#reminder

Allah calls Himself Ash-Shaheed— The All-and-Ever Witnessing— on 18 occasions in the Quran. Ash-Shaheed is the witness whose sight no one can escape. He is the One with full knowledge of all matters, witnessing the apparent and hidden, anywhere, any time. Ash-Shaheed is the witness and observer of all creation, thoughts, and actions, and the ultimate witness on the Day of Judgment!

The Witness, the Testifier, the Certifier

Shaheed comes from the root sheen-haa-daal, which points to three main meanings. The first meaning is “to bear witness.” The second meaning is to offer testimony, and the third is to have knowledge of something.

This root appears 160 times in the Quran in nine derived forms. Examples of these forms include yashhadu (“to testify”), ashhidoo (“to take witness”), shahaadati (“the seen”) and shuhadaa (“witnesses, martyrs”).

Shaheed refers to Allah’s awareness of everything; He hears every sound, loud and quiet, and sees the small and the large. In addition, He is the One who will testify for or against His servants for their deeds.

Ash-Shaheed Himself says:

Say: What thing is the greatest witness? Say: Allah is shaheed between you and I; this Qur’an has been revealed to me that I may warn therewith – you and whomsoever it may reach. [Quran, 6:19]

Allah is Witness over all things. [Quran, 58: 6] Allah is sufficient as Witness. [Quran, 4: 79]

Allah (Himself) is Witness that there is no god save Him. And the angels and the people of knowledge (too are witnesses). [Quran, 3:18]

A Scene of the Souls

When Allah created Adam, He wiped Adam’s back and every person that He will create from him until the Day of Resurrection fell out from his back. [At-Tirmidhi and Al-Haakim] Allah stated that He brought the descendants of Adam out of their fathers’ loins, and they testified against themselves that Allah is their Lord and King and that there is no deity worthy of worship except Him. Allah then said,(and made them testify as to themselves (saying): “Am I not your Lord” They said: “Yes!”) [Tafseer ibn Katheer]

This was your first testimony and it means we will have no excuse on the Day of Judgement!

It will be said to a man from the people of the Fire on the Day of Resurrection, “If you owned all that is on the earth, would you pay it as ransom’ He will reply, `Yes.’ Allah will say, `I ordered you with what is less than that, when you were still in Adam’s loins, that is, associate none with Me (in worship). You insisted that you associate with Me (in worship).” [Tafseer ibn Katheer]

How Can You Live By This Name?

1. Say the sahahda, live the shahada. The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: Man shahida an la ilaha illallah dakhala al-jannah – Whoever witnesses that there is no god but Allah alone enters Paradise.[Saheeh Muslim]. Your testimony of faith in Allah is something you not only utter, but must live by. When you say I bear witness there is no god but Allah it means that in your talk and actions, in your house or outside you show that you love Allah more than anyone else, you accept Him as your Creator, Master and Ruler of the universe, that you worship Him alone in all matters and not your desires or others’ directions. Next time when you say the shahada in your prayer, reflect upon the meaning. Increase in saying la ilaha illallah to renew your emaan!

2. Trust in Ash-Shaheed. Ash-Shaheed says in this beautiful soothing ayah: So wait patiently for your Lord’s decree, for surely you are in Our sight. [Quran, 52: 48] Rest assured that any unjust treatment by the hands of others you go through, slander, gossip or abuse, Ash-Shaheed is your Witness and you will get justice.

3. Remember that you are a servant. It’s sometimes easy to shout at your family or children inside the house, or even oppress someone when you are in a position of authority over them. Remind yourself in each situation, wherever you are, whoever you talk to, whatever position you have, that you are a servant of Allah. Ash-Shaheed is witnessing every step you take and will you to account. Use this tip: when you are about to do something wrong, look up at the sky and imagine Ash-Shaheed watching you!

4. Don’t make your limbs testify against you.Use your tongue for speech beloved by Ash-Shaheed, your eyes to read the Quran, your limbs to pray to Him as they will all testify as what you used them for! The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: I was amazed at how a servant will dispute with his Lord on the Day of Resurrection. He will say, “My Lord, did You not promise me that you would not treat me unjustly” Allah will say, “Yes.” The man will say, “I will not accept any witness against me except from myself.” Allah will say, “Is it not sufficient that I and the angels, the noble scribes, are witnesses” These words will be repeated several times, then a seal will be placed over his mouth and his organs (or limbs) will speak about what he used to do. Then he will say, “Away with you! It was only for your sake that I was arguing!”)” [Muslim and An-Nasa’i]

5. Always stand up for the truth. Always stand up for the truth in your testimonies, even if it is against yourself! Sometimes it is hard to admit a mistake, or testifying for the truth might even endanger you, but know this characteristic is one of true honour of a believer, which earns you not just a place in Paradise, but a place of honour! And those who are in their testimonies upright and those who [carefully] maintain their prayer: they will be in gardens, honoured. [Quran, 70:33-35]

Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem.

O Allah, Ash-Shaheed, we know that You witness all things. Guide us to live by the shahada and make us utter the testimony of faith on our deathbed. Help us remember that You are witnessing us, and make this awareness an inspiration for us to increase our good deeds. Make us always stand up for the truth and join us with the prophets and shuhadaa in the highest Paradise, ameen!

Allah calls Himself Al-Majeed— The Glorious, The Most Honorable – on two occasions in the Quran. He’s the One Whose essence is pure and absolute perfect: His dazzling glory, dignity, nobility, honor and limitless compassion and generosity to us is without any fault or deficiency. All praise and glory is for Him only due to the perfection of His attributes and His deeds towards the creation!
The All-Glorious, the Majestic, and Most-Honourable


Majeed comes from the root meem-jeem-daal, which points out to the attribute of glory and honor (majd). Majd refers to a complete authority(sultan) and sovereignity (‘adhamah). This root includes the meanings of being glorious, dignified, majestic and exceedingly generous.

This root appears 4 times in the Quran as the adjective majeed (Glorious). One who is majeed is a very highly distinguished person, from honourable roots and often showing his favours to others. When applied to Allah (swt), it’s implied that He’s Al-Majeed – The All-Glorious and Honourable. He is vast in greatness, honor, respect, might and glory.

Al-Majeed Himself said: They said, “Are you amazed at the decree of Allah? May the mercy of Allah and His blessings be upon you, people of the house. Indeed, He is Praiseworthy and Honorable. [Quran, 11:73] and Honorable Owner of the Throne [Quran, 85:15].
Al-Majeed related to other Names


The Name Al-Majeed is related in meaning to the combination of three other Beautiful Names, Al-Jaleel (the Majestic), Al-Kareem (The Generous) and Al-Wahhaab (The Bestower). Al-Majeed is majestic and beautiful in both His qualities and actions, He treats His slaves most generously and gives them gifts beyond any expectations demonstration His Greatness which deserves all praise!

The glorious Quran
Allah ‘azza wajal says: Qaaf. By the Quran that is majeed” [Quran, 50:1]. The Quran has the greatest status over all books that were sent down, it contains all the goodness of this world and the Hereafter and therefore it is the most honourable, respect, complete and perfect Book!

How Can You Live by This Name?

1.            Follow His book. 
Know that you are a slave of One Who is Perfect so follow His Book, submit to His commands and stay away from His prohibitions. Learn to recite, understand and live by the Quran to increase yourself in dignity and honor!

2.            Praise Al-Majeed continuously.
Show Him you are grateful for His favors upon you and praise Him for His perfection. Abu Hamzah Albaghdady said:  It’s impossible for you to claim you love Allah and not praise him continuously, and it’s impossible that you praise Allah continuously and not see the sweetness of that in this life; and its impossible you see the sweetness of praising Allah and then be preoccupied with other than him. Not praising Al-Majeed continuously is even a sign of a hypocrite.
Allah ‘azza wajal said:  When the hypocrite stand up to worship they perform it languidly and to be seen of men, and they do not praise Allah but a little [Quran, 4:142]  There is no excuse for the dhikr (remembrance) of Al-Majeed: Remember Allah , standing, sitting and reclining [Quran, 4:103]!

3.            Treat others with respect.
Let the attribute of majd open your heart and treat others with forgiveness and patience. Speak kindly to others, smile to them and help other reconcile. Spend your blessings of wealth to help the less fornite and apart from your spending be humble and kind to them.

4.            Reflect on the creation of Al-Majeed.

The signs of Allah’s majd can be seen all around us, the whole universe and all it contains for our benefit is a demonstration of the vast Greatness and Generosity of Al-Majeed. When you go through difficulties and trials look around you and realize it is Al-Majeed Who just says Be and it is: … the handiwork of Allah Who has made everything thoroughly [Quran, 27:88] As He made everything around you and inside you, He can surely give you a way out of your problems!

5.            Memorize and live by this beautiful supplication.

When you start praying you say:  Subhanaka Allahumma wa bihamdika
wa tabarakasmuka wa ta’aalaa jadduka wa laa ilaaha ghairuka, which means Glorified are You O Allah and with Your praise and blessed is Your Name and high is Your Majesty and there is no god other than You. The actual meaning of subhanaka is You are pure. You are free from any defect, deficiency or fault. Subhanaka Allahumma means also that whatever test of life that You have given me is perfectly alright. I don’t have any complaint against You. If we strengthen this feeling then we will have the strongest positive attitude! 

 Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem.

O Allah, Al-Majeed, we know that You are vast in Greatness, Might and Honour. Help us in reciting, understanding and acting upon Your glorious Book and make us of the dhaakireen, those who remember You continuously with a beautiful glory and praise. Make us respectful to others and in others eyes and inspire us to reflect upon Your signs, keep granting us honor through Islam and bestow upon us the honour of gazing upon Your Countenance in Paradise, ameen!

Allah calls Himself Al-Wadood— The Affectionate, The Most-Loving, The Beloved— twice in the Quran. Al-Wadood is the One who is the source of all affection, love, and kindness. Even though He does not need us in any way Al-Wadood wishes the best for us. He has a special form of love for His righteous servants who love Him because of their knowledge of His perfection and His readiness to forgive. Al-Wadood is the Affectionate and the Beloved!

The Most Loving, the Ever-Affectionate, and the Beloved

Wadood comes from the root waw-daal-daal, which carries three main meanings: to love, to be affectionate and to long, wish or desire for.

This root appears 29 times in the Quran in five derived forms. Examples of these forms are yawaddu (like, will wish), al mawaddata (the love), and wuddan (affection).

The concept of love in the Arabic language is decribed by different words, hubb and wudd are examples of them. Hubb is the inner-feeling of love for someone whereas Wudd is an intense, consistent affection as it is expressed in actions and conduct.

Wadood is from the fa’ool pattern which in Arabic grammar points to intensity and continuity. Allah is Al-Wadood; His love is intense, continuous and translates into the blessings, favours, mercy, guidance and forgiveness He gives to His slaves.

Al-Wadood Himself says: … Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds, The Most Merciful will appoint for them affection. [Quran, 19:96] ..And ask forgiveness of your Lord and then repent to Him. Indeed, my Lord is Merciful and Affectionate. [Quran, 11:90] … And He is the Forgiving, the Affectionate[Quran, 85:14]

How Do We Gain the Love of Allah?

In a beautiful, comprehensive hadith you will find the formula on how to gain the love of Al-Wadood. The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: … And the most beloved thing with which My slave comes nearer to Me, is what I have enjoined upon him; and My slave keeps on coming closer to Me through performing voluntary acts of worship until I love him..Most beloved to Al-Wadood are you doing your obligatory acts of worship, then by doing your voluntary acts of worship you come closer and closer to Him.

Then what happens next? The Prophet continued about the amazing reward: …(so much so that) I become his hearing with which he hears, and his sight with which he sees, and his hand with which he strikes, and his leg with which he walks; and if he asks Me something, I will surely give him, and if he seeks My Protection (refuge), I will surely protect him. [Al-Bukharee]

Al-Wadood then becomes your special Helper, protecting your limbs and organs by not letting them work for anything He dislikes and a heart-melting seal: Al-Wadood will grant your wishes and keep you safe. Subhanallahi wa bihamdihi!

How Can We Live By This Name?

1. Have a close relationship with Al-Wadood.

Telling Al-Wadood about your concerns is a beautiful type of ‘ibaadah (worship) in itself. He wants you to turn to Him and tell him about your problems while remembering how close He is to you and how much you love Him. The mother of Maryam ‘alayha sallam said: ..My Lord, indeed I have pledged to You what is in my womb, consecrated [for Your service], so accept this from me. Indeed, You are the Hearing, the Knowing..[Quran, 3:35] This pious woman is a beautiful example of someone with a close relationship with Allah and Al-Wadood answered her dua’.

2. Love Al-Wadood above everything and anyone.

Al-Wadood says: Say, [O Muhammad], If your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your wives, your relatives, wealth which you have obtained, commerce wherein you fear decline, and dwellings with which you are pleased are more beloved to you than Allah and His Messenger and jihad in His cause, then wait until Allah executes His command. And Allah does not guide the defiantly disobedient people. This ayah is a great reminder pinpointing all the things we tend to love over Allah and His messenger.

3. Let your love be for the sake of Al-Wadood.

Ask yourself for what reasons you love people? Love people for the sake of Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala so Al-Wadood, His angels and the people of the earth love you! What an amazing deal. The Prophet sallallahu ’alayhi wa sallam said, When Allah loves a slave, calls out Jibril and says: `I love so-and-so; so love him’. Then Jibril loves him. After that he (Jibril) announces to the inhabitants of heavens that Allah loves so-and-so; so love him; and the inhabitants of the heavens (the angels) also love him and then make people on earth love him. [Al-Bukharee, Muslim] So mind who you love and love those who fear Allah, love Him and who strive for the good and forbid evil. This is the most beautiful kind of love you can have for another human being, even if you don’t know them.

4. Follow the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.

Proof your love for Al-Wadood by sticking to the sunnah of His messenger. The reward: Allah will love and forgive you your sins. Another lucrative deal! Say: If you love Allah then follow me. Allah will love you and forgive you of your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. [Quran, 3:31]

5. Love to recite Suratul Ikhlaas.

If you want Allah’s love, love talking about Him. Surah Al-Ikhlaas is one of the most comprehensive surahs describing Allah. The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam appointed a man in charge of an army unit who led them in prayer. He always concluded his recitation with Surah Al-Ikhlaas. Upon their return to Al-Madinah, they mentioned this to Messenger of Allah who said, “Ask him why he does so?” He was asked and he said, “This Surah contains the Attributes of Allah, the Gracious, and I love to recite it. Messenger of Allah then told them, “Tell him that Allah loves him”. [Al-Bukharee , Muslim]. So increase in reciting Surah Al-Ikhlaas with love!

6. Love for others what you love for yourself.

The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi said: None of you will believe until you love for your brother what you love for yourself. [Al-Bukharee, Muslim] If someone just got married and you can’t find someone, someone got that new job and you didn’t, even though it might be hard, be happy for them. Strive to control your nafs (ego) and know it is Al-Wadood Who gives and takes. You will notice the peace it gives you inside when you love for others what you love for yourself, in stead of being jealous and anxious over others’ happiness. Live by this golden rule: treat others the way you want to be treated!

Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem.

O Allah, Al-Wadood, we know that You are the One Who is Most Affectionate. Make us of those who love You and Your Messenger above all, bless us with Your love and protection. Bring righteous people on our path and make us love them and them love us for Your sake only. Guide us in following the sunnah and in fulfilling our obligations towards You and give us the tawfeeq to perform many voluntary deeds of worship, 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!

Allah calls Himself Al-Barr—The Source of Goodness, the kind Benefactor— on one occasion in the Quran. He is the one is the most kind and courteous, the one who is gentle with His servants. Al-Barr is the source of all kindness and goodness, doing good to creation through all His blessings and favours!

The Kind and Gracious Benefactor, The Righteous

Barr comes from the root baa-raa-raa, which points to five main meanings. The first main meaning is to be devoted and gentle and the second is to be just, proper and honest. The third main meaning is to be have regard for someone’s circumstances and the fourth is to bestow bountiful gifts and be ample. The fifth main meaning is to do good and be righteous.

This root appears 32 times in the Quran in three derived forms. Examples of these forms are al-birra (the righteousness), al-abraari (the righteous) and al-barr (the land).

Linguistically, al-Birr is a unique word that entails all acts of righteousness and good conduct [Ibn ‘Hajar Al-Haytami] Al-Barr is the source of all righteousness, the One from whom every good deed comes. Al-Barr is the One who does not stop His ihsaan because of the sins and disobedience of His slaves [Imam al-Qurtubi] He is the One who is kind to the wrongdoers, pardons transgression, forgives the sinner, turns to the one who repents to Him, accepts the plea of those who ask Him. He has turned to His slaves with praiseworthy actions and good expectations, while He is the most deserving of them [Ar-Raazi]!

Al-Barr Himself says: Indeed, we used to supplicate Him before. Indeed, it is He who is the Beneficent, the Merciful. [Quran, 52:28]

Al-Birr versus al-‘ithm

In the sunnah we find a beautiful explanation of what al-birr is and it’s opposite: al-‘ithm. A man came asking the Messenger of Allah salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam about righteousness and sin. So the Prophet said: Righteousness (al-birr) is good behaviour, and sin (al-‘ithm) is what fluctuates in your chest, and you would hate that the people discovered it about you [At-Tirmidhee]

How Can You Live by This Name?

Allah ‘azza wa jall explains beautifully the definition of al-birr in one ayah in the Quran. This ayah is a list of characteristics for the true believer to live by[Quran 2:177]:

1. Take care of your emaan.

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets.. [Quran, 2:177] The first thing is to have faith and believe in Allah Al-Barr, in the Day He will recompense you according to your good and bad deeds and in the Angels He sends of which some to write down your actions of righteousness and sin. Al-Barr revealed His message to mankind through His books and the prophets, in order to guide you on the path of al-Birr! Make sure you study the arkaan ul emaan (the pillars of faith).

2. Spend on charity.

… and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves … [Quran, 2:177] Straight after emaan Al-Birr mentions spending your money on family and those in need for it. Money sometimes gets dearer to us than anything else, Al-Barr reminds you that spending in His cause is the way to gain al-birr!

3. Purify yourself to prayer and zakah.

… [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah … [Quran, 2:177] Let your prayer purify you spiritually by learning the meanings of what you say and concentrating on your salah, taking every moment to ask Al-Barr for goodness and righteousness. Give zakah to purify your wealth!

4. Keep your promises and speak and act upon the truth.

… [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise …[Quran, 2:177] Keep your promises, no matter how big or small, even if it’s a promise to your sibling to help with homework or promising a sweet to your child. The prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam also said, Truthfulness leads to Al-Birr andAl-Birr leads to Paradise. And a man keeps on telling the truth until he becomes a Siddiq (truthful person). Falsehood leads to Al-Fujur (i.e., wickedness, evil-doing, etc.), and Al-Fujur leads to the (Hell) Fire, and a man keeps on telling lies till he is written as a liar before Allah [Al-Bukharee] Don’t accept any lies from yourself, not even “white lies” or lying while joking!

5. Have sabr.

… and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous[Quran, 2:177] Practising patience in hard times is your best training to cultivate al-birr. Next time you go through a test, tell yourself: it’s all part of a bigger plan. Your vehicle is sabr, on the road of al-birr, leading you to Jannah in shaa Allah!

6. Treat your parents and children well.

Ibn ‘Umar said: Allah has called them the ‘dutiful’ (al-Abrar) because they are dutiful (birr) to their parents and children. Just as you have a duty which you owe your parent, so you have a duty which you owe your child. [Al-Bukharee] Make an effort to be a good child to your parents and a good parent to your child!

7. Don’t be hasty.

On the day of `Arafat, the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam heard a great hue and cry and the beating of camels behind him. So he beckoned to the people with his lash, “O people! Be quiet. Hastening is not a sign of righteousness. [Al-Bukharee] Try to do your daily life activities in a modest manner, for example don’t walk loudly and hasty on the street in a way you are causing others inconvenience!

8. Ask Al-Barr.

Ask Al-Barr to guide you to al-birr. A supplication of the sunnah asking for al-birr, is the dua for travelling; make sure you apply it each time you travel!*

O Allah, Al-Barr, we know that You are the source of all that is good. Adorn us with the characteristics of the abraar (righteous ones), guide us in good conduct in each company we are in, and make our righteousness a way to lead us to Your Paradise, ameen!

Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem.

Allah calls Himself Al-Muta’aali— The Supremely Exalted, The Most High— on one occasion in the Quran. He’s the One who is exalted above the whole creation. Al-Muta’aali is beyond the highest, far beyond any thoughts, limits, and ideals of mankind, He is sublime and is above everything due to His might and perfection!

The Supreme One, The Highest of All

Muta’aali 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 ‘aaliyatin (elevated), al-‘ulyaa (the highest),fata’aalayna (“then come”) and la’aali (“a tyrant”).

Linguistically, uloow points to the attribute of loftiness and a person is ‘alee when he is prominent. The names Al’Muta’aali and Al-‘Alee— meaning “Allah is the highest, above any fault, above any imperfection”— are interrelated.

Al-Muta’aali is the One whose highness exceeds any limits. He is the most lofty and exalted and the One who advances, overcomes and exceeds all of creation in His being and all His attributes. He is proud and great and His glory is too high to be comprehended by us!

Al-Muta’aali Himself said: [He is] Knower of the unseen and the witnessed, the Grand, the Exalted [Quran, 13:9]

Supreme Oneness – Devoting All Deeds to Him

As Muslims we should believe that Allah is One with no partner or associate in His Lordship (ruboobiyyah), divinity (‘uloohiyyah) or names and attributes (al-asma’ wa’l-sifaat).

Tawheed al-‘Uloohiyyah means devoting all acts of worship, both inward and outward, in word and deed, to Allah (Al-Muta’aali) alone, and not worshiping anything or anyone other than Allah, no matter who he is: Worship Allaah and join none with Him (in worship). [Quran, 4:36] It is called tawheed al-uloohiyyah because it is based on ta’alluh lillaah which is worship and devotion of Allah accompanied by love and veneration.

This is the purpose for which the universe was created and laws were prescribed. Concerning this disputes arose between the Prophets and their peoples, so the stubborn were doomed and the believers were saved! [al-Hujjah fi Bayaan al-Mahajjah, 1/305; Lawaami’ al-Anwaar al-Bahiyyah, 1/57] Our goals, our will, and our actions should all be defined to seek the face of Al-Muta’aali alone!

How Can You Live by This Name?

1. Prioritize.

Is Allah really muta’aali in your life? You can find out by looking at where the deeds He lovingly wants you to carry out– like salah– are on your list. Do you fit your prayers around your daily life activities, delaying them, or do you put your prayers first, above anything else?

Do you first finish watching your favourite TV shows and then see if you have time left for the Quran? Do you start your day by checking messages on your phone or by reciting from the book of Al-Muta’aali? Test your daily schedule; if your acts of worship don’t have priority, change it and you will see how blessed, productive, and peaceful you will feel. Start and end your day by reciting the words of Al-Muta’aali!

2. Don’t place yourself above others.

You cannot do anything except through the power of Al-Muta’aali and everything that you have comes from Him. Your position with Al-Muta’aali is determined by one crucial factor: the level of yourtaqwa and righteousness. Mankind! We created you from a male and female, and made you into peoples and tribes so that you might come to know each other. The noblest among you in Allah´s sight is the one with the most taqwa [Quran, 49:13] Never place yourself above others because of your wealth, intelligence, looks, or your lineage!

3. Call others to Al-Muta’aali.

You as a human being are the most honoured creation of Al-Muta’aali; live up to your purpose by not only worshiping Him yourself, but also show others who He is. Do da’wah to be successful! And let there be [arising] from you a nation inviting to [all that is] good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong, and those will be the successful [Quran, 3:104]

4. Know that He is high, yet close.

Sometimes you are so absorbed with stress or grief that you forget Al-Muta’aali, who is higher than and above everything, is closest to you. And We have already created man and know what his soul whispers to him, and We are closer to him than [his] jugular vein [Quran, 50:16] In times of hardship, know that He is the supreme above the throne, but also the only One who knows exactly what you are going through, so tell Him all you feel and ask Him to help you battle your trials!

5. Never despair.

You know you should not despair in the mercy of Al-Muta’aali, however Shaytan often tricks into another kind of despair: despair in yourself. Did you ever say: “I will never change” or “I will never be able to do this, so why start?” or about someone else: “they will never change”? Indirectly you are despairing in the power of Al-Muta’aali!

When you say “Allah will never forgive me, I’m doing so many bad things”, you are actually lowering Him, exalted is He, to human standards of forgiveness! So next time you feel like you cannot change a certain habit, or you keep committing the same sin, call upon Al-Muta’aali and ask Him to assist you with unshakable belief in His Highness and abilities.

6. Ask Al-Muta’aali.

Paradise has seven levels; the highest one is Firdaws-al-‘aala, the highest level is right under the throne of Al-Muta’aali. The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: When you ask of Allah, ask Him for al-Firdaws, for it is in the middle of Paradise and is the highest part of Paradise, and above it is the Throne of the Most Merciful, and from it spring forth the rivers of Paradise [Al-Bukhaari, Muslim] Call upon Al-Muta’aali!

O Allah, Al-Muta’aali, we know that You are the Supreme. Give us knowledge of and lead us to prioritize the deeds most pleasing to You and assist us in calling others to You. Adorn us with firm belief in your Highness and admit us to the Highest Paradise without Reckoning, ameen!

Allah calls Himself Al-Waliy— The Protecting Friend, the Ally — on five occasions in the Quran. He is the One who lovingly guards and guides His creation. Al-Waliy is the lord and protector of creation, showing the path to righteousness. He is the One who protects, guards, and supports the believer in this world and the next!

The Ally, The Protector, the Loving Guardian

Waliy comes from the root waaw-laam-yaa, which points to four main meanings. The first main meaning is to be near and to be a friend and supporter. The second is to defend and guard (in a loving way) and the third main meaning is to turn towards something. The fourth main meaning is to be master and lord.

This root appears 232 times in the Quran in 12 derived forms. Examples of these forms are tawallaw (“they turn away”), awlaa (“is nearer or woe”), al-mawlaa (“the protector”) and awliyaa(“allies”).

Linguistically waliy (plural awliyaa) comes from the root word of wilaya, which is the opposite of enmity (adawaa). A ‘waliy amr’ is for example used referring to a child’s guardian, who looks after his or her affairs, someone who is close and who takes care of the child.

Al-Waliy combines the near, loving, protective, and guarding attributes of the One who is also the lord and master of the universe! Al-Waliy Himself says: And Allah is the ally of the believers [Quran, 3:68] and Or have they taken protectors [or allies] besides him? But Allah – He is the Protector [Quran, 42:9]

The Allies of Allah and the Allies of Shaytan

Al-Waliy has awliyaa among the people and Shaytan also has his allies. Indeed there is no fear upon the awliyaa of Allah, nor shall they grieve; those who believe and used to fear Allah much. For them are glad tidings in this life and the Hereafter. [Quran, 10:62]

The allies of Allah ‘azza wa jall will have no fear nor sadness in this world or the next. And Al-Waliy will bring light into their lives: Allah is the protector of those who believe, He takes them out of darkness into light [Quran, 2: 257] and the allies of Allah will have victory: Whoever takes a Wali of Mine as an enemy, I will wage war on him.[Hadith Qudsi, Al-Bukharee]

Al-Waliy also mentions the allies of Shaytan and the conseqences of their deeds: As for those who disbelieve, their allies are the taaghoot who take them out of the light and into the darkness. Those are the people of fire, and they will be in it forever [Quran, 2: 257] and We have made the devils allies of those who do not believe. [Quran,7:27]

How Can You Live by This Name?

1. Strive to be Allah’s wali.

Al-Waliy says in a hadith qudsi: Nothing endears My servant to Me than doing of what I have made obligatory upon him to do. And My servant continues to draw nearer to Me with the supererogatory (nawafil) so that I shall love him. When I love him, I shall be his hearing with which he shall hear, his sight with which he shall see, his hands with which he shall hold, and his feet with which he shall walk. And if he asks (something) of Me, I shall surely give it to him, and if he takes refuge in Me, I shall certainly grant him it [Al-Bukharee]

Don’t think only scholars can be awliyaa; know that you too can be a wali of Allah ‘azza wa jall! How? By focusing on your obligatory acts of worship first, e.g. give priority to your prayer, like studying ways of how to concentrate better, pray on time, etc. Then complement them by doing as many voluntary deeds as you can, studying the sunnahso you can apply the daily ways of the prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam to your life. The result is, Al-Waliyy will love you, and when He loves you He will guide you in using your limbs righteously. He will grant your wishes and protect you!

2. Strive for taqwa.

Unquestionably, [for] the awliya of Allah there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve. Those who believed and had taqwa of Allah.. [Quran, 10:62]. If you want to be a wali of Allah, build a relationship with the Quran and ask Al-Waliy to give you understanding of its ayaat so you will be inspired to live by them Al-Waliyy describes the risk of turning away from the Quran: Whoever turns away from the reminder of the Merciful, we will assign to him a devil, who will be a partner to him[Quran, 43: 36] Another great motivator to increase your taqwa is daily remembering and visualising Paradise. Study the names and attributes of Allah ‘azza wa jall to increase your fear and love for Him and pray to be included in the above ayah as one of His awliyaa.

3. Be a righteous friend.

Be a loving friend to others, protecting their rights. The prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: Allah will aid a servant (of His) so long as the servant aids his brother. [Muslim] Take any responsibility you have seriously in representing someone or supporting someone with their affairs.

4.Trust that Allah is the best ally.

Remind yourself that Al-Waliy is the best ally to turn to at all times and put your trust in Him. When two parties from among you were about to lose heart, but Allah was their Waliy. And in Allah let the believers put their trust [Quran, 3:122] Take comfort in the fact that He knows your enemies and He is your best Helper: Allah is full of knowledge of your enemies, and Allah is Sufficient as a Waliy; and Allah is sufficient as a Helper [Quran, 4:45]

5. Ask Al-Waliyy.

You will always be in need of the support and protection of Al-Waliy so ask Him to protect and assist you in this life, at the time of death, in the grave, and on the Day of Reckoning.

Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem.

O Allah, Al-Waliy, we know that You are the most loving Guardian. Make us of your awliyaa and guide us to complement our obligatory acts of worship with abundant voluntary deeds. Bless us with righteous friends, make us pious friends to other believers and assist us in turning to You and trusting in You only as our best Ally at all times, ameen!

Allah calls Himself Az-Zhaahir— The Apparent, The Manifest, The Evident— once in the Quran. Az-Zhaahir is the One who is above, yet manifest in all of the creation. His Existence and Oneness is apparent through all of the signs in the universe, yet He is not to be perceived by our senses in this world!

The Manifest and High, The One Who Overcomes

Zaahir comes from the root zhaa-haa-raa, which points to five main meanings. The first meaning is to be visible, manifest and distinct, the second is to open or to come out. The third meaning is to ascend and have a higher status. The fourth meaning is to subdue and overcome and the fifth is to help and support others.

This root appears 59 times in the Quran in ten derived forms. Examples of these forms are zhahara (“is apparant”), yazhaahiroo (they have supported”), liyuzhhirahu (“to make it prevail”) and zhahrihi (“its, his back”).

Az-Zhaahir is the most Manifest as everything other than Him is only manifested by His Attributes. He is high above His creation, the One who subdues everything and everyone and He is the true Helper, while others can only provide help and support through His aid.

Az-Zhaahir Himself says: … He is the First and the Last, the Ascendant and the Intimate, and He is, of all things, Knowing. [Quran, 57:3]

A Thought-provoking Discussion

Suratul Waaqi’ah contains an extremely powerful set of questions and answers forming a mind-blowing discussion by the Creator to His creation: We have created you, so why do you not believe? Have you seen that which you emit? Is it you who creates it, or are We the Creator? We have decreed death among you, and We are not to be outdone. In that We will change your likenesses and produce you in that [form] which you do not know. And you have already known the first creation, so will you not remember? And have you seen that [seed] which you sow? Is it you who makes it grow, or are We the grower? If We willed, We could make it [dry] debris, and you would remain in wonder, [Saying], “Indeed, we are [now] in debt; Rather, we have been deprived.” And have you seen the water that you drink? Is it you who brought it down from the clouds, or is it We who bring it down? If We willed, We could make it bitter, so why are you not grateful? And have you seen the fire that you ignite? Is it you who produced its tree, or are We the producer? We have made it a reminder and provision for the travellers. So exalt the name of your Lord, the Most Great [Quran, 56: 57-64]

How Can You Live By This Name?

1. Look after your outward and inward.

Not only nourish your body with food and drink and satisfying your senses, but also nourish your soul by the remembrance of Allah. Eg some spend the majority of time on beautifying themselves while hardly reading the Quran. Never feign certain traits or abilities in public and never exaggerate or lie while being with others. Use this beautiful supplication in your daily life: O Allah! Make my inward better than my outward, and make my outward good [Abdullah ibn Umar radiyallaahu ‘anhu]

2. Be comforted by Az-Zhaahir

Know that He knows everything you do and what others do to you, even if no one else knows and that you will be dealt with justly by Az-Zhaahir. Let this hadith increase your love and awe of Az-Zhaahir: The Messenger of Allah sallallahu ’alayhi wa sallam said that Allah, the Glorious, said: “Verily, Allah has ordered that the good and the bad deeds be written down. Then He explained it clearly how (to write): He who intends to do a good deed but he does not do it, then Allah records it for him as a full good deed, but if he carries out his intention, then Allah the Exalted, writes it down for him as from ten to seven hundred folds, and even more. But if he intends to do an evil act and has not done it, then Allah writes it down with Him as a full good deed, but if he intends it and has done it, Allah writes it down as one bad deed” [Al-Bukharee, Muslim]

3. Check your intention.

Everything is apparent to Az-Zhaahir, whether you make it public or not. The Prophet sallallahu ’alayhi wa sallam said: The deeds are considered by the intentions, and a person will get the reward according to his intention.. [Al-Bukharee, Muslim]. Keep checking your intention, are you doing that deed truly for Allah? Regularly renew your intentions when you are working on the path of Allah. Remind yourself: on the Day of Judgement the smallest deeds can become big and the biggest deeds worthless depending of the intention behind them!

4. Look around to increase your praise of Az-Zhaahir

Look around you, at the plants, animals and your own self and realize it is all manifested through Him only. In times when your emaan decreases, let these signs in your enviroment revive your faith and awe for the Manifest One and let them make you more grateful and humble. Every day take time to look outside, reflect and praise Az-Zhaahir.

5. Ask Az-Zhaahir.

Even though His existence is manifest in all of the creation, we can not see Az-Zhaahir in this world. Ask Him to be able to gaze at His countenance in the Hereafter. The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam made this beautiful dua’:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ لَذَّةَ النَّظَرِ إِلَى وَجْهِكَ وَالشَّوْقَ إِلَى لِقَائِكَ

O Allah, I ask You for the delight of gazing at Your Countenance and the eagerness of meeting You [An-Nasaa’i] Commit this supplication to memory and use it as much as you can from the bottom of your heart as you are asking for the greatest delight!

Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem.

O Allah, Az-Zhaahir we know that You are the Manifest and High. Make both our inward and outward good, guide us in reflecting on Your signs around us in a productive way. Bless us with sincerity and make us of those who are able to gaze at Your Countenance in the Hereafter, ameen!

Allah calls Himself Al-Aakhir— The Last— once in the Quran. Al-Aakhir is the one who neither has an end nor beginning. There is nothing beyond Him; He is the Ultimate and will remain after the whole creation has passed away!

The Last One, The Ultimate

Aakhir comes from the root hamza-khaa-raa, which points to three main meanings. The first meaning is to be latter and to put back, the second is to postpone or to put at the end, and the third main meaning is to be final, last, and ultimate.

This root appears 250 times in the Quran in six derived forms. Examples of these forms are al-aakhirati (“the Hereafter”), yawmil-aakhiri (“Last Day”), yastakhiroonaa (“seek to delay, they remained behind”), ukhraa (“another”) and al-aakhareena (“the others”).

Al-Aakhir is the last without having a first. He is above any descriptions. Al-Aakhir is logically the first to give us guidance and the last to look after those whom He guides. He will remain the last One, with no one or nothing ever comparable to Him in essence or attributes!

Al-Aakhir Himself says: … He is the First and the Last, the Ascendant and the Intimate, and He is, of all things, Knowing. [Quran, 57:3]

What Will Remain?

In the beautiful ayaat of Surah Ar-Rahmaan (26 and 27) Allah ‘azza wajal says that all the residents of earth will perish and die. Even the residents of the heavens will die, except whomever Allah wills.

What will remain? Only the Honorable Face of Allah, because our Lord, the Exalted, the Blessed, is the Ever Living Who never dies. Ash-Sha`bi said, When you have recited, kullu man ‘alayhaa faa’n (Whatsoever is on it (the earth) will perish) do not stop, continue read: wa yabqaa wajhu rabbuka dhul jalaali wal ikraam (Only your Lord, possessed of majesty and honor, shall endure for ever). [Tafseer ibn Katheer]

How Can You Live By This Name?

1. Let your desire to meet Allah motivate you to perform good deeds.

The Messenger of Allah salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallamsaid: Whoever loves to meet Allah, Allah loves to meet him. Whoever is averse to meeting Allah, Allah is averse to meeting him [at-Tirmidhee] When you die you will be shown a glimpse of your destiny either in Paradise or in the Hellfire, this will bring about love or dislike of your meeting with Allah.

Every day think about your meeting with Allah and your standing in front of Him, and let this motivate you to do good deeds and strive against your desires so that you will be blessed with love of meeting Allah Al-Aakhir. Whoever puts Allah first will never be last!

2. Give continuous charity.

When you die you won’t be able to do any good deeds anymore and you will not receive any reward for actions anymore, except for three types of deeds. Their rewards will be lasting!

The Messenger of Allah salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallamsaid: When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: sadaqah Jariyah (ceaseless charity); knowledge which is beneficial; or a virtuous descendant who prays for him (the deceased).[Muslim]

So read about and give sadaqah jariyah (e.g. planting a tree, building a mosque, etc). Be part of spreading Islamic knowledge, like printing an Islamic book, printing your own leaflets to spread knowledge, etc.; no project is too small! And teach your children from an early age to make dua’ for you!

3. Remind yourself of the Last Day.

Don’t let a day go by without remembering the day you will be accounted for each of your deeds, no matter how insignificant you thought they were. Let remembrance of death and the day of account humble you.

When the Prophet went to bed, he would put his right hand under his right cheek and say: Allahumma qinee ‘adhaabaka yawma tab’athu ‘ibaadaka (My Lord, save me from Your punishment on the Day when You resurrect Your slaves, to be recited three times) [Abu Dawood] Memorize this supplication and write it on a note next to your bed, so you never forget to say it in shaa Allah!

4. Value silence and the rights of neighbours and guests.

In the Quran and Sunnah specific good deeds are narrated directly connected to your belief in Al-Aakhir and the Last Day. Strive to fulfill all of them in your daily life! The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him say what is righteous or keep silent. Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him be kind to his neighbor. And whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him be generous to his guest. [Muslim]

5. Ask Al-Aakhir for a good ending.

Some people commit an act of kufr at the very end of their lives. May Allah protect us from this and die upon disbelief! Some lives end in a horrible, disgraceful way, like young Muslims dying in car accidents while they were drunk and speeding and other examples of the angel of death seizing believers while they were engaged in a major sin. Ask Al-Aakhir for your last deed to be your best deed and your best day the day you meet Him. You can use this beautiful supplication— say it while deeply reflecting on your own life, deeds and death:

Allahumma innee as aluka husnal khaatimah – O Allah, I ask You for a good end to my life.

اللهم إني أسألك حس الخاتمة

Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem.

O Allah, Al-Aakhir we know that You are the last One who will remain when everything perishes. Bless us with love and eagerness to meet You and make us remind ourselves that we will stand before You so we can strive to do good. Enable us to do deeds whose rewards will continue, counting for us after our death, and give us a good ending, ameen!

Allah calls Himself Al-Awwal— The First— once in the Quran. Al-Awwal is the one who neither has a beginning nor an end. There is none prior to Him; He is self-existent, all comes from Him, and He is the cause of all that became!

 The First One, The Foremost, The Pre-existing

Awwal comes from the root hamza-waw-laam, which points to three main meanings. The first meaning is to be first or to be before, the second meaning is to come back to or to return, and the third main meaning is to be foremost.

This root appears 170 times in the Quran in four derived forms. Examples of these forms are al-oolaa (“the first”), yaa ulee (“Oh men”), aali (“family, people”), al-awaleena (“the forefathers”) and taweelih (“interpretation”).

Linguistically al-awwal means the one who advances or precedes others. The firstness of Allah Al-Awwal means: the One Whose existence has no beginning [Al-Bayhaqi] and Who existed before everything without a limit (of beginning) [Ibn Jareer At-Tabari]. Al-Awwal  deserves to be the first since He existed when there was nothing before or with Him! [Al-Khattaabi]
This all refers to the same meaning, as the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said:  O Allah! You are the First, and there is nothing before You… [Muslim]

Al-Awwal Himself says: … He is the First and the Last, the Ascendant and the Intimate, and He is, of all things, Knowing [Quran 57:3]

The First of Creation

Al-Awwal says: And He it is Who has created the heavens and the earth in six Days and His Throne was on the water, that He might try you, which of you is the best in deeds [Quran, 12:7]. Qataadah said: Your Lord, may He be blessed and exalted, is telling you how His creation began before He created the heavens and the earth [Tafseer al-Tabari, 15/246]

The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: There was Allah, and there was nothing else besides Him, and His Throne was over the water. He wrote all things in the Book (in heaven) and He created the heavens and the earth [Al-Bukharee] Both the ayah and the hadeeth state that the ‘Arsh (the Throne) of Allah ‘azza wajal was over the water before the heaven and earth were created.

How Can You Live By This Name?

1. Make Allah ‘awwal’ in your life.

We know Allah is the first, but do you really make him ‘awwal’ in your daily life? The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: Whoever makes the Hereafter his preoccupation, then Allah places freedom from want in his heart, gathers his affairs, and the dunya (worldly life) comes to him despite being reluctant to do so. And whoever makes the dunya his preoccupation, then Allah places his poverty in front of his eyes, make his affairs scattered, and nothing of the dunya comes to him except that which has been decreed for him [At-Tirmidhee]

Do you only think about the clothes you will wear, the food you will eat, the shopping you will do and the friends you will meet that day? Or about how you will pray your prayers on time,  keep yourself from back biting and how you will read your daily portion of the Quran? Fulfilling His commandments and staying away from what He forbade should be the biggest concern of your day!

2.   Be of the saabiqoon.

Money perishes, positions will be lowered and people come and go, only good deeds remain. Be of the saabiqoon – those who are first and foremost in doing good deeds. Then we caused to inherit the Book those We have chosen of Our servants; and among them is he who wrongs himself, and among them is he who is moderate, and among them is he who is foremost in good deeds by permission of Allah. That [inheritance] is what is the great bounty [Quran, 35:32]

3.   Give priority to your prayer.

The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: The first thing one will be held accountable for on the Day of Judgment is prayer [Sunan Abu Dawud, an-Nasaa’i, Al Hakim] Contemplate this important fact and let it motivate you to fit your daily activities around your prayer instead of fitting your prayers around your daily activities! Learn how to pray properly, understand what you say in salah, push yourself to pray on time and ask Al-Awwal to help you put your prayers first!

4.   Please Him first and He will beautify you.

The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: He who displeased Allah for seeking the pleasure of people, Allah is displeased with him and those people are also displeased..And he who pleases Allah, although by it he displeased people, Allah is pleased with him… Allah makes him splendid and his speech and acts in the eyes of others beautiful [Tibrani] You will never be able to please one person all the time. Focus on pleasing Allah ‘azza wajal first in everything you do and He will give you a beautiful position in people’s eyes insha’Allah!

5. Put the Quran first in your studies.

Ibn Taymiyyah raheemahullah said: As for seeking to memorize the Quran then this is to be given preference over many of the things that the people consider to be knowledge, but are -in reality – either totally useless, or having little benefit. It is also to be given precedence in learning especially by those who wish to acquire knowledge of the deen, its principles and its particulars. Since what is prescribed for such a person at this time is that he should begin by memorizing the Quran, as it is the foundation of the branches of knowledge of the deen [Fataawa al-kubra 2/54-55] Make understanding, reciting and interacting with the Quran should be the basis and priority of all your studies, even if it is ten minutes a day!

Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem.

O Allah, Al-Awwal we know that You are the One without beginning nor end.  Guide us to put You and seeking Your pleasure first and foremost in our belief and our deeds. Help us to give priority to our prayers, adorn us with love and closeness to Your Book and make us of the saabiqoon, ameen!

Allah calls Himself Al-Muqtadir— The Omnipotent, The Powerful Determiner— on two occasions in the Quran. Al-Muqtadir is the One who has the power and he ability to do whatever He decides. His Power enforces all decrees and His decree prevails in every situation!

 The Omnipotent, The All-Determining

Both muqtadir and qadeer come from the  root qaaf-daal-raa, which points to four main meanings. The first meaning is to have the power to accomplish, to be capable. The second is to measure, to distribute something, or to make manifest. The third is to decree or to ordain and the fourth is to prevail.

This root appears 132 times in the Quran in 11 derived forms. Examples of these forms are taqdiru (“is decreed”), qadran (“a measure”), and maqdooran (“destined”).

Allah ‘azza wajal refers to Himself with the active participle muqtadir four times in the Quran, of which two mentions of Muqtadirin, (The) Powerful One, Most Powerful, or the Omnipotent.

Linguistically qadeer, qaadir, and muqtadir are all derived from the root qaaf-daal-raa, all pointing to the all-prevailing and perfect Power of Allah ‘azza wajal. Muqtadir is the intensive form of the root which refers to the use of supreme power to actively enforce whatever His wisdom decides. The ‘mu’ at the beginning of the word in Arabic refers to a means, or theembodiment of an action, which results in translations as the do-er or the one who is, eg Muslim, one who submits.

Al-Muqtadir Himself says: … They denied Our signs, all of them, so We seized them with a seizure of one Exalted in Might and Perfect in Ability [Quran, 54:42) … In a seat of honor near a Sovereign, Perfect in Ability. [Quran, 54:55]

How Can You Live By This Name?

1. Never think you can depend on your own powers.

Your tawfeeq (ability) is from Al-Muqtadir only, your success is not because of yourself but because He enabled you to accomplish matters.  When you show your need for Him, Al-Muqtadir will support you but when you think you can depend on your own power for even the blink of an eye, He will abandon you. And let not those who disbelieve think that they can outstrip (escape from the punishment). Verily, they will never be able to save themselves[Quran, 8:59] We often take this ayah as not for us as we are no disbelievers, but how often do we fall into the trap of thinking that ‘our children are good, because we raised them well’ or ‘I have this job, because I am clever.’ Always humble yourself by thinking: all I have is from Allah Al-Muqtadir!

2. Practise your belief.

When someone is diagnosed with a fatal disease, they should still think, Allah ‘azza wajal is able to do all things! It is easy to say, Allah is capable to do all things, but do you really live by this? The companions of Musa said: ” We are sure to be overtaken. Musa said: “Nay, verily with me is my Lord. He will guide me. [ Quran, 26:61-62] He was alone facing many enemies, but his belief in the determining power of Al-Muqtadir was unshakable, let this be your example when you feel overpowered or hopeless and tell yourself: Allah is really able to do all things and He will guide me through this!

3. Be grateful for the hidden blessings. 

Al-Muqtadir forces each and everything in this world to happen according to His infinite wisdom. There is a reason behind everything and only as a believer can you benefit from each situation in your life, good or bad.  Allah had completed and perfected His Grace upon you, (both) apparent and hidden [Quran, 31:20] Thank Al-Muqtadir each day for His hidden blessings!

4. Remember the dua of the Prophet Yunus.

But he cried through the darkness: Laa ilaaha illaa anta [ none has the right to be worshipped but You, subhanaka [Glorified and Exalted are you], innee kuntu min adh-Dhaalimeen [truly, I have been of the wrong doers]. So We answered his call, and delivered him from the distress. And thus We do deliver the believers [ Quran, 21: 87-88] By narrating this story in the Quran Al-Muqtadir made this event into a daily life lesson for every believer: no matter how dark your situation is, turn to Al-Muqtadir, recognize His position, realize your position and He will give you a way out.

5. Value the importance of peace of mind.

The decree of Al-Muqtadir comes from perfect knowledge and power and it controls our daily life. You are making hundreds of choices each day responding to many different situations, and each time you have the choice: do I turn to Allah or do I turn away from Him? You can get angry, or try to have patience. You can swear or remain quieit, you can backbite or you can talk good about others. Al-Muqtadir says: Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest [Quran, 13:28]
Al-Muqtadir gives money, power, intelligence and beauty to people, but He decrees true peace of mind to His believers only! So with every choice you make throughout your day, remember Allah.

Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem.

O Allah, Al-Muqtadir we know that Your power enforces all decrees.  Guide us to practise our belief in your All-ability and capability, make us grateful for all aspects of your decree for us,  save us from arrogance and adorn us with tranquil hearts who remember you abundantly, ameen!

Allah calls Himself Al-Qadeer— The Powerful— on one occasion in the Quran. Al-Qadeer is the One with complete power. He is the One who decrees; He simply says, Be! and it is.  Al-Qadeer needs no means to do anything!

The Powerful, The All-Capable

Qadeer comes from the root qaaf-daal-raa, which points to four main meanings. The first meaning is to have the power to accomplish, to be capable. The second is to measure, to distribute something, or to make manifest. The third is to decree or ordain and the fourth is to prevail.

This root appears 132 times in the Quran in 11 derived forms. Examples of these forms are yaqdiru (“he has power”), qaddarnaa (“we have decreed”), al-qadr (“of power”) and qaadirun (“is Able”).

Allah ‘azza wajal refers to Himself with the nominal qadeer 45 times in the Quran, of which one mention is Al-Qadeeru, The Powerful.

Linguistically qadeer, qaadir, and muqtadir are all derived from the root qaaf-daal-raa and all of them demonstrate that power is established as an attribute of Allah and that He has absolute Power. He is the One who is capable of doing everything, who has perfect power over the creation, who measures everything with perfection, and who is the One who decrees all that was, is, and will ever be. His ability combined with His infinite Knowledge makes Him Al-Qadeer and Al-Aleem!

Al-Qadeer Himself says: … Allah is the one who created you from weakness, then made after weakness strength, then made after strength weakness and white hair. He creates what He wills, and He is the Knowing, the Competent [Quran, 30:54]

… Blessed is He in whose hand is dominion, and He is over all things competent [Quran, 67:1]

… If He wills, He can do away with you, O people, and bring others [in your place]. And ever is Allah competent to do that [Quran, 4:133].

Power and Mercy

Al-Qadeer has the power to replace a whole nation with another one in whatever way He wants. With His power He can make large pieces of the earth lifeless and at the same time grant or withhold great amounts of possessions from whomever He wills.

Just as the power of His punishment is unparalleled, so is His power to grant mercy to His sincere slaves. As a reward for their patience, certainty of faith, and trust in Him, Al-Qadeer uses His power to help His servants out of difficulties.

We find beautiful examples of His power in saving Ibrahim ‘alayhi sallam from the fire, Yunus ‘alayhi sallam from the belly of the fish, Yusuf ‘alayhi sallam from the well, and the other innumerable moments He helps, relieves, saves, and comforts His servants throughout their lives.

How Can You Live By This Name?

1. Know that everything is predestined.

How often have you been upset because you’ve lost money, possessions, or a job? Some even respond immediately by asking, Why me? What did I do wrong?

Remind yourself in good and bad times of the following powerful hadith and let it increase you in tawakkul (reliance) upon Al-Qadeer at all times! The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: Know that even if the whole community were to gather together to benefit you with something, they would not benefit you with anything except that which Allah has already recorded for you, and that if they gather together to harm you with something, they would not be able to harm you with anything except that which Allah has already recorded against you. [At-Tirmidhee]

Cure your heart from rancor and envy by believing that all affairs are by the decree of Al-Qadeer!

2. Be content.

Follow the pious predecessors by striving to be content with the decree of Al-Qadeer. This means that you realize that everything that happens to you is pre-destined but also that you try to not feel any bitterness when you are tested.

Rida (contentment) is the praiseworthy station of not only recognizing, but also being pleased with the decree of Allah. Don’t ever let your love for Al-Qadeer decrease when something doesn’t go your way! Contentment is the greatest door that one enters to Allah, It is the source of tranquility for the worshiper and paradise on earth. Whoever does not enter it will not enter the Paradise in the Hereafter [Ibn Taymiyyah]

3. Pray istakhaarah.

Whenever you have a decision to make, no matter how big or small, consult Al-Qadeer and ask Him to choose what is best for you and your deen, in this life and in the Hereafter, by praying the sunnah istakhaarah prayer.

4. Say alhamdulillah.

It’s easy to say alhamduilliah when good happens to you, but we should also praise Al-Qadeer when we go through hardship. Next time you are tested, say alhamdulillah from your heart and mean it, and inspire others to do so!  Alhamdulillah ‘alaa kulli haal – all praise belongs to Allah in any case or siltation, no matter what He decrees!

5. Express your need to Al-Qadeer.

By nature we love those who are competent. For example, when you are weak you desire the protection of someone who is strong. Know that Al-Qadeer can make everything happen by His Power, so ask Him. Seek refuge in Him for protection, ask Him to cure your heart, and know that there is no limit to His power.

Only Al-Qadeer is able and fully capable to give you a way out of every difficulty. The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said, If anyone constantly seeks pardon (from Allah), Allah will appoint for him a way out of every distress and a relief from every anxiety, and will provide sustenance for him from where he expects not. [Abu Dawud]. So increase your istighfaar (seeking forgiveness) by saying astaghfirullah.

Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem.