied.

O Allah, Al-Muqeet, we know that You are the only One able to maintain all there ever was, is and will be. Sustain our bodies and souls , make us recognize Your sustenance and guide us to be of those who use their sustenance to gain Your Pleasure and become a way of sustenance for others, teaching others and leading them to You. Bless us with reliance on You and make us seek You only for everything we want or need, ameen!

Allah calls Himself Al-Hafeedh— The All-Preserver, The All-Heedful, The All-Protecting— on three occasions in the Quran. He is the One Who created and preserves the worlds and what they contain. Al-Hafeedh is heedful of all we do and He protects us from things we do not even realize, giving believers many opportunities to earn His special protection!

The Ultimate Preserver, Guardian, and Protector

Hafeedh and Haafidh come from the root haa-faa-dhaa, which points out to three main meanings. The first meaning is guarding, protecting, retaining and taking care of. The second main meaning of this root is to prevent from perishing or becoming lost and the third is to be watchful, mindful, attentive, and vigilant.

This root appears 44 times in the Quran in eight derived forms. Examples of these forms are haafidheen(“guardians”), mahfoodh (“guarded, protected”), and wahaafidh’naahaa (“and We have protected it”).

Linguistically, haafidh is used for someone who memorized the Quran. Al-Hafeedh is the Ultimate Preserver, Guardian and Protector of the whole creation.

Al-Hafeedh Himself says: “… and you will not harm Him at all. Indeed my Lord is, over all things, Guardian. [Quran 11:57] … We might make evident who believes in the Hereafter from who is thereof in doubt. And your Lord, over all things, is Guardian. [Quran 34:21]

Knowledge, preservation, and recompense

Allah ‘azza wajall negated forgetfulness on Himself; He will protect and guard knowledge and never forget it. Musa ‘alayhi sallam testified to this fact, saying: The knowledge thereof is with my Lord, in a Record. My Lord is neither unaware nor He forgets. [Quran 20:52]

We should know that haafidh is made of three aspects; first knowledge (‘ilm), then preservation (hifdh) and then recompense (hisaab). For example, removing a small piece of dirt from the floor so it wouldn’t make someone slip. Even though no one saw it, you need to be sure Allah knows about it, then you should be sure He will preserve it (hifdh) and finally you should be certain that Al-Hafeedh will recompense you for it.

This goes for anything anyone does for Allah’s Sake! Therefore there’s a relation between the beautiful names Al-‘Aleem (the All-Knowing), Al-Hafeedh (The All-Preserving) and Ash-Shakoor (The Appreciative).

How Can We Live By This Name?

1. Be motivated by Al-Hafeedh.

Al-Hafeedh is heedful of everything you do by His knowledge, He orders His angels to record everything you do. Even the smallest deeds, like coming to an Islamic lecture, sitting nicely, and making notes— Al-Hafeedh will preserve and appreciate it. When you know this you will really be a slave of Allah ‘azza wa jall and not of people.

2. Fear Al-Hafeedh.

He is also Al-Hafeedh when you do bad actions. Remember even with your “very small” wrong deed He sees, preserves, and will recompense you for it unless you repent. For example in prayer you need presence of the heart; khushoo means presence of the heart (hudoor al qalb) plus understanding (fahm).

Maybe in only one rukoo you remember Allah and the rest of the time your heart is distracted or heedless. Allah is hafeedh and He even knows you only remembered Him in rukoo’; then He will keep this remembrance in rukoo’ for you and will reward you according to this. Depending on whether your deed was good or bad al-Hafeedh will reward you or punish you, so this name gives you both hope (rajaa) and fear (al-khawf or khashiyah).

3. Remember people.

One of the sifaat ul mu’mineen – attributes of the believers— is being mindful and attentive to others. Maybe you met someone once and you lent her your pen and she remembers that so many years later, you would feel happy. The best example of this quality of remembering is the Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, who never forgot Khadeejah radiyallaahu ‘anha.

4. Memorize the Quran.

Work hard to be of those who preserve His Book, the Quran, by memorizing it. When memorizing His Book call upon Al-Hafeedh and ask Him to preserve and keep it in your mind.

5. Purify your heart.

For example you talk bad about someone just because you dislike them. Al-Hafeedh will never forget what you did; this knowledge will be preserved with Him and maybe after a period of time you will be put in the same situation where you are innocent and yet someone accuses you wrongly or says something untrue about you. When this happens it is for you to recall and repent for what you did to someone else. Al-Hafeedh is giving it as a test to nurture you because He has this knowledge preserved whereas maybe you forgot or saw it as insignificant.

6. Strive for the special protection of Al-Hafeedh.

Aboo Tayyib At-Tabaree , an early scholar, was about hundred years old and he was physically strong like the young man. Once after an exhausting journey, Aboo Tayyib At-Tabaree jumped off the boat on the land. People were amazed. He said: When I was a young man, I preserved these bodily limbs from the disobedience of Allah and Allah preserved them for me in my old age. [Ibn Rajab]

To receive the special protection of Al-Hafeedh in your religion and your worldy affairs, the Prophet said: Guard Allah (His commands) and He will guard and protect you. [Ahmad, At-Tirmidhee]

7. Be thankful to Al-Hafeedh.

Al-Hafeedh preserves your body in an amazing way; only imagine if your blood would freely flow into your brain. Be thankful to Al-Hafeedh for the way He preserves you and protects you in ways you don’t even realize.

8. Reflect on your environment and increase your awe for Al-Hafeedh.

Look around you and be amazed by the way Al-Hafeedh is able to preserve even the biggest creations. It is He Who preserved the sky from falling on us. We come up with ways by His leave to preserve even the food in fridges and by salt so we can use it longer, as well as the money in the bank. Allah is Al-Hafeedh and He guides humans for a means to even preserve food, health, and wealth.

9. Repent to Al-Hafeedh.

This name should shake you even more than the name Al-‘Aleem, because Al-Hafeedh not only implies that He knows everything, He even remembers the smallest things. You need the forgiveness of Al-Hafeedh, so another important impact of this name is that it will make you not delay but hasten to repent.

O Allah, Al-Hafeedh, we know that You preserve all there ever was, is, and will be. Give us your special protection by aiding us to fulfill Your commands, help us to be mindful of even the smallest sins, and make us rush to repent and be thankful to You for Your protection. Honour us by making us of those who memorize the Quran and support us in our belief and awareness of Your knowledge, preservation and recompense so we will strive to please You and earn Your Gardens, ameen!

Allah calls Himself Al-Kabeer— The All Great, The Most Great, The Grand— on six occasions in the Quran. He is the One who is unimaginably great and perfect. Al-Kabeer embraces all kinds of greatness, from rank, size, nobility, and knowledge to mercy, and it tells us that nothing was, is, or will ever be like Him!

The All-Great, the One Far Greater Than Anything or Anyone

Kabeer comes from the root kaaf-baa-raa, which points to three main meanings. The first is to be great in rank and nobility and the second to be great in size. The third main meaning is to be great in age and the fourth to be great in learning and knowledge. The fifth main meaning is to have rights above all others.

This root appears 161 times in the Quran in eighteen derived forms. Examples of these forms are kabura (“is great,” or “is difficult”), fakabbir (“magnify”), mutakabbireen (“the arrogant)”, akbaru (“greater”), kibaru (“old age”), and kubra, kabeer (“great”).

Linguistically, kibriyyah refers to the concept of greatness. One who is kabeer is someone great in rank or skill. Allah is Al-Kabeer—The All-Great and The Most Great; for each of His attributes He is the greatest.

Al-Kabeer Himself says: So the judgment is with Allah, the Most High, the Grand [Quran, 40:12], … because Allah is the Most High, the Grand [Quran, 22:62], and … Indeed, Allah is ever Exalted and Grand [Quran, 4:34].

The Ranks of This World and the Hereafter

We’re naturally predisposed to admire those who are most beautiful, most intelligent, most eloquent, most powerful, most generous, most merciful, etcetera.

However Al-Kabeer Himself says: See how We prefer one above another (in this world), and verily, the Hereafter will be greater in degrees and greater in preferment [Quran, 17:21]. The poorest in this world can be the richest in the Hereafter; it all depends on one thing: your rank with Allah al-Kabeer.

How Can We Live By This Name?

1. Say a lot of takbeer.

Revive the sunnah of The Prophet ‘salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam by saying a lot of takbeer— Allahu Akbar. Abdullah ibn ‘Umar narrates that a man came late to Salāh. Upon arriving to the line he started his prayer with the following words, Allāhu Akbaru Kabīran wal-hamdulillahi kathīran wa subhān Allahi bukratan wa asīlā. The Prophet, after completing the prayer, asked the people who had said this. The man said, O Rasūlullah, I did not intend by it other than good. The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said, I saw the gates of heaven open because of those words. Ibn ‘Umar added, I never ceased saying these words since hearing the Prophet say that. [Muslim, At-Tirmidhee, An-Nasaa’i and Ahmad]

2. Find happiness with Al-Kabeer.

Your original nature makes you seek love and perfection and Allah Al-Kabeer is the source of all perfection. So only by turning to Him can your heart feel peace and happiness. In fact, the more you get to know about Him, His names and His attributes, the more you’ll turn to Him with true love and devotion and feel secure and peaceful with Him.

3. Magnify Al-Kabeer in the proper way.

Allah ‘azza wa jall instructs you: And magnify Your Lord [Quran, 74:3]. Words to magnify Al-Kabeer, like the tahleel (laa ilaaha illAllah) tahmeed (Alhamdulillah), tasbeeh (subhanAllah) and takbeer (Allahu akbar), have great meanings; ponder their true meanings, increase in saying them and be careful not to misuse them.

4. Seek perfection at the source.

Don’t disappoint yourself by expecting others to be perfect and admiring those with wealth or status but no emaan. By admiring your Lord, by relying on and trusting in Al-Kabeer, The All-Great, The Source of Perfection, you will never be shocked or disappointed, even better you will be amazed by His enormous rewards for your little deeds.

5. Never be arrogant.

Guard yourself against arrogance (kibr). Never look down on others; you don’t know the rank they have with Al-Kabeer. Arrogance can also be found in how you deal with the commands of Allah. Look at the sin of Iblees; he refused to bow down due to arrogance. A good tip to keep you away from disobedience to the commands of Allah is that whenever you’re about to sin, look up and imagine Al-Kabeer watching you— would you dare to look up and say “no” to Him?

6. Strive for a high rank with Al-Kabeer.

Glorify Him alone and be humble in life in order to be great in the sight of Al-Kabeer. If Allah Al-Kabeer blessed you with being kabeer in this world in knowledge, job position, or any other skill, make others benefit and truly become kabeer to Him in the Hereafter.

7. Call upon Al-Kabeer.

Make dua using this name to ask Him to lead you to deeds pleasing to Him. There is no rank higher or achievement better than attainment of Allah’s good pleasure. It is as Al-Kabeer says: Verily, to Us will be their return; and then verily, for Us will be their reckoning. [Quran, 88:25-26] Always aim high in your supplications— ask Him for Jannatul Firdaws, the higest paradise, without reckoning.

8. Be proud of your Lord.

You shouldn’t be ashamed of Allah’s religion or divine commands. When you’re offered wine to drink, don’t apologize and make excuses like, “Sorry! I have a stomach ache.” You should proudly say, “I do not drink wine because it’s forbidden in my religion of Islam.” If you really believe that Allah is Al-Kabeer, you should be proud of your Lord in all situations, places, and company.

9. Feel your takbeer.

What is really akbar in your life? The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam taught you to say Allahu akbar at the start and during your whole salah. Whenever you say, or hear, Allahu Akbar in prayer or the adhaan (call to Prayer), know what it really means. Know that Al-Kabeer is far greater than anything that you could ever imagine or think of. When you raise your hands to start your prayer, imagine you’re throwing the whole world behind you and all is about Allahu akbar.

O Allah, Al-Kabeer, we know that Your Greatness is perfect and beyond our imaginations. Help us to reflect on Your greatness in order for us to stay close to Your commandments. Inspire us to magnify you in a proper way. Adorn us with pride in Islam, protect us from arrogance, and make us of those who attain the highest ranks with You in the Highest Paradise without reckoning, ameen!

Allah calls Himself Al-‘Aliy— The Most High, The Exalted — on eight occasions in the Quran. He’s the One Whose loftiness is both in His essence and in His attributes. Al-‘Aliy is above any imperfections, above the ‘Arsh (throne). Our minds are at a loss regarding His greatness and our intellect is incapable of conceiving His perfection!

The Most High, the One Above Everyone and Everything

Aliy comes from the root ayn-laam-waaw, which points to four main meanings. The first is to be high, lofty, and exalted and to ascend. The second main meaning is to overcome and overwhelm and the third to advance and exceed. The fourth main meaning is to be eminent.

This root appears 70 times in the Quran in fourteen derived forms. Examples of these forms are ta’aalaa (exalted is He), ta’aalaw (come), ista’laa (overcome), ‘uluwwan (haughtiness), and ‘illiyeen.

Linguistically, ‘uloow points to the attribute of loftiness, and a person is ‘alee when he is prominent. Al-‘Aliy, under whose control everything in existence is, is the Most High.

Al-‘Aliy Himself said: He is the Most High, the Great [Quran, 2:255] … judgment belongs to Allah, the High, the Great [Quran, 40:12], and … the Great, the Most High [Quran, 13:9].

Surah Al ‘Alaa– Your Lord, The Most High

Al-Musabbihaat are the surahs in the Quran that begin with the declaration (sabbaha) of the perfection of Allah. Of the musabbihaat, Surah Al-‘Alaa is the most beloved to the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. He loved to recite this specific surah in every single Jumuah prayer and in both of the Eid prayers.

The first ayah is: sabbi hisma Rabbikal’alaa – Exalt the name of your Lord, the Most High. There are many narrations of the companions radiyallahu ‘anhum, including those of ‘Ali, that whenever the Prophet heard this ayah he would say: Subhana Rabbi al-‘Alaa, Subhana Rabbi al’A’laa (Glory to my Lord, the Most High). When this first ayah was revealed the Prophet said: Put it in your sujood. Thus in every sujood of our prayer we use this version of Rabb (Lord), by saying: Subhana Rabbi, al ‘Alaa.

The rising of good deeds

Our good words and deeds rise up through the heavens to Allah Al-‘Aliy. The Messenger of Allah said: Those who remember Allah and glory Allah by saying, Glory be to Allah, Allah is most Great, all praise is due to Allah and La ilaha illallah, these words go around the Throne buzzing like bees, mentioning those who said them. Would one of you not like to have something with Allah mentioning him? [Ahmad, Ibn Majah]

Ali bin Abi Talib reported that Ibn Abbas said: The good word is the remembrance of Allah, may He be exalted, which is taken up to Allah, and the righteous deed is the performance of obligatory duties. Whoever remembers Allah when doing an obligatory duty, his deed carries his remembrance of Allah and takes it up to Allah, may He be exalted. Whoever remembers Allah and does not perform the obligatory duties, his words will be rejected, as will his deed. [Tafsir Ibn Katheer]

So remember— words and actions!

How Can You Live by This Name?

1. Be humble.

Among the good manners adorning a believer is submission before the glory of Al-‘Aliy. Train yourself to submit to Him, and place no one or nothing above Him in your daily life. Fight your desires and train yourself to show patience and gratitude in all situations to please Al-‘Aliy. The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: Whoever humbles himself before Allah, Allah will elevate him. [Muslim]

2. Increase your sujood.

When are we closest to the highest? When we are in sujood, the lowest position we can be in! The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam taught us: Prostrate much because there is no Muslim that prostrates to Allah except that Allah raises him one degree in Paradise by it and forgives for him a sin. [Ahmad] The more you prostrate, the more you raise your ranks in paradise insha’Allah, until you reach the highest level, Jannat Al-Firdaws (Paradise). This is where the Prophet will be. And the roof of this particular level is the throne of Al-‘Aliy!

Make sure you don’t just prostrate with your body, but also with a heart full of humility.

3. Have many good deeds rising to Al-‘Aliy.

Say a lot of subhanAllah, alhamdulillah, Allahu akbar, and la ilaha illAllah combined with your obligatory deeds.

4. Make use of the third part of the night.

Al-‘Aliy descends to the lowest heaven each night; make use of this time to ask, ask, and ask. The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: The Lord descends every night to the lowest heaven when one-third of the night remains and says: Who will call upon Me, that I may answer Him? Who will ask of Me, that I may give him? Who will seek My forgiveness, that I may forgive him? [Al-Bukhaaree, Muslim]

5. Call upon Al-‘Aliy.

Call upon Al-‘Aliy, using this beautiful name in your dua’, and ask Him with the highest aspirations for the highest Paradise without reckoning!

6. Say subhanahu wa ta’alaa.

Make it a habit to say ‘subhanahu wa ta’alaa’ (glorified and exalted is He) when you mention Allah.

O Allah, Al-‘Aliy, we know that You are far above any imperfection. Help us to be humble, to fight our desires, and to never place anyone or anything above You. Make us increase our sujood with body and heart. Accept our good words and deeds and aid us to pray to you night and day. Elevate our ranks until we reach the highest Paradise, ameen!

Allah calls Himself Al-Badee’— The incomparable Originator— on two occasions in the Quran. He is the One who initiates and creates in amazing and original ways that have no precedent, without any model or example. Al-Badee’ is the incomparable, the unique, and only One who originates, commences, invents, and creates in a perfect way!

The incomparable originator, the wonderful inventor and innovator

Badee’ comes from the root baa-daal-‘ayn which points to three main meanings. The first main meaning is to originate, innovate, or start. The second main meaning is to start something, to uniquely contrive without any similarity to anything pre-existing. And the third main meaning is to be incomparable, superlative and amazing.

This root appears four times in the Quran in three derived forms. Examples of these forms are ibtada’oohaa (“they innovated”) and bid’an (“a new (one)”).

Linguistically, bid’ah means an innovation or something new, something not done or said by anyone before.

Al-Badee’ refers to the one and only Originator who time and time again does something new, unlike anything else, originating its existence without the use of any tool and without being limited to time or space.

Al-Badee’ Himself says: [He is] Originator of the heavens and the earth. How could He have a son when He does not have a companion and He created all things? And He is, of all things, Knowing [Quran, 6:101] ..Originator of the heavens and the earth. When He decrees a matter, He only says to it, “Be,” and it is. [Quran, 2:117]

Bida’h: the concept of innovation in religion

According to Islamic teaching bid’ah is any invented or innovated way in religion that is aimed at worshipping or drawing closer to Allah ‘azza wa jall. This means that this act, saying, or distancing from something, has no proof—or daleel— in the Quran and Sunnah and was not known at the time of the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and the companions. (These unaccepted religious inventions and innovations don’t include worldly inventions, like technology.)

The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam would start a khutbah (sermon) saying: …The best of speech is the Book of Allah and the best of guidance is the guidance of Muhammad. The worst of things are those which are newly-invented, and every innovation is a going astray …  [Muslim] This shows us it is forbidden to innovate something in Islam or to follow an innovation someone else started.

He salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam kept repeating:  Every newly-invented thing is a bid’ah (innovation), every bid’ah is a going astray, and every going astray will be in the Fire. [An-Nasaa’i]  He also explained that when you invent something in Islam this deed will be rejected from you: Whoever innovates something in this matter of ours that is not a part of it will have it rejected. [Al-Bukhaaree]

This shows how important it is to gain correct Islamic knowledge, as any innovation will not be accepted from the believers and can lead to the Hellfire.  Examples of bid’ah are denying any of the five pillars of Islam or of the six pillars of emaan (faith), celebrating non-Islamic events and declaring that which is haraam (forbidden) halaal (accepted) and that which is halaal, haraam.

How Can You Live by This Name?

1. Stay away from innovation in your religion.
Study the Quran and the sunnah from trustworthy sources so you equip yourself with knowledge on what is commanded, recommended, forbidden and discouraged in Islam. Gain knowledge about the ways of the prophet and his companions as these are key to implementing Quranic knowledge in your life. The prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: If anyone introduces an innovation in the religion, he will be responsible for it. If anyone introduces an innovation or gives shelter to a man who introduces an innovation (in the religion) he is cursed by Allah, by His angels and by all the people. [Abu Dawood] Ask Al-Badee’ to protect you from innovation.

2. Follow the prophet.
The prophet said: Leave me as I leave you, for the people who were before you were ruined because of their questions and their differences over their prophets. So, if I forbid you to do something, then keep away from it. And if I order you to do something, then do of it as much as you can. [Al-Bukharee]

And: … we were with ‘Umar and he said: We have been forbidden to undertake a difficult task beyond our capability (i.e. to exceed the religious limits, e.g., to clean the inside of the eyes while doing ablution).[Al-Bukhaaree] Never change or twist the meaning of the Quran or Sunnah to suit your desires. Be honest and take responsibility for your choices. Be careful with cultural activities; if they don’t contradict the Quran and sunnah there is no harm, but if they contradict Islam, avoid them.

3. Revive a sunnah.
The prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa  sallam said: He who starts a good sunnah will be rewarded for it, in addition to receiving rewards equal to the rewards of those who follow him into it. Whereas he who starts a bad sunnah will be burdened with it, in addition to receiving burdens equal to the burdens of those who follow him into it. [Muslim] The only good sunnah is a revived sunnah and not a newly-invented one!

5. Present Islam in a correct way.
When presenting Islam to someone, present the Quran and Sunnah and not your opinion. 

6. Ask Al-Badee’.
… Originator of the heavens and the earth. When He decrees a matter, He only says to it, ‘Be,’ and it is. [Quran, 2:117] Know there is no problem too big, no situation too challenging, and no difficulty too hard as long as you call upon Al-Badee’ to ask for His support and for your every need.

O Allah, Al-Badee’,we know that You are the incomparable Originator. Make us of those who follow Your rope, gain correct knowledge of Your Book and the sunnah and protect us from bid’ah. Guide us in reviving the ways of Your prophet correctly, make us convey the message of Islam to others as You revealed it and adorn us with complete faith and trust in Your power to create and originate, ameen!

Allah calls Himself Al-Haadi— The Guide— on two occasions in the Quran. He is the one who gives perfect guidance. Al-Haadi is the one by whom His believers are guided and by whose general guidance all creatures are guided to what is beneficial for them!

The One who guides, The Guide of the right path

Al-Haadi comes from the root haa-daal-yaa which points to two main meanings. The first main meaning is to guide aright or to lead the right way. The second main meaning is to show with kindness the proper way and to guide in the right path until reaching the goal.

This root appears 316 times in the Quran in twelve derived forms.  Examples of these forms are al-hudaa (the guidance), yahdee (guide), hadiyyatin (gift), al-hadyi (sacrificial animal), and al-muhtadeen (the guided ones).

Linguistically, hadaa is the verb which means to guide, and hidaayah doesn’t just mean guidance; it also refers to guiding in a gentle and kind way. Referring to Allah ‘azza wa jall, He is the only true guide by whom the creatures are guided. Al-Haadi created signs in the universe to guide us, such as the stars and the moon, as well as the spiritual guidance of hearts to the truth and the physical guidance of the senses we use to detect harm.

Al-Haadi Himself says: And indeed is Allah the Guide of those who have believed to a straight path [Quran, 22:54] … And thus have We made for every prophet an enemy from among the criminals. But sufficient is your Lord as a guide and a helper. [Quran, 25:31]

Four types of guidance

Scholars divide the guidance of Allah ‘azza wa jall into four different types. The first is hidaayat-al-a’mmah  or general guidance, which is in place for the whole creation including plants, minerals, animals, etcetera;  all are guided by Al-Haadi in the best manner for them.  An example are the bees and how they work, the migrating of birds, the suckling of a newborn, the working of the senses. He said, Our Lord is He who gave each thing its form and then guided [it]. [Quran, 20:50]

The second type is described as hidaayat-al-Jinn-wal-Ins; it is guidance for the jinn and mankind defining the paths of good and evil, through the prophets and messengers sent by Allah ‘azza wa jall. And indeed, [O Muhammad], you guide to a straight path. [Quran, 42:52]

The third type of hidaayah is by tawfeeq (ability) and inspiration (or ilham). An example is when you are guided through a hardship and you display strong trust and belief in Al-Haadi: No disaster strikes except by permission of Allah. And whoever believes in Allah– He will guide his heart … [Quran, 64:11] Then there are those incidents when you end up at the right place, hearing something you just needed to hear or meeting someone just at the right moment, all as forms of guidance of Allah.

And the forth type is guidance to success in the Hereafter for the righteous believers: And We will have removed whatever is within their breasts of resentment, [while] flowing beneath them are rivers. And they will say, Praise to Allah, who has guided us to this. [Quran 7:43]

How Can You Live by This Name?

1. Keep asking for guidance.
If you seek the truth sincerely, Al-Haadi will guide you to it. As a believer, you say, a minimum of seventeen times a day when you pray:  ihdinas siraatal mustaqeem– guide us on the straight path. Why, while you are already guided to Islam, should you keep asking for guidance? Because there are different levels of guidance for you to attain to be truly guided and because you are in need of continuous hidaayah; realize no one is safe from misguidance.

2. Feel it when you say ihdinas siraatal mustaqeem.
These are levels of true guidance: guidance of knowledge to know the truth, the capacity to be guided, to desire to be guided, to act upon it, and to remain steadfast in it. For all obstructions that impede guidance to be removed and to be granted sight of your ultimate goal along the path. For you to be aware of your own desperate need for guidance from Allah ‘azza wa jall over any other necessities and to make you see the misguided paths [ summarized from Ibn al Qayyim al Jawziyyah] So next time you say ‘Guide us on the straight path’, say it with feelings, sincerely asking to attain all levels of guidance from Allah.

3. Seek guidance from Al-Haadi in each matter.
Whenever you feel lost, stuck or when you have to make a decision, turn to Allah ‘azza wa jall before turning to others. Asking for guidance, you can use this beautiful name, e.g. by starting your invocation with Yaa Haadi. Whatever guidance someone or something might give you, know that it truly comes from Al-Haadi. A means to seek hidaayah is to pray the sunnah istakhaarah prayer.

4. Be thankful and do good to increase your guidance.
In Paradise you will say: … and we would never have been guided if Allah had not guided us. [Quran, 7:43] Reflect how hidaayah (guidance) is the best hadiyyah (gift) you can ever get, so thank Allah ‘azza wa jall for it each day. Indeed, We guided him to the way, be he grateful or be he ungrateful. [Quran, 76:3]

Another benefit of thanking Him for guidance is that He will give you more: … If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]. [Quran, 14:7] Also, your good deeds are directly linked to your guidance, so the more good deeds you do, the more Al-Haadi will increase your guidance: And Allah increases those who were guided, in guidance, and the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for recourse. [Quran, 19:76]

5. Invite others to the right path.
Invite others to the straight path, first and foremost by showing  exemplary behaviour yourself.  However, know that true guidance is from Al-Haadi. This should increase you in your confidence in calling others to Islam, as you know that the results are not dependant on your da’wah or speech but are in the hands of Al-Haadi; so don’t get disheartened or arrogant:  Indeed, [O Muhammad], you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills … [Quran, 28:56]

Ask Al-Haadi.
A beautiful supplication the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam used to beg Al-Haadi with was:
يَامُقَلِّبَالْقُلُوبِثَبِّتْقَلْبِىعَلَىدِينِكَ – Yaa muqalib al quloob, thabbit qalbee ‘alaa deenik, which means: O Turner of the hearts, turn my heart towards your deen. [At-Tirmidhee]

O Allah, Al-Haadi, we know that You are the ultimate Guide. Guide us on the straight path and make us of those who keep asking sincerely for your guidance in every matter. Inspire us to be aware and thankful for Your Guidance and aware of those who desire it. Aid us in inviting others to Islam and bless us with the ultimate guidance we need to enter Your Paradise, ameen!

Allah calls Himself An-Nur—The Light, The Illuminating— on one occasion in the Quran. He is the one who is the light and from whom comes all light. An-Nur is the light of the heavens and earth, and His light clarifies and reveals, both physically and spiritually!

The Light, The One who reveals and illuminates

An-Nur comes from the root noon-waw-raa which points to four main meanings. The first main meaning is to give light and illuminate and the second to make visible, reveal,, and clarify. The third main meaning is to be flaming, blazing, and apparent to the senses, and the fourth main meaning to enlighten or give advice.

This root appears 194 times in the Quran in three derived forms.  Examples of these forms are an-naara (the Fire), nuruhum (their light)  and muneerah (illuminating).

Linguistically, nur is used to indicate anything that gives off light, in the form of rays for example, and is that which makes things visible. Referring to Allah ‘azza wa jall, He is the one by whom everything is made visible, whose attribute is light, and He is the One who illuminates (munawwir) and the One who guides (Haadi) the heavens and the earth!

An-Nur Himself says: Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. [Quran, 24:35]

The essence of Light

In the Quran and Sunnah we can find that Allah ‘azza wa jall has a nur (light) related to Him as an attribute of His essence. This is the same as His other attributes, for example sight, knowledge, might, etc. An-Nur says: And the earth will shine with the Light of its Rabb. [Quran, 39:69] This refers to the magnificent moment Allah ‘azza wa jall will come on the Day of Resurrection to judge mankind.

The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam stated about Allah’s attribute of nur: You are the Light of the heavens and the earth.[Al-Bukhaaree] He salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam also said the very weighty words: Light is His hijaab (veil), if He uncovers it then the subuhaat (brightness and splendour) of His Face would burn His creation so far as His Sight reaches. [Muslim]

A beautiful comparison

The scholars mentioned the light that is a part of Allah ‘azza wa jall and His attribute and the light given to the creation, both perceived— like from the sun and the moon— and spiritual. In surah An-Nur, ayah 35, Allah ‘azza wa jall describes His Light: The example of His light is like a niche within which is a lamp, the lamp is within glass, the glass as if it were a pearly [white] star lit from [the oil of] a blessed olive tree, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil would almost glow even if untouched by fire. Light upon light. Allah guides to His light whom He wills. And Allah presents examples for the people, and Allah is Knowing of all things. [Quran, 24:35]

Ibn al Qayyim rahimahullah explained it as a spiritual light bestowed by Allah ‘azza wa jall upon the heart of His believing slave [Ijtimaa’ al-Ju-yoush al-Islaamiyyah] The niche is compared with the chest of the believer; inside the niche is a glass, of the most crisp and clear kind, and this glass resembles the heart of a believer. It sees the truth by virtue of its clarity and, similar to the olive oil, is the substance of the believing heart;it is from the “tree” of Revelation (that  which Allah ‘azza wa jall revealed in His books). [Ibn al Qayyim’s al-Waabil as-Sayyib] The stronger a believer adheres to the revelation, the stronger the roots in his heart are!

How Can You Live by This Name?

1. Know what to follow for success.

An-Nur says: There has come to you from Allah a light and a clear Book. [Quran, 5:15] This light is the Prophet Muhammad salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. The first step is to really treat the Quran and Sunah as your guide and deeply realize that only they are your way to receive the spiritual light of An-Nur.  Through them you can see the reality of things and you will learn to clearly distinguish between good and bad.

2. Strive for His light.

Strive for His light by making understanding the Quran a priority in your daily life. Each day at least read one ayah and its meaning and practise it. Learn to understand the original language of the Quran. The light which An-Nur puts in your heart when you submit is faith in Him, knowledge, and love and remembrance of Him. Make the Quran and sunnah priority in your daily life so An-Nur will guide you and bless you with spiritual clarity.

3. Increase your good deeds.

Do many good deeds for the sake of An-Nur so that He will put light on your face in the Hereafter: [Some] faces, that Day, will be radiant, looking at their Lord. [Quran 75:22-23] A beautiful way to increase your worship is to think about your intention consciously throughout the day and re-invent your intention by changing random deeds like cleaning, cooking, working, etc. with the intention of pleasing Allah ‘azza wa jall.

4. Think of the light on the Day of Judgement

The more your heart was responding to the light of the revelation (Quran and sunnah) in this life, the stronger your light will be on that dreadful day! So increase in doing good by seeing these deeds as a reason for light in the darkness of the Hereafter in shaa Allah!

5. Be thankful.

Each day realize that An-Nur has guided you from the darknesesses of disbelief to the light of Islam and thank Him from the bottom of your heart.

5. Ask An-Nur

Use this supplication from the Quran related to light:
يقولونربناأتمملنانورناواغفرلناإنكعلىكلشيءقدير

They will say: Our Lord, perfect for us our light and forgive us. Indeed, You are over all things competent  [Quran, 66:8]

And this beautiful invocation for when you go to the mosque:

‎“اللَّهُمَّاجْعَلْفِيقَلْبِينُوراً،وَفِيلِسَانِينُوراً،وَفِيسَمْعِينُوراً،وَفِيبَصَرِينُوراً،وَمِنْتَحْتِِينُوراً،وَعَنْيَمِينِينُوراً،وَعَنْشِمَالِينُوراً،وَمِنأَمَامِينُوراً،وَمِنْخَلْفِِينُوراً،وَاجْعَلْفِينَفْسِينُوراً،وَأَعْظِمْلِينُوراً،وَعَظِّمْلِينُوراً،وِاجْعَلْلِينُوراً،وَاجْعَلْنِينُوراً،اللَّهُمَّأَعْطِنِينُوراً،وَاجْعَلْفِيعَصَبِينُوراً،وَفِيلَحْمِينُوراً،وَفِيدَمِينُوراً،وَفِيشَعْرِينُوراً،وَفِيبَشَرِينُوراً

O Allah, place light in my heart, and on my tongue light, and in my ears light and in my sight light, and above me light, and below me light, and to my right light, and to my left light, and before me light and behind me light. Place in my soul light. Magnify for me light, and amplify for me light. Make for me light and make me a light. O Allah, grant me light, and place light in my nerves, and in my body light and in my blood light and in my hair light and in my skin light [Al-Bukhaaree]

O Allah, An-Nur, we know that You are Light and all kinds of light come from you. Guide us in following Your revelation, so it can be a source of light for us in this life and the next. Aid us in doing many good deeds so our faces will be shining with light in the Hereafter, light will emerge for us on the siraat so we can witness Your Light in Paradise, ameen!

Allah calls Himself Al-Ghaniyy—The Self-Sufficient, The Independent— on eighteen occasions in the Quran. He is the one without need of anything. Al-Ghaniyy is self-sufficient, free of any dependence, and rich— while all of His creatures stand in need of Him!

The Independent, The Wealthy, Self-Sufficient

Ghaniyy comes from the root ghayn-noon-yaa which points to four main meanings. The first main meaning is to be self-sufficient and independent and the second to be free from needs or wants. The third main meaning is to be satisfied and content and the fourth to be wealthy and rich.

This root appears 73 times in the Quran in five derived forms.  Examples of these forms are aghnaa (availed), yughnee (benefits, avail)  and istaghnaa (considers himself self-sufficient).

Linguistically, ghina is used to refer to the concept of independence because of being self-sufficient. The opposite is faqr, which refers to poverty, being in need. Faqeer is used to describe a poor person. In reality no one is in absence of need of Allah ‘azza wa jall and everyone is dependent on no one other than Him. Therefore Al-Ghaniyy is the only One who truly transcends all needs, is completely satisfied, and the One upon whose wealth, riches, and blessings all others depend!

Al-Ghaniyy Himself says: But if you disbelieve – then to Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. And ever is Allah Free of need and Praiseworthy [Quran, 4:131] …And whoever turns away – then indeed, Allah is the Free of need, the Praiseworthy [Quran, 60:6]

True Praise Belongs to Al-Ghaniyy

In the Quran, Allah ‘azza wa jall combines His name Al-Ghaniyy ten times with His name Al-Hameed (The Praiseworthy). For example, the believers are instructed to spend of their wealth in charity, however Allah ‘azza wa jall is far Richer from needing their charity, but the purpose is that the distance between the rich and the poor becomes less. [Tafseer ibn Katheer]

Of whatever is given, it is the piety behind it that will reach Al-Ghaniyy, as He reveals: It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is piety from you that reaches Him. [Quran, 22:37]. Whenever a believer gives in charity with a sincere intention, he should know that Allah is the Most Rich and He will reward him for his charity and multiply it many times. And complete praise and thanks is to Him, as no one can do Him a favour, for everything is His own creation and invention!

How Can You Live by This Name?

1. Don’t let wealth distract you.
No matter how wealthy you are, good-looking or of good career, remind yourself Who is the real owner of everything.O mankind! You are the poor ones in need of Allah, where as Allah is the Rich Beyond Need , the Praiseworthy. [Quran, 35:15] So use your money, power and position to please Him only.

2. Thank Al-Ghaniyy.
Whenever anything of wealth comes your way, for example a promotion through work, a financial gain, or anything of benefit to you, make sure the first thing you do is to thank Al-Ghaniyy and to ask Him to aid you to use it wisely and make it a source of barakah (blessings) for you. Musa said: If you were to be ungrateful, you and everyone on Earth, Allah is Rich Beyond Need, Praiseworthy. [Quran, 14:8]

3. Be content.
The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: Richness is not having many possessions. Rather, true richness is the richness of the soul. [Al-Bukhaaree] Remind yourself that the highest degree of wealth is contentment with the decree of Allah ‘azza wa jall. Strive for ridaa, which means you are satisfied with whatever Al-Ghaniyy gives you or withholds from you as this is the ultimate key to the tranquility of your soul.

4. Don’t beg or ask from others when there is no need.
The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: It is better for anyone of you to take a rope and bring a bundle of wood over his back and sell it, and Allah will save his face because of that, rather than to ask the people who may or may not give. [Al-Bukhaaree] As a Muslim you should strive to not burden other Muslims or be lazy and inactive.

You should never ask from others just to increase your wealth. The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam warned: Whoever begs from the people in order to accumulate wealth, it is as if he is asking for a live coal, so let him ask for a little or a lot. [Muslim] The Prophet mentioned three cases in which it is allowed to ask the help of others: in case of repaying debts, when a calamity has stricken and all your wealth is destroyed or when one is stricken with poverty and three trust-worthy persons can testify for this. [Muslim]


5. Ask Al-Ghaniyy.
Use the beautiful and comprehensive supplication of Musa ‘alayhi sallam while realizing your need of Al-Ghaniyy:
رَبِّإِنِّيلِمَاأَنزَلْتَإِلَيَّمِنْخَيْرٍفَقِيرٌ(28:24)
My Lord! Truly, I am in need of whatever good that You bestow on me! [Quran, 28:24]

6. Give of what you love.
When you give charity there are two very important instructions: only give from halaal wealth or belongings and don’t give what you would dislike for yourself. Ibn ‘Abbas radiayallahu ‘anhu mentioned as reported in tafseer Ibn Katheer:  Allah commanded them  to spend from the purest, finest and best types of their money and prohibited spending from evil and dishonest money, because Allah is pure and good and only accepts that which is pure and Verily, Allah is far Richer than you, He is in no need of this money, so do not give, for His sake, what you would dislike for yourselves.

Giving of what you love is something lost in our modern day, individualistic society. How many times do we give away old, even broken clothes in charity? Al-Ghaniyy knows you best. Reflect on this crucial statement:  By no means shall you attain Al-Birr, unless you spend of that which you love [Quran, 4:92] So give away something you love yourself and you will feel the effect on your heart!

O Allah, Al-Ghaniyy, we know that You need none and all need you. Make us recognize our poverty in front of You and always make us thankful for the wealth You bestow on us and aid us to use it for Your sake. Adorn us with contentment with Your decree and make us of those who give away of what they love, ameen!

Allah calls Himself Jaami’—Gatherer, Collector, One

Who Unites— on two occasions in the Quran. He is the One who gathers, reconciles, assembles, and unites. Al-Jaami’ is the One who brought the whole universe together, who reconciles hearts, who connects opposites and that which is similar, and who will gather all to stand before Him!

The One Who Gathers and Collects, the Uniter

Jaami’ comes from the root jeem-meem-‘ayn, which points to three main meanings. The first meaning is to gather or to bring together, accumulate, or congregate. The second main meaning is to connect, combine, or unite. The third main meaning is to reconcile or resolve and the fourth is to arrange, assemble, or compose.

This root appears 129 times in the Quran in 11 derived forms. Examples of these forms are yajma’oona (they accumulate), ajma’eena or jamee’an (all together), al-jam’aani (the two forces, the two hosts) and jama’oo (gathered).

Linguistically, the concept of jam refers to both physical gathering and union, such as yawm ul-jumu’ah ( the day people gather) and ‘ijmaa (scholarly consensus) as spiritual reconciliation, such as bringing the hearts people together after enmity.

Al-Jaami’ is the One who makes substances in the bodies work together, who gathers all different creatures living side by side in the world and so will disassemble us and compose us again when He gathers us on the Day of Judgment!

Al-Jaami’ Himself says: Our Lord, surely You will gather the people for a Day about which there is no doubt. Indeed, Allah does not fail in His promise [Quran, 3:9]  … Indeed, you would then be like them. Indeed Allah will gather the hypocrites and disbelievers in Hell all together. [Quran, 4:140]

The Day of Gathering

Friday, or the day of Al-Jumu’ah, is a blessing Allah ‘azza wa jall granted the believers. The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: Allah sent astray those who had come before us from Al-Jumu’ah (The Day of Gathering/Friday).  So the Jews were guided to yawmus-Sabt (Saturday), and the Christians were guided to yawmul-Ahad (Sunday).  So Allah presented to us, therefore guided us to Al-Jumu’ah.  Furthermore, they will follow us on yawmul-Qiyaamah (The Day of Standing and Reckoning).  We are last from amongst Ahlud-Dunyaa -the people of this life- and first on yawmul-Qiyaamah  [Muslim]

The Day of Resurrection is also known as the Day of Gathering, because on that Day Allah will gather His slaves for their final Judgments; this is the great gathering. Allah ‘azza wa jall tells us about Yawm ul-Jam’i (the Day of Assembly): The Day He will assemble you for the Day of Assembly – that is the Day of Deprivation. And whoever believes in Allah and does righteousness – He will remove from him his misdeeds and admit him to gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide forever. That is the great attainment. [Quran, 64:9]

How Can You Live by This Name?

1. Remember the Day of Gathering.

Allah– there is no deity except Him. He will surely assemble you for [account on] the Day of Resurrection, about which there is no doubt. And who is more truthful than Allah in statement. [Quran, 4:87] Reflect on the greatness of Allah ‘azza wa jall who is able to bring all of mankind, from the old ages to the last of times, together in one place. Every day think about your standing in front of Him, Al-Jaami’.

2.Strive for the shade of Al-Jaami’.

Couple your knowledge and remembrance of the Day of Judgment with action.The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: There are seven whom Allah will shade in His Shade on the Day when there is no shade except His Shade: a just ruler; a youth who grew up in the worship of Allah, the Mighty and Majestic; a man whose heart is attached to the mosques; two men who love each other for Allah’s sake, meeting for that and parting upon that; a man who is called by a woman of beauty and position [for illegal intercourse], but he says: ‘I fear Allah’, a man who gives in charity and hides it, such that his left hand does not know what his right hand gives in charity; and a man who remembered Allah in private and so his eyes shed tears [Al-Bukhaaree, Muslim]

Study each type carefully and strive to practice (elements of ) each in your daily life: connect with and look after your local mosque, come together with people for the sake of Allah, give secret sadaqah and cry out of love and fear for Him when you are alone.

3. Observe the etiquettes of Friday.

Which role does yawm ul-Jumuah play in your life? Study the virtues of Friday and practice the sunan so you can be immensely rewarded. For example, read Surah Al-Kahf, perform ghusl, pray the Jumu’ah prayer, and listen to the sermon (khutbah) and go early for it. Also supplicate to Allah ‘azza wa jall as much as possible, especially the last hour after ‘Asr and send peace and blessings on the Prophet abundantly.*

4. Bring people together.

Apart from bringing together your knowledge with action and your personal acts of worship like salah, Al-Jaami’ rewards you for your acts of helping creation and bringing people together.

For example, pray in congregation, but also try to reconcile two parties in conflict and bring people together by sharing your dinner. Remember, unity doesn’t mean there are not differences in opinions, strategies, and backgrounds; it means you should be united through a bigger picture, seeing the Quran and the Sunnah as the rope you are holding on to together. As Al-Jaami’ says:  And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and lose courage and your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient  [Quran, 8:46]

O Allah, Al-Jaami’, we know that You bring together and gather all things. Make us reflect on the ways You brought to us and the rest of creation together and aid us to observe the sunan of yawm ul-Jumuah. Make us of those who join and stay with the jama’a (congregation), bring others together for good, and open our hearts to remember the Day of Gathering often and strive for Your shade, ameen!

*The rewards of the sunan of Friday are mentioned in different narrations. The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said:  The best of days is Friday; so increase in conveying peace and blessings on me that day, for your blessings will be submitted to me [Abu Dawood, An-Nasaa’i, Ibn Majah]

Seek the hour in which there is hope that prayers will be answered, on Friday after Asr prayer, until the sun goes down [At-Tirmidhee]

Whoever recites Surah al-Kahf on Jumu’ah will have illumination from the light from one Jumu’ah to the next [Al-Haakim]

Whoever makes his wife do ghusl and does ghusl himself on Friday and goes out early, walking not riding, and comes close to the imaam and listens [to the sermon] without interrupting, will have for each step he takes a reward equal to that of fasting and praying at night for one year[Ahmad, at-Tirmidhee]

In another narration the use of perfume is mentioned in addition to above sunan and the reward is mentioned as:his sins in-between the present and the last Friday would be forgiven [Al-Bukaaree]
Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem.

Allah calls Himself Dhul-Jalaali wal-Ikraam—The Possessor of Glory and Honour, The Lord of Majesty and Generosity — on two occasions in the Quran. He is the one who owns each attribute and manner of glory, majesty, superiority, generosity, and honour. Dhul-Jalaali wal-Ikraam is the source of great splendour and abundance!

The Owner of Loftiness and Majesty, The Lord of Generosity and Nobility

Jalaal comes from the root jeem-laam-laam, which points out to three main meanings. The first main meaning is to be glorious, majestic and sublime. The second main meaning is to be high, lofty and independant and the third to be supremely great.
This root appears twice in the Quran in one form; as the noun jalaal. An example is al-jalaali (of Majesty).

Ikraam, kareem and akram come from the root kaaf-raa-meem, which points out to four main meanings. The first meaning is to be generous, giving, and beneficent. The second main meaning of this root is to be highly esteemed, honoured and valued. The third main meaning is to be precious, valuable and rare and the fourth to be bountiful and productive. This root appears 47 times in the Quran in eight derived forms. Examples of these forms are al-akram (“the Most Generous”), kareemun (“noble”), kiraaman (“dignified ones”) and al-ikraam (“and Honor ”).

Linguistically, dhu or thoo is a demonstrative pronoun and literally means with, in, on, or of in the Arabic language. In Dhul-Jalaal dhu refers to Allah ‘azza wa jall being complete Possessor, Owner and Lord of al-Jalaal, Majesty and Glory. Wal-Ikraam means wa (and) al-Ikraam, the Generosity and Bounty. Kareem is an adjective while ikraam is a verbal noun.

Allah is the Lord of these two beautiful Attributes. Dhul-Jalaali wal-Ikraam is the One who is most precious and honoured, He is the Majestic and Glorious Lord, Owner and Source of all generosity, blessings and bounties!

Dhul-Jalaali wal-Ikraam Himself says: Blessed is the name of your Lord, Owner of Majesty and Honor [Quran, 55:78]

The Honourable Face of Allah

In Surah Ar-Rahmaan Allah ‘azza wa jall tells us about the moment everything and everyone on earth will perish and only His honourable Face will remain, because He is the Ever-Living and will never die. Allah ‘azza wajall describes His Face here as being Dhul-Jalaali wal-Ikraam. Ash-Sha`bi said, “When you have recited, Whatsoever is on it (the earth) will perish.) do not stop, continue reading,And there will remain the Face of your Lord, Owner of Majesty and Honor.”[Quran, 57:24-25] Ibn `Abbas commented on the meaning of Dhul-Jalaali wal-Ikraam, by saying, “Owner of greatness and pride.” Both of these statements can be found in tafseer Ibn Katheer.

How Can You Live by This Name?

1.      Seek the Face of Dhul-Jalaali wal-Ikraam.

Allah ‘azza wa jall describes His Noble Face as being Dhul-Jalaali wal-Ikraam; only He is worthy of being revered and obeyed. Make it a mission to seek His Face in everything you do. And keep yourself patiently with those who call on their Lord morning and afternoon, seeking His Face [Quran, 18:28] That means for example that if you do something for someone else or give someone something, you don’t do it for their praise or recognition, but only to please Allah. As He said about those giving charity: We feed you seeking Allah’s Face only [Quran, 76:9] You can test yourself by seeing how you feel when someone doesn’t show gratefulness or doesn’t recognize what you did for them: do you feel angry and upset? Then you might have to remind yourself to do it for His Face only  He records each deed, no matter if people thank you or not.

2. Remember Dhul-Jalaali wal-Ikraam after each prayer.
Follow a sunnah and get rewarded immensely by using below dhikr after salah. A’ishah radiyallahu ‘anhaa said, “When the Messenger of Allah would (say the) Salam (completing prayer), he would only sit as long as it takes him to say,

‎اللْهُمَّأَنْتَالسَّلَامُوَمِنْكَالسَّلَامُ،تَبَارَكْتَيَاذَاالْجَلَالِوَالْإِكْرَام

Allahumma antas-salaam wa minkas-salaam, tabaarakta yaa Dhal-Jalaali wal-Ikraam (O Allah! You are As-Salam, and peace comes from You. Blessed be You Yaa Dhal-Jalaali wal-Ikraam) [Muslim]

3. Be generous.
Let Allah ‘azza wa jall being  the Lord of generosity be an inspiration for you to be kareem (generous) to others as the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: The generous one is close to Allah, close to people, far from the fire… [At-Tirmidhee]

4. Recognize the Source.
When you receive gifts from people or someone benefits you by giving support or help, know that the Source of these bounties is Dhul-Jalaali wal-Ikraam. So when a gift or benefit arrives to you, make sure the first thing you do is saying ‘alhamdulillah’ and honour the true Giver from whom all blessings come. Then, thank the person for example by supplicating for them by saying  jazaakAllahu khayr (may Allah reward you with good) or baraakAllahu feek (may Allah bless you).

5. Ask Dhul-Jalaali wal-Ikraam.
The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam encouraged you to call upon Allah ‘azza wa jall in an effective manner by using His most Beautiful Names. When you start your dua’ with this Name, mind that Dhu changes into Dha, for example Yaa Dhal-Jalaali wal-Ikraam.  The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: Persist (in invoking Allah) with, “Yaa Dhal-Jalaali wal-Ikraam [Ahmad, An-Nasaa’i] So when you make a dua’, you can say: Yaa Dhal-Jalaali wal-Ikraam… [ your request]..

O Allah, Dhul-Jalaali wal-Ikram, we know that You are the Lord of all majesty and bounty. Aid us to seek Your Honourable Face only in our intentions, words and deeds. Help us to put obedience to You above everything else in our daily life and make us generous to others. Bless us with being able to see Your Countenance in the Hereafter,  ameen!

Allah calls Himself Maalik ul-Mulk— Master of the Kingdom, the Dominion’s Owner— on one occasion in the Quran. He is the only possessor and ruler of the creation. Maalik ul-Mulk has the supreme authority and ruling power to act, command, and decide in whatever manner He likes!

The King, the Ruler, the Owner of Dominion

Maalik, Malik and Maleek all come from the root maa-laa-kaa, which points to three main meanings. The first main meaning is to have possession and ownership. The second is to have power and ability, and the third main meaning is to control and have authority.

This root appears 206 times in the Quran in ten derived forms. Examples of these forms are malakat  (“possess”), mulku (“dominion”), and al-malaa’ikatu (“the angels)”.

Linguistically, maalik is an intensified form and refers to not only having kingship, but being master and lord. The word malik (king) is used for people however the name Maalik ul-Mulk is used for Allah ‘azza wa jall only. He is the King of all Kings, the owner of all owners and the ruler of all rulers, and His Kingdom consists of all that was, is, and will be created!

Maalik ul-Mulk Himself says: Say, “O Allah , Owner of Sovereignty, You give sovereignty to whom You will and You take sovereignty away from whom You will. You honor whom You will and You humble whom You will. In Your hand is [all] good. Indeed, You are over all things competent [Quran, 3:26]

The Maalik of the Day of Judgement

In Surah Al-Fatiha Allah ‘azza wa jall calls Himself Maaliki yawmid-Deen: He is the Master of the Day of Recompense and on that day all commands will be Allah’s only. No king or ruler will be able to command anyone to anything nor will any person have the power to do anything for someone else. Maalik ul-Mulk says, demonstrating His complete ownership and mastery over us: Surely the virtuous shall be in Bliss, and the wicked shall be in the Blazing Fire. They shall enter it on the Day of Recompense and then shall never come out of it. What do you know what the Day of Recompense is? Again, what do you know what the Day of Recompense is? It is the Day when no one will have the power to do anything for another, and all command will be Allah’s. [Quran, 82:13-19]

How Can You Live by This Name?

1. Remember the Day of Recompense.

Remind yourself of the day that Maalik ul-Mulk will confront you: The Day when they will (all) come out and nothing of them will be hidden from Allah. (On that Day they will be asked): “Whose is the kingdom today?” (The whole world will cry out): “It is Allah’s, the One, the Overpowering.” (It will then be said): “Today shall everyone be fully recompensed for his deeds …[Quran, 40:16-17] Every time you say Maaliki Yawmid-Deen in your prayer, imagine standing in front of Him and think of the deeds you have put forward for that day!

2. Reflect on the Kingdom.

Because nowadays most of us live in cities, surrounded by concrete and machines, we forget that in nature more than anything you see the sublime manifestation of the mulk of Allah ‘azza wa jall. When you are caught up in your daily life issues, blowing small problems out of proportion, or when your connection to Allah ‘azza wa jall feels weak, step out of the streets and into nature and let it humble you. Pick up a leaf and feel the texture. Reflecting on the creation is in itself ‘ibaadah.

3. Ask Maalik ul-Mulk.

Use this beautiful Quranic dua to supplicate to Maalik ul-Mulk: Those who remember Allah standing and sitting and lying on their sides and reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth: Rabbanaa maa khalaqta haadha baaTilan subhaanaka fa qinaa ‘adhaaban-naar – Our Lord! Thou hast not created this in vain! Glory be to Thee; save us then from the chastisement of the fire [Quran, 3:191]

4. Motivate yourself.

Imagine the moment you will enter Paradise; the angels at the gates will welcome you with salaamun ‘alaykum– they greet you with peace, peace that you have longed for all your life.  Then you will rush off to your house, the prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: By the One in Whose hand is the soul of Muhammad, any one of them (believers) will be more familiar with his dwelling in Paradise than he was with his house in this world  [Al-Bukhaaree] Make Paradise a reality in your life and make it a clear goal at each start of your day.  Allah ‘azza wa jall says: And when you look there [in Paradise], you will see pleasure and great dominion. [Quran, 76:20] Motivate yourself by imagining that first look into the great Kingdom of Paradise!

5. Be responsible in the dominion of Maalik ul-Mulk.

And [mention, O Muhammad], when your Lord said to the angels, ‘Indeed, I will make upon the earth a successive authority.’ [Quran, 2:30] Allah ‘azza wa jall placed you in His dominion with a mission: to worship Him alone and be reformers on earth. How do you know what Maalik ul-Mulk expects from you in His kingdom? By studying the Quran and the sunnah, so you can first read about His commandments and limits with which He guides you. The second step is asking Him for understanding of your Deen, and the third to do your best to act upon your knowledge!

6. Be a good leader.

The Messenger of Allah salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said, Every one of you is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock. The leader of people is a guardian and is responsible for his subjects. A man is the guardian of his family and he is responsible for them. A woman is the guardian of her husband’s home and his children and she is responsible for them. The servant of a man is a guardian of the property of his master and he is responsible for it. Surely, every one of you is a shepherd and responsible for his flock. [Al-Bukharee, Muslim] Never misuse your authority over someone else, be just to your spouse and children and even to the animals, and remind yourself you will be asked about your leadership by Maalik ul-Mulk!

O Allah, Maalik ul-Mulk, we know that You are our only Master and Ruler. Make us remember the Day of Recompense in our words and deeds, aid us to truly reflect on Your Kingdom and be humbled by it. Guide us in being responsible on this earth, just to those under our authority and make us enter Paradise, Your Eternal dominion of pleasure, ameen!

Allah calls Himself Ar-Ra’oof—The Kind, The Compassionate — on ten occasions in the Quran. He is the One who bestows mercy with the utmost tenderness. Ar-Ra’oof has beautiful pity on us, with which He gently warns us, withholds from us, and instructs us to all that is good!

The One Who is Most Kind, the Tenderly Merciful

Ra’oof comes from the root raa-hamza-faa, which points to three main meanings. The first main meaning is to be gentle, kind, and forgiving and the second is to be merciful and compassionate. The third main meaning is to show pity and tenderness.

This root appears 13 times in the Quran in two derived forms.  Examples of these forms are rafatun (pity for them) and rafatan (compassion).

The term Ra’ûf means tender affection, the highest mercy and compassion, the upper limit of ar-Rahîm. The meaning is similar to ar-Rahîm, but focuses on the utmost tenderness, kindness and affection, which accompanies the outpouring of mercy and compassion.

Linguistically, ra’fa refers to the  tenderness, kindness, and affection with which Allah ‘azza wa jall bestows mercy on us. Al-Ghazali mentioned that Ar-Ra’oof has pity, and that pity is the intensification of mercy. It has the same meaning as raheem though in a more intense form. Ar-Ra’oof is the One who bestows pity and mercy on us in many different forms, including warnings and withholding, for us to be guided to success in this world and the next!

Ar-Ra’oof Himself says:And never would Allah have caused you to lose your faith. Indeed Allah is, to the people, Kind and Merciful [Quran, 2:143] And of the people is he who sells himself, seeking means to the approval of Allah. And Allah is kind to [His] servants [Quran, 2:207] Indeed, He was to them Kind and Merciful [Quran, 9:117]

The infinite kindness of Allah

Of the ten  times, Allah’s Name Ar-Ra’oof is mentioned eight times with His name Ar-Raheem (The Bestower of Mercy) in the Quran.  How can we understand the concept of ra’fa and the concept of  rahma (mercy)? After a calamity hits us, Ar-Raheem has mercy on us. Ra’fa refers to Allah ‘azza wa jall taking care of us and warning us so that we can protect ourselves from His own punishment.

Ar-Ra’oof says: On the Day when every person will be confronted with all the good he has done, and all the evil he has done, he will wish that there were a great distance between him and his evil. And Allah warns you against Himself (His punishment) and Allah is full of kindness to (His) slaves [Quran, 3:30] How merciful is this? Ar-Ra’oof warns us how to avoid His punishment out of pure kindness and affection, by sending us prophets and messengers for advice, sending us the Quran and guiding our hearts when we turn to Him.

An example was given about ra’fa and rahma; a parent warning their child to dress warm in winter so that they won’t suffer from the cold, is the concept of ra’fa. Whereas if the child gets ill and the parent’s heart that aches for the child and they do everything to find a medicine, that’s merciful (rahma).


How can you live by this name?

1. Reflect on the ra’fa of Allah.

Do you reflect on the mercy of Ar-Ra’oof in guiding you to be a Muslim each day? And indeed, it is difficult except for those whom Allah has guided. And never would Allah have caused you to lose your faith. Indeed Allah is, to the people, Kind and Merciful [Quran, 2:143] What about all the times He warned you through certain signs in your life, like that “feeling” you should not go to a certain place? Reflection is ‘ibaadah.

2. Learn from the mercy of the prophet.

Ar-Ra’oof described the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam as ra’oofun raheem: There has certainly come to you a Messenger from among yourselves. Grievous to him is what you suffer; [he is] concerned over you and to the believers is kind and merciful. [Quran, 9:128] Study the seerah to learn how the prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam dealt with His companions, family, and even his enemies!

3. Increase your heart in mercy.

Be kind to others and handle people’s feelings with tenderness. Sometimes you are so busy with your own life and your own family and friends that you forget about others. The connection you feel with the Muslim ummah is a mirror for your emaan.  Read about the situation of your fellow brothers and sisters around the world and think of ways of how to support them. For example in every witr prayer, make sure you remember the ummah in your dua.

4. Be proactive.

Someone once said: All that time I was waiting for someone to do something about it. Then I realized that someone was me. Ar-Ra’oof has pity on us and He even warns us on how to avoid His punishment. If you see your brother or sister low in emaan or even going astray, feel concerned for them and advise them with kindness and care. Forbidding evil and enjoining good is a duty upon you; how seriously do you take it? You are the best community ever brought forth for mankind (in that) you command the proper and forbid the improper and believe in Allah. [Quran, 3:110] Be inspired by the ra’fa of Allah ‘azza wa jall to help warn and guide others as much as you can!

5. Open your heart to the Quran.

Allah ‘azza wa jall says: It is He who sends down upon His Servant [Muhammad] verses of clear evidence that He may bring you out from darknesses into the light. And indeed, Allah is to you Kind and Merciful. Ask Ar-Ra’oof to make your heart tender for His Reminder, the Quran!

6. Ask Ar-Ra’oof.

Ar-Ra’oof mentions a beautiful supplication in the Quran, using this name: And [there is a share for] those who came after them, saying, Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith and put not in our hearts [any] resentment toward those who have believed. Our Lord, indeed You are Kind and Merciful. [Quran, 59:10]

Memorize this beautiful dua’, call upon Allah ‘azza wa jall with it, and teach it to others!

O Allah, Ar-Ra’oof, we know that Your kindness encompasses us. Increase our hearts in mercy and aid us in forbidding evil and enjoining good in ways most pleasing to You. Make us reflect Your ra’fa, open our heart for the Quran and make us of those who follow Your warnings so we can avoid Your Punishment and enter Paradise safely, ameen!

Allah calls Himself Al-‘Afuww—The Pardoner, The Eliminator of Sins, The Effacer— on five occasions in the Quran. He is the One who can make any sin or mistake disappear. Al-‘Afuww not only forgives but can also remove wrong actions, errors, and faults, leaving no trace of them!

The One who eliminates sins, The Pardoner

‘Afuww comes from the root ‘ayn-faa-waw, which points to three main meanings. The first main meaning is to forgive and pardon and the second is to efface and remove. The third main meaning is to give willingly and  more than what is due.

This root appears 35 times in the Quran in four derived forms.  Examples of these forms are ‘afaa (forgave), al-‘afwa (the surplus, (to) forgiveness)  and wal ‘aafeena (those who pardon).

Linguistically, ‘afw refers to two concepts, one of which is to remove all traces. In the Arabic language it is sometimes used with wind referring to its blowing and removing of footprints etc. The other concept is to willingly give others without constraint. Al-‘Afuww is the One who removes and erases someone’s sins, mistakes, errors and faults and their traces and consequently becomes pleased with one. He is the One who then grants them blessings willingly without even being asked!

Al-‘Afuww Himself says: Indeed, Allah is ever Pardoning and Forgiving [Quran, 4:43]  … For those it is expected that Allah will pardon them, and Allah is ever Pardoning and Forgiving [Quran, 4:99] and .. If [instead] you show [some] good or conceal it or pardon an offense – indeed, Allah is ever Pardoning and Competent. [Quran, 4:149]

Difference between pardoning and forgiving

Of the five times, Allah’s name Al-‘Afuww is mentioned four times with His name Al-Ghafoor (The Forgiving) in the Quran.  Allah ‘azza wa jall might forgive some people and pardon others. Forgiving means that Allah ‘azza wa jall conceals our sins and mistakes and we will not be punished for them on the Day of Judgement. However, they are still there in our book of deeds. When Allah pardons the sins of people, the sins are completely erased from their book of deeds; He will not even remind them of their sins, nor question them, simply because their sins have been removed. Pardon is greater than forgiveness!

Grave sins and pardon in the Quran

Allah’s pardon is mentioned in the Quran along with grave sins, such as Baani Israeel who worshipped the calf: Then We forgave you after that so perhaps you would be grateful. [Quran, 2:52] And those who turned away at the battle of Uhud: Then he turned you back from them [defeated] that He might test you. And He has already forgiven you, and Allah is the possessor of bounty for the believers. [Quran, 3:152] This is the beautiful pardon of Al-‘Afuww!


How can you live by this Name?

1.Pardon others.

The people who surpress anger and pardon others are the people of Paradise. Al-‘Afuww says: Who spend [in the cause of Allah] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people – and Allah loves the doers of good [Quran, 3:134] Ibn Katheer mentions: They forgive those who treat them with injustice. Therefore, they do not hold any ill feelings about anyone in their hearts, and this is the most excellent conduct in this regard.

Fight against your ego and ask Al-‘Afuww to help you to not even leave a trace of bad feelings and resentment in your heart. If someone wrongs you, think about your own sins and those who you wronged. Strive to pardon others so that Allah ‘azza wa jall may pardon you!

2. Don’t remind others of their mistakes.

Al-‘Afuww is the One who pardons with no reproach. After overlooking other people’s mistakes or wrong actions towards you, try not to remind them of these bad deeds afterwards. Allah ‘azza wa jall is the One who pardons and never mentions your sins again!

3. Increase your love.

Imagine Allah ‘azza wa jall pardoned all your past sins; not a single sins would be recorded in your book of deeds. Reflect on how much you should love Al-‘Afuww! A beautiful opportunity is Laylatul Qadr, which comes once a year in Ramadhan. Value this crucial night, seek it with your best deeds, and remind yourself that night and every other night how beautiful the pardoning of Allah ‘azza wajal is!

4. Say this dua from your heart.

A beautiful dua with this name is the one the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam taught Aishah radiyallahu ‘anhaa, when she asked him: “O Messenger of Allah! If I find the Night of Al-Qadr what should I say?” He sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam replied, say:

O Allah! Verily You are the Oft-Pardoning, You love to pardon, so pardon me [Ahmad, At-Tirmidhee, An-Nasaa’i, Ibn Majah] Memorize this dua and beg Al-‘Afuww with is sincerely. Recognize your sins, be humble and then aim high, not only asking your Lord for forgiveness, but for Him to pardon each and every sin you committed!

O Allah, Al-‘Afuww, we know that You can erase all sins. Grant us the strength to pardon others and make us reflect on Your love and blessings upon us. Aid us to obey you and guide us in keep asking You sincerely to pardon all our sins, mistakes, neglect, errors and faults so we will not even be questioned about them on the Day of Judgement, ameen!