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[asma-al-husna]

Allah calls Himself Al-Qahhaar— The Subduer, The Ever-Dominating— six times in the Quran. He is the One who prevails over all and to whom all creatures surrender. Al-Qahhaar dominates the whole universe, He is victorious over any opposition, and His will is irresistable.

The Subduer, the Prevailer, The Conquerer

Qahhaar comes from the root qaa-haa-raa, which points to three main meanings. The first main meaning is to overcome, overpower, dominate, or prevail, and the second to subdue and subjugate. The third main meaning is to compel against someone’s wishes.

This root appears ten times in the Quran in three derived forms. Examples of these forms are taqhar (“oppress”) and al-qaahiroona (“the subjugators”).

Linguistically, Qahhaar has the structure of intensification and is the intense form of Al-Qaahir, The Irresistible. Al-Qahhaar is the One with majestic strength. He has the supreme authority and ultimate power to do anything; He can subdue anyone to compel him or her to His will.
The names Al-Qahhaar and Al-Lateef (The Subtle) are sometimes used together to refer to the opposing yet complementary ways of Allah ‘azza wa jall; He is The Subduer, but also The Most Wise and the Most Just. Al-Qahhaar started life on earth by a blow in Adam’s body and ends by a blow on the trumpet.

Al-Qahhaar Himself says: O [my] two companions of prison, are separate lords better or Allah, the One, the Prevailing? [Quran, 12:39] Say, ‘Allah is the Creator of all things, and He is the One, the Prevailing.’ [Quran, 13:16] and . . . Say, [O Muhammad], I am only a warner, and there is not any deity except Allah , the One, the Prevailing. [Quran, 38:65]

The One and His supreme power

In each of the six ayaat in the Quran in which this beautiful name is mentioned it is amazingly combined with Al-Waahid (The One). Allah ‘azza wa jall demonstrates that every single creature submits to Allah willingly or unwillingly and that is by the power and force of Al-Qahhaar; this supreme power rests with Him only.
The skies, the earth, the angels, and all the creatures obey Him. Al-Qahhaar left us the choice: either we come to Him willingly or He’ll make us come to Him anyway. Allah says: . . . then said to it and to the earth, Come up (you two) willingly (or: in obedience) or unwillingly! They (both) said, We come up willingly. [Quran, 41:11]

A Soul-shaking Moment with Al-Qahhaar

One of the greatest examples is that the whole creation is subdued by death. Allah ‘azza wa jall describes to us an amazing scene: The Day when they will (all) come out, nothing of them will be hidden from Allah. Whose is the kingdom this Day? (Allah Himself will reply to His Question): It is Allah’s the One, Al-Qahhaar. [Quran, 40:16]

How Can You Live By This Name?

1. Submit. Surrender.
What does Islam mean? It means you submit and you surrender to the Lord of the Worlds. As his Lord said to him, Surrender, (i.e., be Muslim) he said, I have surrendered to The Lord of the worlds. [Quran 2:131] Surrender your heart, your limbs, your actions, your speech, your senses, your talents, and your skills all to Him by using them to do good deeds. Don’t submit to your own desires and whims; submit to Al-Qahhaar willingly. Know that submission is not a sort of humiliation but rather an apprehension and a beautiful glorification.

2. Ponder how Al-Qahhaar expresses His will.
The sea or the wind can be at times deadly and at other times beautiful and calm. Look at how Al-Qahhaar commanded nature to change at His will: the fire that didn’t burn Ibrahim ‘alayhi sallam, the knife that didn’t slaughter Ismaeel alayhi sallam, the whale that swallowed Yunus ‘alayhi sallam but didn’t digest him. Teach your children the stories of the Quran and ponder the effect of His will all around you, like gravity, water, and fire.

3. Be kind to the weak.
Be compassionate and kind to the weak, especially to the orphans and the poor. Then, as for the orphan, then do not subdue (him), and as for the beggar, then do not scold (taqhar). [Quran, 93:9-10] Imagine facing The Subduer, The Ever-Dominating, on the Day of Judgement, where people are either oppressors or oppressed. Who will be more fearful?

4. Be good to people at all times.
Remember the overpowering attribute of Allah ‘azza wa jall and be motivated to treat people well. Umar ibn al-Khattaab radiyallahu anhu asked his son to put his face in the dust as he was dying so that Al-Qahhaar would have mercy upon him. Umar Ibn al-Azeez ordered his servant to remind him of Al-Qahhaar in case he saw him oppressing anyone. Remind yourself of Al-Qahhaar to be good, just, and fair to others at all times.

5. Abandon your sins.
The Prophet salallahu alayhi wa sallam said: Two eyes will not be touched by Hellfire: An eye that cries from the fear of Allah, and an eye that spent the night in a guard post in the path of Allah (Jihad) [At-Tirmidhee] Al-Qahhaar compels your tongue at the time of your death and you might be unable to say la ilaaha illAllah because of your bad deeds. Have you noticed what a simple phrase la ilaaha illAllah is and that you can say it without even moving your lips? Still it is the will of Al-Qahhaar that will enable you or not enable you to say it. So abandon your sins and remember the power of Al-Qahhaar to subdue your limbs.

6. Ask Al-Qahhaar.
The Prophet salallahu alayhi wa sallam would say when he turned during sleep at night :
None has the right to be worshipped except Allaah, The One, Al-Qahhaar. Lord of the heavens and the Earth and all between them, The Exalted in Might, The Of-Forgiving [Al-Bukaaree, Muslim] Revive this sunnah in your life.

O Allah, Al-Qahhaar, we know that You overpower everything. Make us of those who bow to You in Islam, adorn us with apprehension of You, and aid us to surrender our hearts and our actions to You only. Make us ponder Your power, abandon our sins, and be kind to the weak, ameen!

And Allah knows best.

[asma-al-husna]


Allah calls Himself Al-Ghaffaar— The All-and-Oft-Forgiving— on five occasions in the Quran. He is the One who forgives and covers us time and time again. Al-Ghaffaar is the One Who forgives our sins, veils our shortcomings, and protects us from the effects of our mistakes in this life and the next so we can go on without shame or guilt!

The Oft-Forgiving, The One who veils and protects

Ghaffaar comes from the root ghayn-faa-raa, which points to three main meanings. The first meaning is to cover, veil, conceal, and hide. The second meaning is to pardon, to forgive, and to set aright. And the third meaning is to cover a thing to protect it (from dirt).

This root appears 234 times in the Quran in nine derived forms. Examples of these forms are yaghfiru (He forgives, will forgive), wa-is’taghfir (and ask forgiveness), and maghfiratun (forgiveness).

Linguistically, ghaffaar is a hyperbolized noun, which implies quantity and continuity. Al-Ghaffaar is the One who forgives all kinds of sins over and over again. He sets us free from the guilt and shame of our own faults so we can feel inner peace, and He can transform wrong deeds and change them into what become good deeds.

Al-Ghaffaar Himself says: Lord of the heavens and the earth and whatever is between them, the Exalted in Might, the Perpetual Forgiver. . . [Quran, 38:66] And . . . Unquestionably, He is the Exalted in Might, the Perpetual Forgiver. [Quran, 39:5]

A beautiful invocation

The Arabic word astaghfirullah – I seek forgiveness of Allah— is from this same ghaa-faa-raa root and is a beautiful, comprehensive request to Allah ‘azza wa jall to forgive us, hide away our faults, watch over us, and protect us from faults. Maghfirah is the word for this profound concept of forgiveness, covering, and protection.

Examples of magfirah

Allah Al-Ghaffaar covers and protects in the most beautiful ways, both spiritually and physically. An example is that He keeps your thoughts and intentions hidden from other people; your innermost feelings are well-protected and covered by Al-Ghaffaar. Another example is that Al-Ghaffaar physically covers us; He clothes our inner body nicely with skin. Imagine muscles being on the surface. Without this skin man would look appalling. Another example of Allah’s maghfirah is that He veils a believer’s private sins and misdeeds and doesn’t publicize them to others.

How Can You Live by This Name?

1. Forgive to be forgiven.
Be honest with yourself— have you always forgiven others or did you just say “I forgive you,” while ill feelings lingered in your heart? . . . and let them pardon and overlook. Would you not like that Allah should forgive you? And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful. [Quran, 24:22] Each night before you go to sleep try to cleanse your heart from grudges and ill-feelings and when you find it hard to forgive, remind yourself of the greatest motivation: Allah’s forgiveness. There’s no space for a big ego if you want to be forgiven by Allah ‘azza wa jall.

2. Seek forgiveness to increase your blessings.
He says: And said, ‘Ask forgiveness of your Lord. Indeed, He is ever a Perpetual Forgiver.’ [Quran, 71:10] What will happen if you ask for forgiveness? Al-Ghaffaar will increase your blessings. He continues: He will send [rain from] the sky upon you in [continuing] showers. And give you increase in wealth and children and provide for you gardens and provide for you rivers. [Quran, 71:11-12] So next time you want something, increase in seeking forgiveness (or istighfaar).

3. Don’t hunt for other people’s mistakes.
Al-Ghazali said about the attribute of maghfirah: Every creature is bound to have perfection and imperfection, or ugliness and beauty, so whoever overlooks the ugly and mentions only the beautiful is one who shares in this attribute. As a true believer, always highlight the good of others and cover their faults. Never hunt for others’ mistakes.

4. Follow up a bad deed with a good one.
Al-Ghaffaar tells you: But indeed, I am the Perpetual Forgiver of whoever repents and believes and does righteousness and then continues in guidance. [Quran, 20:82] and Except for those who repent, believe, and work righteous deeds. For those, Allah will change their evil deeds into good deeds, and Allah is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful. [Quran, 25 : 70] What often happens is that we sin and feel bad but remain passive.
Al-Ghaffaar tells you exactly what to do to get perpetual forgiveness: turn to Him sincerely in repentance no matter how often you’ve sinned, follow up your bad deed with a good one, and be determined to stay on the right path. Then Al-Ghaffaar will transform your evil deeds into good deeds— a great blessing. So next time you sin, open the Quran and read or give some sadaqah. You have much opportunity to do good, but don’t delay!

5. Give thanks.
Reflect on the fact that Al-Ghaffaar veils your sins and bad deeds for others again and again, and thank Him for this blessing.

6. Follow the examples in the Quran and Sunnah.
Look for the Quranic supplications for forgiveness Al-Ghaffaar blessed you with and use them when you ask for His maghfirah, for example: Our Lord, we have believed, so forgive us and have mercy upon us, and You are the best of the merciful. [Quran, 23:109] Study the ways the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam used to seek forgiveness by using the morning and evening adhkaar (remembrance) to be found in the book of supplications Hisnul Muslim (Fortress of the Muslim). Examples are daily invocations like: ghufraanaka when you exit the toilet, saying astaghfirullah wa atoobu ilayk more than 70 times a day.

O Allah, Al-Ghaffaar, we know that You forgive, cover, and protect us continuously. Forgive our sins, the first one, the last one, the hidde,n and apparent, and enable us to keep turning to You seeking forgiveness. Conceal our shortcomings in this life and on the Day of Judgement, protect us from the effects of our sins, and aid us to be forgiving to others, ameen!

[asma-al-husna]

Allah calls Himself Al-Musawwir— The Fashioner, The Bestower of Forms— on one occasion in the Quran. He is the One who forms and shapes all that exists. Al-Musawwir gave everything its own distinct shape and inclination or desire – despite the great variety of the creation – every single creature is unique!

The Shaper, The Fashioner, The Bestower of Forms

Musawwir comes from the root saad-waw-raa, which points to three main meanings. The first main meaning is to make something incline, lean, or bend, and the second is to form, fashion, sculpt, imagine, or picture something. The third main meaning is to have an inclination or desire towards something.

This root appears 19 times in the Quran in five derived forms. Examples of these forms are wasawwarakum (“and He formed you”), as-soori (“the trumpet”), and sooratin (“form”).

Linguistically, khaaliq, baari’, and musawwir are interrelated in meaning and deal with the aspects of Allah ‘azza wa jall as Creator; all the rest is creation. Al-Musawwir bestows forms and not by way of copying— He is far above that. Al-Musawwir says Be! and it is, with the attributes and the form that He has chosen for it. He does what He wills and creates what He wills in the form that He wills.

Al-Musawwir Himself says: He is Allah, the Creator, the Inventor, the Fashioner; to Him belong the best names. Whatever is in the heavens and earth is exalting Him. And He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise. [Quran, 59:24]

The Relation of Al-Khaaliq, Al-Baari’ and Al-Musawwir

In Surah al-Hashr, Al-Musawwir’ is mentioned after al-Khaaliq (The Creator, The Maker) and al-Baari’ (The Originator). Some scholars have said that in this ayah the attribute of creation refers specifically to Allah’s determination of what He creates, so it comes first.
The name Al-Baarī’ refers to the creative act of bringing about what Allah wills to create. Finally, the name Al-Musawwir (the Fashioner) refers to giving each created thing its particular form. So Allah decrees what He creates, brings it into existence, and specifies its particular, unique form.

Scholars also have differentiated between these three names as follows: Al-Khaaliq is the One Who created from nothing all creatures that exist, according to their decreed qualities. Al-Baari’ is the One Who made man from al-baraa, i.e., clay. Al-Musawwir is the One Who creates various forms and shapes. So al-Khaaliq is a general word, al-Baari’ is more specific and al-Musawwir is even more specific [Kitaab Sharh Asmaa’ Allaah ta’aala al-Husnaa, Dr. Hissah al-Sagheer].

How Can You Live by This Name?

1. Be happy with how al-Musawwir shaped you.
We live in a time of cosmetic surgery; if you don’t like how you look, you can change yourself with a medical procedure. Allah ‘azza wa jall says: He it is who shapes you in the wombs as He pleases. There is no god but He, the Mighty, the Wise. [Quran, 3:6] Be content with how Al-Musawwir shaped you by His ultimate wisdom. For example, if we were as beautiful as the Prophet Yuusuf ‘alayhi salam, would we be able to withstand the temptations he faced? When you look at yourself in the mirror, say Alhamdulillah. If Shaytan tempts you to complain about any of your facial or body features, remember those who are blind, sick, or disabled.

2. Reflect on beautiful shapes.
Allah ‘azza wajal says: Then We made the seed a clot, then We made the clot a lump of flesh, then We made (in) the lump of flesh bones, then We clothed the bones with flesh, then We caused it to grow into another creation, so blessed be Allah, the best of the creators. [Quran, 23:14] Everything you see around us is proof of Allah’s existence. To please your senses, He designed flowers, trees, fruits, and even cows and sheep, etc. to have very appealing shapes. Amazingly, when it comes to outside your range of normal vision, the mosquitoes, bees, and other insects are very terrifying to look at. He ensured that you live a pleasant life, so thank Al-Musawwir for the blessings of beautiful shapes to look at.

3. Live up to your potential!
Know your position. Indeed, We have created the human being upon the best of forms. [Quran, 95: 4] Al-Musawwir created and formed you with a particular brain, heart, face, and limbs, which differentiate us from the animals. How do you use them? You will be questioned on the Day of Judgment as to how you use your hearing, your sight, and your hearts. So use these faculties to do as many good deeds as you can and don’t use them to harm yourself or others by sinning, nor by going to forbidden places.

4. Worship Al-Musawwir alone.
Allah ‘azza wa jall alone deserves your worship. This is the Creation of Allah. Now show me that which those (you worship) beside Him have created. Nay, but the wrong-doers are in manifest error! [Quran, 31:11] Remember this ayah when you feel tempted to turn to others for your desires instead of to Al-Musawwir.

5. Ask Al-Musawwir.
Is not He Who created the heavens and the earth able to create the like of them? Yes Indeed! and He is the Superb Creator (of all), the Ever-Knowing. Surely His Command, when He wills a thing, is only to say to it: ‘Be!’ and it is! Therefore glory be to Him in Whose hand is the Kingdom of all things, and to Him you shall be brought back. [Quran, 36:82-83].
Al-Musawwir perfected everything you see around you; don’t you think He can solve all your problems? So remember when you supplicate: nothing is impossible for al-Musawwir.

O Allah, Al-Musawwir, we know that You are the One who forms the whole creation. Make us of the shaakireen (the grateful ones) for our own forms and the shapes around us, help us ponder Your creations and ask You at all times. Make us of those who use the blessings you gave us for good, and make us witness the beautiful shapes of Paradise, ameen!

And Allah knows best.

[asma-al-husna]

Allah calls Himself Al-Baari’ — The Originator, The Maker, The Evolver— on three ocassions in the Quran. He is the One who creates form out of nothing. Al-Baari’ creates with no model or similarity and evolves that which is in perfect proportion and harmony without any fault!

The Originator, The Producer, The Inventor

Baari’ comes from the root baa-raa-hamza which points to three main meanings. The first main meaning is to create and to form out of nothing and the second is to evolve, using pre-existing matter. The third main meaning is to be individual and free and clear from another, and from fault and blemish.

This root appears 31 times in the Quran in 10 derived forms. Examples of these forms are tabarra’a (“will disown”), baraa’atun (“is an exemption”), baree’un (“free”), and al-bariyyati (“(of) the creatures”).

Linguistically, scholars mentioned two concepts related to the root ba-ra-‘a: bari’a, which means to be free from or distant from something and baree’a, which means creation. In the context of Allah ‘azza wajal Al-Baari’means He is the Creator, the Originator, the Inventor who distinguished all creatures from each other by their detailed characteristics!

Al-Baari’ Himself says: He is Allah , the Creator, the Inventor, the Fashioner; to Him belong the best names [Quran, 59:24] and . . . That is best for [all of] you in the sight of your Creator. [Quran, 2:54

The fly in the Quran
Allah al-Baari’ makes a parable: O mankind! Here is an example for your understanding, so listen to it carefully. Those deities whom you call besides Allah, cannot create a single fly, even if they all combined their forces, rather, if a fly snatches away anything from them they cannot even get it back; how feebleminded are the suppliants and how powerless are those whom they supplicate! [Quran, 22:73]
Allah ‘azza wa jall revealed specific knowledge to the Prophet salalaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, for example in the field of science, and the believers must be certain this is truth. In this ayah Allah al-Baari’ is challenging anybody, including modern-day scientists, to make a fly and they are not able to. A fly is a complete living being with a tiny yet comprehensive flight management, guidance, and surveillance system without turbines or propellers— a marvellous nano-technological design.

How Can You Live by This Name?

1. Have firm confidence in al-Baari’.
Let this divine attribute of Allah ‘azza wa jall restore your confidence in times when modern science tries to divert you away from belief in a Creator. A Bedouin who lived in the desert and who expressed it most eloquently, when he was asked, How do you know your Lord? He said: If you see the camel dung you know that a camel has passed this way, and if you see a footstep you know that a person has passed this way, so the heaven with its stars and the earth with its mountain passes and the oceans with their high waves all point to the existence of the All-Hearing, All-Seeing. Let this inspire you in yaqeen (certainty) and faith.

2. Disassociate yourself from the bad.
Distance yourself (baraa’a) from the haraam and those who do bad, are corrupt, or cause mischief. But don’t stop there, distance yourself from bad first, then enjoin good and forbid evil. As a believer you should always be pro-active and strive for ehsaan (excellence) in whatever you do in society. Al-Baari’ said: Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good (Islâm), enjoining Al-Ma’rûf (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do) and forbidding Al-Munkar (polytheism and disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden). And it is they who are the successful. [Quran, 3:104].

3. Know that everything besides Him is created.
The Messenger of Allah salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: There is no obedience to the creation, in disobedience to the Creator. Obedience is only in what is good. [al-Bukharee] Be very honest with yourself and look at how many occasions in your life you’ve actually tried to please the creation instead of pleasing al-Baari’. Then renew your intention (niyaa) to strive for the pleasure of Him only.

4. Ponder the creation of al-Baari’.
Look at the morning or evening sun, at tiny insects, flies, plants, and flowers. Study science and do so with the intention of pondering His creation. Also seek cure in the places Al-Baari’ revealed to His Prophet, for example by studying the book: Medicine of the Prophet by Ibn Qayyim al Jawziyah.

5. Spread the message.
Use your knowledge of this powerful name to give da’wah to those who do not believe in their Creator. Ayah 73 in Surah al-Hajj is an amazing example for you to use! The Messenger of Allah salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said to ‘Ali radiyallahu ‘anhu: If Allah guides a person through you, it is better for you than all that is on the earth. [Al-Bukharee, Muslim] Let this motivate you to daily carry out an act of dawah, from showing good manners to conveying even one ayah, as the smallest deeds can be part of Allah’s guidance of someone to Islam.

O Allah, Al-Baari’,we know that You create and form from nothing. Make us confident in our belief in You as the Originator of everything and let us worship you alone; guide us to obey You, distance ourselves from bad, enjoin good, and forbid evil. Help us ponder Your creations and appreciate Your power and greatness and give thanks to You, and maks us of those who carry the da’wah of Your Oneness to others in the best way, ameen!

And Allah knows best.

[asma-al-husna]

Allah calls Himself Al-Khaaliq— The Creator, or the Maker— on 11 occasions in the Quran. He is the One who creates everything from nothing. Al-Khaaliq invents and perfects according to His will and with the knowledge of what will happen!

The Creator, the Maker, the Planner

Khaaliq or Khallaaq (intensification) comes from the root khaa-laam-qaaf which points to three main meanings. The first main meaning is to measure accurately or to proportion one thing according to another and the second is to create something based on a devised model or pattern. The third main meaning is to bring a thing into existence from non-existence and after making it exist, to change it to something else.

This root appears 261 times in the Quran in eight derived forms. Examples of these forms are khalaqakum (“created you”), khuluqin (“of moral character”), and ikhtilaaqun (“a fabrication”).

Linguistically, khalq refers to creating, making, and giving measurement. Al-Khaaliq is the One who created the material and time present in the universe, gave matter to its properties and set in motion its laws. He has total control over everything and manages all its affairs but is independent of all that He created. Allah alone is the creator and all the rest is creation.

Al-Khaaliq Himself says: He is Allah, the Creator, the Inventor, the Fashioner; to Him belong the best names [Quran 59:24] Say, ‘Allah is the Creator of all things, and He is the One, the Prevailing.’ [Quran, 13:16] and That is Allah, your Lord, Creator of all things; there is no deity except Him, so how are you deluded? [Quran, 40:62]

The product of Allah

Allah ‘azza wajal mentions in the Quran that He is ahsaanul khaaliqeen, the best of creators. This is meant metaphorically— there are no other creators. When we look at tawheed— our belief in the oneness of Allah— we see two aspects: the unity of Allah and the unity of the creation. They are not mixed in any way, the creation is the product of Allah Al-Khaaliq.

For example a chair: the cotton fabric comes from plants, the metal from rocks, and the wood from trees; all that people did is reassemble these sources into a piece of furniture. Human beings manipulate or reassemble that which already exists— we cannot and will never create anything.

A mind-blowing argument

Most ayaat of the Quran are a reminder for those who believe in Allah ‘azza wa jall, reminding them of Him as Creator and how to praise and be thankful to Him. In a few ayaat Al-Khaaliq powerfully presents the truth to atheists: Or were they created by nothing, or were they the creators [of themselves]? Or did they create the heavens and the earth? Rather, they are not certain. [Quran, 52:35-36]

The argument starts with Allah ‘azza wa jall giving the atheists a first option: if they don’t believe in a creator then were they created from nothing? Nothing cannot produce something, that’s the first option cancelled.

Allah gives them a second option: then, did you create yourselves? If you didn’t exist then you can’t do any creating. Allah ‘azza wa jall continues: did you create the heavens and the earth? Even if they claim to have created themselves, did they create the vast heavens and earth? Indeed, they are uncertain; somebody had to create them. Al-Khaaliq leaves mankind with these two options to think about. That is the logic of belief in Allah ‘azza wa jall, and the believers should be able to convey these ayaat or verses.

How Can You Live by This Name?

1. Strengthen your relationship with al-Khaaliq.

If there is anything you desire, ask the One who creates everything; if you desire children ask Al-Khaaliq, but also turn to Him for the smallest matters. The Messenger of Allah salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: Each of you should ask for his needs from Allah, even if the strap of your sandal breaks, because if Allah does not facilitate it, it will never be possible. [At-Tirmidhee] No evil eye, magic, or any force on earth can prevent what Al-Khaaliq has destined to come into existence. Firawn tried his best to prevent Musa ‘alayhi sallam from coming into being and growing up to destroy his kingdom, but when Al-Khaaliq decides to create something it will be! So ask Him for all your needs and wishes.

2. Don’t fear created things.

Don’t fear the creation, only fear the Creator. Stop fearing people’s opinions, poverty, failure, etc., and focus on pleasing Al-Khaaliq. He will suffice for your needs. Our problem is that we often try to please people while angering Allah ‘azza wa jall, like joining in backbiting to be “cool.” The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: Whoever sought the pleasure of Allah though it was displeasing to the people then Allah becomes pleased with him, and will make the people pleased with him, and whoever sought the pleasure of the people though it was displeasing to Allah then Allah becomes displeased with him and will make the people displeased with him. [Ibn Hibban, At-Tirmidhee]

3. Don’t call people “creator.”

In the English language “to create,” is also used in the senses of forming, producing, or making. However, referring to “creating” we must not use it for people in the sense of making something existent from nothing, calling people “creator.”

4. Look at nature.

Allah al-Khaaliq says: You do not see in the creation of the Most Merciful any inconsistency. So return [your] vision [to the sky] -don’t be content with just one look, look more times and see- are there any breaks [Quran, 67:3] And the earth – We spread it out and cast therein firmly set mountains and made grow therein [something] of every beautiful kind, Giving insight and a reminder for every servant who turns [to Allah]. [Quran 50: 7-8] Form a new habit: take at least five minutes each day to sit down, day or night, and actively look around you, remember Al-Khaaliq, and stand before Him.

O Allah, Al-Khaaliq, we know that You are the Creator of all that existed, exists, and will exist. Lead us to unshakable belief in you as our Creator and let us never ascribe partners to You. Guide us to please You and to ask You for our needs and wishes, awaken us to reflect on the creation, and make us of those who are good in form and good in manners, ameen!

[asma-al-husna]

Allah calls Himself Al-Mutakabbir— The Supremely Great, The Perfection of Greatness— on one occasion in the Quran. He is the One who is supremely great. Al-Mutakabbir reveals His Greatness and power at every moment and in every incident!

The Supreme, The Possessor of All Rights, The Perfect Greatness

Mutakabbir comes from the root kaaf-baa-raa, which has three main meanings. The first main meaning is to be great in size, rank, or dignity, and the second to to be great in age and in learning. The third main meaning to have rights, privileges, and attributes that others don’t have.

This root appears 161 times in the Quran in 18 derived forms. Examples of these forms are kabura (“hard”), yastakbiroona (“arrogant”), akbaru (“(is)greater”), and al-kibari (“the old age”).

Linguistically, kibriya means greatness and sovereignty, and it encompasses the meanings of the perfection of one’s self and existence; nobody can be described as such except Allah. Allahu Akbar– Allah is the Greatest— comes from the same root, as well as the name of Allah, Al-Kabeer. Al-Mutakabbir is the One who possesses all greatness, who is above having any of the qualities of His creatures, who cannot be harmed by the oppressors among His creation, and whose greatness and pride are the utmost.

Al-Mutakabbir Himself says: He is Allah , other than whom there is no deity, the Sovereign, the Pure, the Perfection, the Bestower of Faith, the Overseer, the Exalted in Might, the Compeller, the Superior. Exalted is Allah above whatever they associate with Him. [Quran, 59:23]

Allah Al-Mutakabbir versus the arrogant

Allah ‘azza wa jall describes people as mutakabbireen (arrogant) on multiple occasions in the Quran. They have arrogance in their hearts and actions towards Allah by disbelieving in His signs and they are arrogant to other people by looking down on them due to position, race, wealth, etc. The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: Allah is beautiful and loves beauty, arrogance is: rejecting the truth and looking down on people. [Muslim, At-Tirmidhee] Only Allah is al-Mutakabbir in a positive sense.

A lesson on how to battle pride

What is the opposite of kibr (arrogance)? It is humility, the adornment of a believer. Abu Hurayrah radiyallaahu ‘anhu narrated that the Prophet salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: . . . and no one will exercise humility for Allah’s sake, except that Allah will raise him up [Muslim] Urwah ibn Zubair radiyallaahu ‘anhu said: I saw Umar carrying a large leather water canteen on his shoulder. I said to him, ‘O Amir-ul-Mu’mineen, you shouldn’t be carrying that’. Umar replied by saying, A delegation came to Medina and I saw their obedience to me, and some ‘nakwah’ entered into my heart and I wanted to destroy it.
We all know of the strong personality of Umar radiyallaahu ‘anhu and yet when a small amount of pride (nakwah) entered into his heart, he hurried in an attempt to destroy it before it destroyed him.

How Can You Live by This Name?

1. Be great by being humble.
O you who believe, whoever of you should revert from his religion, Allah will bring forth a people He will love, and who will love Him, (who are) humble towards the believers, and powerful against the disbelievers . . . [Quran, 5:54] The greatest strength that you can attain is to have true reliance upon Allah ‘azza wa jall and to seek His support in hardship and ease. The highest level of greatness you can attain is to show humility (tawaada) to your Lord. Those who are well grounded in knowledge say: ‘We believe in it; it is all from our Lord.’ None will take heed except the people of understanding [Quran, 3:7]. Don’t only follow the ayaat or ahadeeth that suit you, but strive to apply the whole message to your daily life and dealings.

2. Respect others for the sake of Allah.
O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. [Quran, 49:11] Your knowledge of others is only by perception. Don’t mock or insult others as they might have a higher position with Al-Mutakabbir than yourself! Respect others, even though they may possess less beauty, knowledge, wealth, fame, or status or have a different skin colour. The Prophet salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: Whoever possesses an atom’s weight of kibr will not enter into the paradise [Muslim]. Abu Bakr radiyallaahu ‘anhu said: Let not any Muslim belittle another Muslim, for the lowest of the Muslims is great in the Sight of Allah.

3. Battle arrogance.
Allah ‘azza wa jall is the only true king and you are His slave— let’s not forget this. It’s easy to fall into arrogance (takabbur), thinking you know better and transgressing the limits set by Allah al-Mutakabbir. So keep checking your heart for feelings of arrogance creeping in and deal with them straight away by reminding yourself of the greatness of Allah. Al-Hasan al-Basri said: I wonder at the son of Adam! He uses his hand to wash himself from his waste once or twice a day, yet he seeks to compete with the All-Mighty? Don’t get carried away with your wealth or achievements, know it is from Al-Mutakabbir and not from yourself. The way to avoid arrogance is to remember Allah as much as we can until it becomes a habit to instantly thank Him for any good that comes our way, so increase in saying alhamdulillah!

4. Be humble to increase your knowledge
Abdullah ibn Mu’tazz radiyallahu ‘anhu said: The humble student is the one who gets the most knowledge, just as the lowest places on earth collect the most water. So always be humble towards your teachers and invoke Allah for them.

5. Ask al-Mutakabbir.
Every day ask Allah al-Mutakabbir to save you and protect you from the evil of pride and arrogance.

O Allah, Al-Mutakabbir, we know that You are supremely Great. Guide our hearts and actions to humility towards You, our Deen and Your creation. Protect us from arrogance and assist us to ways to cure any arrogance that entered our hearts. Make us of those who are blessed to witness Your Grandeur in Paradise, ameen!

[asma-al-husna]

Allah calls Himself Al-Jabbaar— The Compeller, The Restorer— on one occasion in the Quran. He is the One who compels all things according to His will. Al-Jabbaar is the Highest One, who irresistibly restores, repairs, and completes all of creation!

The Compeller, The Restorer, The Greatest

Jabbaar comes from the root jeem-baa-raa which points to three main meanings. The first main meaning is to compel and force someone to do something and the second is to be supreme and high. The third main meaning is to repair, to mend, or to restore something.

This root appears ten times in the Quran in one derived form. Examples of this form is jabbaaran (“a tyrant”), bijabbaarin (“ the one to compel”) and jabbaareena (“ of tyrannical strength”).

Linguistically, jabbaar has the structure of intensification. Jaabir points to one who compels or restores and jabeerah is used for a splint, to help broken bones. Al-Jabbaar is the ultimate compeller; whatever He wills happens. He is the highest and the One who fixes the situation for His creation.
Al-Jabbaar Himself says: He is Allah , other than whom there is no deity, the Sovereign, the Pure, the Perfection, the Bestower of Faith, the Overseer, the Exalted in Might, the Compeller. [Quran, 59:23]

Three types of jabr

Jabbaar occurs ten times in the Quran, but is only used once for Allah ‘azza wa jall. Nine times jabbaar refers to the people oppressing others and only Allah is al-Jabbaar in a positive sense. His might is in the sense of power; Al-Jabbaar is the One who compels the tyrants, overwhelming them with His power and might.

His might is in the sense of mercy; Al-Jabbaar mends the broken-hearted by restoring peace of mind as well as reward if they are patient. And the heart of Musa’s mother became empty [of all else]. She was about to disclose [the matter concerning] him had We not bound fast her heart that she would be of the believers. [Quran, 28:10] Allah Al-Jabbaar mended her heart and so is He comforting to the oppressed and firm with the unjust; both Fir’awn and the mother of Musa ‘alayhi sallam will deal with Al-Jabbaar. He is the One Who solaces and comforts the oppressed and punishes the tyrants and arrogant.

His might is also in the sense of greatness; Al-Jabbaar is far above His creation, yet close to them, hearing and seeing all they say, do, and even think.

How can you live by this name?

1. Reflect on how Al-Jabbaar compels you.
Al-Jabbaar compels you by creating you in the way He wills you to be. You are compelled to accept your form and shape as well as the beating of your heart, your blood circulation, firing nerve cells, the way your brain works, falling asleep, and waking up. These are all involuntary actions– they are compelled by Allah’s power. Every day, take time to reflect on the way you are made and let it increase you in emaan in the perfect power and might of Al-Jabbaar, Who compels the creation to be as He wishes.

2. Don’t be jabbaar.
The attribute of jabr does not befit people; you are supposed to be an ‘abd (slave) of Al-Jabbaar. Jabbaar is not just tyrant ruler; you can be jabbaar when you harm or hurt other people’s feeling or undermine their authority. Thus does Allah seal over every heart [belonging to] an arrogant tyrant. [Quran, 40:35].
An example is not listening to your parents and hurting them by your words or actions. And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], “uff,” and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word. [Quran, 17:23]. So never be arrogant.

3. Mend someone’s heart.
If you have oppressed someone, ask for their forgiveness straight away. If you see people suffering, try to talk to them and show them your care. Mend someone’s heart because Al-Jabbaar will mend yours in times of need.

4. Turn to Al-Jabbaar to fix your faults.
Do you feel like you don’t have enough times or skills to accomplish your goals? Never lower your standards; rather raise your faith in Al-Jabbaar to fix your deficiencies, put your life in order, and transform your sins into good deeds! Seek shelter in Him from all your distresses; take this as a general rule in your life.

5. Ask Al-Jabbaar.
The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam used to say between two prostrations in prayer: O Allah, forgive me, have mercy upon me, guide me, support me, protect me, provide for me and elevate me [Abu Dawood, Ibn Majah, At-Tirmidhee] Wajburnee refers to “reform or fix” my affairs.

The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam also said in prostration and bowing: How perfect He is, The Possessor of total power (jabaroot), sovereignty, magnificence and grandeur [Abu Dawood] Memorize these supplications so you can benefit from them.

O Allah, Al-Jabbaar, we know that You are the One who compels and restores and who is Highest. Mend our hearts when we are distressed and protect us from oppression and from being oppressive to others. Make us obey Your commands willingly, and enable us to reach all our goals which are pleasing to You, ameen!

[asma-al-husna]

Allah calls Himself Al-‘Azeez— The Almighty, The Strong– on 92 occassions in the Quran. He is the One who overcomes everything. Al-‘Azeez is the incomparable source of all strength and might, and His power cannot be overcome or resisted. He gives honour, dignity, and strength to whomever He wills!

The Powerful, Noble, Invincible, and Incomparable

‘Azeez comes from the root ‘ayn-zay-zay, which points to four main meanings. The first main meaning is to be mighty and powerful and the second is to be noble and elevated. The third main meaning is to be invincible, and the fourth is to be rare and unattainable.
This root appears 119 times in the Quran in 7 derived forms. Examples of these forms are waʿazzanee (“and he overpowered me”), a’azzu (“mightier”), and ‘izzan (“an honor”).

Linguistically, al-‘izz originally means strength (quwwah), severity (shiddah), and conquest (ghalabah). ‘Azeez points to three concepts: ya’izzu, which means nobility, ya’uzzu, which means to prevail and be dominant, and ya’azzu, which means being mighty and powerful. Al-‘Azeez is the Noble One, no one is like Him, He is ghaalib and has overcome everything in that He has subdued it [Ibn Katheer] and He is the Invincible who cannot be reached and overcome. [Al-Qurtubi]

Al-‘Azeez Himself says: And know that Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise [Quran, 2:260] And . . . Allah is All-Mighty, All-Able of Retribution [Quran, 3:4] . . . And verily, your Lord! He is truly the All-Mighty, the Most Merciful. [Quran, 26:68]

A beautiful poem about Al-‘Azeez

Ibn ul Qayyim raheemahullah wrote in his Nooniyyah: And He is al-Azeez whose (status) cannot be reached (overcome) How can He be reached, the owner of all Power? And He is al-‘Azeez, the Overpowering (al-Qaahir), the Subduing Overcomer. Nothing overcomes Him, so these are two characteristics. And He is al-Azeez, with Strength (quwwah) and this is His description. Al-Izz, therefore, has three meanings. And these are the ones that are perfected for Him, free is He of all imperfection, From every single aspect, the One who is devoid of any deficiency.

A powerful and wise combination

How many people have power but misuse it? The combination Al-‘Azeez-ul-Hakeem (The All-Mighty, the All-Wise) appears 47 times in the Quran; Allah al-‘Azeez uses His power with perfect wisdom. Allah ‘azza wa jall uses Al-Azeez-ur-Raheem (The All-Mighty, The Merciful) which occurs twelve times in surah Ash-Shu’araa after the narration of each destroyed nation. Against the disbelievers He is mighty and especially merciful to the believers striving on His path.

How can you live by this name?

1. Seek your strength from Al-‘Azeez.
Having faith in Al-‘Azeez gives you courage because you know Your Lord is unbeatable. Whatever He wills happens, even if the people will otherwise, and whatever He wills not to happen won’t, even if the people will it. So only work to seek His pleasure and be confident He will help you. He has power over all things, so accept whatever happens to you and show sabr (perseverance) and shukr (gratefulness) for whatever befalls on you. When you feel weak or overpowered, turn to Al-‘Azeez for strength.

2. Know that your ‘izzah is in Islam.
Your honor does not lie in money, power, or looks; rather your honor is only in Islam. How many seek honor from other things or people? Al-‘Azeez said: Those who take disbelievers for protectors (or helpers or friends) instead of believers, do they seek honor, power and glory with them? Verily, then to Allah belongs all honour, power and glory. [Quran, 4: 139] Seek your honor in this life and the next from Al-‘Azeez only, by obeying Him and following His Messenger.

3. There’s no hiding from Al-‘Azeez.
Let Al-‘Azeez make you recognize that no matter who you are, how pious or “high-positioned” you are, you can never hide from His might and power. The repetition of Al-‘Azeez in the Quran can teach you that you constantly have to remind yourself that you can never go against His Will, and He is mighty against those who disobey Him.

4. Power doesn’t mean honor!
Always use your own “power” or authority in an honourable way, over your children or spouse for example. Train yourself to have strength to resist desires by reminding yourself of the wisdom Al-‘Azeez, who uses His power with wisdom, and always try to strengthen others with your advice, skills, or company.
The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: Whoever a believer is humiliated before him and he does not help him when he is able to do so, Allah will humiliate him before the creation on the day of judgment. [Ahmad]

5. Honor trusts.
The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: All of a Muslim is inviolable to another Muslim: his blood, his wealth and his honor [Muslim]. Don’t harm others by your tongue or hand; don’t backbite, slander, or misuse their belongings or even expose their faults.
You can even earn Allah’s protection from the Fire by defending someone’s honor. The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: Whoever defends the honor of his brother, then Allah will protect his face from the Hellfire on the Day of Resurrection. [At-Tirmidhee]
An example is to rebut backbiting in a company and to mention something good about the person in his or her absence. Your relationships with others are a trust (amaanah) from Al-‘Azeez and you should honor each trust you are given— in your dealings with others, as well as your own body and emaan— by looking after them according to the guidelines of Al-‘Azeez.

6. Use the Quran, al-’azeez!
Allah ‘azza wa jall called the Quran azeez because it is His speech: Verily, those who disbelieved in the Reminder (the Qur’ân) when it came to them (shall receive the punishment). And verily, it is an honourable respected Book. Falsehood cannot come to it from before it or behind it (it is) sent down by the All-Wise, Worthy of all praise. [Quran, 41:41-42]
Stop and reflect; this means the Quran contains everything you need to succeed in life, because it comes from your Creator. It is your manual— and why is a manual read? Only because you want to make something work. So don’t just read the Quran but also use it as your manual.

O Allah, Al ‘Azeez, we know that all might belongs to You. Adorn us with the honour of Islaam, protect us from misusing our powers, make us of those who rely upon Your power only, make us benefit from the Quran and protect us from all of those who want to overpower us, ameen!

[asma-al-husna]

Allah calls Himself Al-Muhaymin— The Guardian, The Witness, The Overseer — on one occasion in the Quran. He is the One who ensures the wellbeing of creation. Al-Muhaymin observes, guards, and protects His creation!

The Overseer, Protector and Guardian

Muhaymin comes from the root haa-meem-noon , which points to three main meanings. The first main meaning is to oversee, protect, and guard, and the second is to witness. The third main meaning is to determine the truth.

This root appears two times in the Quran in one derived form. Examples of this form are wamuhayminan (“and a guardian”) and al-muhayminu (“the Guardian”).
Linguistically, the root of muhaymin also means to extend a wing, like a hen protecting her chicks, and is related to the names Ar-Raqeeb (the Watcher), al Haafidh (The One who protects and guards), and Ash-Shaheed (The Witness). Al-Muhaymin is the One who observes, controls, looks after, completely covers us and judges us by the truth.

Al-Muhaymin Himself says: He is Allah , other than whom there is no deity, the Sovereign, the Pure, The Perfection, the Bestower of Faith, the Overseer. [Quran, 59:23]

The Quran is called ‘muhaymin’

Allah ‘azza wa jal calls the Quran muhaymin: And We have sent down to you the Book in truth, confirming the Scripture that came before it and muhaymin (trustworthy in highness and a witness) over it. [Quran, 5:48]
After mentioning the position of His Book Allah Al-Muhaymin instructs to make use of it: so judge between them with what Allah has sent down. [Quran, 5:48] The Quran is to be recited and memorized as well as to be applied in our daily life situations, such as judging between right and wrong in our relationship with Allah ‘azza wa jall and other people.

How can you live by this name?

1. Be aware that Al-Muhaymin is watching you.
The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: Be mindful of Allah and Allah will protect you. [at Tirmidhee] Al-Muhaymin sees every deed you do; He observes your reactions to situations and even witnesses your inner thoughts. Remind yourself constantly of this fact and let it motivate you to stay away from sins and temptations. Al-Muhaymin will protect you from harm and even from committing sins if you are mindful of Him and keep remembering Him in your actions.

2. Accept the decree.
Believe with certainty that whatever Allah al-Muhaymin gives to you or keeps away from you is good for you, even though it does not always seem like it. He ‘azza wa jall is overseeing everything and everything is part of His plan. Complaining about your looks, about others’ belongings, about missed opportinuties, etcetera, are signs you have to strengthen your faith in Al-Muhaymin.
Accepting and being content with His qadr (decree) will be your true key to the tranquillity (saakinah) in your heart that you are so badly longing for but cannot find in anything else in this whole wide world.

3. Use the Quran, the muhaymin!
Don’t just read the Quran— interact with it, implement it, and memorize it. The Quran is muhaymin, trustworthy in highness, and a witness. The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: Verily, Allah elevates some people with this Quran and abases others. [Muslim] That is, those who fulfil the rights of the Quran will be raised high in this world and in the hereafter; those who leave it will be put down. Make the Quran a witness for you and not against you.

4. Ask Al-Muhaymin.
Indeed the deen of Islam is itself manners, where anyone that surpasses you in manners, is better than you in deen. [Ibn al-Qayyim] While working on your character, never think you cannot change for the better, and ask Al-Muhaymin to help you. Ask Him to protect you from your own desires and weaknesses. Imagine the protection of a hen for her chicks and know that Al-Muhaymin’s protection for you is beyond limits, so whenever you are in a difficult situation, you are scared, or feel lost, invoke Allah using this name.

5. Protect your heart.
The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: There is a piece of flesh in the body if it becomes good (reformed) the whole body becomes good but if it gets spoilt the whole body gets spoilt and that is the heart. [Al-Bukharee] Your heart is one of the greatest trusts given to you by Al-Muhaymin and it will be your most important witness when you stand before Him, so protect your heart.
How? Gain knowledge about the types of diseases mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah and their symptoms, assess yourself, and then seek the cure. Scholars mentioned four of the greatest poisons of the heart as: unnecessary talking, unrestrained glances, too much food, and keeping bad company.

O Allah, Al-Muhaymin, we know that You are the One who ensures our well-being. Make us mindful of You in everything we do and aid us in accepting and being content with Your decree in good and bad times. Make the Quran our close companion and a witness for us, protect and cure our hearts from its diseases, and protect us at all times, against others and ourselves, in this life and in the Hereafter, ameen!

[asma-al-husna]

Allah calls Himself Al-Mu’min— The Giver of tranquillity, The Source of faith— on one occasion in the Quran. He is the One who bestows the gifts of peace, security, and faith. Al-Mu’min removes fear, affirms His oneness, and is the Most Faithful!

The Bestower of Faith and Security, the Faithful

Mu’min comes from the root hamza-meem-noon, which points to four main meanings. The first main meaning is to be secure, safe, and free from fear, and the second is to be quiet and tranquil. The third main meaning is to grant protection and to safeguard, the fourth is to be trustworthy, and the fifth main meaning is to believe in.

This root appears 879 times in the Quran in 17 derived forms. Examples of these forms are amintum (“do you feel secure”), aamanoo (“believed”), al-amaanaati (“the trusts”), ameenun (“trustworthy”), al-imaani (“the faith”), and al-mu’mineena (“the believers”).

Linguistically mu’min points out to three concepts. One is emaan, which is to affirm something, and the opposite of it is to deny something. Al Mu’min is the One who affirms and believes His oneness. Allah Himself bears witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Him. [Quran, 3:18]
The other concept is that of aman, which means security, safety, and freedom from fear. The word amaanah (translated as “a trust”) comes from the same root. Al-Mu’min is the One who affirms and believes His oneness; He is the One who gives security and removes the opposite— which is fear— and is the best keeper of amaanaat, the One who is most faithful.

Al-Mu’min Himself says: He is Allah , other than whom there is no deity, the Sovereign, the Pure, The Perfection, the Bestower of Faith. [Quran, 59:23]

Who receives the aman of Allah?

The ones who have emaan— belief in Allah ‘azza wa jall— and who act accordingly are the ones who will receive Allah’s aman (security) in this world and the Hereafter. In this world they will experience a sense of serenity and peace of heart during hardship as well as during the terror of the Last Day.
Those who are steadfast (istaqaamah) will have aman in this world, at death, in the grave and on the Day of Judgement. Al-Mu’min says: Indeed, those who say: ‘Our Lord is Allah,’ and then they remain firm (upon that statement), on them the angels will descend (saying): ‘Fear not, nor grieve! But receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised!’ [Quran, 41:30]

How can you live by this name?

1. Believe in Allah and His messengers.
Have emaan, which is your belief in Allah combined with action in following His commands and staying away from His prohibitions, and you will receive His aman (security) in this world and the next. Whoever brings a good deed will have better than it (ie, a better reward) and they will be, on that day, at peace during the terror. [Quran, 27:89] So read the Quran often, give sadaqah, and focus on your prayers so Al-Mu’min will give you safety on the Day of Judgement.

2. Believe in the promises of Al-Mu’min.
The people of Paradise will say: All praise and thanks is only for Allah, the One who fulfilled His promise to us. [Quran, 39:74] Believe that the promise of Al-Mu’min will always come true. For example His promise is that sadaqah will not decrease wealth, so trust in this fact and fulfil your promises to your best ability.

3. Ask Al-Mu’min for aman in difficult situations.
Al-Mu’min is the only source of aman so ask Him only to grant you safety, as the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said to Abu Bakr radiyallahu ‘anhu: Be not afraid, surely Allah is with us. [Quran, 9:40] No matter how hard the situation, have emaan and ask Al-Mu’min to give you aman– peace and security— in your heart.

4. Take care of trusts.
The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: The believer is one from whose tongue and hand the believers are safe and: The believer is one in whom the people would entrust their blood and wealth. [At-Tirmidhee] An example is to make sure you don’t harm others by your tongue through backbiting.
The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was called al-ameen, the trustworthy one, strive to be known for your trustworthiness. Return amaanaat (trusts) safely, such as borrowed items or even by keeping secrets entrusted to you. Umar ibn al-Khattab radiyallahu ‘anhu said: If your brother mentions something to you in private, then walks away, it is an amaanah (trust) even if he didn’t instruct you not to inform anyone. [Ibn Muflih’s Adaab Ash-Sharee’ah]
Your body is also an amaanah given to you by Allah ‘azza wa jall, so make an effort to use it in the right way.

5. Be thankful for your safety.
Reflect on the blessing of security and safety. Let them worship the Lord of this House, Who has fed them, [saving them] from hunger and made them safe, [saving them] from fear. [Quran 106:3-4] If Al-Mu’min gave you a safe place to live and work, show your thankfulness; many are not in this position and teach children to recognize this favour upon them.

6. Ask Al-Mu’min.
Ask Al-Mu’min to bless you with emaan until your last breath and to adorn you with the characteristics of the mu’minoon (believers) as mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah and in turn study these features so you can work on adopting them. When you are scared turn to Al-Mu’min for safety. When your emaan is low ask Him to strengthen it. The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam taught this supplication (part of the full supplication mentioned in the morning and evening remembrance: Allahumma-stur ‘awraatee wa aamin raw’aatee. O Allah, veil my weaknesses and set at ease my dismay (grant me aman. [Ibn Maajah, Abu Dawud]

O Allah, Al-Mu’min, we know that You are the Source of Faith and Giver of safety. Bless us with strong emaan, lead us in taking care of our trusts and fulfilling our promises, and adorn us with all the characteristics of Your beloved believers. Grant us steadfastness and safety in this world and the Hereafter, and make us of those who enjoy the ultimate safety of Paradise, ameen!

[asma-al-husna]

Allah calls Himself As-Salaam— The Giver and Source of Peace, The Perfection — on one occasion in the Quran. He is the One who is the source of all peace and safety. As-Salaam is perfect and whole and He is the only one who can bestow safety and security as well as inner peace!

The Bestower of Peace, the Perfection

Salaam comes from the root seen-laam-meem, which points to three main meanings. The first main meaning is to be peaceful, content, and tranquil. The second is to be free from imperfections, and the third main meaning is to be safe, secure, and well.

This root appears 140 times in the Quran in 16 derived forms. Examples of these forms are aslama (“submits”) , salaamun (“peace”), saleemin (“sound”), al-islaami (“Islam”) and al-muslimeen (“the Muslims”).

Linguistically, salaam and salaamah mean immunity or to be free of something; another opinion is it means wellbeing and to be safe. Allah As-Salaam is the One who is free from all imperfections. He is perfect in essence and in all His attributes and actions. He is the Perfection. As-Salaam is safe from all deficiencies and His creation is safe from any injustice on His Part.

As-Salaam Himself says: He is Allah, other than whom there is no deity, the Sovereign, the Pure, The Perfection. [Quran, 59:23].

Examples of salaam

The root salama makes Islam, to enter into salam. Islam means to enter into peace and to be at peace with or reconciled with the decrees and commands of Allah; the Muslim surrenders or submits to Allah ‘azza wajal.

Paradise is called Daar us Salaam: And Allah invites to the Home of Peace and guides whom He wills to a straight path [Quran, 10:25] because it is free from all pain, death, worries, and ill-speech, and it is a place of safety.
The greeting of Islam assalaamu alaykum really means: you are safe from me; you will not receive any evil from me. And for example, qalbun saleem, means a sound heart which is unblemished.

How can you live by this name?

1. Submit.
Surrender to As-Salaam so you can be secure. If you submit– Islam— you will get Allah’s salaam. Believing is to follow the guidance and do the actions (deeds). For them therein is fruit, and for them is whatever they request [or wish] [And] “Peace,” a word from a Merciful Lord. [Quran, 36:57-58] Continually remind yourself of Daar us Salaam so you will strive to do as many good deeds as possible in order to receive the salaam of Allah and be safe and secure in Paradise.

2. Strive for a clean heart.
The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: Verily, Allah does not look to your faces and your wealth but He looks to your hearts and to your deeds. [Muslim] Just like you are alert for physical diseases, constantly assess your heart for diseases like lying, backbiting, swearing, hypocrisy, jealousy, showing off, etcetera, and seek cure for them in the Quran and Sunnah as all that matters is that you arrive to al-Quddus with ‘qalbun saleem’— a sound heart.

3. Be patient in trials.
No disaster strikes except by permission of Allah. And whoever believes in Allah- He will guide his heart.[Quran, 64:11] Show patience and perseverance in hard times and As-Salaam will give you peace inside: your heart will have salaam, a feeling of well being, serenity, and peace.

4. Spread the salaam.
The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: O People! Spread salaam, feed the hungry, be in touch with your kin, and pray while people are asleep (at night) you shall enter paradise peacefully. [At-Tirmidhee] And he salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said about the best actions: Feeding the hungry, and saying salaam to those you know and those you don’t know. [Al-Bukhaari, Muslim] And he said: When two Muslims meet (give salaam) and shake hands, they are forgiven their sins before they part [Abu Dawood]: the salaam is a pure blessing to us from Allah As-Salaam.

5. Don’t say salaam upon Allah.
Say salaam upon the Prophet Muhammad – for example by saying salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam- and upon the Prophets and the righteous – by saying ‘alayhi, ‘alayha or ‘alayhim sallam – as Allah ‘azza wa jall does in the Quran, but never say salaam upon Allah, because He is As-Salaam! He does not need security and safety, because He is the source of peace and perfection.

6. Ask As-Salaam.
When you are very worried, supplicate to Allah ‘azza wajal by this name. You can say, Allahumma antas Salaam (O Allah, You are As-Salaam), save me from this or ask for the safety of others. Ask As-Salaam to make Islam your safe harbour and to bring peace to your heart.

7. Don’t wrong yourself.
If you want the salaam, the security, and the protection of As-Salaam don’t wrong yourself, don’t wrong others, and don’t do wrong in your relationship with Allah ‘azza wajal. Allah is As-Salaam, which means He cannot be unjust. You wrong yourself by sinning and not fulfilling the rights of others, such as obedience to parents, protecting someone else’s honour, and helping the needy.

8. Supplicate after prayer.
When you finish your salah, supplicate as the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam did with:
Astaghfirullah (3 times). Allahumma antas salaam wa minkas salaam, tabaarakta yaa Dhal Jalaali wal Ikraam. I seek Allah’s Forgiveness. O Allah, You are As-Salaam and from You is all peace. Blessed are You, O Possessor of majesty and honour [Muslim]. Straight after your prayer you amazingly ask protection and safety from the mistakes committed during the salah.

O Allah, As-Salaam, we know that all peace and safety comes from You alone. Keep us safe in this world and the next, guide us to patience and inner peace, and make us of those from whom others are safe and make us safe from the injustice of others. Adorn us with sound hearts and make us of those who receive Your salaam in Paradise, ameen!

[asma-al-husna]

Allah calls Himself Al-Quddoos— The Most Pure, The All-Perfect— on two occasions in the Quran. He is the One who is the absolutely pure in essence and attributes. Al-Quddoos is free from and far above any worldly imperfection, and He is beyond all human understanding of purity and perfection!

The Most Pure, the All-Perfect

Quddoos comes from the root qaaf-daal-seen, which points to three main meanings. The first main meaning is to be pure and clean. The second is to be far removed from impurity or imperfection, and the third main meaning is to be sacred or blessed.

This root appears ten times in the Quran in five derived forms. Examples of these forms are al-qudusi (“the Holy [spirit]”) and al-muqadasi (“the sacred”).

Linguistically, quddoos is on the intense structure of the attribute of quds, which refers to cleanliness or tahaarah and comes from the verb qadasa. Al-Quddoos is ‘clean’ or free from any partner, spouse, or child, from death, from injustice, lying, forgetfulness, error, poverty, and stinginess. Laa ilaaha illa huwa– there is no God but He.

Al-Quddoos Himself says: He is Allah , other than whom there is no deity, the Sovereign, the Pure . . . [Quran, 59:23] Whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth is exalting Allah, the Sovereign, the Pure, the Exalted in Might, the Wise. [Quran, 62:1]

Subhanallah and alhamdulillah

They said, ‘Will You place upon it one who causes corruption therein and sheds blood, while we declare Your praise and sanctify You?’ [Quran, 2:30]. The angels glorify and praise Allah al-Quddoos continuously and so does the whole universe. Al-Quddoos created us human beings to worship, glorify, and praise Him as He gave us something different: our hearts.
Using the human heart to reflect on His creations, His perfection and greatness, it realizes that glorification and praise of the Creator is inevitable. So we praise and thank Al-Quddoos (alhamdulillah) and glorify Him (subhanAllah) as He is high above anything that does not befit Him. Isn’t it a blessing to have such a perfect lord, and aren’t we blessed to be able to praise Him?

How can you live by this name?

1.Have a pure belief in Al-Quddoos.
Believe in the oneness of Al-Quddoos and make sure your creed (or aqeedah) is pure by studying the types of tawheed and their practical meanings in your daily life from trustworthy sources, like Kitaab ut -Tawheed (The Book of Tawheed) by ibn Abd Al-Wahhab.

2. Praise Al-Quddoos.
Say alhamdulilah and subhanAllah from the bottom of your heart. The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam used to say in his prayer while in the bowing position (ruku): subboohun quddoosun Rabbul-malaa’ikati war-rooh (praise and Holiness be to You, Lord of the angels and the Soul). [Muslim] You can add this beautiful invocation to enhance your prayer.

3. Purify yourself through prayer.
The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam asked the companions: If someone bathes in a river outside of his house five times a day, will there be any impurity left on him? [Muslim] Visualize your prayer as cleansing your body and soul. Your prayer also protects you: indeed the prayer prevents from the indecency and evil. [Quran, 29:45]

4. Give the best sadaqah.
Give zakah (obligatory) and sadaqah (charity) to “purify” and increase your wealth. Take, [O, Muhammad], from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase. [Quran 9:103] Remind yourself when you give sadaqah to give the best, as Allah is Al-Quddoos and He deserves the best to be given for His sake. Aishah radiyalahu anha used to perfume the charity she gave!

5. Don’t be unjust.
Allah does not wrong a person even to the amount of an atom’s weight [Quran 4:40]. Even if people do dhulm (injustice) to Him, Al-Quddoos never does injustice to people. Allah ‘azza wa jall also made injustice and oppression forbidden for you; so don’t be unjust to anyone, family or stranger, child, adult or even to animals.

6. Be clean.
Be clean inside and out and strive to purify and keep renewing your intentions when you do a good deed. Be thoughtful with your wudu; do your best to not only keep your belongings and house clean, but also your environment by not throwing litter and by removing harmful objects. Consume healthy and permissable food and drink— bought with halaal earnings— and teach children this way of living.

7. Let the Quran purify you.
And who is more truthful than Allah in speech? [Quran, 4:122] The speech of Al-Quddoos is pure and is a cure, healing, and guidance for you to purify yourself. So turn to the Quran to seek cure from the diseases of your heart, let the ayaat help you to improve your character, and recite the Quran daily to clean your heart and bring tranquillity to your body.

8. Ask Al-Quddoos.
The Prophet salallahu’ alayhi wa sallam used to ask Al-Quddoos at the beginning of prayer:
اللهم باعد بيني وبين خطاياي كما باعدت بين المشرق والمغرب اللهم نقني من خطاياي كما ينقى الثوب الأبيض من الدنس اللهم اغسلني من خطاياي بالثلج والماء والب
O Allah, distance me from my sins just as You have distanced The East from The West, O Allah, purify me of my sins as a white robe is purified of filth, O Allah, cleanse me of my sins with snow, water, and ice. [Al-Bukharee, Muslim] Use and reflect on this supplication as it contains all forms of purification: distancing (moving far away from dirt and deficiencies), removing dirt or filth, and washing or cleansing, so no impurity remains at the end.

O Allah, Al-Quddoos, we know that You are the absolutely pure beyond imagination. Lead us to a sound belief in Your oneness, help us in purifying our hearts, deeds, and intentions, and guide us to purify our bodies and keep our environment clean. Aid us in performing the best salah, giving the best charity, and helping us to turn to the Quran so we can come to You with a pure heart, ameen!

[asma-al-husna]

Allah calls Himself Al-Malik— The King and Owner of Dominion— on five occasions in the Quran. He is the King, the owner and ruler of the whole creation. Al-Malik gives authority to whomever He wants in this world, and He has supreme authority and is ruled by no one!

The King, the Ruler, the Owner of Dominion

Malik, Maalik 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 malik refers to the attribute of mulk; which points to power and ability: They do not possess ability. [Quran 13:16] Mulk also means possession and ownership: To Him belongs the Ownership of the heavens and earth [Quran 2:107] as well as control and authority: O my people, sovereignty is yours today, [your being] dominant in the land. But who would protect us from the punishment of Allah if it came to us? [Quran 40:29] Al-Malik is simultaneously the Ultimate King, Ruler, and Owner of all beings.

Al-Malik Himself says: So high [above all] is Allah, the Sovereign, the Truth . . . [Quran, 20:114] Whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth is exalting Allah , the Sovereign, the Pure, the Exalted in Might, the Wise . . . [Quran, 62:1] The Sovereign of mankind . . . [Quran, 114:2]

A breathtaking scene with the King

Describing an amazing and humbling moment on the Day of Judgment, the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: Allah will grasp the earth and fold up the heavens with His Right Hand and proclaim, I Am the King! Where are the kings of the earth? Where are the tyrants? Where are the arrogant? [Al-Bukharee, Muslim] No one will speak and the kings and rulers of this world will be left with none of their “power.”

How can you live by this name?

1. Stay within the limits of Al-Malik.

Would you drive 60 mph while in a 30 mph zone when you know a camera is ready to record you and fine you accordingly? In your daily life keep reminding yourself to remain within the bounds set by Allah, al-Malik, your King, and imagine both His punishment and reward.

2. Don’t use the name Al-Malik.

The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam also said: The most despicable name to Allah is a person who calls himself the king of kings, while there are no owners except Allah [Al-Bukharee, Muslim]. The name Al-Malik belongs to Allah ‘azza wa jall only.

3. Be patient and be a king in the Hereafter.

The real sovereignty in this world for you is to strive for self-control. Don’t be a slave of money, fashion, or desire, but suppress your desires and constantly strive against the whims of your ego to please Al-Malik. As is beautifully quoted: Desire can turn kings into slaves and patience can turn slaves into kings! Recognize His ways of bestowing kingship: Say, O Allah, Possessor of sovereignty, You give kingdom to whom You will and take it away from whom You will. In Your hand is [all] good. Indeed, You are over all things competent! [Quran, 3:26] So be patient in times of hardship and in striving to stay away from what is forbidden by Al-Malik and He will give you an eternal kingdom in the Hereafter in-sha-Allah.

4. Ask Al-Malik.

Whenever you feel disheartened tell yourself Allah ‘azza wa jall is your Malik and you are part of His Kingdom. He does whatever He wants [Quran 36:82] and when something “bad” happens to you, know this is from His wisdom and that no matter how impossible your situation or ambitions seem, you can always ask Him only for a way out. Nothing is impossible for Al-Malik.

5. Be just.

All kings and owners, just or unjust, are low compared to Al-Malik. You are responsible for whatever you have authority over, and you will be accountable for it. In reality you don’t own anything; it all belongs to Al-Malik. So be just to your spouses, children, and even animals, and remind yourself that you will be dealt with by the King on the Day of Judgement.

6. Humble yourself in heart and body.

Never be arrogant, and keep reminding yourself that you are an ‘abd (slave) of Al-Malik, no matter how rich or self-sufficient you might feel. Al-Malik reminds you of what your priority in your daily-life should be: Then High above all be Allah, the True King. [Quran 20:114] Be humble in your heart but also in your speech and appearance. Using foul language, speaking poorly of others, or having an arrogant body posture are not features of a believer who humbles himself or herself for Al-Malik— He sees you 24/7.

7. Praise Al-Malik.

The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said, whoever says: la ilaha il Allahu waHadu, la shareeka lahu, lahul Mulk, wa lahul Hamdu, wa huwa ‘alaa kuli shayyin Qadeer -None has the right to be worshipped except Allah, alone, without partner, to Him belongs all sovereignty and praise, and He is over all things omnipotent- 100 times he will receive the reward of freeing ten slaves,one hundred hasanaat will be written for him and one hundred misdeeds will be washed away. He will be shielded from shaytan until the evening. No one will be able to present anything better than this except for someone who recited more than this. [Al-Bukharee, Muslim] The Prophet also used to say immediately following the witr prayer: Subhaan al-Malik al-Quddoos (Glory is to the King, the Holy) three times, and raising and extending his voice on the third time and then saying: Rabbil-malaa’ikati warroohi ( Lord of the angels and the spirit) [An-Nasaa’i].

O Allah, Al-Malik, we know that You are our only King and Owner. Help us in following Your commands and in being Your righteous slaves, and adorn us with patience and humility. Guide us in being just in all our daily affairs, and admit us to Your Kingdom of Paradise, ameen!

[asma-al-husna]

Allah calls Himself Ar-Raheem— The Bestower of Mercy, The Most Compassionate— on 93 occasions in the Quran, 112 times in the basmalah. Ar-Raheem is the One who bestows His continuous mercy on all of creation and who bestows even more grace and greater rewards in response to the good deeds of the believers!

The Most Compassionate, the Bestower of Mercy

Both raheem and rahmaan come from the root raa-haa-meem, which points to four main meanings. The first meaning is to have gentleness and to love, the second is to have mercy. The third meaning is to show favour, and the fourth meaning is to have all that is required for beneficence.

This root appears 339 times in the Quran in nine derived forms. Examples of these forms are turhamoona (“receive mercy”), ruhman (in affection”), and ar-raahimeena (“[of]those who show mercy”).

Linguistically, raheem shows continuity or repetition (the ending of –ee(m)). For example jameel means beautiful and kareem means honourable or generous, which reflect characteristics or states. Related to Ar-Rahmaan, Ar-Raheem refers to the action or the effect of Allah’s intense mercy on creation, indicating how this mercy encompasses creatures. Imagine a shower of blessings, and imagine the shower as very intense and continuous. Allah is the intensely and the continuously Merciful.

Ar-Raheem Himself says: He said, “I will ask forgiveness for you from my Lord. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful [Quran, 12:98] . . . [O Muhammad], inform My servants that it is I who am the Forgiving, the Merciful [Quran, 15:49] and. . . And indeed, your Lord – He is the Exalted in Might, the Merciful. [Quran, 26:9]

The merciful of the creation

Certain names Allah ‘azza wa jall uses only to describe Himself. He says: Say: Invoke Allah or invoke Ar-Rahmaan, by whatever name you invoke Him (it is the same), for to Him belong the Best names. [Quran, 17:110] As for Allah’s name Ar-Raheem, Allah ‘azza wa jall has described others by it: Verily, there has come unto you a Messenger from amongst yourselves. It grieves him that you should receive any injury or difficulty. He (Muhammad) is anxious over you (to be rightly guided) for the believers kind and merciful. [Quran 9:128]

Being kind to others is a blessing

Know that kind and compassionate treatment is liked by Ar-Raheem and is in fact His blessing from Him to you. A person who is hardhearted is deprived of this divine blessing and mercy. Aishah radiyallahu ‘anha reported that some Bedouins came to the Messenger of Allah salallahu ‘alayhi wasallam and asked, ‘Do you kiss your children?’ He replied, ‘Yes.’ They then said: ‘By Allah, we do not kiss them.’ He then replied, ‘I cannot help you if Allah has snatched kindness from your hearts.’ [Al-Bukharee, Muslim] So open up your heart to others and constantly warm your heart with the remembrance of Allah ‘azza wa jall.

How can you live by this name?

1. Obey Ar-Raheem, hold onto the Quran.

And He is Merciful (Raheem) to the believers [Quran, 33:43]. Allah ‘azza wa jall mentions ways for you in the Quran to receive His special mercy as a believer. He says: and obey Allah and His Messenger so that you all may receive Mercy [3:132]. This mercy is only reserved for those who try their best to hold on to the guidelines, prohibitions, and commandments mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah. And this is a book, We have sent it down as one blessed, so follow it and fear Allah so that you all may receive Mercy [6:155].

2. Strive for taqwa.

O you who have believed, have taqwa of Allah and believe in His Messenger; He will [then] give you a double portion of His mercy and make for you a light by which you will walk and forgive you; and Allah is Forgiving and Merciful [Quran, 57:28]. Taqwa can be described as consciousness which inspires you to be on guard against wrong action and eager for actions which please Allah ‘azza wa jall and to stay away from those actions which displease and anger him. Tips to increase your taqwa are: be alert to whatever may divert you from Allah, and be alert to your desires that may lead you to the forbidden. Ascribe each success, material or spiritual, to Allah only, and long for His pleasure in everything you do, big or small. Renew your emaan by reflecting on Ar-Raheem’s creation and remember death by living each day with the knowledge it can happen anytime.

3. Pray four units of prayer before ‘asr.

The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: May Allah have mercy on one who prays four raka’aat before the ‘asr Prayer [At-Tirmidhee].

4. Listen to the Quran attentively.

And when the Quran is recited, listen to it with attention, that you may receive mercy [Quran, 7:204]. Have you noticed the effect on your heart when you sit and listen to the Quran with your ears and heart, with no distractions around you? The more you respect and honour the Book of Allah, the more cure, guidance and mercy you will receive through it.

5. Turn to Ar-Raheem.

Whenever Ar-Raheem gives you a trial, know that no one can give you a way out but Him, so turn to Him as soon as hardship hits you. And if Allah should touch you with adversity, there is no remover of it except Him; and if He intends for you good, then there is no repeller of His bounty. He causes it to reach whom He wills of His servants. And He is the Forgiving, the Merciful [Quran, 10:107]. No matter what sin you commit, Allah ‘azza wa jall forgives you if you repent of it. That’s the beauty of Al-Ghafoor Ar-Raheem.

6. Ask Ar-Raheem for compassion.

The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: He who is not merciful to our young (people) and who shows no respect to our elderly is not one of us. [At-Tirmidhee] Ask Allah ‘azza wa jall to bless you with a soft heart and to enable you to feel compassion towards your relatives, friends, and the whole Muslim nation. How many do not feel responsible or attached to the ummah? The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: The similitude of believers in regard to mutual love, affection, fellow-feeling is that of one body; when any limb of it aches, the whole body aches, because of sleeplessness and fever. [Muslim]

O Allah, Ar-Raheem, we know that You bestow Your mercy perfectly and continuously on all that exists. Guide us to hold onto Your book and the sunnah so we may attain your special mercy and adorn our actions, speech, and thoughts with a deep sense of taqwa. Make us turn to You at all times, asking for Your Mercy, and make us compassionate so we will enter through the gates of Your paradise by Your mercy, ameen!

[asma-al-husna]

Allah calls Himself Ar-Rahmaan— The Most Gracious, the intensely Merciful— on 55 occassions in the Quran and 133 times in the basmalah. Ar-Rahmaan is the One whose intense and perfect Mercy embraces the whole creation!

The Most Gracious, Most Lovingly Beneficent

Rahmaan comes from the root raa-haa-meem, which points to four main meanings. The first meaning is to have gentleness and to love, and the second is to have mercy. The third meaning is to show favour, and the fourth meaning is to have all that is required for beneficence.

This root appears 339 times in the Quran in nine derived forms. Examples of these forms are rahima (“bestows mercy”), al-arhaam (the wombs”) and rahmatan (“mercy”).

Linguistically, rahmaan shows intensity (thus the ending is –aan). For example ghadbaan means extremely angry. Ar-Rahmaan points out to the intensity, abundance, and vastness of the mercy (rahmah) of Allah ‘azza wajal, and the attribute of grace is inseperable from the Almighty.

Allah first mentioned His name – Allah – that is exclusively His and described this name by Ar-Rahmaan, which no one else is allowed to use, just as Allah said, Say (O Muhammad) invoke Allah or invoke Ar-Rahmaan, by whatever name you invoke Him (it is the same), for to Him belong the Best names. [Quran, 17:110] [Tafseer ibn Katheer]

Ar-Rahmaan Himself says: [This is] a revelation from the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful . . . [Quran, 41:2] That Day, no intercession will benefit except [that of] one to whom the Most Merciful has given permission and has accepted his word. [Quran, 20:109]

The mercy of Allah

Explaining the mercy of Allah, ar-Rahmaan, the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: Allah has divided mercy into 100 parts, and He retained with Him 99 parts, and sent down to earth one part. Through this one part creatures deal with one another with compassion, so much so that an animal lifts its hoof over its young lest it should hurt it. [Al-Bukharee] Be amazed at the fact that the other 99 parts are yet to come and they are with Allah Himself. You will not enter Jannah because of your deeds, but by the rahmah of Allah only.

The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam also said, When Allah created the creatures, He wrote in the Book, which is with Him over His Throne: Verily, My Mercy prevailed over My Wrath. [Al-Bukharee]

How can you live by this name?

1. Never despair.

No matter how many sins you commit, He can have mercy on you if you just turn to Ar-Rahmaan. Every mistake or sin is an opportunity and a sign that it’s time to get closer to Him! Whenever you commit a sin, call Him by this name to have mercy on you and remind yourself of one of the most optimistic ayaat in the Quran: Say, O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful. [Quran 39:53].

2.Be merciful to others.

Be merciful to not only the needy but also to your family if you want the mercy of Ar-Rahmaan! The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: Allah will not be merciful to those who are not merciful to the people. [Al-Bukharee] The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam gave a simple formula on how to deal with others: Whoever wishes to be delivered from the fire and enter the garden should die with faith in Allah and the Last Day and should treat the people as he wishes to be treated by them. [Muslim] So no matter how big or small, think how you would like to be treated in the same situation.

3.Keep family ties.

Be active in being in touch with your family: regularly visit, call, and exchange gifts, and never abandon your family. The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: . . The womb (rahm) is derived from the Merciful, so whoever keeps relations with his family then Allah will keep relations with him, and whoever abandons his family then Allah will abandon him. [At-Tirmidhee] Be the first to make up after an argument. The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: It is not permitted for a Muslim to forsake his brother for more than three (days); whoever does this and dies, he will enter Hell. [Abu Dawud]

4. Be good to your parents.

Daily ask Ar-Rahmaan to have mercy on your parents! Ar-Rahmaan instructs you: And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], “uff,” and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word. And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, “My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small. [Quran, 17:23-24]

5. Recognize mercy and be grateful.

Reflect upon Allah’s mercy when you see all the blessings around you; food, water, oxygen. Only Ar-Rahmaan can make it rain and He made the rain sweet and not salty. When you love someone or are loved, know that this feeling was manifested by the mercy of Allah. Think about the mercy of Ar-Rahmaan in sending the Prophet Muhammad salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam to you, and be intensely happy and grateful to have such a merciful Lord.

Note: We have to be careful if translating the names of Allah ‘azza wa jall into a different language. The name Ar-Rahmaan is most commonly translated as The Most Merciful, The Entirely Merciful, The Most Gracious.

O Allah, Ar-Rahmaan, we know that Your mercy is perfect. Let us never despair of Your mercy, guide us to be merciful to others, to maintain our family ties, and to seek Your pleasure. Enable us to reflect on Your mercy around us, adorn us with gratefulness, and enter us into Paradise by Your mercy, ameen!

[asma-al-husna]

Allah’s name Al-Mushin— The Good Doer, the one who does ultimate good— is not mentioned in the Quran but occurs in narrations of the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Al-Muhsin is the one who loves and inspires doing good in His slaves and who possesses the perfect good and excellence in all He makes happen!

The Good Doer, the Supreme Doer of Good

Muhsin comes from the root haa-seen-noon, which points to four main meanings. The first meaning is to be and to do good and to pursue excellence The second main meaning is to be beautiful, and the third is to be kind. The fourth main meaning is to be suitable, proper, and fitting.

This root appears 194 times in the Quran in 12 derived forms. Examples of these forms are ahsana (“does good”), ahsanu (“is best”), husnan (“good”) and al-muhsineena (“the good doers”).

Linguistically, hasana is the root for the words hasan (good), ahsan (better), and (al) husna (the best). The Islamic concept of ihsaan, or excellence, comes from the same root. A muhsin (male, plural muhsineen) and a muhsina (female, plural muhsinaat) are those who do good and who when saying someone did well, can say: ahsant (-i or –a), which means “well done” or “excellent!”

Al-Muhsin refers to the One who is perfectly good in His Essence and who does all His actions in the best possible manner, achieving excellence and reaching ultimate beauty and perfection.

The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: Surely Allah is Muhsin and He loves ihsaan in everything; if you kill, kill in a good way and if you slaughtered, slaughter in a good way . . . [part of the hadith- At-Tabaraani and Al-Albaani, Saheeh Al-Jami]

Islam, emaan, and ihsaan

There are three degrees of Islam, which are Islam, eemaan, and ihsaan.  Islam means submission, and when mentioned separately from emaan it refers to the religion as a whole, as Allah says:  Truly, the religion with Allah is Islam. [Quran, 3:19] When Islam is used with the word eemaan (faith or belief) it refers to outward deeds and words, as Allah says:  The bedouins say: ‘We believe. Say: You believe not but you only say, We have surrendered (in Islam), for Faith has not yet entered your hearts…’ [Quran, 49:14]

The second degree is eeman, which means belief committed to submission and may mean one of two things. When it is used without the word “Islam,” it refers to the religion as a whole, as Allah ‘azza wa jall says:  Allah is the Wali of those who believe. He brings them out from darkness into light. [Quran, 2:257]

Allah limited the word emaan to those who adhere to His religion in full, inwardly and outwardly, as He says: The believers are only those who, when Allaah is mentioned, feel a fear in their hearts and when His Verses are recited unto them, they increase their Faith; and they put their trust in their Lord. [Quran, 8:2] When emaan is used with the word Islam it refers to inward beliefs, or the actions of the heart.

Thus, when either emaan or Islam are used alone, there is no difference and they both refer to the entire religion. If there is any difference between them, Islam refers to outward physical actions and the word eemaan refers to inward actions of the heart.

The third degree is ihsaan, which in Arabic means doing something well, perfectly, and sincerely. Islamically it may mean two things: when used alone and not with Islam or eemaan it refers to the religion as a whole.

When it is used with either or both Islam and eemaan the meaning is perfecting one’s outward and inward deeds. The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam beautifully explained the meaning of ihsaan: It means worshipping Allah as if you can see Him, and although you cannot see Him, He can see you. [Al-Bukhaari, Muslim]

How can you live by this name?

1. Strive for ihsaan.
Ihsaan is a complete way of life, so let this concept accompany you in all your actions. Strive for al-ihsaan in your relationship with Allah ‘azza wa jall as in being able to worship Him as if you saw Him and strive for al-ihsaan as good behaviour to others, like kindness to your parents, relatives, the poor etc.

When you have a guest, give them the best you have. When you are with your parents, show them the best of your manners. Also appreciate the ihsaan of others.

Strive for al-ihsaan as an act of excellence and in your relationship with yourself, meaning in every deed you do, you try your best! When you are at your job, do your best, when you are at school, try your best. The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: Allah has prescribed al-ihsaan in every matter. [Muslim] SubhanAllah, we are even asked as Muslims to sharpen the knife when we slaughter as to cause minimal distress to the animal.

2. Study the Quran to find out what is good.
On many occasions in the Quran the muhsineen, the good doers, are mentioned. The muhsineen are loved by Allah ‘azza wa jall and close to Him and Allah even describes actions characterizing them, pay special attention to these ayaat. Allah says: And whoever submits his face to Allah while he is a doer of good (muhsin) – then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold . . .[Quran, 31:22]

Make it your mission to find out what the Quran says about what are good deeds and what their reward is, so you can apply them and become of the muhsineen inshaa’Allah!

3. Realize that Allah’s ways are excellent.
Allah is the only true Mushin. He is perfect in His Names, attributes, and actions. Truly realize that everything Allah ‘azza wa jall gives and takes from you, is for your own good, and let this inspire you to complain less and start being more content. Allah’s ihsaan is general with the whole creation; He created you in a perfect way without being asked and His ihsaan is specific. He rewards the good doers with the place of ultimate good: His Paradise!

4. Ask Al-Muhsin.
Allah ‘azza wa jall says in a heart-melting ayah in Surah Ar-Rahmaan: Hal jazaa’ul ihsaani illal-ihsaan – Is the reward for good [anything] but good? [Quran, 55:60]  Each day ask Al-Mushin for ihsaan in all aspects of your life, in your inward and outward actions. Do you worship Allah as if you see him or at least as he sees you? Ask Him to bless you with the highest degree of ihsaan: apart from being aware He sees you, worshipping Him as if you see Him!

5. Study the names of Allah.

O Allah, Al-Mushin, we know that You are Doer of ultimate good. Adorn us with ihsaan in all our aspects of life and make us worship you as if we see You.  Include us in the rewards of the muhsineen and make us live by the fact You are perfect and beyond excellence in Your dealings with us. Bless us with good in this life and the ultimate good in the Hereafter, seeing You in Paradise, ameen!

[asma-al-husna]

Allah’s name Al-Hayyee— The Shy One— is not mentioned in the Quran but occurs in a narration of the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Al-Hayyee is the one who loves and inspires modesty and shyness in His slaves and who possesses the perfect modesty, so much so that He feels shy to leave those who ask Him empty-handed and doesn’t like to expose the misdeeds of His slaves!

The Shy One, the one of perfect modesty

Hayyee comes from the root haa-yaa-yaa, which points to four main meanings. The first meaning is to live. The second main meaning is to greet, and the third is to revive, vitalize and call into being. The fourth main meaning is to be shy or ashamed.
This root appears 184 times in the Quran in 12 derived forms. Examples of these forms are yuhyee (“grants life”), hayyan (“alive”), and istihyaa’in (” shyness”).

Linguistically, haya refers to the attribute of modesty, shyness, humility, and bashfulness. Hayyee refers to the one who owns the perfect modesty and who controls the haya of creation, ashamed Himself to leave us empty-handed and so shy that He dislikes exposing the sins of His slaves.

The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: Verily Allah Mighty and Majestic is Haleem (Forebearing), Hayee (Shy), Sitteer (Covering). He loves modesty and shyness and covering. Therefore when any of you bathe let him cover himself (i.e. from the sight of people). [Abu Dawud, An-Nasaa’ee, al-Baihaqi, Ahmed, graded as saheeh]

Modesty: a blessing from Allah

Haya refers to an uneasy feeling combined with embarrassment when someone is scared of being exposed for some unworthy behaviour. Islamically, haya can be of two kinds; the good haya is to be ashamed to commit a deed which Allah ‘azza wa jall forbade or discouraged and bad haya is to feel ashamed to do something that Allah ordered.
Society often portrays shyness and modesty as weakness or lack of confidence; in reality these are among the most beloved characteristics by Allah.  Having a deep sense of haya is a true blessing.

Five virtues of modesty

1. Allah ‘azza wa jall loves modesty and shyness. The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: Surely Allah (is One who) has haya and is the Protector. He loves haya and people who cover each others’ faults.[Al-Bukhaari].

2. Secondly, haya is the character of Islam.  The Prophet said: Every deen has an innate character. The character of Islam is modesty. [Abu Dawood]

3. Thirdly; haya brings good to everything in which it’s found. The Prophet said: Haya does not bring anything except good. [Al-Bukhaari]

4. A fourth virtue is that one’s level of haya is an indication of one’s faith, as the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: Faith (emaan) consists of more than sixty branches (i.e. parts). And haya is a part of faith. [Al-Bukhaari]

5. Fifthly, haya leads to Paradise! The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: Haya comes from emaan; emaan leads to Paradise. Obscenity comes from antipathy; and antipathy leads to the fire. [Al-Bukhaari]

How can you live by this name?

1. Don’t be ashamed to be modest.
The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: When lewdness is a part of anything, it becomes defective; and when haya is a part of anything it becomes beautiful. [At-Tirmidhee] Haya beautifies, realizes it’s not something to be ashamed of. Instead you should be concerned if you notice you do not have much sense of modesty and shame in your relationship with others, your way of thinking, your appearance, words, and deeds.

Narrated Abdullah ibn Umar radiyallahu ‘anhu: The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam passed by a man who was admonishing his brother regarding haya and was saying: You are very shy, and I am afraid that might harm you. On that, the Prophet said: Leave him, for haya is (a part) of faith. [Al-Bukhaari]. So haya is not just something for women, it’s an attribute men should have too and it’s crucial to start cultivating a sense of haya in children!

2. Strive for haya with Allah.
The greatest modesty you must have is with Allah ‘azza wa jall, which means you are shy and ashamed to do anything He dislikes and when you do so, you rush to repent. It is He who showers His blessings upon us, but we often use these very blessings to sin, even though modesty is the thing we need most! Know that Allah is Al-Hayy (the Ever-Living) and that every thought and act is witnessed by Him. Let this motivate you to increase in haya! Allah says: Whatever you (O Muhammad) may be doing, and whatever portion you may be reciting from the Quran– and whatever deed you (mankind) may be doing (good or evil), We are Witness thereof, when you are doing it . . . [Quran, 10:61]

3. Don’t be embarrassed to tell the truth.
Sometimes people are embarrassed to stand up for the truth and to forbid an evil or encourage good. You find people shy to defend Islamic concepts, like the hijaab, or even embarrassed to pray in their workplace! Haya means you feel most shyness for Allah ‘azza wa jall and never let shyness of people stand in the way of the orders of Al-Hayyee. Allah is the Shy one but not when it comes to setting forth parables of the truth: Verily, Allah is not ashamed to set forth a parable even of a mosquito or so much more when it is bigger (or less when it is smaller) than it . . . [Quran, 2:26] And: … Indeed, that [behavior] was troubling the Prophet, and he is shy of [dismissing] you. But Allah is not shy of the truth… [Quran, 33:53]

4. Ask Al-Hayyee.
The Messenger of Allah sallAllahu alayhi wa sallam said: Indeed your Lord – tabaaraka wa ta’ala – is The Shy One, The Generous, Allah is Shy from His slave if the slave raises his hands towards Him, that He would return them without anything. [Abu Dawood, At-Tirmidhi, Ibn Maajah – authenticated by al-Albaani] Be amazed and inspired by this beautiful shyness and ask Him for your every need and turn to Him in good and bad times!

5. Revive the concept of gheerah.
We live in times in which many men and women lost their sense of shame and modesty, are obsessed with appearances and attracting attention from non-mahrams and marriage is often seen as old-fashioned. Gheerah is an Islamic concept which means protectiveness or (a good type of) jealousy. The Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam had the most gheerah for his wives and all of the companions were known for their gheerah. The sahaabah were impressed by the strong gheerah of Sa’d ibn ‘Ubaadah radiyallahu ‘anhu, and the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa salalm said: Are you amazed by the gheerah of Sa’d? I have more gheerah than him, and Allah has more gheerah than me. [al-Bukhaari, Muslim] Also: There are three at whom Allaah will not look at (with Mercy) on the day of Resurrection: the one who disobeys his parents, the woman who imitates men, and the duyooth (a man who has no protective jealousy towards his womenfolk). [Saheeh Al-Jaami’ As-Sagheer] Strive to revive your sense of gheerah and remember that honourable gheerah never leads to inappropriate actions according to Islam!

6.Take concealing your ‘awrah seriously.
Study trustworthy Islamic texts to see what is considered ‘awrah (parts of the body which cannot be seen by non-mahrams) of both men and women, so you can conceal them. Allah says: Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them: and Allah is well acquainted with all that they do. And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty . . . [Quran, 30-31]

O Allah, Al-Hayyee, we know that You are the One who is shy and who possesses perfect modesty. Adorn us with a strong sense of haya and guide us in being modest towards the creation and in our relationship with You. Aid us to never being embarrassed in standing up for Your Deen and make our sense of shame a way to enter Your Paradise, ameen!