The Names and Attributes of God in the Quran and Sunnah

[DesertRose]

The Infinite Last One
Al-Akhir
The Last, The One whose Existence is without an end.

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

The Last One, The Ultimate

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


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


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


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

What Will Remain?

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


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

How Can You Live By This Name?
1. Let your desire to meet Allah motivate you to perform good deeds.

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


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

2. Give continuous charity.

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


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


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

3. Remind yourself of the Last Day.

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


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

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

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

5. Ask Al-Aakhir for a good ending.

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

Allahumma innee as aluka husnal khaatimah– O Allah, I ask You for a good end to my life. ​ اللهم إني أسألك حس الخاتمة

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


The Understand Quran Academy Team
Ustadh Baajour Names of Allah Al Akhir

 

[DesertRose]

The Perceptible
At-thaahir
The Manifest, The One that nothing is above Him and nothing is underneath Him, hence He exists without a place. He, The Exalted, His Existence is obvious by proofs and He is clear from the delusions of attributes of bodies. ​

O Allah, Az-Zhaahir we know that You are the Manifest and High.

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

• 

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

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

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

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

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

A Thought-provoking Discussion

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

How Can You Live By This Name?

1. Look after your outward and inward.

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

2. Be comforted by Az-Zhaahir

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

3. Check your intention.

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

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

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

5. Ask Az-Zhaahir.

Even though His existence is manifest in all of the creation, we can not see Az-Zhaahir in this world. Ask Him to be able to gaze at His countenance in the Hereafter. The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam made this beautiful dua’:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ لَذَّةَ النَّظَرِ إِلَى وَجْهِكَ وَالشَّوْقَ إِلَى لِقَائِكَ
O Allah, I ask You for the delight of gazing at Your Countenance and the eagerness of meeting You [An-Nasaa’i] Commit this supplication to memory and use it as much as you can from the bottom of your heart as you are asking for the greatest delight!
Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem.


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

The Understand Quran Academy Team

 

[DesertRose]

The Imperceptible
Al-Baatin

The Hidden, The One that nothing is above Him and nothing is underneath Him, hence He exists without a place. He, The Exalted, His Existence is obvious by proofs and He is clear from the delusions of attributes of bodies.
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57:3 He is the First and the Last, the Evident and the Hidden: and He has full knowledge of all things.

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Allah calls Himself Al-Baatin— The Hidden, Knower of hidden things— once in the Quran. Al-Baatin is the One who is concealed and veiled from the creation’s perception. He is unseen in this world, yet His existence is apparent through His signs in the creation of which He knows all inner circumstances!

The Hidden and Intimate, Knower of the all the concealed

Baatin comes from the root baa-Taa-naa which points to two main meanings. The first meaning is to be concealed and lie hidden and the second is to be inside and penetrate into.


This root appears 25 times in the Quran in five derived forms. Examples of these forms are
batana (“is concealed”), butooni (“the wombs”), al butoona (“the bellies”) and baatinuhoo (“its interior”).


Linguistically, zhaahir and baatin are opposites where zhaahir refers to that which is manifest and apparent and baatin that which is inward and concealed. In Arabic, butn refers to the belly or womb, which is concealed inside the human body.
Both these opposites are united in the perfect Attributes of Allah ‘azza wa jall, who is both Azh-Zhaahir and Al-Baatin. He is the Manifest, everything becomes manifest through Him only and through His signs we know Him, yet we cannot perceive Him in this world.


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

The question of Musa

Al-Baatin says: When Musa came at Our appointed time and his Lord spoke to him, he said, ‘My Lord, show (Yourself) to me that I may look at You.’ He said: ‘You shall never see Me. But look at the mount. If it stays at its place, you will see Me.’ So when his Lord appeared to the Mount, it smashed, and Musa fell down unconscious. [Quran, 7: 143] In this ayah we find the proof that Allah ‘azza wa jall cannot be seen in this world.


Allah said that when Musa came for His appointment and spoke to Him directly, he asked to see Him, Allah said: Lan taraanee- You cannot see Me. `You cannot’ (Lan) by no means indicates that seeing Allah will never occur, as (the misguided sect of) Al-Mu`tazilah claimed. [Tafseer Ibn Katheer]
The biggest blessing in the Hereafter for the believers is when they are granted the ability to see Allah! Some faces that Day shall be radiant. Looking at their Lord [Quran, 75:22-23]


In earlier Scriptures, it was reported that Allah said to Musa, O Musa! No living soul sees Me, but will perish, and no solid but will be demolished [Tafseer ibn Katheer]


Allah is Al-Baatin and told Musa ‘alayhi sallam that it was not possible to view Him with his mortal eyes. We cannot perceive things that are hidden and we also are not able to view extremely bright images with our naked eye. However, we know through His actions and signs in and around us and through revelation that Al-Baatin is there and this way we have a little knowledge of what He is like.

How Can You Live By This Name?

1. Seek comfort in Al-Baatin.


Whenever you feel alone, scared and distressed know that Allah is the Knower of all hidden things, including your thoughts and inner states. He is the only One who truly knows you, so talk to Him in prayer and supplication, ask Him to help you and mend you and take comfort in the fact He is unseen yet the One who knows you best.


2. Be true inward and outward.


In surah Al-Hadeed Allah uses the word baatinuhoo, while describing the wall with a door that will be placed between the believers and hypocrites in the Hereafter, which interior contains mercy for the believers and zhaahiruhoo (its outside) is torment. And a wall will be placed between them with a door, its interior containing mercy, but on the outside of it is torment. The hypocrites will call to the believers, “Were we not with you?” [Quran, 57:13:14]


How come these people were locked out? What was their crime? They will say, “Yes, but you afflicted yourselves and awaited [misfortune for us] and doubted, and wishful thinking deluded you until there came the command of Allah . And the Deceiver deceived you concerning Allah [Quran, 57:14] These people pretended to be with those who truly believed and prayed with them, but they indulged themselves in all types of temptations, they had doubts about Allah’s power and they thought easy of their sins until death came to them. This is how shaytan deceived them. The meaning here is that the believers will answer the hypocrites by saying, “You were with us in bodies which were heartless and devoid of intentions. You were cast in doubt and suspicion. You were showing off for people and remembered Allah, little.” [Tafseer ibn Katheer]


Learn from this and carefully look at your intentions, beware of showing off and remember Allah in words and deeds so you will be of those on the right side of the wall, in Paradise!


3. Remember Al-Baatin through His signs.


Even though you cannot perceive Allah ‘azza wa jall, you can remember Him and increase your love for Him by reflecting on the things He created in and around you. Jareer Bin Abdullah al-Bajali said: We were with the Prophet on a full moon night. He looked at the moon and said, You will certainly see your Lord as you see this moon, and there will be no trouble in seeing Him [Al-Bukhaaree, Muslim] Next time you see the full moon, feel the desire and think about the moment you will be able to see Al-Baatin in shaa Allah. This way reflecting on the creation will be a great emaan-boost!


4. Hide your sins.


The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: All of my ummah will be forgiven except those who sin openly. It is a part of sinning openly when a man does something at night, then the following morning when Allah has concealed his sin, he says, ‘O so and so, I did such and such last night,’ when all night his Lord has concealed him and the next morning he uncovers what Allah had concealed [Al-Bukhaaree, Muslim]


Never ‘boast’ about your bad deeds to your friends, nor try to expose the bad deeds of other people who did not sin openly and tried to conceal them!


Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem.


O Allah, Al-Baatin, we know that You are the Hidden and Knower of all that is hidden. Help us to purify our intentions, protect us from hypocrisy and make both our inward and outward pleasing to You. Aid us in reflecting Your revelations and signs You placed around us, conceal our sins and protect us from exposing our sins. Make us of those able to see You in Paradise each day, ameen!


The Understand Quran Academy Team

99 Names of Allah - Al-Baatin

 

[DesertRose]

The Holder of Supreme Authority
The Governor, The One who owns things and manages them.
Al-Waali

13:11 For each (such person) there are (angels) in succession, before and behind him: They guard him by command of Allah. Verily never will Allah change the condition of a people until they change it themselves (with their own souls). But when (once) Allah wills a people's punishment, there can be no turning it back, nor will they find, besides Him, any to protect.

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

The Ally, The Protector, the Loving Guardian

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

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

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

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

The Allies of Allah and the Allies of Shaytan

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

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

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


How Can You Live by This Name?

1. Strive to be Allah’s wali.

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

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

2. Strive for taqwa.

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

3. Be a righteous friend.

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

4.Trust that Allah is the best ally.

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

5. Ask Al-Waliyy.

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

Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem.

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

The Understand Quran Academy Team

Name of Allah Al Wali

 

[DesertRose]

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The Extremely Exalted One
Al-Muta’ali

The Most Exalted, The High Exalted, The One who is clear from the attributes of the creation.
Holy Quran 13:9 He knoweth the unseen and that which is open: He is the Great, the Most High.

​

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

The Supreme One, The Highest of All

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

This root appears 70 times in the Quran in fourteen derived forms. Examples of these forms are ‘aaliyatin (elevated), al-‘ulyaa (the highest), fata’aalayna (“then come”) and la’aali (“a tyrant”).

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

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

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

Supreme Oneness – Devoting All Deeds to Him

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

Tawheed al-‘Uloohiyyah means devoting all acts of worship, both inward and outward, in word and deed, to Allah (Al-Muta’aali) alone, and not worshiping anything or anyone other than Allah, no matter who he is: Worship Allaah and join none with Him (in worship). [Quran, 4:36]

It is called tawheed al-uloohiyyah because it is based on ta’alluh lillaah which is worship and devotion of Allah accompanied by love and veneration.

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

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

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

2. Don’t place yourself above others.

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

3. Call others to Al-Muta’aali.

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

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

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

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

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

To read about the beautiful name Al-‘Alee, click here:

And the Answer is . . . Al-'Aliy! - Understand Al-Qur'an Academy

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...

understandquran.com

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

Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem.
The Understand Quran Academy Team

99 Names of Allah - Al-Muta'ali

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[DesertRose]

Al-Barr
The Fountain-Head of Truth
The Source of All Goodness, The Righteous, The One who is kind to His creatures, who covered them with His sustenance and specified whoever He willed among them by His support, protection, and special mercy.
52:28 "Truly, we did call unto Him from of old: truly it is He, the Beneficent, the Merciful!"

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

The Kind and Gracious Benefactor, The Righteous

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

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

Linguistically, al-Birr is a unique word that entails all acts of righteousness and good conduct [Ibn ‘Hajar Al-Haytami] Al-Barr is the source of all righteousness, the One from whom every good deed comes. Al-Barr is the One who does not stop His ihsaan because of the sins and disobedience of His slaves [Imam al-Qurtubi]

He is the One who is kind to the wrongdoers, pardons transgression, forgives the sinner, turns to the one who repents to Him, accepts the plea of those who ask Him. He has turned to His slaves with praiseworthy actions and good expectations, while He is the most deserving of them [Ar-Raazi]!

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

Al-Birr versus al-‘ithm

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

How Can You Live by This Name?

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

"Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah , the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous."​

1. Take care of your emaan.

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

2. Spend on charity.

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

3. Purify yourself to prayer and zakah.

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

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

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

5. Have sabr.

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

6. Treat your parents and children well.

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

7. Don’t be hasty.

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

8. Ask Al-Barr.

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

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

The Understand Quran Academy Team
May Allah reward them abundantly for all their efforts! Ameen!
Al-Barr | 99 Names of Allah | Sheikh Ali Hammuda |

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[DesertRose]

At-Tawwaab

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The Ever-Acceptor of Repentance​

The Relenting, The One who grants repentance to whoever He willed among His creatures and accepts his repentance.

2:37 Then learnt Adam from his Lord words of inspiration, and his Lord Turned towards him; for He is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful. ​

In this section we will study in depth the Name of Allah AT-TAWWAAB and all things related to TAWBAH. We will gather many verses and ahadeeth relating to the topic.

CONTENT – THE MEANING OF AT-TAWWAAB/TAWBAH – THE ROOT LETTERS – THE CONDITIONS OF TAWBAH – AT-TAWAAB AR-RAHEEM – TAWBAH = PURIFICATION – TAWBAH AND ITS RULING – ALLAH LOVES TAWBAH & IS PLEASED WITH THE TAA’IB – TAWBAH PAVES THE WAY FOR SUCCESS – FORGOTTTEN SUNNAH: SALAAT AT-TAWBAH –THE EASE OF TAWBAH – TAWBAH EXCHANGES THE BAD TO GOOD – OBSTACLES ON THE PATH TO TAWBAH – MISUNDERSTOOD VERSE REGARDING TAWBAH – TAWBAH IS NOT ACCEPTED IN 1 CIRCUMSTANCE – CONCLUSION
THE MEANING OF AT-TAWWAAB/TAWBAH

The name of Allah AT-TAWWAAB is commonly translated as the Oft Returner or the One Who Accepts Repentance. TAWBAH is an act where the slave repents unto Allah. As we shall soon see both words come from the verb TAA-BA which means ‘to RETURN back to’.

أَلَمْ يَعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ يَقْبَلُ التَّوْبَةَ عَنْ عِبَادِهِ وَيَأْخُذُ الصَّدَقَاتِ وَأَنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ التَّوَّابُ الرَّحِيمُ

“Do they not know that it is Allah who accepts repentance from His servants and acknowledges their charities and (know) that it is Allah is AT-TAWWAAB (the Acceptor of repentance), AR-RAHEEM?” [TAWBAH:104]

The reality of Tawbah is to leave the path of those who have uncured Allah’s anger (the Jews; they knew the truth but didn’t follow it) and the path of those who went astray (the Christians; who where ignorant of the truth so didn’t follow it) and to come back to the straight path, the path of those whom Allah has favored.

THE ROOT LETTERS

The name AT-TAWWAAB has been mentioned in the Quran 11 times and it is derived from the verb TAA-BA. In Arabic we have many letters, that when connected to this BA give the meaning of returning back to (something). AA-BA, THA-BA TAA-BA all mean to return back to.

This is quite fascinating because the 1st two letters in the Arabic alphabet are ALIF and BAA. These two letters are the beginning (the origin) of the alphabet. Father in Arabic is ABB, your linage goes back (returns) to your father. So there is this concept of going back to an origin/beginning in this verb TAA-BA.

Now the interesting thing about this word TAA-BA is that it applies both to Allah and to the human. So both Allah and the human take part in TAA-BA (retuning to). From the perspective of the human the ‘returning/turning to’ is clear, its when the slave turns back to Allah (making repentance) and in relation to Allah it is Allah turning to His slave (in forgiveness).

The one who does the act of TAA-BA is called TAA-IB. So when ones repents, he is called TAA-IB but when Allah turns towards His slave He is NOT called TAA-IB, He has given Himself the name AT-TAWWAAB. Now TAWWAAB is exactly the same meaning of TAA-IB but it is in the intense form.

As we explained with the name of Allah AR-RAHMAAN

This in Arabic language RAH’MAAN is on the form of FA’AAL indicating something that is excessive and extremely in that particular action. Example If you say you are thirsty you are AA-TISH but if you say عطشان AT’SHAAN this means you are dieing of thirst, you couldn’t be any more thirsty. If you are angry you say you are غاضب GAA-DIB but if you are full of anger you say your are GAD’BAAN meanings you couldn’t be anymore angrier. ALLAH is AR-RAH’MAAN His mercy is at its peak, the unlimited form, it is extreme, beyond imagination. He is FULL of RAHMA.

So when Allah called Himself TAWWAAB (which is on the form of FA’AAL) this is to indicate His turning towards His slaves is extreme, beyond imagination. Consistently, continually without limit.

The question arises, Why is it more intense? Why is Allah not called AT-TAA-IB? i.e when we turn to Him, He turns to Us. This is to indicate that Allah turns towards His slaves more than the slaves turn to Him. Even though we are more in need of Him, than He is of us. How this is will be made clear when we understand the conditions of TAWBAH.

(DR: I have not posted the entire contents just the sections dealing with the meaning, and the root letters, for the rest please go to the source. God willing.)

The name of Allah: AT-TAWWAAB

In this section we will study in depth the Name of Allah AT-TAWWAAB and all things related to TAWBAH. We will gather many verses and ahadeeth relating to the topic. CONTENT – THE MEANING OF A…

contemplatequran.wordpress.com

The Name of Allah At-Tawwab [Part 1]

The Name of Allah At-Tawwab [Part 2]

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[DesertRose]

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Al-Muntaqim
The Inflictor of Retribution, The Retaliator, The Avenger
The Avenger, The One who victoriously prevails over His enemies and punishes them for their sins. It may mean the One who destroys them.
32:22 And who does more wrong than one to whom are recited the Signs of his Lord, and who then turns away therefrom? Verily from those who transgress We shall exact (due) Retribution. ​

Arabic Root:
From the root nun-qaf-mim (ن ق م), which has the following classical Arabic connotations: to dislike, disapprove, find fault, to punish, exact vengeance, to inflict retribution, avenge.


From The Story of Prophet Nuh (as):
The story of Prophet Nuh (as) is very illustrative of this name. We briefly mentioned how Prophet Nuh (as) preached for 950 years, "And We certainly sent Noah to his people, and he remained among them a thousand years minus fifty years, and the flood seized them while they were wrongdoers" (Qur'an 29:14) The people denied His message, which was one thing, but that rejection turned into harassment, and they slowly grew hostile towards him.

The Qur'an even mentions possible death threats Nuh (as) had to endure, "They said, 'If you do not desist, O Noah, you will surely be of those who are stoned.'" (Qur'an 26:116) and also, "The people of Noah denied before them, and they denied Our servant and said, 'A madman,' and he was repelled." (Qur'an 54:9). Some Qur'an interpreters mention that stoning may not be literal but refer to constant abuse, slander, or vilification from all sides. This is the view of early Qur'an exegetes with regards to the phrase "al-shaytan al-rajim" as literally meaning "the stoned shaitan" but now more commonly as "the accursed satan." This symbolizes a metaphorical stoning rather than a literal one. Regardless, after centuries of calling people to embrace Islam but it falling on deaf ears and patiently enduring the abuse, Nuh (as) cried out to his Lord with this supplication

"My Lord, forgive me and my parents and whoever enters my house a believer and the believing men and believing women. And do not increase the wrongdoers except in destruction." — (Qur'an 71:28

In Surah al-Qamar we also learn of the exact du'a Nuh (as) made before the flood:

فَدَعَا رَبَّهُۥٓ أَنِّي مَغۡلُوبٞ فَٱنتَصِرۡ

Fada’aa Rabbahooo annee maghloobun fantasir
"So he invoked his Lord, 'Indeed, I am overpowered, so help.'" — (Qur'an 54:10

And so what proceeded was retributive justice, "Then We opened the gates of the heaven with rain pouring down" (Qur'an 54:11). The same fate is mentioned of Firawn, "So We took retribution from them, and We drowned them in the sea because they denied Our signs and were heedless of them." (Qur'an 7:136). In every example, you will find that Allah's punishment is not without cause. He is the impartial judge (Al-Hakam. He gives repeated signs of His mercy and allows for the perpetrator to return back to Him (the virtue of also being At-Tawwab). If they decide to remain defiant, defensive, and thankless, then inevitably, they will pay the price.

From the story of Nuh (as), we also learn that his son was among those who drowned. He refused to accept Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ and even on the day when the storm came, he told his father he rather goes to the top of the hill than with him on the boat. "[But] he said, 'I will take refuge on a mountain to protect me from the water.' [Noah] said, 'There is no protector today from the decree of Allah, except for whom He gives mercy.' And the waves came between them, and he was among the drowned." (Qur'an 11:34)

This is a hard but an important lesson. Despite the Prophets (may peace be upon them) being favored by Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ to spread His message, there is no favoritism. Every person will be held accountable for their actions. It does not matter what lineage or bloodline a person comes from. These things may matter in the realm of human politicking, but in receiving Allah's mercy or punishment, it holds no precedence. Every person will be held responsible for what they earn.

"And whether [or not] We take you away [in death], indeed, We will take retribution upon them." — (Qur'an 43:41

"Before, as guidance for the people. And He revealed the Qur’an. Indeed, those who disbelieve in the verses of Allah will have a severe punishment, and Allah is exalted in Might, the Owner of Retribution." — (Qur'an 3:4)

Reflection:
This name is important to understand for several reasons. The first is to instill fear. This can remind those in power that they are still accountable to Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ. He punishes those who cause disharmony, oppress, and tyrannizes His creation.

It teaches us at the individual level that we will be held accountable for whatever good or bad we do. It provides assurance and peace to victims of abuse that their perpetrator will face the most just of judges. He has complete knowledge and knows the appropriate action to handle each situation.

source: https://myislam.org/99-names-of-allah/al-muntaqim

Knowing Allah | Al-Muntaqim - The Avenger |

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[DesertRose]

Al-Afuww
The Supreme Pardoner
The Forgiver, The One with wide forgiveness
Holy Quran 4:99 For these, there is hope that Allah will forgive: For Allah doth blot out (sins) and forgive again and again.

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

The One who eliminates sins, The Pardoner

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


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


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


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

Difference between pardoning and forgiving

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

Grave sins and pardon in the Quran

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


How can you live by this Name?
1.Pardon others.

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


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

2. Don’t remind others of their mistakes.

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

3. Increase your love.

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

4. Say this dua from your heart.

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

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

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

Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem.

source: https://understandquran.com/answer-al-afuww

Knowing Allah | Al-‘Afuww - The Pardoner |

 

[DesertRose]

Ar-Ra’oof
The Benign One
The Compassionate, The One with Extreme Mercy. The Mercy of Allah is His will to endow upon whoever He willed among His creatures.

3:30 "On the Day when every soul will be confronted with all the good it has done, and all the evil it has done, it will wish there were a great distance between it and its evil. But Allah cautions you (To remember) Himself. And Allah is full of kindness to those that serve Him."

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

The One Who is Most Kind, the Tenderly Merciful

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

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

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

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

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

The infinite kindness of Allah

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

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

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

How can you live by this name?

1. Reflect on the ra’fa of Allah.

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

2. Learn from the mercy of the prophet.

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

3. Increase your heart in mercy.

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

4. Be proactive.

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

5. Open your heart to the Quran.

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

6. Ask Ar-Ra’oof.

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

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

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

Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem.

THE ANSWER IS . . . AR-RAOOF! - Understand Al-Qur'an Academy

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

understandquran.com

Knowing Allah | Ar-Ra’oof - The Compassionate

 

[Zakat]

Al Basīr is The Seer.

The One Who Sees everything from every angle one can imagine, anywhere s/he may find him/herself.

One can deem a camera to be 'Abdal Basīr, servant to He Who Sees, and who shows it to us through what only He Could Truly Have Invented and Bestowed upon any human inventor.

 

[Zakat]

He Has Powers within Powers Who Blesses our houses and walls with firmness, protective layers, and 'Abdal Bāţin of opaqueness, so that we may feel safe within, for example.

 

[Zakat]

Al Matīn is He Who Is The Surest of all beings, The Creator of texture, The One Who Blesses with firmness.

 

[Zakat]

He is Ar Razzāq, The Nourisher.

'Abdur Razzāq is the servant to The One Who Owns the knowledge about cultivation of edible vegetation.

He is therefore the labourer who toils the earth to plant the seeds.

'Abdur Razzāq is also the one who eats, benefiting from The Provider of the physical nourishment and of the instinctive know-how of and strength and limbs required for the action of eating.

S/he is also the one who cooks, benefiting from The All Knowing who Preserves the memory in the mind concerning how to prepare cooked nutrition.

 

[DesertRose]

Brother @Zakat . I just saw these contributions.
السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ
May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be with you
Perhaps I had too many notifications when you made those posts.
May Allah reward you, abundantly for your contributions to this thread!

The Eternal Possessor of Sovereignty
3:26 Say: "O Allah. Lord of Power (And Rule), Thou givest power to whom Thou pleasest, and Thou strippest off power from whom Thou pleasest: Thou enduest with honour whom Thou pleasest, and Thou bringest low whom Thou pleasest: In Thy hand is all good. Verily, over all things Thou hast power.​

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

The King, the Ruler, the Owner of Dominion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Knowing Allah | Maalik-Ul-Mulk - Master of the Kingdom

 

[DesertRose]

The Possessor of Glory and Honour, The Lord of Majesty and Generosity

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ السَّلَامُ، وَمِنْكَ السَّلَامُ، تَبَارَكْتَ يَا ذَا الْجَلَالِ وَالْإِكْرَامِ

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

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

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

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

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

*To read about how to live by the Beautiful Name Al-Kareem, click here.

Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem.



The Understand Quran Academy Team

Is saying "Ya Dhal Jalali wal Ikram' established before making du'a?

 

[DesertRose]

Al-Muqsit

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The Just One

The Equitable, The One who is Just in His judgment.​

3:18 There is no god but He: That is the witness of Allah, His angels, and those endued with knowledge, standing firm on justice. There is no god but He, the Exalted in Power, the Wise.

Knowing Allah | Al Muqsit - The Equitable One that would be great

 

[DesertRose]

Al-Jaami’

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The Assembler of Scattered Creations

The Gatherer, The One who gathers the creatures on a day that there is no doubt about, that is the Day of Judgment.

3:9 "Our Lord! Thou art He that will gather mankind Together against a day about which there is no doubt; for Allah never fails in His promise."

​

Allah calls Himself Jaami’—Gatherer, Collector, One
Who Unites— on two occasions in the Quran. He is the One who gathers, reconciles, assembles, and unites. Al-Jaami’ is the One who brought the whole universe together, who reconciles hearts, who connects opposites and that which is similar, and who will gather all to stand before Him!
The One Who Gathers and Collects, the Uniter
Jaami’ comes from the root jeem-meem-‘ayn, which points to three main meanings. The first meaning is to gather or to bring together, accumulate, or congregate. The second main meaning is to connect, combine, or unite. The third main meaning is to reconcile or resolve and the fourth is to arrange, assemble, or compose.
This root appears 129 times in the Quran in 11 derived forms. Examples of these forms are yajma’oona (they accumulate), ajma’eena or jamee’an (all together), al-jam’aani (the two forces, the two hosts) and jama’oo (gathered).
Linguistically, the concept of jam refers to both physical gathering and union, such as yawm ul-jumu’ah ( the day people gather) and ‘ijmaa (scholarly consensus) as spiritual reconciliation, such as bringing the hearts people together after enmity.
Al-Jaami’ is the One who makes substances in the bodies work together, who gathers all different creatures living side by side in the world and so will disassemble us and compose us again when He gathers us on the Day of Judgment!
Al-Jaami’ Himself says: Our Lord, surely You will gather the people for a Day about which there is no doubt. Indeed, Allah does not fail in His promise [Quran, 3:9] . . . Indeed, you would then be like them. Indeed Allah will gather the hypocrites and disbelievers in Hell all together. [Quran, 4:140]
The Day of Gathering
Friday, or the day of Al-Jumu’ah, is a blessing Allah ‘azza wa jall granted the believers. The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: Allah sent astray those who had come before us from Al-Jumu’ah (The Day of Gathering/Friday). So the Jews were guided to yawmus-Sabt (Saturday), and the Christians were guided to yawmul-Ahad (Sunday). So Allah presented to us, therefore guided us to Al-Jumu’ah. Furthermore, they will follow us on yawmul-Qiyaamah (The Day of Standing and Reckoning). We are last from amongst Ahlud-Dunyaa -the people of this life- and first on yawmul-Qiyaamah [Muslim]
The Day of Resurrection is also known as the Day of Gathering, because on that Day Allah will gather His slaves for their final Judgments; this is the great gathering. Allah ‘azza wa jall tells us about Yawm ul-Jam’i (the Day of Assembly): The Day He will assemble you for the Day of Assembly – that is the Day of Deprivation. And whoever believes in Allah and does righteousness – He will remove from him his misdeeds and admit him to gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide forever. That is the great attainment. [Quran, 64:9]
How Can You Live by This Name?
1. Remember the Day of Gathering.
Allah– there is no deity except Him. He will surely assemble you for [account on] the Day of Resurrection, about which there is no doubt. And who is more truthful than Allah in statement. [Quran, 4:87] Reflect on the greatness of Allah ‘azza wa jall who is able to bring all of mankind, from the old ages to the last of times, together in one place. Every day think about your standing in front of Him, Al-Jaami’.
2.Strive for the shade of Al-Jaami’.
Couple your knowledge and remembrance of the Day of Judgment with action.The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: There are seven whom Allah will shade in His Shade on the Day when there is no shade except His Shade: a just ruler; a youth who grew up in the worship of Allah, the Mighty and Majestic; a man whose heart is attached to the mosques; two men who love each other for Allah’s sake, meeting for that and parting upon that; a man who is called by a woman of beauty and position [for illegal intercourse], but he says: ‘I fear Allah’, a man who gives in charity and hides it, such that his left hand does not know what his right hand gives in charity; and a man who remembered Allah in private and so his eyes shed tears [Al-Bukhaaree, Muslim]
Study each type carefully and strive to practice (elements of ) each in your daily life: connect with and look after your local mosque, come together with people for the sake of Allah, give secret sadaqah and cry out of love and fear for Him when you are alone.
3. Observe the etiquettes of Friday.
Which role does yawm ul-Jumuah play in your life? Study the virtues of Friday and practice the sunan so you can be immensely rewarded. For example, read Surah Al-Kahf, perform ghusl, pray the Jumu’ah prayer, and listen to the sermon (khutbah) and go early for it. Also supplicate to Allah ‘azza wa jall as much as possible, especially the last hour after ‘Asr and send peace and blessings on the Prophet abundantly.*
4. Bring people together.
Apart from bringing together your knowledge with action and your personal acts of worship like salah, Al-Jaami’ rewards you for your acts of helping creation and bringing people together.
For example, pray in congregation, but also try to reconcile two parties in conflict and bring people together by sharing your dinner. Remember, unity doesn’t mean there are not differences in opinions, strategies, and backgrounds; it means you should be united through a bigger picture, seeing the Quran and the Sunnah as the rope you are holding on to together. As Al-Jaami’ says: And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and lose courage and your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient [Quran, 8:46]
O Allah, Al-Jaami’, we know that You bring together and gather all things. Make us reflect on the ways You brought to us and the rest of creation together and aid us to observe the sunan of yawm ul-Jumuah. Make us of those who join and stay with the jama’a (congregation), bring others together for good, and open our hearts to remember the Day of Gathering often and strive for Your shade, ameen!

*The rewards of the sunan of Friday are mentioned in different narrations. The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: The best of days is Friday; so increase in conveying peace and blessings on me that day, for your blessings will be submitted to me [Abu Dawood, An-Nasaa’i, Ibn Majah]
Seek the hour in which there is hope that prayers will be answered, on Friday after Asr prayer, until the sun goes down [At-Tirmidhee]
Whoever recites Surah al-Kahf on Jumu’ah will have illumination from the light from one Jumu’ah to the next [Al-Haakim]
Whoever makes his wife do ghusl and does ghusl himself on Friday and goes out early, walking not riding, and comes close to the imaam and listens [to the sermon] without interrupting, will have for each step he takes a reward equal to that of fasting and praying at night for one year[Ahmad, at-Tirmidhee]
In another narration the use of perfume is mentioned in addition to above sunan and the reward is mentioned as:his sins in-between the present and the last Friday would be forgiven [Al-Bukaaree]
Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem.
The Understand Quran Academy Team

 

[DesertRose]

Al-Ghaniyy

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The Self-Sufficient One
The One who does not need the creation.
2:263 Kind words and the covering of faults are better than charity followed by injury. Allah is free of all wants, and He is Most- Forbearing.

​

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem.

The Understand Quran Academy Team

AND THE ANSWER IS . . . AL-GHANIYY! - Understand Al-Qur'an Academy

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

understandquran.com

 

[DesertRose]

AL-MUGHNI MEANING - 99 NAMES OF ALLAH:
﷽
89.

Al-Mughni
(The Enricher)
Al-Mughni Meaning:
The Emancipator, The Fulfiller of Needs, The Bestower of Wealth.
Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ is Al-Mughni (in Arabic: ٱلْمُغْنِيُّ), He is The One who gives abundantly and provides all that is needed. He enriches all of creation so that they may be satisfied and content.
Mentions of Al-Mughni:
From Quran & Hadith
Arabic Root:​

From the root ghayn-nun-ya (غ ن ي), which has the following classical Arabic connotations: to be free from wants or needs, to be self-sufficient, independent, to be able to do without help from others, to be content, satisfied to be rich, wealthy, flourishing.
Two names are often mentioned in pairs, Al-Ghani (The Rich/The Self Sufficient) and Al-Mughni (The Enricher). You should read the write-up for the name Al-Ghani to more deeply understand the name Al-Mughni. As a note, Al-Ghani is a name mentioned in the Qur'an 18 times, whereas scholars do not unanimously recognize Al-Mughni as it's not mentioned in the Qur'an.
To provide a quick summary, the name Al-Ghani implies that Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ is free from wants, independent, and self-sufficient. It's because of this nature of being fully satisfied and abundant that makes Him Al-Mughni, The Enricher. He is not only rich in a monetary sense but in all regards. He is the one needed and whose riches all others depend on. Now, Al-Mughni is the ultimate fulfiller of needs.
How to ask from Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ:
There are two aspects of this, ask from Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ when you are needy. But to also not deny or belittle the blessings He's already given (see Al-Ghani for further clarification). There is a belief among scholars that there is a methodology or certain things a person can do to increase the chance of their du'a being fulfilled. Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ says in Surah Baqarah, "[...] I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided." (Qur'an 2:186) Allah is near to those who call upon Him, but He asks in return that we be obedient to what He has asked of us. This is part of the concept of tawassul. By increasing your nearness to Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ with actions beloved to Him, you increase the likelihood of obtaining His favor. After Prophet Zakariya (as) made du'a, we're told in the Qur'an, "So We responded to him, and We gave to him John, and amended for him his wife. Indeed, they used to hasten to good deeds and supplicate Us in hope and fear, and they were to Us humbly submissive." (Qur'an 21:90)

Another shift we can make is going from an egocentric view to making a du'a in complete submission to Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ. The idea is sometimes we make our du'a, and we only focus on the self. I need this, and I need that. Please make this happen. There is nothing wrong with this view, Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ is Al-Mughni, and there is nothing He can't do. But note in the du'a of Prophet Zakariya (as), "My Lord, grant me from Yourself a good offspring. Indeed, You are the Hearer of supplication." (Qur'an 3:38) and also, "My Lord, do not leave me alone [with no heir], while you are the best of inheritors." (Qur'an 21:89) The importance is placed on seeking it from the one who can provide you it. Both du'as begin with exalting Him, Rabbanna "My Lord," all things come from yourself, so grant me this, you're the hearer of supplication, you're the best of inheritors, so provide for me.
أَمَّن يُجِيبُ ٱلْمُضْطَرَّ إِذَا دَعَاهُ وَيَكْشِفُ ٱلسُّوٓءَ وَيَجْعَلُكُمْ خُلَفَآءَ ٱلْأَرْضِ ۗ أَءِلَـٰهٌۭ مَّعَ ٱللَّهِ ۚ قَلِيلًۭا مَّا تَذَكَّرُونَ
أَمَّن يَهْدِيكُمْ فِى ظُلُمَـٰتِ ٱلْبَرِّ وَٱلْبَحْرِ وَمَن يُرْسِلُ ٱلرِّيَـٰحَ بُشْرًۢا بَيْنَ يَدَىْ رَحْمَتِهِۦٓ ۗ أَءِلَـٰهٌۭ مَّعَ ٱللَّهِ ۚ تَعَـٰلَى ٱللَّهُ عَمَّا يُشْرِكُونَ
Ammany-yujeebul mud tarra izaa da’aahu wa yakshifus sooo’a wa yaj’alukum khula faaa’al ardi ‘a-ilaahun ma’allah qaleelan maa tazak karoon Ammany-yahdeekum fee zulumaatil barri wal bahri wa many yursilu riyaaha bushran baina yadai rahmatih; ‘a-ilaahun ma’allah; Ta’aalal laahu ‘ammaa yushrikoon
English Translation:
"Is He [not best] who responds to the desperate one when he calls upon Him and removes evil and makes you inheritors of the earth? Is there a deity with Allah? Little do you remember. Is He [not best] who guides you through the darknesses of the land and sea and who sends the winds as good tidings before His mercy? Is there a deity with Allah? High is Allah above whatever they associate with Him." — (Qur'an 27:62-63)
Being vulnerable in your du'a:
We can also use our state or circumstance and say, "Oh Allah, I am faqeer (فقیر‎)," meaning from poverty or in a dire state. From this ayah, we learn that Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ loves to respond to the desperate cry of His believer. The subtle spiritual shift is from revolving around your needs to sincere submission and reliance upon Allah. Directing your heart in neediness to receive from Him and His beautiful attributes. Of course, following these criteria is not always necessary. Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ is most merciful and gives to whom He wills. But we should be aware of the actions beloved to Him and seek His approval through such manners.
وَأَنَّهُۥ هُوَ أَغْنَىٰ وَأَقْنَىٰ
Wa annahoo huwa aghnaa wa aqnaa
English Translation:
"And that it is He who enriches and suffices." — (Qur'an 53:48)
From the story of Musa (as):
Another example of proper du'a etiquette is shown in the story of Musa (as). After escaping Egypt to avoid persecution, he traveled through the desert until he came across a group of male shepherds watering their flocks at a well. Keeping their distance, he noticed two women waiting in the back with their sheep. Why? For whatever reason, they felt safer waiting than mixing with the men who were gathered at the well. They explained to Musa (as) that their father was an older man and unable to feed their flock, so they had to take on this duty. Now, keep in mind that Musa (as) himself was disheveled and exhausted from his travels. He likely did not have much to eat or drink. Still, he empathized with the girls, "So he watered (their flocks) for them; then he turned back to the shade…." As he turned back to the shade, he recited the following du'a.
فَسَقَىٰ لَهُمَا ثُمَّ تَوَلَّىٰٓ إِلَى ٱلظِّلِّ فَقَالَ رَبِّ إِنِّي لِمَآ أَنزَلۡتَ إِلَيَّ مِنۡ خَيۡرٖ فَقِيرٞ
Fasaqaa lahumaa summa tawallaaa ilaz zilli faqaala Rabbi innee limaaa anzalta ilaiya min khairin faqeer
English Translation:
"So he watered [their flocks] for them; then he went back to the shade and said, 'My Lord, indeed I am, for whatever good You would send down to me, in need.'" — (Qur'an 28:24)
He was in a dire state and made this plea before Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ to send down more good. He knew he was impoverished and saw that the opportunity which presented itself was a gift from Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ and he was in need of more. It's a beautiful du'a that asks from Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ but also keeps in mind the role we play as well.
Reflection:
The ways in which the believer can try to connect with this name is to spend their time busying themselves in the service to others. You can enrich your soul by trying to enrich the lives of others. Shaykh Tosun Bayrak wrote, "become an instrument of satisfying the needs of the needy" in both the realms of the material and spiritual. We can see this quality through the stories told about Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

Jabir b. Abdullah reported: It never happened that Allah's Messenger ﷺ was asked for anything, and he said: No. [1] The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ character was perfect. Whenever someone came to him asking for help, he could not find in his heart to turn them away. He would spend his time being of service, which is part of what made him so loved among the companions. He was there for them, and they knew it.

Anas b. Malik (ra) reported: I served the Messenger of Allah ﷺ for ten years, and, by Allah, he never said to me any harsh word, and he never said to me about a thing as to why I had done that and as to why I had not done that. [2] The Prophet ﷺ never tried to spread negativity, hatred, or curse those around him. He never questioned why Anas ibn Malik (ra) did something or did not do something. This does not mean he was passive, either. All we can infer from this is the supreme leadership skills he possessed.

What reputation follows us? How would someone speak of working with you after spending ten years together? Did you try to uplift others? Were you supportive? Or would they say you complained frequently and brought everyone down?
We can never be truly devoid of needs; we are human beings with desires and needs. But as mentioned in Al-Ghani, we can work on being deliberate in our worldly desires. If it benefits you, then ask of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ who is Al-Ghani and Al-Mughni. But if you only want something out of greed, pride, or to rise in social rankings, we should think twice about its importance. It's possible to have 1 million dollars and still believe you don't have enough. You may have friends who have boats and multi-million dollar mansions, making you feel less than. This is why it's been famously said it is not greed that drives the world but envy. Today, we have fridges, cars, video games, computers, phones, and on-demand food delivery service. The average person is living better than kings a thousand years ago. But do you feel like a king? In Al-Ghani, we mentioned how Umar (ra) cried when he saw how the Prophet ﷺ was living. This house had one bed, a few cloth and pots, black curtains, water skins that hung above his bed, and an uncomfortable mat that left marks on his body. When Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was asked about this, "Won't you be satisfied that they enjoy this world and we the Hereafter?" So it is possible we have been enriched by Al-Mughni and not even realized it.

Ali (ra) narrated: that a Mukatib came to him and said: "Indeed I am not capable of my Kitabah so aid me." He said: "Should I not teach you words that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) taught me? If you had a debt upon you similar to the mountain of Sir, Allah would fulfill it for you." He said: [3]
اللَّهُمَّ اكْفِنِي بِحَلاَلِكَ عَنْ حَرَامِكَ وَأَغْنِنِي بِفَضْلِكَ عَمَّنْ سِوَاكَ
Allahummakfini bihalalika `an haramika, wa aghnini bi fadlika `amman siwaka
English Translation:
"O Allah, suffice me with Your lawful against Your prohibited, and make me independent of all those besides You"
References:
[1] Sahih Muslim 2311a
[2] Sahih al-Bukhari 6038 and Sahih Muslim 2309d
[3] Hasan (Darussalam) Jami` at-Tirmidhi 3563

Al-Mughni: The Enricher (89 / 99 Names of Allah)

Allah is Al-Mughni, He is The One who gives abundantly and provides all that is needed. He enriches all of creation so that they may be satisfied.

myislam.org