The Names and Attributes of God in the Quran and Sunnah

DesertRose

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Allah’s name Al-Lateef— The Subtle, The Most Gentle, The All-Kind— occurs seven times in the Quran. Al-Lateef is the One Who disposes of our affairs in the most beneficial way without us even perceiving it. He is Al-Lateef to His slave, being kind, gentle, and merciful, and He’s Al-Lateef of His slave; He’s fully aware of your situation, your deeds, what is in your heart, your thoughts, and your desires!

Most Kind, Most Subtle, the Gracious

Lateef comes from the root laam-Taa-faa, which points out to four main meanings. The first meaning is to be kind, gentle, mild, affectionate, soothing, and to bestow with kindness. The second main meaning is to be thin, delicate, and refined, and the third to be subtle and to know the details of all affairs. The fourth main meaning is to treat with regard for circumstances.

This root appears eight times in the Quran in two derived forms. Examples of these forms are walyatalattaf (and let him be cautious) and lateefun (is Most Subtle).

Linguistically, the concept of lutf refers to being so kind to someone that they don’t notice as well as something that’s too tiny or too subtle to be seen or felt. It also means to know secrets and minute details of things and to be able to do what others can’t do. Al-Lateef refers to His infinite kindness and His complete knowledge, with which He bestows gifts and favours on us, taking us gently from one situation to another and causing us to benefit without us even knowing it.

Al-Lateef Himself says: Vision perceives Him not, but He perceives [all] vision; and He is the Subtle, the Acquainted. [Quran, 6:103]

The two main purposes of the universe

Allah subjected the whole universe to man for two main purposes, first, to help us know our Lord’s ultimate wisdom, might and power, and attributes, and second; to honour us by creating for us such a great universe.
For example, if you know Allah ‘azza wa jall by contemplating water, you grasp the major purpose of why water was created. But if you drink a glass of water just to quench your thirst and fail to contemplate it, you achieve only the minor purpose of its creation, which is to make use of it.

The examples of Al-Lateef are all around us; on hot summer days He makes fruit ripe for us while we’re heedless of it. He causes the teeth of young children to gently swap for permanent teeth without it causing them pain. Can you imagine a dentist removing even one tooth from a young child to make place for new ones? Al-Lateef lets situations flow smoothly from one into another.

Daily life guidance from Al-Lateef

Have you ever heard someone say something you just needed to hear, for no apparent reason? Have you ever attended a talk and the topic specifically addresses your problem? Have you ever had a class recommended to you from out of nowhere, that brings you closer to Allah? Has anyone ever said that one word that lifts you up, reminding you of Allah ‘azza wa jall while they don’t even know what you’re going through? You might think it’s your friends comforting you, but it’s Allah Al-Lateef who sends you such friends.

Have you ever loved something that was displeasing to Allah and slowly just got “off” it to the point where you didn’t even know why you ever liked it in the first place? These are the ways of Al-Lateef, helping and guiding you in your life. As Al-Lateef Himself says: Allah is Subtle with His servants; He gives provisions to whom He wills. And He is the Powerful, the Exalted in Might. [Quran, 42:19]

How Can You Live by This Name?

1. Be gentle and kind to others.

As a way of being thankful to Al-Lateef for His gentleness, we should try our best to be a source of gentleness and kindness to others. Make a special effort to look out for the poor, orphans, widows, prisoners, and all those in need around you and to do something to make their lives easier. Give extra clothing, write a letter of support to a prisoner, etc. As the Prophet said: Show gentleness, for if gentleness is found in anything, it beautifies it and when it is taken out from anything it damages it. [Abu Dawud]

2. Reflect on yourself and your surroundings.
For example radio waves: they can’t be seen, but they bring about much benefit for us. The subtle air, which is not heavy to breathe, the change of the seasons, ripening fruits, the day flowing over into the night, the body and mind of a child developing in perfect milestones, people coming onto your path, an uplifting word at the right time, and events occurring out of nothing but with perfect wisdom— the ways of Al-Lateef can be found all around you. Take them all as opportunities to actively remember Him.

3. Grow your love and amazement for Al-Lateef.
Love Him and be grateful to Him, for He’s been kind to you in ways you don’t even realize. Al-Lateef may put you through things that you dislike, but be patient, and when He gives you what you love, be thankful for it. Say a lot of alhamdulillahs in your daily life, even for the things you don’t notice but that benefit you greatly. Say subhanAllah at any spare moment for His perfect ways to guide you through life.

4. Have the right intention in all you do.
Al-Lateef knows all you do, every minute detail, every thought, every desire, and every intention, so take account of yourself. Before you do anything, ask yourself: Am I really doing this for Allah or for something else?

5. Make dua for lutf.
Make dua to Al-Lateef, asking Him for His kindness and to aid you to be kind to others. Ask Al-Lateef for His blessings for your loved ones.

O Allah Al-Lateef, we know You are the most subtle and perceive every detail. Make us fear You as if we see You. Aid us to always be thankful for Your kindness and patient in hardships, make us of those who are kind and gentle to others, inspire us to contemplate your beautiful names and attributes by reflecting on the universe and all that’s in it instead of merely using it to satisfy our needs. Ameen!


And Allah knows best.


The Understand Quran Academy Team
Beautiful Names of Allah (Pt.12)- Al-Lateef - Dr. Shaykh Yasir Qadhi

 

DesertRose

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Allah calls Himself Al-Khabeer— The Acquainted, the All-Aware — on six occasions in the Quran. He is the one who knows the true reality of all that is created. Al-Khabeer is aware of, knows about, and has understanding of all inner states, internal qualities, and the meanings of all things!
The Acquainted, All-and Fully Aware, Knower of Reality

Khabeer comes from the root khaa-baa-raa, which points to two main meanings. The first main meaning is to know, to be aware, and to understand the reality or inner nature of something. The second main meaning is to test, prove, and try by experience which results in inner knowledge.

This root appears 52 times in the Quran in four derived forms. Examples of these forms are akhbaarakum (“your affairs”), khubran (“any knowledge, information”), and akhbaarahaa (“its news”).

Linguistically, khabeer is derived from khibrah, which is the concept of comprehending and encompassing the inner and outward realities of things. It is said, khabartu ash-shay (I attained proper knowledge of something) when I came to know it upon its reality (i.e. as it truly is). Hence, He, the Sublime, is al-Khabeer, meaning the one who has encompassed the innermost, and the hidden realities of things, and the outward realities of things. [Sharh Aqidatul-Wasitiyyah of al-Fawzan]

Al-Khabeer Himself says: . . . [He is] Knower of the unseen and the witnessed; and He is the Wise, the Acquainted. [Quran, 6:73] . . . Vision perceives Him not, but He perceives [all] vision; and He is the Subtle, the Acquainted [Quran, 6:103] [All] praise is [due] to Allah , to whom belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth, and to Him belongs [all] praise in the Hereafter. And He is the Wise, the Acquainted. [Quran, 34:1]
The ultimate awareness and knowledge of Allah

Allah is the one whose knowledge encompasses all that is outward and hidden, all things that occur, have occurred, and will occur of the affairs of the whole creation. There is nothing that is hidden from Him. Allah ‘azza wa jall paired His attribute of being khabeer with His attribute of all-encompassing knowledge.

Allah says: Verily Allah! With Him (Alone) is the knowledge of the Hour, He sends down the rain and knows what is in the wombs. No person knows what he will earn tomorrow and no person knows in what land he will die. Indeed Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware. [Quran, 31:34]

It is Allah who has knowledge of both the seen and unseen and it is He who can perceive our inner nature and intentions. O Mankind! We have created you from a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes that you may know each other. Verily, the most honourable of you in the Sight of Allah is the most God-Fearing of you. Indeed Allah is the All-Knower, the All-Aware. [Quran,49:13]

In the Quran, Allah’s being khabeer is most often combined with His attribute of wisdom (Al-Hakeem), of seeing (Al-Baseer), and subtleness (Al-Lateef).

How Can You Live by This Name?

1. Be comforted by Al-Khabeer.
Allah Al-Khabeer is the only one who is aware of all you do, say, hide, and want. Let this amazing fact comfort you in times of hardship, and in times of ease remind yourself to not get too attached to this world and its material benefits. Allah beautifully says: Does He who created not know, while He is the Subtle, the Acquainted?[Quran, 67:14]

2. Know that Al-Khabeer will inform you.
Not only is Allah acquainted with all your deeds, on the Day of Judgement He will inform you about all you used to do. Remember this each day and let it motivate you to do good deeds. When you slip, ask Him for forgiveness in this life so you will be saved from His punishment in the next.

That is Allah, your Lord; to Him belongs sovereignty. And those whom you invoke other than Him do not possess [as much as] the membrane of a date seed. If you invoke them, they do not hear your supplication; and if they heard, they would not respond to you. And on the Day of Resurrection they will deny your association. And none can inform you like [one] Acquainted [with all matters]. [Quran, 35:13-14]

3. Understand the reality of this world.
The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam happened to walk through the bazaar coming from the side of ‘Aliya and people were on both sides of him. There he found a dead lamb with very short ears. He took hold of its ear and said: ‘Who amongst you would like to have this for a dirham?’ They said: ‘We would not like to have it even for less than that as it is of no use to us.’ He said: ‘Do you wish to have it (free of any cost)?’ They said: ‘By Allah, even if it were alive (we would not have liked to possess it), for there is defect in it, as its ear is very short; on top of that it is dead now.’ Thereupon, Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wasallam) said: ‘By Allah, this world is more insignificant in the eyes of Allah than (this dead lamb) is in your eyes.’ [Muslim]

Understand the insignificance of this world, but know that at the same time this life is your only chance to strive for your eternal place in Paradise. So make your life worth something by paying heed to the reminders of Allah and His Prophet and fill it with actions that will benefit your next life!

4. Make sure to do hidden good deeds.
Al-Khabeer says: If you disclose your charitable expenditures, they are good; but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, it is better for you, and He will remove from you some of your misdeeds [thereby]. And Allah , with what you do, is [fully] Acquainted. [Quran, 2:271]

Be motivated to do good deeds not for the eye of the people but for Allah Al-Khabeer! This means you will thoroughly enjoy those good deeds you can hide as you know you do them for Al-Khabeer and the fact only He knows about them will make you feel close to Him.

5. Adhere to the laws of Al-Khabeer.
In the Quran Allah ‘azza wa jall mentions His attribute of being acquainted with all you do often after He has mentioned one of His laws. Follow the rules and laws Al-Khabeer laid out for you in the Quran and through the sunnah to your best ability.

6. Don’t judge people too quickly.
We are often quick to judge others. Don’t forget that you don’t have knowledge of the inner reality of others; only Al-Khabeer does. Therefore be careful in judging others not only by criticising them but also by over-praising them. Always say: I leave your judgement to Allah!

O Allah, Al-Khabeer, we know that You are aware of all things. Guide us to the best inner and outer characteristics and aid us in our manners with others. Assist us in abiding by Your rules and make us aware of the reality of this world and how to strive best for Your Paradise, ameen!

And Allah knows best.

The Understand Quran Academy Team

Allah's Names Explained: Al-Lateef & Al-Khabeer - Nouman Ali Khan

 

DesertRose

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Allah’s name Al-Haleem— The Most Forbearing, The Calm Abiding, The Most Kind and Gentle— occurs eleven times in the Quran. He is the One who keeps on bestowing blessings, both visible and hidden, even though we disobey Him. Al-Haleem can punish us instantly, yet how often He grants us respite in a mild and serene manner, giving us the chance to turn back to Him!
Most Forbearing, Calm Abiding, Most Kind and Serene
Haleem comes from the root Haa-laam-meem, which points three main meanings. The first main meaning is to be forbearing, lenient and to be forgiving and the second is to be calm and serene. The third main meaning is to be not hasty and exhibit moderation.
This root appears 21 times in the Quran in two derived forms. Examples of these forms are ahlaamin (dreams), al-huluma (puberty), ahlaamuhum (their minds), and haleemin (forbearing).
Linguistically, the concept of hilm refers to the patience that arises from a sense of deep serenity and lenience and the concept of sabr points to the patience that arises by self-restraint and enduring something without complaint. Al-Haleem: . . . observes disobedience to Him, yet anger doesn’t incite Him, nor does wrath seize Him, nor do haste and recklessness move Him to rush to take vengeance even though He’s utterly capable of doing that. [Al-Ghazali]
Al-Haleem Himself says: If you loan Allah a goodly loan, He will multiply it for you and forgive you. And Allah is Most Appreciative and Forbearing [Quran, 64:17]. . . And Allah is Forgiving and Forbearing. [Quran, 2:225]
Why does Al-Haleem delay punishment?
Al-Haleem Himself says: And if Allah were to punish people for what they have earned, He would not leave upon the earth any creature. But He gives them respite for a specified term. [Quran, 35:45
] Al-Haleem can delay a punishment to give you time to return to Him, seek His forgiveness, and change your ways, because He is forbearing. He can even cancel your punishment altogether. Isn’t Al-Haleem acting out His love for us in an amazing way?
The hilm of people versus the hilm of Allah
Imagine that you got caught doing something bad, but the person let’s it slide and doesn’t punish you or embarrass you. Would you feel embarrassment, relief, and gratitude, telling them you’re not going to do it again and be grateful for their forbearance? What about Allah? Every single day we do things we shouldn’t, and in most instances He lets it go. Because He is Al-Haleem, His hilm is far above any forbearance a human being can ever show.
A beautiful similitude: parents and children
The parental system teaches us about Al-Haleem; the father and mother don’t have any rancour or hatred towards their children. In fact, they’re ready to sacrifice everything for their happiness. In this context Umar ibn al-Khattaab said: Some prisoners were brought to the Messenger of Allah, and there was a woman among the prisoners who was searching (for her child). When she found her child she embraced him and put him to her breast. The Messenger of Allah said to us, ‘Do you think that this woman would throw her child in the fire? We said, No, by Allah, not if she is able not to. The Messenger of Allah said, Allah is more merciful to His slaves than this woman is to her child. [Al-Bukhaaree, Muslim] Who imbedded the great mercy and tenderness in a loving mother’s heart? Allah Al-Haleem.
How Can You Live by This Name?
1. Be forbearing to others: contemplate and practice.

No matter your temper, everyone can practice developing forbearance. The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said to Ashajj ‘Abdu’l-Qays: You have two qualities which Allah loves: forbearance and steadiness. [Muslim]
Is it forbearance when you let it slide once or twice but explode the third time because you have so much rancour inside you? Many relationships get destroyed because of moments of rage. Hilm is when you’re in a position to show your anger but still hold it back. How? Let Al-Haleem inspire you. Another way is to simulate forbearance for the sake of Al-Haleem, even though you feel enraged. Tell yourself: I’m suppressing my anger because I love Him and seek His Love, because I want to be close to Him, and because I would like to obey His messenger.
2. Don’t take advantage of the hilm of Allah.
Al-Haleem says to the people who inherited a garden but didn’t let the poor benefit from it: Such is the punishment [of this world]. And the punishment of the Hereafter is greater, if they only knew. [Quran, 68:33] This punishment was a wake-up call for them and a mercy, because they realized their mistake. If Allah had allowed them to do as they wanted, their punishment in the Hereafter would be unforeseen. So know that Al-Haleem did set rules out for you and never take advantage of His forbearance.
3. Show a good example to a sinful person.
Never be arrogant to a sinning person and try to advise him gently and by showing a good example. Think to yourself: such a sinful person may, one day, turn to Al-Haleem with sincere repentance and become better and dearer to Allah than I am. Only put a person in check for the sake of Allah, so that they are made aware of the consequences of their actions and return to Allah.
4. Be grateful for the hilm of Allah.
Just like you would be grateful to anyone who overlooks your faults and mistakes, recognize the extreme and intense forbearance of Al-Haleem towards you and return to Him after you sin. And as a way of being thankful to al-Haleem for His forbearance, remember to train yourself to be forbearing.
5. Make dua for hilm.
Make dua to Al-Haleem, asking Him for His forbearance for yourself and your loved ones. And ask Him to forgive you, because only He can protect you from His justified anger.
O Allah Al-Haleem, we know You are the Most Forbearing and You delay and cancel Your Punishment with great Wisdom. Protect us from taking advantage of Your Hilm by persisting in bad deeds, aid us to return to You after we sin, adorn us with gratitude for Your Forbearance and patience in hardships, make us of those who are forbearing and kind to others, never be arrogant and help us to develop hilm in times of anger, ameen!
And Allah knows best.
The Understand Quran Academy Team

Ustadh Baajour Names of Allah Al Haleem

 

DesertRose

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Allah's Name Al-Azeem -The Almighty, The Supreme Glory, The Mighty Splendor, The Most Grand, The Greatest
Praise be to Allah, and blessings and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah, his family and companions.

Almighty Allah says
He is the Exalted, the Almighty
Ash-Shuraa: 4
Meanings and Denotations of Allah's Name Al-Azeem:
1- Allah has all the attributes of perfection, and each attribute of perfection is of the highest degree that no mind can imagine or grasp. He is the One Who is perfect in all aspects of prominence and might, He is Allah, may He be glorified, and it is not appropriate to ascribe His attributes to any but Him.

He is perfect in His might, and His might surpasses all expectations. His prominence and majesty exceeds all mental capacities. He is far Greater than anything you might have imagined, as how can a mind grasp the greatness of the Creator?

2- The absolute glory is due to only Him, glorifying anyone other than Him is transgression and falsehood, regardless of whom he is such as kings and the righteous.
Worshipping Allah by His Name Al-Azeem:
1- The believer should glorify His Lord, fear Him and bow to His glory.

2- Bowing and prostration are physical signs of glorifying Almighty Allah.

3- Glorifying Allah implies revering and respecting His Messenger, Peace Be upon Him.

4- Allah's Messenger, Peace be upon Him, commanded us to respect the elders and be merciful to the young.

5- Glorifying Allah requires swearing only by His Name, it is prohibited to swear by anything or anyone other than Him because that implies glorification of this creation as the Great Creator.

* Allah's Name Al-Azeem requires that the servant fears the gravity of the situation at hand, what will he do when he is to be called: "So and so, the son of so and so, come for the presentation of your deeds in front of Al-Jabbar (The All-Compelling)"?

- No wall or ceiling can hide him at that day, there is no one to support him or prevent him from such confrontation, so let people hasten to do good deeds during their lifetimes before death, in the hope that they win in the afterlife by surviving the horrors of the Resurrection Day and entering Paradise.

https://knowingallah.com/en/articles/allah-s-name-al-azeem-the-almighty-the-supreme-glory-the-mighty-splendor-the-most-grand-the-greatest/

 

DesertRose

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Allah’s name Al-Ghafoor— The Forgiving, The Exceedingly and Perfectly Forgiving— occurs 91 times in the Quran. He is the One whose forgiveness manifests both quality and quantity. Al-Ghafoor is the One Who forgives, regardless of how large the sin is, and He forgives over and over again!

The Perfect Forgiver and Pardoner, the One Who Covers and Protects


Ghafoor 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, both ghafoor and ghaffaar refer to the concept of maghfirah. Al-Ghaffaar refers to the fact that Allah forgives repeatedly (the quantity) whereas the name Al-Ghafoor points to the extent of His forgiveness (the quality). Allah’s name Al-Ghafoor does not just mean that He forgives us; He also protects and shields us from the consequences of our own actions. He does maghfirah— He covers our sins while being fully aware of what they are. His perfect forgiveness is truly a sign of His ultimate mercy for us!

Al-Ghafoor Himself says: Inform My servants that it is I who am the Forgiving, the Merciful [Quran, 15:49] . . . He causes it to reach whom He wills of His servants. And He is the Forgiving, the Merciful. [Quran, 10:107] . . . He said, I will ask forgiveness for you from my Lord. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful. [Quran, 12:98]

A Beautiful Combination: Al-Ghafoor and Ar-Raheem


In the Arabic language, for example in the name Ar-Raheem, the yaa indicates the continuity of Allah’s mercy. The name ﺍﻟﻐﻔﻮﺭ (Al-Ghafoor) on the other hand does not mean that He is always or forever forgiving, because then there would be no Hellfire. The waw in Al-Ghafoor shows us that Allah is exceedingly forgiving; He forgives beyond what any of us can expect.

One of the most common pairs is Allah’s name Al-Ghafoor combined with Ar-Raheem, which is repeated 72 times in the Quran, demonstrating that He covers these sins because He is so merciful to us.
An example of this beautiful combination is in one of the most hope-giving, heart-comforting ayaat in the Quran. Al-Ghafoor Himself says: 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]
Instead of saying: O, you sinners! look at how gently Al-Ghafoor addresses us by saying yaa eebaadee, O my servants who have transgressed against themselves. Alhamdulillah; we have a Lord who is intensely forgiving and merciful to us.

How Can You Live by This Name?

1. Call upon Al-Ghafoor.

Call upon Al-Ghafoor when you do wrong to others or even to yourself, no matter how big or small the sin is. You can start your dua’ with this beautiful name. Always ask Him to do maghfirah on you (to cover up and forgive your bad deeds) and never give up asking. At the same time, never think of how big or little a sin is— think about the greatness of the One you are disobeying.

2. Never despair.
A characteristic of a true believer is that he or she never despairs. We don’t despair in the help of Allah ‘azza wa jall and we don’t despair in His mercy and forgiveness. This means that whenever we commit a bad deed– and because we are humans, we will sin– we don’t let it get us down but rather fight back by turning to Al-Ghafoor straight away and following up our sin with a good deed.

3. Train yourself to be forgiving.
Think of the forgiveness of Al-Ghafoor and be inspired to adopt a habit of being forgiving in your daily life. Always try to go to sleep with a heart clean of grudges. Hamdun al-Qassar, one of the great early Muslims, said: If a friend among your friends errs, make seventy excuses for them. If your hearts are unable to do this, then know that the shortcoming is in your own selves. [Bayhaqee] Always give others the benefit of the doubt, making excuses for them and never hunting for others’ mistakes.

4. Cover the faults of others.
Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported: The Prophet sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, Allah will cover up on the Day of Resurrection the defects (faults) of the one who covers up the faults of the others in this world [Muslim]. You know what Allah Al-Ghafoor will give you for covering up the faults and shortcomings of others in this world? He loves this quality so much that He’ll forgive your sins and not call you to account for your sins. If at all He will do so, He will not do it publicly so that you’re not embarrassed before others.

5. Don’t expose yourself.
The Prophet sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam said: Every one of my followers will be forgiven except those who expose (openly) their wrongdoings. An example of this is that of a man who commits a sin at night which Allah has covered for him, and in the morning, he would say (to people): I committed such and such sin last night, while Allah had kept it a secret. During the night Allah has covered it up but in the morning he tears up the cover provided by Allah Himself. [Al-Bukharee and Muslim]
When you commit a bad deed, do you feel ashamed? We should never like to express our sins and sin openly. You often see that people are even bragging about their sins, like being with women (or men), going out and dressing immodestly and gossiping about others. Imagine you tell others about your bad deeds, and they feel inspired to do it too. Never talk to others about your sins.

O Allah, Al-Ghafoor, we know that You are the most forgiving. No matter the size and amount of our sins, we call on You to forgive our sins, hide our faults from others, and protect us from the effects of our bad deeds in this life and the next, to support us in never despairing of Your mercy, and aid us in forgiving others, ameen!

And Allah knows best.

The Understand Quran Academy Team

Beautiful Names of Allah (pt.6)- Al-Ghafur, Al-Ghaafir & Al-Ghaffar - Dr. Shaykh Yasir Qadhi

 

DesertRose

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Allah calls Himself Ash-Shakoor— the Most-Appreciative, the Most Grateful, the Rewarder of Good Works — on four occasions in the Quran. He is the One who gives abundantly in response to little. Ash-Shakoor appreciates the smallest deeds with an unlimited appreciation; the ultimate example is the reward of never-ending happiness in His Paradise!

The Perfect Appreciator, the One Who Rewards Little With Much

Shakoor comes from the root sheen-kaaf-raa, which points to three main meanings. The first main meaning is to praise for a benefit or to acknowledge beneficence and the second is to be thankful and offer acknowledgement. The third main meaning is to produce and supply abundantly.

This root appears 75 times in the Quran in six derived forms. Examples of these forms are shakara (to be thankful), ash-shaakireen (the thankful), and mashkooran (appreciated).

Linguistically, shukr means to increase, appreciate, and recognize good. Shakoor in Arabic is used as well to describe an animal that’s fed with little but gives much back in return. The waw in Ash-Shakoor shows us that Allah ‘azza wa jall is exceedingly appreciative; His appreciation and rewards are beyond what any of us can expect.

Ash-Shakoor Himself says: That He may give them in full their rewards and increase for them of His bounty. Indeed, He is Forgiving and Appreciative. [Quran, 35:30]

A Beautiful Combination: Ash-Shakoor and Al-Ghafoor


Of the four occasions on which Allah’s name Ash-Shakoor is mentioned in the Quran, it’s paired three times with Al-Ghafoor. He is the Oft-and-All Forgiving and the Most Appreciative; even if we commit sins we can return to Him for forgiveness and a reward for the good we do. Ash-Shakoor says: And whoever commits a good deed – We will increase for him good therein. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Appreciative. [Quran, 42:23]

The Beautiful Appreciation of Allah


Allah’s name Ash-Shakoor does not mean He has to be thankful for anything, because everything we have comes from Him. It means He is the One who is The most thankful, as He gratefully gives large rewards. Ash-Shakoor even appreciates our intention.

How Can You Live by This Name?

1. Don’t expect anything in return from others.

We often yearn for recognition from others, and when we do good in secret we might wish they find out it was we who helped them. Sometimes you might wish people knew your good intentions even if you fail to do the action. And ever is Allah Appreciative and Knowing. [Quran, 4:147] He knows, rewards, and appreciates what other people might not even know about. Go out of your way to help others, not expecting anything in return, and Ash-Shakoor will send someone to do the same for you.

2. Do good deeds no matter how small.
Never be hesitant in doing a good deed, even if you think it’s tiny compared to all your sins; think about the ability of the One who gives rewards. The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: Do not belittle any good deed, even meeting your brother with a cheerful face. [Muslim]. Say subhanAllah a hundred times and Ash-Shakoor grants you a thousand good deeds. Imagine buying an entire village with just one coin; nothing we do can be compared with the infinite reward of Ash-Shakoor.

3. Be patient and sincere, and remember Paradise.
Nothing we do is lost. Sometimes Ash-Shakoor delays the signs of His appreciation to see if you’ll give up. So be sincere and do it for Allah, because you know He’s Ash-Shakoor in this life and in the Hereafter! The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: Allah said: ‘I have prepared for My righteous servants what no eye has seen and no ear has heard, nor has it occurred to the human heart . . .’ [Al-Bukharee, At-Tirmidhee, Ibn Majah] Remember Paradise in all you do.

4. Help others and Ash-Shakoor will help you.
The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: Whosoever relieves from a believer some grief pertaining to this world, Allah will relieve from him some grief pertaining to the Hereafter . . . Whosoever conceals the faults of a Muslim, Allah will conceal his faults in this world and the Hereafter. Allah will aid a servant (of His) so long as the servant aids his brother. [Muslim] Whether you relieve, help out, or just conceal the fault of another Muslim, Ash-Shakoor will help you.

5. Be grateful and Ash-Shakoor will give you more.
Did you know that recognizing any of Allah’s favours is in itself a favour? Ash-Shakoor bestows His blessings on us even though He doesn’t need us, but sometimes we only thank Him while we’re in great need of Him. What a difference!
Show your shukr for all He has given you and He will give you even more. How can you show your gratitude to Ash-Shakoor? Al-Ghazali said: The best way of manifesting thankfulness for the blessings of Allah Most High is to make use of these blessings in obeying, and not disobeying Him.

6. Do good to all creatures.
Ash-Shakoor notices the deeds that are done to all creatures, not just humans. The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam tells us, narrated by Al-Bukharee and Muslim, about the man who gave a thirsty dog water— fashakara Allahu lahu— and Allah ‘azza wa jall appreciated his action and forgave his sins.

7. Appreciate people.
A beautiful social skill is to always show interest in the lives of others; ask how their job interview went, how their ill relative is doing now, etcetera. Try to pay attention to the details. Compliment others and when they do something good, recognize their efforts and encourage them to keep going.
When thanking people always first say alhamdulillah and then “thank you” to someone, as the reality of thankfulness is to realize that everything comes from Allah! The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam instructed us: The one who does not thank people had not thanked Allah. [Abu Dawud]

8. Call upon Ash-Shakoor.
Call upon Ash-Shakoor, for example a Quranic dua with this name is: And they will say, Praise to Allah, who has removed from us [all] sorrow. Indeed, our Lord is Forgiving and Appreciative. [Quran, 35:34]

O Allah, Ash-Shakoor, we know that You are the most appreciative. Aid us to do good, make us of those who help others for Your sake only, and grant us sincerity and patience in our actions. Adorn us with shukr for all You’ve given us and support us to use all these blessings in obeying You. Let us taste the ultimate reward, gazing at Your countenance and enjoying happiness in Paradise forever, ameen!

And Allah knows best.

The Understand Quran Academy Team

The Appreciative (Ash Shakoor) - Shady Alsuleiman

 

DesertRose

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

The Most High, the One Above Everyone and Everything

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

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

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

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

Surah Al ‘Alaa– Your Lord, The Most High


Al-Musabbihaat are the surahs in the Quran that begin with the declaration (sabbaha) of the perfection of Allah. Of the musabbihaat, Surah Al-‘Alaa is the most beloved to the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. He loved to recite this specific surah in every single Jumuah prayer and in both of the Eid prayers.
The first ayah is: sabbi hisma Rabbikal’alaa – Exalt the name of your Lord, the Most High. There are many narrations of the companions radiyallahu ‘anhum, including those of ‘Ali, that whenever the Prophet heard this ayah he would say: Subhana Rabbi al-‘Alaa, Subhana Rabbi al’A’laa (Glory to my Lord, the Most High). When this first ayah was revealed the Prophet said: Put it in your sujood. Thus in every sujood of our prayer we use this version of Rabb (Lord), by saying: Subhana Rabbi, al ‘Alaa.

The rising of good deeds

Our good words and deeds rise up through the heavens to Allah Al-‘Aliy. The Messenger of Allah said: Those who remember Allah and glory Allah by saying, Glory be to Allah, Allah is most Great, all praise is due to Allah and La ilaha illallah, these words go around the Throne buzzing like bees, mentioning those who said them. Would one of you not like to have something with Allah mentioning him? [Ahmad, Ibn Majah]
Ali bin Abi Talib reported that Ibn Abbas said: The good word is the remembrance of Allah, may He be exalted, which is taken up to Allah, and the righteous deed is the performance of obligatory duties. Whoever remembers Allah when doing an obligatory duty, his deed carries his remembrance of Allah and takes it up to Allah, may He be exalted. Whoever remembers Allah and does not perform the obligatory duties, his words will be rejected, as will his deed. [Tafsir Ibn Katheer]
So remember— words and actions!

How Can You Live by This Name?

1. Be humble.

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

2. Increase your sujood.
When are we closest to the highest? When we are in sujood, the lowest position we can be in! The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam taught us: Prostrate much because there is no Muslim that prostrates to Allah except that Allah raises him one degree in Paradise by it and forgives for him a sin. [Ahmad] The more you prostrate, the more you raise your ranks in paradise insha’Allah, until you reach the highest level, Jannat Al-Firdaws (Paradise). This is where the Prophet will be. And the roof of this particular level is the throne of Al-‘Aliy!
Make sure you don’t just prostrate with your body, but also with a heart full of humility.

3. Have many good deeds rising to Al-‘Aliy.
Say a lot of subhanAllah, alhamdulillah, Allahu akbar, and la ilaha illAllah combined with your obligatory deeds.

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

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

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

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

And Allah knows best.

The Understand Quran Academy Team

 

DesertRose

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Please note God willing, I will update this thread on the weekend from now on.....
Apologies I neglected this thread! Please feel free to post so we can fill up this thread!



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

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

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

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

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

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

The Ranks of This World and the Hereafter

We’re naturally predisposed to admire those who are most beautiful, most intelligent, most eloquent, most powerful, most generous, most merciful, etcetera.
However Al-Kabeer Himself says: See how We prefer one above another (in this world), and verily, the Hereafter will be greater in degrees and greater in preferment [Quran, 17:21]. The poorest in this world can be the richest in the Hereafter; it all depends on one thing: your rank with Allah al-Kabeer.

How Can We Live By This Name?

1. Say a lot of takbeer.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


And Allah knows best.
The Understand Quran Academy Team
Names: Al-Kabeer & Al-Motakabber - Dr. Bilal Philips

 
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DesertRose

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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] T
he 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!

And Allah knows best.
The Understand Quran Academy Team

Names: Al-Kabeer & Al-Motakabber - Dr. Bilal Philips
 

DesertRose

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Say, “Is the blind equivalent to the seeing? Then will you not give thought?” (6:50 Quran)

Sadly many deny a Designer, even when His proofs are everywhere. As time allows I will make simple posts and let the readers decide for themselves.

Lets start with a close up of a bee's stinger compared to a needle point.
View attachment 59522

The intricate sawtooth design of the stinger is interesting. Especially when it is compared to the man made sewing needle, that is seemingly full of imperfections.

This post, (and those to follow) will be for those who give thought. Those who ponder on Gods creation for surely, this life is not without purpose.
Thanks @Daze Barak Allah feek

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.

source:
The Understand Quran Academy Team
 

ahmedrayiidissack

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Al Kabeer

The Most Great

The Greater and even Greater

He Knows the count of all things, the weight of the world, of every leaf as well as every boulder.

Each of them are houses to organisms that have their own lives and functions.

OSC_Microbio_01_03_sizes.jpg
 

DesertRose

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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!

And Allah knows best.

The Understand Quran Academy Team

Never Ever lose Hope In Al-Ghaffar

 

DesertRose

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N.B: Message for Henry Makow
Henry Makow has written an article called God updated and while the article had some sensible ideas the last one was quite incorrect:
He wrote:
"Why can't more people see what it is happening? God is not omnipotent. He requires mankind to execute his Will. Do you think we can sit back and have Him serve us? Hasn't God given us enough? The earth IS the Kingdom of Heaven."

Here is the informed guidance: "Your tawfeeq (ability) is from Al-Muqtadir (The Omnipotent)only, your success is not because of yourself but because He enabled you to accomplish matters." Our success is based on the gifts of ability that He enables us with and the gifts of opportunity that He provides us with. Any lack of success is due to our own shortcomings and sins.



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

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

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

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

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

Al-Muqtadir Himself says: . . . They denied Our signs, all of them, so We seized them with a seizure of one Exalted in Might and Perfect in Ability [Quran, 54:42) . . . In a seat of honor near a Sovereign, Perfect in Ability. [Quran, 54:55]
How Can You Live By This Name?
1. Never think you can depend on your own powers.

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

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

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

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

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

To read about the related Beautiful Name Al-Qadeer, click here.

Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem.

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

The Understand Quran Academy Team
Al Qadir, Al Qadeer, Al Muqtadir | Names of Allah | Ustadh Baajour


السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ ٱللَّهِ وَبَرَكاتُهُ‎ , brothers and sisters! Welcome to this thread! Kindly feel free to add more names and attributes of Allah to this thread. May Allah reward you! Ameen!
 
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DesertRose

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Meaning: The Expediter, The Promoter, The One who puts things in their right places. He makes ahead what He wills and delays what He wills.


Quranic Verses with Al-Muqaddim
16_61

The Expediting One
16:61 If Allah were to punish men for their wrong-doing,
He would not leave, on the (earth),
a single living creature: but He gives them respite for a stated Term:
When their Term expires,
they would not be able to delay (the punishment) for a single hour,
just as they would not be able to anticipate it (for a single hour).


17_34
And do not approach the property of an orphan,
except in the way that is best, until he reaches maturity.
And fulfill [every] commitment.
Indeed, the commitment is ever [that about which one will be] questioned.(Surat Al-‘Isra’ 17:34)
source: https://www.iqrasense.com/allahs-99-names/al-muqaddim-the-expediter-he-who-brings-forward-allahs-name.html[

99 Names of Allah Al Muqaddim


 

DesertRose

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Al-Mu’akhkhir
The Delayer​
The Delayer, the Deferrer, The One who puts things in their right places. He makes ahead what He wills and delays what He wills.


71:4 "So He may forgive you your sins and give you respite for a stated Term: for when the Term given by Allah is accomplished, it cannot be put forward: if ye only knew."




Al-Mu’akhkhir – The Procrastinator
O Allah, Al-Muakhir , we know that you are the Delayer
  • O Allah! you are the Delayer
  • O Allah! you are the One who puts things in their right places.
  • O Allah you make ahead what you will and delay what you will.

Praise be to Allah.
Allaah is the One Who gives precedence to whatever has to be given precedence with regard to rulings and the order of things, as and how He likes. Whatever He gives precedence to should be given precedence, and whatever He gives less priority to should be given less priority. He is the One Who puts back what has to be put back, and there is wisdom and goodness in whatever He does, even though the purpose of that wisdom and goodness may be hidden from us.

Allaah is the One Who sends down events, expediting or delaying them as He wills, in accordance with His decree which came before He created all things. He gives preference to those among His close friends (awliya’)whom He loves over others among His slaves; He raises some of His created beings above others in status; He brings forward those whom He wills to higher ranks and He keeps down those whom He wills; He postpones things from their expected times because in His wisdom He knows the consequences of the delay. None can bring forward what He puts back and none can put back what He brings forward.

Taqdeem (expediting, bringing forward) includes:

Al-taqdeem al-kawni (universal bringing forward): such as creating some created beings over others, making cause precedes effect, conditions precede results, etc.

Al-taqdeem al-shar’i (preference in status): such as giving a higher status to some Prophets over others, and giving all Prophets a higher status than other people, and giving a higher status to some people than others, all in accordance with His Wisdom.

Ibn al-Qayyim said:

He is the Expediter and the Delayer, and these are two qualities of His deeds

As well as being attributes of His Essence
source: .
Code:
https://islamqa.info/en/answers/11366/what-are-the-meanings-of-allaahs-names-al-muqaddim-and-muakhkhir
 
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DesertRose

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The Very First
Al-Awwal

57:3 He is the First and the Last, the Evident and the Hidden: and He has full knowledge of all things.

Meaning
The First, The One whose Existence is without a beginning.​

  • O Allah, Al-Awwal we know that You are the One without beginning nor end.
  • O Allah ! Guide us to put You and seeking Your pleasure first and foremost in our belief and our deeds.
  • O Allah ! Help us to give priority to our prayers, adorn us with love and closeness to Your Book and make us of the saabiqoon, ameen!
Al-Awwal (the First) is the One before Whom there is nothing.

This is a name that indicates that Allah alone possesses absolute perfection, that He encompasses all time (and is above time), and that everything other than Him is something that came into being after not being.

Muslim narrated in his Saheeh (2713) from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) used to say:

“Allaahumma Rabb al-samawaati wa’l-ard wa Rabb al-‘arsh il-‘azeem, Rabbaanaa wa Rabba kulli shay’in, Faaliq al-habb wa’l-nawa wa munzil al-Tawraati wa’l-Injeeli wa’l-Furqaan, a’oodhu bika min sharri kulli shay’in anta aakhidhun bi naasiyatihi. Allaahumma anta al-awwal fa laysa qablaka shay’un, wa anta al-aakhir fa laysa ba’daka shay’un, wa anta al-zaahir fa laysa fawqaka shay’un wa anta al-baatin fa laysa doonaka shay’un. Iqdi ‘annaa al-dayna wa aghninaa min al-faqir

Meaning of this supplication:
"(O Allaah, Lord of the seven heavens and the exalted Throne,
our Lord and Lord of all things, splitter of the seed and the date-stone,
Revealer of the Tawraat and the Injeel and the Furqaan [Qur’aan],
I seek refuge in You from the evil of all things You shall seize by the forelock [have total mastery over].
O Allaah, You are the First so there is nothing before You, and You are the Last so there is nothing after You.
You are al-Zaahir [the greatest and highest] so there is nothing above You, and You are al-Baatin [aware of the subtlest secrets] so there is nothing closer than You.
Settle our debt for us and spare us from poverty).”

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on him) said:

Allah, may He be exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):

“He is the First [al-Awwal](nothing is before Him) and the Last (nothing is after Him), the Most High (nothing is above Him) and the Most Near (nothing is nearer than Him)”
[al-Hadeed 57:3].

Al-Awwal (the First) means that there is nothing before Him, because if there were anything before Him, Allah would be something created, but He, may He be glorified and exalted, is the Creator. Hence the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) explained the name al-Awwal as meaning the One before Whom there was nothing; all that exists came after Allah, may He be glorified and exalted; there is nothing with Allah and nothing before Allah. End quote.

Liqa’ al-Baab al-Maftooh (208/4)
source: Islamqa info

How Can You Live By This Name?
1. Make Allah ‘awwal’ in your life.

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

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

2. Be of the saabiqoon.

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

3. Give priority to your prayer.

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

4. Please Him first and He will beautify you.

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

5. Put the Quran first in your studies.

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

Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem.

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

The Understand Quran Academy Team







 
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