INTHENAMEOF

ALLAHTHEALL-COMPASSIONATE,ALL-MERCIFUL

● Title:WhoisAllah?HisNamesandAttributesandtheirSignificancetotheIndividual

● Author:UmmAbdurrahmanSakinaHirschfelder

● EnglishPrintEdition1(2010)

● EnglishE-bookEdition1(2013)

● E-bookConversion:IIPHEgyptBranch

● CoverDesign:SarwatAbbas

UmmAbdurrahmanSakinaHirschfelder

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Hirschfelder,UmmAbdurrahmanSakinaWhoisAllah?HisNamesandAttributesandtheirSignificancetotheIndividual./UmmAbdurrahmanSakinaHirschfelder—Riyadh,2013

No.ofwords:####

1- Allah,Holynamesof 2- Allah

I-Title

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PronunciationandTransliterationChart

Arabicscript Pronunciation Transliterated

form

� short‘a’,asincat a

� — � longer‘a’,asincab(notasincake) â

� /b/asinbell,rubberandtab b

� /t/asintap,mustardandsit t

� takesthesoundoftheprecedingdiacriticalmarksometimesendinginh(wheninpausalform):ah,ihorooh;oratu(n),ati(n)orata(n)when

uninterrupted

hort(whenfollowedbyanotherArabic

word)

� /th/asinthing,mathsandwealth th

� /j/asinjam,ajarandage j

� a‘harsher’soundthantheEnglishinitial/h/,andmayoccurmediallyandinword-finalpositionaswell

ḥ

� asinBach(inGerman);mayoccurinitiallyandmediallyaswell kh

� /d/asindo,muddyandred d

� asinthis,fatherandsmooth dh

� /r/asinraw,aridandwar;mayalsobearolled‘r’,aspronouncedinSpanish

r

� /z/asinzoo,easyandgaze z

� /s/asinso,messyandgrass s

� asinship,ashesandrush sh

� nocloseequivalentinEnglish,butmaybeapproximatedbypronouncingitas/sw/or/s/fartherbackinthemouth

ṣ

� nocloseequivalentinEnglish,butmaybeapproximatedbypronouncingitas/d/fartherbackinthemouth

ḍ

� nocloseequivalentinEnglish,butmaybeapproximatedbypronouncingitas/t/fartherbackinthemouth

ṭ

� nocloseequivalentinEnglish,butmaybeapproximatedbypronouncing‘the’fartherbackinthemouth

dh

� nocloseequivalentinEnglish:agutturalsoundinthebackofthethroat ‘

� nocloseequivalentinEnglish,butmaybecloselyapproximatedbypronouncingitliketheFrench/r/in‘rouge’

gh

� /f/asinfill,effortandmuff f

� nocloseequivalentinEnglish,butmaybeapproximatedbypronouncingitas/k/fartherbackinthemouth

q

� /k/asinking,buckleandtack k

� /l/asinlap,halo;inthewordAllah,itbecomesvelarizedasinball l

� /m/asinmen,simpleandram m

� /n/asinnet,antandcan n

- � - � /h/asinhat;unlike/h/inEnglish,inArabic/h/ispronouncedinmedialandword-finalpositionsaswell

h

� asinwetandaway w

� long‘u’,asinbootandtoo oo

� asinyardandmayo y

� long‘e’,asineat,beefandsee ee

� glottalstop:maybecloselyapproximatedbypronouncingitlike‘t’intheCockneyEnglishpronunciationofbutter:bu’er,orthestopsoundinuh-

oh!

(omittedininitialposition)

Diphthongs

Arabicscript Pronunciation Transliteratedform

� �◌ � �� long‘o’,asinowe,boatandgo au,aw

� �◌ � �� long‘a’,asinaid,rainandsay ay,ai,ei

Diacriticalmarks(tashkeel)

Nameofmark Pronunciation Transliterated

form

�◌fatḥah

veryshort‘a’orschwa(unstressedvowel) a

�◌kasrah

shorterversionofeeorschwa(unstressedvowel) i

�◌ḍammah

shorterversionofoo u

�◌shaddah

adoubledconsonantisstressedintheword,andthelengthofthesoundisalsodoubled

doubleletter

�◌sukoon

novowelsoundbetweenconsonantsorattheendofaword absenceofvowel

Honorificphrases

(theExalted) UsedafterthementionofGod/Allahtoexpress:GlorifiedandExaltedisHe

(bpuh) Blessingsandpeacebeuponhim;usedaftermentionoftheProphetMuhammad

(pbuh) Peacebeuponhim;usedaftermentionofanyprophetoraftermentionofAngelGabriel

(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim) usedaftermentionofamaleCompanionoftheProphet

(MayAllahbepleasedwithher) usedaftermentionofafemaleCompanionoftheProphet

(MayAllahbepleasedwithbothofthem)

usedaftermentionoftwoCompanionsoftheProphet

(MayAllahbepleasedwithallofthem)

usedaftermentionofthreeormoreCompanionsoftheProphet

Hadithgradeterms

Sound: ṣaḥeeḥ

Reliable: ḥasan

Weak: ḍa‘eef

Odd: ghareeb

Authentic: includessound,reliable,oranygradeinbetween

Acceptable: sakat‘anhu;thegraderofthehadithdidnotcommentonit,meaningthathefoundnothingunacceptableinit

AbouttheWordLord

ThewordlordinEnglishhasseveralrelatedmeanings.Theoriginalmeaningis‘master’or‘ruler’,andinthissenseitisoftenusedtorefertohumanbeings:‘thelordofthemansion’or‘LordSo-and-So’(intheUnitedKingdom,forexample).ThewordLordwithacapitalLisusedinthelexiconofIslamtorefertotheOneandOnlyGod—Allah.InIslam,thereisnoambiguityaboutthemeaningofthisword.Whileitistruethatonemayoccasionallyusethewordlord(whethercapitalizedornot)torefertoahumanbeing,inIslamic discourse the reference of this term is always clear from the context.Whereas forChristians,Hindus and other polytheists, thewordLordwith a capital Lmay refer toAllah, to Jesus or to someimagineddeity,forMuslims,therecanbenopluralityofmeaning.AllahaloneistheLord,andtheLordisAllah—notJesus,notRama,notanyotherbeing.

TheEditor

When‘Jihad’ReferstoFighting

Althoughjihadisoften translated intoEnglishas‘holywar’, itmustbenoted thatwarhasneverbeendescribed as ‘holy’ in any of Islam’s primary texts or even early Islamic literature. Linguisticallyspeaking, jihad is an Islamic term that applies to a broad spectrum of activities, ranging from dailystriving to meet the day’s challenges, to the striving against one’s desires and self, to the struggle toprovide for one’s family. Its basic definition is ‘the act of striving or struggling in theway ofAllah’.Therefore,jihadisnotlimitedtowar;itincludesstrugglingwithone’ssoul,speech,bodyandwealthsothatthemessageofAllahreachesallhumanswillingtoreceiveit.

Islamicscholarshavereferredtodifferenttypesofjihad,suchasjihadagainsttheself(tounderstandIslam,actuponit,callotherstoitandbepatientwiththedifficultiesofmakingthiscall),jihadagainsttheDevil (repellingSatanicwhispers,doubtsand lusts), jihadagainst the tongue(controlling it,using it toenjoin what is good, forbid what is wrong, spread the correct teachings of Islam and answer falseideologies), jihad against aggression with the purpose of protecting Islam and the lives, honour andpropertyofMuslims)andothertypesofjihadlikejihadagainstthehypocrites,jihadagainstoppressorsandjihadagainstmischiefmakers.

Jihad—inthecontextoffighting—hasspecificrulesandconditionsthatneedtobemetbeforejihadisinitiated.Thefirstruleisthatpeoplearenottobefoughtbecauseofwhattheybelieve,ortocoercethemtoacceptIslam.Thesecondruleisto‘fightonlythosewhofightyou’andneverinitiateunprovokedaggression(Qur’an2:190).ThatmeansthatMuslimsareonlyallowedtofightback,ratherthaninitiatingfighting;but‘fightingback’includesfightingagainstactualaggressionaswellasproactivelyaddressingrealthreatsofaggression.Inbothcases,Muslimsareinstructedtobepreparedandreadytodefendtheirnation before they actually engage inmilitary conflict. There are additional conditions, but the above-mentionedconditionsarevitalforputtingjihadinitsbroadermeaninginthepropercontext.

AnotherconditionofthesortofjihadwhichinvolvesfightingisthatitshouldtakeplaceonlyunderanIslamic authority that ‘raises the banner’ for such jihad. It is not following the Sunnah at all for anyindividualorself-appointedgroupofMuslimstowagewaronbehalfofanation.Instead,Muslimsshouldbe united under the single authority of an imam or khaleefah (caliph), except in the case where anindividualneedstodefendhisownfamilyandproperty,ortohelphisneighbourtodoso.ThisisprovedbytheexampleoftheearlyMuslimsaswellastextsintheQur’anandtheSunnah:

{When there comes to them [the hypocrites] amatter related to [public] safety or fear, they spread itabout;ifonlytheyhadreferredittotheMessengerandtosuchofthemasareinauthority,thoseamongthemwhoareabletothinkthroughthematterwouldhaveunderstoodit.}

(Qur’an4:83)

«ḤudhayfahibnYamanaskedtheProphet(bpuh):Whatif(theMuslims)havenosingleleader(theyaredivided intodisputinggroups)?TheProphet (bpuh) answered: If theyhaveno single leaderorunifiedgroup,thenleaveallthesedisputinggroups,evenifyouhavetobiteonatreeuntilyourdeath.»[partofalongerhadithrecordedbyBukhari]

Thereareotherconditionsforjihad.Ingeneral,theruleslaidoutforwarinIslamshouldbeupheldunlessthereissomelegitimateneedorstrategywhenfightingoccursthatwouldnecessitategoingagainstthoserules.AMuslimshouldnotkillhimselforherself(Qur’an4:29)norkillanotherMuslim,exceptbyaccident(Qur’an4:92).Women,children, theelderlyandothernon-combatantsshouldnotbeharmed.Landshouldnotbedestroyed,nortreescutdown.Corpsesshouldnotbemutilated.Islamshouldnotbeimposeduponnon-believers.Rather, ifcombatantnon-Muslimschooseon theirown toembrace Islam,evenifonlyasadeceitfultrick,itshouldbeacceptedbytheMuslimleadership,andfightingshouldstop.Peaceshouldbesoughtbeforelivesarelost.Treatiesandagreementsshouldbeupheld.Prisonersshouldbewell-treated.Aboveall,justicemustbedone.

{Fight in the path [according to the rules set byAllah] ofAllah only thosewho fight you, but do notcommitaggression[transgresslimits].Allahdoesnotloveaggressors....Andfightthemuntilpersecutionisnomore,andreligionis[freelyembraced]for[theindividual’sfaithin]Allah.Butiftheydesist,thenlettherebenoaggressionexceptagainsttransgressors.}

(Qur’an2:190,193)

{Allahdoesnotforbidyoufrombeinggood,kind,just,andfairtothosewhohavenotfoughtyoubecauseofreligionnordrivenyoufromyourhomeland.Allahlovesthosewhoarejust.Allahforbidsyoufromgiving allegiance to those who have fought you because of religion and have driven you from yourhomeland,andthosewhosupportedyourexpulsion...}

(Qur’an60:8-9)

In addition, the Muslim nation is encouraged to maintain strong military capabilities to promotejusticeandtodeteractsofwarandaggression.

{Andmakereadyforthem[theirpotentialaggression]allyoucanofpower,includingsteedsofwar,todetertheenemyofAllahandyourenemy,andothersbesides,whomyoumaynotknowbutwhomAllahknows.}

(Qur’an8:60)

TheEditor

TheIslamicViewpointonSlavery

SlaveryexistedbeforethecomingofProphetMuhammad(bpuh).Islamdidnotabolishslavery,thoughitputlimitsonitandmadefreeingslavesahighlyvirtuousact.

In Islam, there isonlyonewayapersonmaybecomeenslavedand that is bybeinganon-Muslimamongpeoplewhohavebeencapturedafter raisingarmsandfightingagainst theMuslimnation.Whensuchpeoplehavebeenconquered, theMuslimrulerhas theoptionofenslaving themor releasing them(withorwithoutransom),andhemakesthisdecisionbaseduponthebestinterestsandsafetyofthestate.The Prophet (bpuh) strongly condemned any othermeans of enslaving a person. Thus, no personmaybecomeenslavedduetopoverty,debt,kidnapping,committingacrime,voluntarilysubmittingtoslavery,oranyothermeans.

Islamencouragesthefreeingofslavesandhasmadethefreeingofaslaveaformofexpiationforsinssuch as accidental manslaughter, the breaking of a vow, or voiding a fast by engaging in sexualintercourse.Thefreeingofslavesisalsooneofthecategoriesuponwhichthezakâhfundsshouldbespent(Qur’an9:60).TheQur’ancallsthefreeingofaslaveanactofrighteousnessthatmaybeperformedatanytime:

{RighteousarethosewhobelieveinAllah,theLastDay,theangels,thescripture,andtheprophets;andtheygivemoney,cheerfully,totherelatives,theorphans,theneedy,thewayfarer,thebeggars,andtofreetheslaves.}

(Qur’an2:177)

Inregardstothetreatmentofslaves,theProphetMuhammad(bpuh)said:

«TheyareyourbrotherswhomAllahhasputunderyourauthority,soifAllahhasputaperson’sbrotherunderhisauthority,lethimfeedhimfromwhatheeatsandclothehimfromwhathewears,andlethimnotoverburdenhimwithwork,andifhedoesoverburdenhimwithwork,thenlethimhelphim.»(Bukhari)

«Whoever accuses his slave when he is innocent of what he says will be flogged on the Day ofResurrection.»(Bukhari)

«Whoeverslapshisslaveorbeatshim,hisexpiationistomanumithim.»(Muslim)

«Ifamanhadaslavewomanwhomhefed—andfedherwell,andtaughther—andtaughtherwell,thenhesetherfreeandmarriedher—hewillhaveadoublereward.»(BukhariandMuslim)

Themaleownerofafemaleslavehastherighttohavesexualintercoursewithheraslongashe,ortheslave’spreviousowner,hasnotmarriedhertoanotherperson.Thisisarightexclusivetotheslave’sowner.Noone,includingtheowner’ssons,maytouchthewomanunlesstheownermarrieshertohim.Ifthe slave woman bears her owner a child, then her owner may never sell her and she automaticallybecomesafreewomanuponhisdeath,ifhehasnotreleasedherbeforethat.

Ascanbeseenfromthisevidence,slaveryinIslamisfardifferentfromtheinstitutionofslaveryasknowninmanynon-Muslimcountries.

TheEditor

Publisher’sNote

All praise and thanks belong toAllah alone, theOne, theAlmighty, andAll-Merciful. Blessings andpeace be uponProphetMuhammad, the last ofHismessengers and prophets, and upon his family, hisCompanionsandallthosewhofollowinhisfootstepsuntiltheendoftime.

UmmAbdurrahmanSakinaHirschfelderhasproducedavolumepackedwith inspiringdescriptionsfromtheQur’an,theauthenticHadith,andthewritingsofscholarspastandpresent,allaboutAllah,HisNames and His Attributes. In addition, Who is Allah? contains a valuable collection of authenticsupplications narrated from the Prophet of Islam,Muhammad (bpuh). This book is a real treasure, itscontentsindispensabletoourdailyspiritualnourishment.Weoughttopickitupoften:whenweneedtounderstand and take toheart a particular qualityofAllah (theExalted),whenwewant to learn anewphraseofremembrance,orwhenwearefeelingourfaithwaverandareinneedofaspecialverseorthewordsofourProphet (bpuh) to remindusofAllah’sunbounded loveandmercy, tobeassuredofHiscompletecontrolofallthingsandevents.

We hope that reading and drawing upon what is in this book shall help all of us to deepen ourrelationship with Allah, and reap the benefits of that unique bond that each of us can have with ourCreator.

MayAllahaccepttheeffortsofallthosewhocontributedtotheproductionofthisbook,andmayitbeacceptabletoHim,âmeen.

MuhammadAbdulMohsinAl-TuwaijriManagingDirectorInternationalIslamicPublishingHouseRiyadh,SaudiArabia

Author’sPrefaceandAcknowledgements

VerilyallpraiseisduetoAllah.WepraiseHim,andweseekHishelpandforgiveness.WeseekrefugewithAllah(theExalted)fromtheevilofourselvesandtheevilofouractions.WhomsoeverAllahguides,noonecanmisguide,andwhomsoeverHedoesnotguide,noonecanguide. I testify thatnonehas therighttobeworshippedbutAllah,andthatMuhammad(bpuh)isHisslaveandMessenger.

OftenwhenitcomestolearningaboutIslam,alotofemphasisisputonlearningtherulesofIslamicjurisprudence: what we can and cannot do, what is forbidden and what is not. But what use is thisknowledgeifwedonotfirstbelieveinAllah?HowdowebelieveinAllahwithoutknowledgeofHim?TherulesdealwithobediencetoAllah(theExalted),buttowhomisthisobediencedue?WhoisAllah?

WhatIintendwiththisworkistointroducethereaderstoAllah,ourLord,theOnlyOnedeservingofworship,bynotonlydealingwiththenamesandattributesofAllah(theExalted),butgoingbeyondthatandrelatingthisknowledgetooureverydaylives.IhopetogivethereadersameansofdrawingclosertoAllah.

Sadly,IhavecomeacrossmanyerroneousideasaboutAllahamongstMuslims,fromthinkingthatoursinshurtAllah todenying thatAllah (theExalted)hasa face.This isa result, Ibelieve,of the lackofeffortputforthbyMuslimstogettoknowtheirLord.Fartoooften,welearnthatAllah(theExalted)isOne,andthatHeisMercifulandHepunishes,andthentheunderstandingofAllahislimitedtothosefewbeliefs.

KnowingAllahisvitaltopracticingIslamandtoachievinghappinessinthislifeandthenext,baseduponHislove.InorderforthesoultobeatpeacewithitselfandbecontentwiththeworshipoftheLordoftheuniverse,itmustfirstknowHim(totheextentthatwehumanscan)byknowingHisloftyattributes,HisactionsandHisessence.

ThereisanabundanceofinformationaboutAllah(theExalted)intheQur’anitself.JustreadingtheQur’anonadailybasiscangiveMuslimsagoodsenseofwhoourLord is.Added to that is thegreatquantityofinformationaboutAllahthatwastaughttousbytheMessengerofAllah(bpuh).WhatbetterwayistheretolearnaboutAllahthanfromAllah,theMighty,theGloriousHimself,andtheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)?

IhaveattemptedtocollectfromthesesourcesasmuchknowledgeasIcouldaboutAllah:frombeliefinAllah(theExalted)toexplainingthemeaningofHisnames;fromaddressingcommonmisconceptionsaboutAllahtodelvingintothemanyattributesandactionsthatbelongtoHim.Mostimportantly,Ihavetriedtogivethereadersapointatwhichtheycanbeginreflectingonandapplyingthisknowledgeintheireverydaylives.

MycompilationofAllah’snamesandattributesisbynomeansaperfectlycomprehensivelist.Ihavegathered those forwhich there are sound and authentic proofs, andwhich I considered significant andnon-repetitive.CertainlyAllah is greater thanwecan everknow.Heonly revealed a small amountofknowledgeofHimself,butitisenoughknowledgetoenableustoknowHim,worshipHimandloveHim.

IwouldliketothankDarussalamPublishersforgrantingpermissiontoquotefromTafsirIbnKathir,translated and abridgedbyShaykhSafiur-RahmanAl-Mubarakpuri; Jam’iat Ihyaa’MinhaajAl-Sunnah,forgrantingpermissiontoquotefromTheNamesandAttributesofAllahAccordingto theDoctrineofAhl-us-Sunnah wal Jama’ah, by Shaykh ‘Umar Sulaiman Al-Ashqar; and MSA West, for grantingpermission toquote fromCompendiumofMuslimTexts,www.msawest.net/islam. Iwouldalso like tothankmychildren,forhavingpatiencewithmewhileIworkedonthisbook,andmyeditors,AnnRonayneandJamilaHakam,fortheirwonderfulattentiontodetail.

IaskAllah(theExalted)tomakethisaworkdonepurelyforHissake, tomakeitbeneficial totheMuslimUmmah,and toguideallMuslimmenandwomen toknowing theirLordandfilling theirsoulswithfaithinHim.

UmmAbdurrahmanSakinaHirschfelder

ChapterOne:TheImportanceofKnowledgeofAllah(theExalted)

WhoisAllah(theExalted)?WhatisHelike?WhatdoesHedo?WhatdoesHelove?

These questions can only partially be answered by our limited knowledge of Allah. Allah (theExalted)issogreatthatHeisbeyondourimagination.Heisgreaterthananythingthatourlimitedhumanmindscancomeupwith;Heisaboveeverythingandiswondrous.HeisourMagnificentCreator.

Allah(theExalted)istheonlyLordofallthatexists,includingwhatisknowntousandwhatisnot.Allahisnota‘he’ora‘she’(althoughthepronoun‘He’isusedtorefertoAllah,simplyoutofnecessity);Allah is not a humanbeing.He ismuchmore than that;He is an awesomepower, an entity, a reality,somethingmorethanwecaneverknowcompletely.Heisincontrolofeverythingthathappens.Nothingisacoincidence;itisallpartofAllah’splan.OurlivesareinHishands,andHealoneknowswhatisbestfor us. All existence points to a creator, a planner, a controller, who is Allah. There are so manyphenomena thatcannotbeexplainedbymerehumans,and there is somuchofexistence thatwedonotknow;theremustbeOnewhocanexplainit,whocreatedit.Pondertheamazingthingsinthisuniverse,fromthelargestgalaxiestothetiniestsubatomicparticles;tobelievethattheycamefromnothing,withoutacreator,defieslogic.Allofthecreationfollowsaperfectorder-thelawsofnature,astheyarecalled.Such perfection cannot be haphazard. Imagine if a shipwere sent across the oceanwithout a captain;woulditbelikelythatitwouldreachitsdestination?Sohowcanourearthorbitthesun,andtheplanetsfollowpresetmotions,withoutacaptain?Rather,Allah(theExalted)isthecaptain,theoneinchargeofthecreation, theone fashioning, controlling, andwatchingoverall things.He isunique,wondrousandincomparabletoanythingthatweknow.

AllahhasonlyrevealedasmallamountofknowledgeofHimselfcomparedtoHisGreatness,butHehas revealed enough knowledge for us to know Him, worship Him and love Him. It is with thisknowledge thatwe can answer the questions posed at the top of this page.Without the revelation,wewould be lost regarding our Creator, left to make up things about Him, and sadly, many people do.However, there is only one authentic source of knowledge about Allah, and that is from Allah (theExalted)Himself,inwhatHehasrevealedaboutHimselfintheQur’anandinwhathasbeentaughttoHislastProphet,Muhammad(bpuh).

ThewaytoattainknowledgeofAllah(theExalted)isthroughHisnamesandattributes.Anattributeis a particular quality assigned to something or someone. For every name that belongs to Allah (theExalted),Heembodiestheperfectionoftheattributethatitdescribes.Thisisnottrueofhumans,whomaybenamedKareem(generous),forexample,yetmaybelackingingenerosity.WithAllah’snames,Hehasthemostperfectformofwhatthenameimplies.ItiswithHisloftynamesandattributesthatwecanknowAllah—knowwhatHeislike,whatHedoesandwhatHeloves.

Indeed,Allah(theExalted)hasmadeknowledgeaprerequisitetoourdeeds.ImamBukharistated:

Knowledgeprecedesexpressionandaction.This isconfirmedin thedivineverse{Knowthereforethat there is no God but Allah, and then repent your sin.} [47:19] God requires of us first

knowledgeandthenaction.1

OnesimplewayofgainingknowledgeofAllah (theExalted) isby reading theQur’an, for in fact,witheveryverseoftheQur’anwecanlearnaboutAllah(theExalted).AlloftheversesoftheQur’ancanbeclassifiedintofivecategories:

1. VersesspeakingaboutAllah(theExalted)directly–Hisnames,attributesandactions.Theyanswerthequestions“WhoisAllah(theExalted)?”,“WhatisHelike?”and“WhatdoesHedo?”

For example: {[All] praise is [due] to Allah, to whom belongs whatever is in the heavens andwhateverisintheearth,andtoHimbelongs[all]praiseintheHereafter.AndHeistheWise, the

Acquainted.}2

(Qur’an34:1)

This verse clearly speaks about Allah (the Exalted) directly. We learn that He is Wise andAcquaintedwitheverything,andthatHeistheOwnerofeverything.

2. Verses calling people toworshipAllah (theExalted) alone. They answer the question, “WhatdoesHelove?”[Answer:WorshipofHimalone]

Forexample:

{ThatisAllah,yourLord;thereisnodeityexceptHim,theCreatorofallthings,soworshipHim.AndHeisDisposerofallthings}

(Qur’an6:102)

HerewearetolddirectlytoworshipAllah(theExalted)alone,asHeistheonlyOnewhohasthisrightandtheonlyOnewhodeservestobeworshipped.

3. Verses detailing the commands and prohibitions of Allah (the Exalted). They answer thequestions,“WhatdoesHelove?”[Answer:FollowingHiscommands]and“WhatdoesHedislike?”[Answer:DisobediencetoHim]

Forexample:

{Oyouwhohavebelieved,donotconsumeusury,doubledandmultiplied,butfearAllahthatyoumaybesuccessful.}

(Qur’an3:130)

Inthisverse,thereisaclearcommandtoavoidusury.Weareinformedthroughversessuchasthis,whichissuecommandsandprohibitions,aboutwhatAllah(theExalted)lovesandwhatHedislikes.

4. VerseshonouringthosewhobelieveinAllah(theExalted)andstatingtherewardforbelievinginAllah.Theyanswer thequestions, “WhatdoesHe love?” [Answer:Belief inHim]and“WhatdoesHedo?”[Answer:Rewardbelievers]

Forexample:

{And[mention]whentheangelssaid,“OMary,indeedAllahhaschosenyouandpurifiedyouandchosenyouabovethewomenoftheworlds.}

(Qur’an3:42)

Here,Allah(theExalted)honoursMary,motherofJesus(‘alayhias-salâm–peacebeuponhim),byspeakingofherandrelatingherstory.Herstory isanexampleof thedevoutworshipofAllah(theExalted)alone,andwe learn that this typeofdedicatedworshipwillbringushonour in thisworld and the next. Through her story, we learn what pleases Allah (the Exalted) and how HerewardsthosewhopleaseHim.

5. VersesdiscussingthosewhodisbelieveinAllah(theExalted)anddescribingthepunishmentfornot believing in Allah (the Exalted). They answer the questions, “What does He dislike?”[Answer:DisbeliefinHim]and“WhatdoesHedo?”[Answer:Punishdisbelievers]

{And if they deny you, [OMuhammad] – so, before them, did the people ofNoah and ‘Âd andThamooddeny[theirprophets],andthepeopleofAbrahamandthepeopleofLotandtheinhabitantsofMadyan.AndMoseswasdenied, so I prolonged enjoyment for the disbelievers; then I seizedthem,andhow[terrible]wasMyreproach.}

(Qur’an22:42-44)

TheseversesareaclearexampleofwhatbecomesofthosewhodisbelieveinAllah(theExalted).The punishment is severe, and this acts as a warning for us to guard our faith. We learn whatdispleasesAllah(theExalted)andwhatHedoestothosewhodispleaseHim.

Those who ponder the noble verses of the Qur’an can attain essential knowledge of Allah (theExalted).They learnwho theirLord is,what theirLord is like,what theirLord loves,what theirLorddislikesandwhattheirLorddoes.ThroughthecontinualreadingoftheQur’an,thisknowledgecanbecomeingrainedinthemindandheart,therebyincreasingfaithandcreatinghappiness.Thisis

whywemust emphasize here the daily reading of theQur’an - in a language understood by thereader-evenifitisonlyafewversesaday.Makingthisahabitcanhavegreatbenefitsforthesoul,andwiththishabit,onecangrowclosertotheLordandtrulyknowHim.

ThesignificanceofknowingAllah(theExalted)cannotbeunderestimated.ThefollowingareeightreasonsthathighlighttheimportanceofattainingknowledgeofAllah.

KnowledgeofAllah(theExalted)istheMostExcellentKnowledge

Indeed,thereisnogreaterknowledgethanknowledgeofAllah(theExalted).Ibnal-‘Arabistated:

Theexcellenceandvirtueofapieceofknowledgeisaccordingtoitssubjectmatter.TheCreatoristheHighestandMostExcellentofsubjectmattersandthereforetheknowledgeofHisNamesis the

mostexcellentandhighestknowledge.3

Wearealsoinformedofthevirtueofreligiousknowledge.IbnMas‘ood(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthattheProphet(bpuh)said:

«Thereisnoenvyexceptintwo:apersonwhomAllahhasgivenwealthandhespendsitintherightway,and a person whom Allah has given wisdom (religious knowledge), and he gives his decisionsaccordinglyandteachesittotheothers.»(Bukhari)

Ifreligiousknowledgeisthehighestinvirtue,thencertainlytheknowledgeofAllah(theExalted)isthehighestofthatreligiousknowledge.TheversesoftheQur’anthatinformusaboutAllaharethebest

versesoftheQur’an.Forinstance,regardingÂyatal-Kursi,4whereAllah(theExalted)says:

{Allah – there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence. NeitherdrowsinessovertakesHimnorsleep.ToHimbelongswhateverisintheheavensandwhateverisontheearth.Who is it that can intercedewithHimexcept byHispermission?Heknowswhat is [presently]before themandwhatwillbeafter them,and theyencompassnot a thingofHisknowledgeexcept forwhatHewills.HisKursiextendsover theheavensand theearth,and theirpreservation tiresHimnot.AndHeistheMostHigh,theMostGreat.}

(Qur’an2:255)

«Ubayy ibn Ka‘b (May Allah be pleased with him) said: Allah’s Messenger (bpuh) said: O Abul-Mundhir,doyouknowtheversefromtheBookofAllahwhich,accordingtoyou,isthegreatest?

Isaid:AllahandHisMessenger(bpuh)knowbest.

Heagainsaid:Abul-Mundhir,doyouknowtheversefromtheBookofAllahwhich,accordingtoyou,isthegreatest?

Isaid:

{Allah–thereisnodeityexceptHim,theEver-Living,theSustainerof[all]existence…}[Âyatal-Kursi]

Thereuponhestruckmeonmybreastandsaid:Mayknowledgebepleasantforyou,OAbul-Mundhir!»(Muslim)

LikewiseregardingSooratal-Ikhlâṣ:

{Say[OMuhammad(bpuh)]:HeisAllah,[the]One.Allah-uṣ-Ṣamad[theSelf-SufficientMaster,Whomallcreaturesneed;Heneithereatsnordrinks].Hebegetsnot,norwasHebegotten,andthereisnoneco-

equalorcomparableuntoHim.}5

(Qur’an112:1-4)

«AbuSa‘eedal-Khudri(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthatamanheardanothermanreciting(intheprayers):

{Say[OMuhammad(bpuh)]:HeisAllah,[the]One.}6

(Qur’an112:1)–

and he recited it repeatedly.When it wasmorning, he (the firstman)went to the Prophet (bpuh) andinformedhimaboutthat,asifheconsideredthattherecitationofthatsoorahbyitselfwasnotenough.

Allah’sMessenger(bpuh)said:ByHiminWhosehandmylifeis,itisequaltoone-thirdoftheQur’an.»(Bukhari)

OneCannotRealizetheRealityofWorshipwithoutKnowledgeofAllah(theExalted)

{AndIdidnotcreatethejinnandhumankindexcepttoworshipMe.}(Qur’an51:56)

Indeed, this isanoblepurposewithwhichAllahhashonouredus.Howcanwefulfil thispurposewithonlyalittleinformationaboutwhomwearetoworship?Howcanweperfectourworshipifwedonotknowwhomweareworshipping?HowcanweworshipAllah(theExalted)withoutknowledge?

First,letuslookatthedefinitionofworship:DoingallthatAllahlovesandstayingawayfromallthatHedislikes.Worship“isthatstateinwhichapersonsubdueshimselfwithhumilityandlovetothewillof

someoneelse.”7

IbnTaymiyahgaveadetaileddefinitionofworshipasfollows:

Al-‘Ibaadah [worship] is a term which comprises everything that Allah (the Exalted) loves andapprovesoffromtheapparentandhiddensayingsanddeeds.InthiscontextAs-Salaat(prayer);Az-Zakaat (charity tax); As-Siyaam (fasting); Al-Hajj (pilgrimage); truthfulness in speech;trustworthiness;kindness toparents;maintainingkind relationshipwith relatives; fulfillingpledges;enjoining the good and forbidding the evil; striving against Al-Kuffar (the faith-rejecters) and thehypocrites; beneficence to theneighbour, theorphan, thepoor, thewayfarer, and theownedbeingswhetherhumanoranimal;Ad-Du’aa(supplication);Adh-Dhikr(remembranceofAllah);Al-Qiraa-ah(recitationofAl-Quraan);andthelikeareallpartofAl-‘Ibaadah.

Likewise, loving Allah (AWJ) and His Messenger (SAAWS), apprehension before Allah andreturning repentantly to Him, sincerity in Ad-Deen for Him, patience with His Ordainment,thankfulnessforHisBounties,contentmentwithHisDecree,dependenceonHim,hopeforHisMercy,

fearofHisPunishmentandthelikearealsopartofAl-‘IbaadahduetoAllah(theExalted).8

Itisclearfromthisdefinitionthatinordertorealizetherealityofworship,knowledgeofAllah(theExalted) is essential. Obeying Allah is an expression of love for Him, and love is developed byknowledgeofHis lofty attributes.Love,hope, and trust are the foundationsofworship in theheart. Inorder to fully submit to Allah (the Exalted) in our hearts and deeds, we must know who Allah (theExalted)is,whatHelovesandwhatHedislikes.

PurificationoftheSoul

ItiswithknowledgeofAllah(theExalted)thatthesoulispurifiedandmaderight.Withknowledge,theheartisfilledwithloveofHim,andloveofHimgeneratesobediencetoHim.Shaykh‘Umaral-Ashqarsaid, “Knowledge of theNames andAttributes ofAllah guards against error and stumbling, opens the

doorofhope,assistsinpatienceandprotectsfromlazinessandapathy.”9

{Allah has sent down the best statement: a consistent Book wherein is reiteration. The skins shivertherefrom of those who fear their Lord; then their skins and their hearts relax at the remembrance[mention]ofAllah…}

(Qur’an39:23)

Sinceeveryverseof theQur’an impartsknowledgeofAllah, it is theseversesand thisknowledgethatcauseheartstoturntoAllah(theExalted),thatcausesoulstotrembleandthatremoveimpuritiesfromtheheartandsoul.Ibnal-Qayyimsaid:

Oneof the secrets of themagnificentQur’an is theway it throws light on andunveils theLordofmankindthroughitsdiscourseofHisAttributes.Sometimes,therefore,theLordismanifestedthroughtheversesof theQur’anby the inducementofawe,majestyandsublimity, (whichcauses)heads to

bowdown,soulstoquieten,voicestofadeandpridetodissolveawaylikesaltdissolvesinwater.10

BecomingacquaintedwithAllah’sattributes,HisattributesofessenceandHisattributesofaction,isto become acquaintedwithAllah (the Exalted). Through this acquaintance, one is filledwithwonder,unconditionallove,closeness,devotion,happiness,submission,relianceonHimandhumblenesstowardsHim.

KnowledgeofAllah(theExalted)IncreasesFaithandOpensHearts

AsknowledgeofAllahpurifiesthesoul,itlikewisehastheabilitytoincreasefaithandopentheheart.Allah(theExalted)says:

{Andwheneverasoorahisrevealed,thereareamongthem[thehypocrites]thosewhosay:Whichofyouhas this increased in faith?As for thosewho believed, it has increased them in faith, while they arerejoicing.Butasforthoseinwhoseheartsisdisease,ithas[only]increasedtheminevil[inaddition]totheirevil.Andtheywillhavediedwhiletheyaredisbelievers.}

(Qur’an9:124-125)

HearingtheversesofAllah,gainingknowledgeandbeingremindedoftheknowledgeofAllah(theExalted)canclearlyincreasethefaithofthosewhobelieve.Faithisnotsomethingthatisstagnant;rather,itincreasesanddecreaseswithtime,dependantontheheartandtheactionsofaperson.WithcontinualremindersofAllahandHisgreatness,byreading theQur’anandfollowing thatwithrighteousactions,faithisincreased.Ontheotherhand,faithisdecreasedbythelackofremindersofAllah,leavingoftheBookofAllah,andfollowingthatwithactionsthatdonotpleaseAllah.

{…Unquestionably,bytheremembranceofAllahheartsareassured.}(Qur’an13:28)

Therefore,knowingAllah(theExalted)isvital toincreasingfaithandmaintainingastronglevelofconviction. Shaykh ‘Abdur-Raḥmân As-Sa‘di said, regarding the names and attributes of Allah (theExalted):

Thestrongerone’sknowledgeofthesewhileworshippingAllah,thestrongerhistawhid[beliefintheOnenessofAllah].SowhenheknowsthatAllahissingledoutbytheperfectattributes,aloneinHismagnificence,majesty and splendour, there being no comparison toHim inHis perfection, then itbecomesmorerealisticthatbythismeanshewillknowandfulfilhisbeliefthatHeisthetrueGod,

anddivinityotherthanHisisfalse.11

RewardforthosewithKnowledge

{…Arethosewhoknowequaltothosewhodonotknow?...}

(Qur’an39:9)

Encompassing knowledge of Allah (the Exalted) is one of the highest elements that a person canachieve. It is, in fact, required in order to perform good deeds and keep away from ill deeds. OnlyknowledgegivesapersonthepowertofullyworshipAllah(theExalted)inthewaysAllah(theExalted)lovestobeworshipped,soitfollowsthatthereisagreatrewardinthenextlifeforthepersonwhohasknowledgeandactsaccordingly.

Abu Hurayrah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (bpuh) said: «Allah (theExalted)hasninety-ninenames,onehundredlessone;whoevermemorizesandcomprehendsthementersparadise...»(Bukhari)

Therefore those who memorize Allah’s names (which are descriptive of Him), allowing thatunderstandingtoentertheirheartsandgoverntheirdeeds,willhavetherewardofparadise.

KnowledgeofAllah(theExalted)PutsHumankindontheStraightPath

{Guideustothestraightpath.ThepathofthoseuponwhomYouhavebestowedfavour,notofthosewhohaveevoked[Your]angerorofthosewhoareastray.}

(Qur’an1:6-7)

Thewaytofacilitateguidanceto thestraightpathis togainknowledgeofAllah(theExalted).It iswithknowledgeofAllahthatthebelieversbecomeclosertotheirLord,andseekingclosenesstoAllahwillbringguidancetothestraightpath.Allah(theExalted)guidesthosewhohavegoodintheirhearts,notthosewhoturnawayfromHim.Allahsays:

{AndWewillturnawaytheirheartsandtheireyesjustastheyrefusedtobelieveinit[therevelation]thefirsttime.AndWewillleavethemintheirtransgression,wanderingblindly.}

(Qur’an6:110)

Allah(theExalted)isPleasedwiththeBelieversandSendsBlessings

{AllahhaspromisedthosewhohavebelievedamongyouanddonerighteousdeedsthatHewillsurelygrantthemsuccession[toauthority]upontheearthjustasHegrantedittothosebeforethemandthatHewillsurelyestablishfor them[therein] theirreligionwhichHehaspreferredfor themandthatHewillsurelysubstituteforthem,aftertheirfear,security,[for]theyworshipMe,notassociatinganythingwithMe…}

(Qur’an24:55)

AsaresultofbelievershavingknowledgeofAllah(theExalted)andapplyingit,Allah(theExalted)

willsendHisblessings,establishthereligionofIslamandelevatethepositionoftheMuslims.Thisistheway to realize the pleasure of Allah (the Exalted) and to receive good in this life and the next. Theoppositeisalsotrue;thosewhodonotseekandapplyknowledgeofAllah(theExalted)maynotreceiveblessingsfromAllah(theExalted)andwillcertainlynotgainHispleasure.Allah(theExalted)says:

{AndwhoeverturnsawayfromMyremembrance–indeed,hewillhaveadepressed[difficult]life,andWewillgather[raise]himontheDayofResurrectionblind.}

(Qur’an20:124)

Mu’âwiyahibnAbiSufyân(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthattheProphet(bpuh)said:

«IfAllah(theExalted)wantstodogoodforsomebody,hemakeshimcomprehendthereligion(Islam).»(Bukhari)

Happiness

ItisthroughknowingtheirLord,AllahtheMostHigh,thatheartsfindpeaceandarefilledwithhappinessin their devotion to Allah. By submitting one’s heart and mind to Allah (the Exalted), the Lord ofeverythingthatexists,oneisliftingtheburdensoflifeoffofhisorherownshouldersandplacingtrustinAllah.WiththissubmissionandtrustinAllahcomestruehappiness,deepcontentment,andpeacefulnesswithintheheartandsoul.

WhentheheartisdevoidofknowledgeoftheCreator,submissiontoHimisweakened;thushappinesscannotbeattained.KnowingAllah(theExalted)hasthepowertobringdelighttotheheartandsoulofthebeliever.

Shaykh‘Âidhal-Qarnistatedregardingknowledgeandhappiness:

Knowledge is a light that leads towisdom. It is life for one’s soul and fuel for one’s character…Happinessandhigh-spiritednesscomewithenlightenment,becausethroughknowledge,onemayfulfilhisgoalsanddiscoverwhatwaspreviouslyhiddenfromhim…

Ifyoudesirehappiness, thenseekoutknowledgeandenlightenment,andyouwill find thatanxiety,

depression,andgriefwillleaveyou.12

{…andsay:MyLord,increasemyknowledge.}(Qur’an20:114)

ItiswithoutadoubtthatknowledgeofAllah(theExalted)isparamounttolivingalifeofcontentment,topurifyingthesoul,andtobeingguidedtothestraightpath.KnowledgeofAllah(theExalted)isalsonecessary toappreciatewhyweworship. It iswithoutadoubt that theknowledgeofAllah is themostexcellent of all knowledge, and thus acquiring it becomes themost excellent of virtues. Finally, it is

withoutadoubtthatknowledgeofAllahholdsapositionofgreatimportanceinthelivesofMuslims.

ChapterTwo:ApplyingKnowledgeofAllah’sNamesand

AttributestoourLives

Withknowledgemustcomeaction;thatis,actionaccordingtothatknowledge,whichisrighteousaction.WeshoulddevoteourselvestoAllah(theExalted)byimplementingtheknowledgeofAllah:knowledgeofHisnamesandattributesandknowledgeofwhatHelikesandwhatHedislikes.ThisisdonethroughobeyingAllah,strivingtopleaseHim,anddirectingone’shearttowardsAllah.Inparticular,knowledgeofAllah,andofHisnamesandattributes,canbeappliedviathefollowing:

PraisingAllah(theExalted)withHisNamesandAttributes

{O you who have believed, remember Allah with much remembrance and exalt Him morning andafternoon.}

(Qur’an33:41-42)

‘AbdullâhibnMas‘ood(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthattheProphet(bpuh)said:

«ThereisnoonewholovespraisemorethanAllah(theExalted).»(Muslim)

OneofthegreatestmeansofearningAllah’spleasureisbypraisingHim.ThiscanbedonewithHisnamesandattributessuchas:

{AndHe isAllah; there is no deity exceptHim.ToHim is [due all] praise in the first [life] and theHereafter.AndHisisthe[final]decision,andtoHimyouwillbereturned.}

(Qur’an28:70)

TheProphet(bpuh)usedtosay:

«OAllah,YouaretheSourceofPeaceandPerfection,andfromYouispeace.BlessedareYou,OOwnerofMajestyandHonour.»(Muslim)

AbuHurayrah(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthattheProphet(bpuh)instructed:

«SaySubḥân Allâh (Glorified is Allah), Alḥamdulillâh (All praise is for Allah), and Allâhu akbar(AllahistheGreatest)thirty-threetimeseachaftereveryprayer.»(Muslim)

AbuAyyâshnarratedthattheProphet(bpuh)wouldsay:

«ThereisnoneworthyofworshipotherthanAllah.HeisOne,Hehasnopartner.UntoHimbelongsthesovereigntyanduntoHimbelongsthepraise,andHeisovereverythingAll-powerful.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyAbuDâwood)

Ibn ‘Abbâs said that the Prophet (bpuh) would also pray to Allah (the Exalted) during his nightprayer:

«…AllthepraisesareforYou;YouaretheLightoftheheavensandtheearth.AllthepraisesareforYou;Youare theSovereignof theheavensandtheearth.All thepraisesareforYou;Youare theTruth,andYourPromiseisthetruth…»(Muslim)

SupplicatingwithAllah’sNamesandAttributes

{And[all]theMostBeautifulNamesbelongtoAllah,socallonHimbythem...}13

(Qur’an7:180)

Ibnal-QayyimexplainedhowapersonshouldsupplicatewithAllah’snames:

HeshouldaskforeachthingthathewantswithaNamethatisinaccordancewiththatdesireorwish.In this way he petitions and entreats Allah, the Almighty, with that particular Name. WhoeverconsidersthesupplicationsoftheMessengersfindsthattheyconformtotheseprinciples.

Thepersonaskingshoulduse theName that is inaccordancewithhis request.Youshouldsay, for

example:Forgivemeandhavemercyonme,forYouaretheForgiving,theMerciful.14

Examples of supplicating in this manner can be found both in the Qur’an and the Sunnah of theMessengerofAllah(bpuh).FromtheQur’an:

{[Who say:]OurLord, let notourheartsdeviate afterYouhaveguidedus andgrantus fromYourselfmercy.Indeed,YouaretheBestower.}

(Qur’an3:8)

{So[Solomon]smiled,amusedather[theant’s]speech,andsaid:MyLord,enablemetobegratefulforYourfavourwhichYouhavebestoweduponmeanduponmyparentsandtodorighteousnessofwhichYouapprove.AndadmitmebyYourmercyinto[theranksof]Yourrighteousservants.}

(Qur’an27:19)

FromtheSunnah:

«OAllah,throughYourknowledgeoftheunseenandYourpoweroverthecreation,causemetoliveaslongasYoudeemlifebetterforme,andcausemetodiewhenYoudeemdeathbetterforme.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyan-Nasâ’i)

‘Abdullâhibn‘Amribnal-‘ÂṣnarratedthattheProphet(bpuh)prayed:

«OAllah,theOneWhoTurnsHearts,turnourheartstoYourobedience.»(Muslim)

«O Ever-Living, O Sustainer and Protector of all that exists, by YourMercy I beg for Your aid.» (areliablehadithrecordedbyat-Tirmidhi)

NarratedBuraydahibnal-Ḥâsib:

«TheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)heardamansaying:OAllah,IaskYou,IbearwitnessthatthereisnogodbutYou, theOne,Self-SufficientMaster,Whohasnotbegotten, andhasnotbeenbegotten, and toWhomnooneisequal.

He (bpuh)said:YouhavesupplicatedAllahusingHisGreatestName;whenaskedwith thisname,Hegives,andwhensupplicatedbythisnameHeanswers.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyAbuDâwoodandat-Tirmidhi)

ReflectingonAllah’sNamesandAttributes

{AndHehassubjectedtoyouwhateveris intheheavensandwhateverisontheearth–allfromHim.Indeedinthataresignsforapeoplewhogivethought.}

(Qur’an45:13)

{ThendotheynotreflectupontheQur’an,oraretherelocksupon[their]hearts?}(Qur’an47:24)

OnemethodofincreasingfaithandallowingpeaceintotheheartisthroughreflectingontheversesofAllah(theExalted),thecreationofAllahandtheGreatnessofAllah.BylettingthemeaningsofAllah’snames and attributes sink intoyourheart, yourheartwill find serenity, calmness and tranquillity.YourtrustinAllahwillbegivenaboost,yourfaithwillclimb,andyoursubmissiontoAllah(theExalted)willbroaden.

{…Unquestionably,bytheremembranceofAllahheartsareassured.}(Qur’an13:28)

ContemplatingAllah’sPower,HisMagnificence,HisGreatness,Hiscompleteabilitytodoanything,andHiscontrolandcreationofeverything,bringsawetotheheart.Allah(theExalted)iswondrous,andHiscreationiswondrous.Ponderingsuchideasfostersadmiration,loveanddevotioninthesoul.

ReflectingonAllah’snamesandattributescanalsocreateasenseofperspective inyourown life.That is, life is for the pleasure ofAllah (the Exalted), forworshippingAllah and submitting toHim.Certainly,everyonewillsoonbestandingbeforeAllah,answeringforhisorherdeedsandhopingforHisMercyinthenextlife;sothislifeshouldbeputinitsproperperspective.Lessweightshouldbegiventoeventsandtrialsinthislife,asthislifeistemporary.WhenreflectingonAllah(theExalted),thepurposeofthislifebecomesclear,anditsvaluebecomesclearaswell.Lifeisameanstoanend–paradise.

{…ThusdoWeexplainindetailthesignsforapeoplewhogivethought.}(Qur’an10:24)

MemorizingandComprehendingAllah’sNames

AbuHurayrah(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)reportedthattheProphet(bpuh)said:

«Allah(theExalted)hasninety-ninenames:onehundredlessone;whoevermemorizesandcomprehendsthementersparadise...»(Bukhari)

Ibnal-Jawzisaid,regardingthishadith:

Becausethewording‘whoevermemorizesthem’isconfirmedinsomenarrationsofthehadeeth…weunderstandthat the intendedmeaningisal-udd (countingout, repetition).Themeaning, therefore, is

whoevercountsthemoutorrepeatstheminordertoperfecttheirmemorization.15

An-Nawawi said that Imam Bukhari and other scholars interpret the hadith to mean ‘memorizes

them’.16Shaykh‘Umaral-Ashqarsaid:

This is themost correctopinion,Allahwilling,because thememorizationof theseBlessedNamesblessesandpurifiesthesoulsandfillsthemwithmostexcellentandgraciousNames.Thisdoesnotdeny what the scholars have mentioned concerning the fact that whoever memorizes them must

understandtheirmeaningandsupplicateAllahwiththem.17

Ibnal-QayyimmentionedaswellthattherearethreelevelsofmemorizationofHisNames.

1. MemorizingthewordsusedfortheNames

2. Understandingtheirmeaning

3. SupplicatingtoAllah(theExalted)withthem.18

ActingaccordingtotheEffectsofAllah’sAttributes

Every name and attribute ofAllah (theExalted) can have a corresponding effect upon a person; so inordertocompletetheapplicationofknowledgeofAllahinourlives,wemustactaccordingtotheeffectsof the attributes of Allah. We can worship Allah (the Exalted) via this understanding, for an act ofworshipisassociatedwitheveryattributeofAllah.

Forexample,knowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheSeeing,Whohasknowledgeofeverything,andthatHeisawareofeverythingintheheavensandearth,causesthehumbleservantstoavoiddisobeyingAllah.

Knowing that Allah (the Exalted) is the Sovereign, the Judge and the Owner of the Day ofRecompense,andthateveryonewillstandbeforeAllahforjudgment,causesthehumbleservantstopayattention to their deeds, tomake sure that theyhaveplentyofgooddeeds and the fewestpossiblebaddeeds.

Knowing thatAllah (theExalted) isMerciful, Forgiving,Loving andPardoning causes the humbleservantstoseekAllah’sforgivenessfortheirshortcomingsandtoceasecommittingsins,inhopesofHisMercy.

KnowingthatnothinghappensexceptbyAllah’spermission,knowingthatHealonecausesharmandbringsbenefitandthatHegiveslifeanddeath,causesthehumbleservantstotrustinAllah(theExalted)andtobearburdenswithpatienceandcontentment.

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted) isGenerous,Kind,Gentle,andGraciouscauses theheartsofHishumbleservantstofillwithhopeandproducesaninclinationtopursuegooddeeds.

Knowing thatAllah(theExalted) isSublime,Great,Mighty,andPowerfulcauses theheartsofHishumbleservantstofillwithsubmission,humility,andloveforAllah.

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted) isPerfectandBeautifulcauses thehumbleservants to loveAllahmorethananyoneoranythingelse.

Knowing that Allah (the Exalted) is theMost Just and that He punishes, gets angry and becomesdispleasedcausesthehumbleservantstofearHimandtorestraintheirdesiresfortheforbidden.

Knowing thatAllah (theExalted) commands and prohibits, promises rewards for good, and sendsmessengersandrevelationtohumankind,causesthehumbleservants tocomplywithHisinjunctions, toadviseaccordingtothoseinjunctionsandtoinvitehumankindtothestraightpath.

Knowing thatAllah (theExalted) isSufficient forHis slaves, thatHe is theProvider, and thatHesendshelpandprotectiontoHisslaves,causesthehumbleservantstorelyonHimandtobecontentwithwhatisdecreedforthem.

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)isGlorifiedandMajesticcauseshumilityandaweintheservantsofAllah.

Allah (the Exalted) is truly Praiseworthy, and so it is with every attribute of Allah that acorresponding act of worship is associated with it. This brings into perspective the importance ofunderstanding the names and attributes ofAllah. It is themeans to perfecting theworship ofAllah, tofilling the heart and soul with undivided love and devotion to Allah (the Exalted) and to attainingcontentmentinthislifeandintheworshipofAllah.

ThepurposeoflifeistheworshipofAllahalone.TheperfectionofthatworshipisonlypossiblebypossessingknowledgeofAllahandthenapplyingthatknowledgeinourlives.

ChapterThree:OnenessofAllah(theExalted)(Tawḥeed)

UnderstandingtheimportanceofknowledgeofAllah(theExalted),andapplyingthatknowledgeinlife,isessentialtosubmittingtoAllah.InordertocomprehendwhoAllahis,itmustbeunderstoodthatHeisOneinHisLordshipandDivinityandOneinHisNamesandAttributes; thereforeallworshipmustbedirectedtoHimalone.

Thistopiciscalledtawḥeed,looselytranslatedastheOnenessofAllah(theExalted)ormonotheism.ShaykhIbnAbdul-Wahhâbexplained,“TawḥeedisthesinglingoutofAllahforworshipandservice.Itis

thereligionoftheprophetssentbyAllahtohumankind.”19

Allah(theExalted)says:

{Say[OMuhammad(bpuh)]:HeisAllah,[the]One}20

(Qur’an112:1)

Tawḥeedcanbedividedintothreecategories:

● OnenessofAllah(theExalted)inHislordship(tawḥeedar-ruboobiyah)

● OnenessofAllah(theExalted)inworship(tawḥeedal-uloohiyah)

● OnenessofAllah(theExalted)inHisnamesandattributes(tawḥeedal-asmâ’waṣ-ṣiffât).

OnenessofAllah(theExalted)inHisLordship

In short, is to believe thatAllah (theExalted) is the soleLord of all that exists, the soleCreator andSustainerofeverything.Heisincontrolofallthathappens,nothingoccurswithoutHispermission,lifeanddeathareinHishands,andHeisabletodoallthings.

OnenessofAllah(theExalted)inWorship

Inshort, this tobelievethatAllah(theExalted)aloneisworthyofworshipandtodirectallaspectsofworshiptoAllahalone,withoutassociatingpartnerswithHim.Thisincludesactionsofthelimbs,suchasprayers,fasting,andgivingcharity;actionsofthetongue,suchaspraisingAllahmuch,askingAllahforforgiveness, speaking the truth, speakingkindwords and avoidingbackbiting; and actionsof theheart,suchaslovingAllahandHismessenger(bpuh),makingintentionspurelyforAllah,contentmentwithHisdecree,andhopeforHismercy.Allah(theExalted)says:

{AndyourLordhasdecreedthatyounotworshipexceptHim…}(Qur’an17:23)

Animportantpointmustbemadehereregardingtheuseofthepronoun‘We’thatAllah(theExalted)usesforHimselfintheQur’an.Forinstance,Allah(theExalted)says:

{Andindeed,Wehaveeasedit[theQur’an]inyourtonguethattheymightbereminded}(Qur’an44:58)

Theuseofthepronoun‘We’doesnotindicatethatAllah(theExalted)ismorethanone,orthatHehaspartners or associates; rather, this is what is called the ‘royal’ pronoun. According to the dictionarydefinition, the‘royalwe’is:“Thefirst-personpluralpronounusedbyasovereigninformaladdressto

refertohimselforherself.”21

OnenessofAllah(theExalted)inHisNamesandAttributes

Beliefintheaforementionedtwotypesoftawḥeedisnecessary;however,theyarenotourmainfocus.Inorder toembarkonthepathofknowingAllah(theExalted),wewillbeginbydetailingtheOnenessofAllah(theExalted)inHisnamesandattributes.

{And(all)theMostBeautifulNamesbelongtoAllah,socallonHimbythem,andleavethecompanyofthosewhobelieordeny(orutterimpiousspeechagainst)HisNames.Theywillberequitedforwhatthey

usedtodo.}22

(Qur’an7:180)

{HeisAllah,theCreator,theInventor,theFashioner;toHimbelongthebestnames...}(Qur’an59:24)

Believing in the names and attributes of Allah (the Exalted) necessitates a number of things - forinstance, believing that His names are for Him alone and that no created being can encompass or benamed with one of Allah’s names. They imply perfection, which applies to Allah alone. Allah (theExalted)isnotlikeHiscreationinanywayatall;Heisaboveallcreationandgreaterthanallcreation.He is unique and incomparable. The following are ten fundamentals for belief in Allah’s names andattributes.

Allah’sNamesandAttributesareRevealed

All of the names and attributes of Allah (the Exalted) are established in the revelation. It is notpermissible to name Allah (the Exalted) with a name that He did not give Himself and that was notaffirmed by the Prophet Muhammad (bpuh). These are the authentic sources for Allah’s names andattributes:theQur’anandtheSunnah.Allah(theExalted)says:

{Anddonotpursuethatofwhichyouhavenoknowledge...}(Qur’an17:36)

and:

{…andtheyencompassnotathingofHisknowledgeexceptforwhatHewills...}(Qur’an2:255)

ThereforeinventinganameforAllahfromourownreasoningisblasphemytoAllah.Infact,withoutAllah’srevelationregardingHimself,wewouldhavenowayofknowingAllah.ToAllah(theExalted)isallthepraise.IbnTaymiyahsaid:

Concerning theAttributes,Allah isprimarilydescribedbywhateverHeHimselforHisMessenger(bpuh)describedHimby.Therefore,whateverHeaffirmedforHimselfisaffirmedandwhateverHe

deniedforHimselfisdenied.23

Allah’sPerfectionAllah(theExalted)isindeedperfectwithoutanyshortcomingswhatsoever.Hisnamesimplyperfection,andHisattributesareattributesofperfection.Hisattributesareeverlasting,completeandfaultless.Ibnal-Qayyimsaid:

All ofAllah’sAttributes are absolutely perfectAttributes.He is, therefore, described by themostperfectAttributesandtoHimbelongsthemostperfectPerfection.AndinthesamewayHisNames,which indicateHisAttributes,are thebestofNamesand themostperfect.Thereare, therefore,no

betternamesandnoothernamescantaketheirplaceorconveytheirmeaning.24

Allah’sNamesandAttributesareEternallywithHim

EverynameandattributethatbelongstoAllah(theExalted)hasbeenandalwayswillbewithAllah.HehasalwayshadHisabilities,Hisattributes,andHisnames.TheyareeternallywithHim.At-Tahawisaid:

HewasdescribedbyHisAttributeseternally,beforeHecreatedcreation.TheexistenceofcreatedbeingsdidnotincreaseHimwithanyAttributewhichHedidnothavebeforetheirexistence.Also,

justasHealwayswasdescribedbyHiseternalAttributes,Hestillisandalwayswillbedescribed

bythem.25

EveryNameofAllah(theExalted)ImpliesanAttributeAll of the names of Allah (the Exalted) are not just names without meaning; rather, they include theimplicationsofthenames.EverynamereferstotheHolyEssenceofAllahandindicatesacorrespondingmeaningtorefertoAllah.BeliefinAllah’snamesthusrequires:

1. AffirmingthenameofAllah(theExalted)

2. Affirmingtheattributethatthenamerepresents

3. Affirmingtheeffectthattheattributenecessitates(ifthereisone)

Forexample,Allah(theExalted)says:

{AllthepraisesandthanksbetoAllah,theLordofthe‘Âlameen[humankind,thejinnandallthatexists].

TheMostGracious,theMostMerciful.}26

(Qur’an1:2-3)

ThereforewemustaffirmthattheMostMercifulisoneofAllah’smostbeautifulnames.Wemustalsoaffirmtheattributethat thisnameincludes,whichis theattributeofmercy,soweaffirmthatAllah(theExalted)isMerciful.Wealsoaffirmtheeffectof thisattribute,whichis thatAllahgrantsHismercytowhomsoeverHewills;createdbeingsreceivemercyfromAllahaccordingtoAllah’swishes.

Forsomenames,however,thereisnoeffect.Forinstance,Allah(theExalted)says:

{Allah–thereisnodeityexceptHim,theEver-Living,theSustainerof[all]existence...}(Qur’an2:255)

ThereforewemustaffirmthattheEver-LivingisoneofAllah’smostbeautifulnames.Wemustalsoaffirm the attribute that this name includes,which is the attribute of life.With this name and attributehowever,thereisnodirectcorrespondingeffectuponthecreation.

Allah(theExalted)hasMoreAttributesthanNamesAllah (theExalted) does in fact havemore attributes than names, as evidenced through the revelation.This is because every name ofAllah refers to a corresponding attribute, yetmany attributes ofAllahmentionedintheQur’anorbytheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)donothavenamesassociatedwiththem.ItisimportanttonoteherethatwecannotgiveAllahanamebasedonanattributethatweknowHehas,ifHehasnotgivenHimselfthatname.Forexample,Allah(theExalted)says:

{And[that]Hemaypunishthehypocritemenandhypocritewomen,andthepolytheistmenandpolytheistwomen–thosewhoassumeaboutAllahanassumptionofevilnature.Uponthemisamisfortuneofevilnature;andAllahhasbecomeangrywiththemandhascursedthemandpreparedforthemhell,andevilitisasadestination.}

(Qur’an48:6)

ThisverseshowsthatAllah(theExalted)hastheattributeofanger,butHedidnotnameHimself‘theAngryOne’, sowecannot assignAllah suchanamebasedon this attribute.Ourhumanminds are toofeebletoadequatelygraspHisGlory.Inthisway,itisclearthattherearemanymoreattributesforAllahthannames.

Allah’sAttributesAreofTwoTypes1. Attributes of affirmation, which affirmHis perfection and greatness. These attributes are of two

typesaswell:

● AttributesthatdescribeAllah’sessence,whichareinseparablefromAllah(theExalted).TheyarewithHimforeternity,suchasHishearing,sight,andknowledge.

● AttributesthatdescribeHisactions,referringtoactionswhichfollowHiswill,suchascreating,speaking,andrewarding.HedoesthesewhenHewills.

2. Attributesofnegation.ThesearenotactuallyattributesthatAllahhas,butratherattributesthatHedoesnothave.TheyarethenegationofattributesfromAllah.AllahinformsusthroughtheQur’anthat certain attributes do not apply toHim at all. These arewhat are referred to as attributes ofnegation. Many of the attributes of negation negate attributes that imply some type of fault orsomething erroneously attributed toAllah (the Exalted) by humans. For example,Allah does notsleep,wasnotbornanddoesnothavechildren.Theseattributesimplyweakness(farisAllah(theExalted)abovethat),andtheyareattributesofhumans.Allhumansnaturallyhavefaults,butAllah(theExalted)hasabsolutelynone.Thus,negatingcertainattributesfromAllahemphasizesthepointthatAllah (theExalted) is nothing at all like humansor anyofHis creation.He is far above thecreationinHisgreatnessandperfectionanddoesnothaveanyimperfectionsorshortcomingsinanyway.

Negatingisdoneforoneofthreereasons.

First:toaffirmHisperfectioningeneral.Forexample,Allah(theExalted)says:

{…ThereisnothinglikeuntoHim…}(Qur’an42:11)

Second: todenyaspecificfault thatwasattributedtoHimbysomeofHiscreatures.Forexample,Allah(theExalted)says:

{TheJewssay:EzraisthesonofAllah;andtheChristianssay:TheMessiahisthesonofAllah.Thatistheir statement from theirmouths; they imitate the sayingof thosewhodisbelievedbefore [them].MayAllahdestroythem;howaretheydeluded?}

(Qur’an9:30)

Third:todenythepossibilityofanimaginedfault.Forexample,Allah(theExalted)says:

{AndWedidnotcreatetheheavenandtheearthandthatbetweenthemaimlessly...}(Qur’an38:27)

Thereareofcoursemanymoreattributesofaffirmationthanofnegation.Thisisbecauseaffirmationis done in detail, affirming specific attributes that belong toAllah,while negation is done in general,denyinggeneralfaultsandshortcomingsfromAllah(theExalted).HighisHeabovesuchdeficiencies.

NotDenyingorDifferentiatingamongAllah’sNamesandAttributesBeliefinAllah’snamesandattributesisnotcompleteunlessallofthenamesandattributesareaffirmedforAllah,theMightyandMajestic.ItisnotappropriatetodenysomeofHisnamesandacceptothers.Ifthisisdone,theninessenceapersonhasdisbelievedinallofthem.Allah(theExalted)says:

{…SodoyoubelieveinpartoftheScriptureanddisbelieveinpart?...}(Qur’an2:85)

{Indeed,thosewhodisbelieveinAllahandHismessengersandwishtodiscriminatebetweenAllahandHismessengers and say:We believe in some and disbelieve in others – andwish to adopt away inbetween. Those are the disbelievers, truly, andWe have prepared for the disbelievers a humiliatingpunishment.}

(Qur’an4:150-151)

SinceweshouldnotmakedistinctionsamongthemessengersofAllah–bybelievinginsomeandnotinothers,likewiseweshouldnotmakedistinctionsamongthenamesofAllah(theExalted).BelievinginallofAllah’snamesisobligatory.

Allah(theExalted)isNotLikeHisCreationAllah(theExalted)isaboveHiscreation,greaterthanHiscreation,andnotlikeHiscreationinanyway.Heembodiesabsoluteperfection,whileHiscreaturesareinherentlyimperfect.NothingislikeAllah.He(theExalted)says:

{Andthereisnoneco-equalorcomparableuntoHim.}27

(Qur’an112:4)

{…ThereisnothinglikeuntoHim,andHeistheHearing,theSeeing.}(Qur’an42:11)

Itmaybenoted that in thepreviousverse,afterAllah (theExalted)affirms that there isabsolutelynothinglikeHim,HeaffirmsthatHeistheHearingandtheSeeing.Hearingandseeingareattributesthatbelong to someofAllah’s creatures aswell, butAllah’shearingand seeingareunlimitedandperfect,whilethatofHiscreaturesislimitedandimperfect.Therecanbenocomparisonbetweenthetwo.

Inanotherexample,Allah(theExalted)says:

{…EverythingwillbedestroyedexceptHisFace...}(Qur’an28:88)

ManyrunawayfromthebeliefinAllah’sface,twistingthemeaningofitordenyingitaltogether.ThisisbecausetheylikenAllah’sfacetothehumanface;knowingthatAllah(theExalted)isnotlikeanyofHis creation, they deem it necessary to distort themeaningor deny it.The root of this problem is thelikeningofAllah’sfacetothehumanface.Justbecausethesameword,‘face’,isusedforbothAllah(theExalted)andhumansdoesnotmeanthattheyarethesame.

Togiveanexamplewithinthecreation,letuslookattheword‘eye’.Thereisatremendousamountofvariationamongthedifferenteyes.Thereisasquid’seye,whichisnothingliketheeyeofahuman,whichisnotatallliketheeyeofaninsect.Evenmoredissimilar,therearethe‘eye’ofastormandthe‘eye’ofaneedle.Thesameword,‘eye’,isusedtodescribeallofthesethings,andyettheyarenothinglikeeachother.SoitiswithAllah(theExalted).HeisnotlikeHiscreationinanyway,andthereisnothinglikeHim.

NotSaying‘How’Whentrying tounderstandAllah(theExalted),somepeople run intoproblems trying to figureouthowAllah’s attributes are represented physically. Frankly, this must not be done. With many of Allah’sattributeswedonotknow‘how’theyare,yetwebelieveinthemandsimplysaythattheyarebefittingofHismajesty.

ShaykhIbnal-Uthaymeensaid,regardingAllah’sattributes:

Theyareknowntousinmeaning,unknowntousinformandreality.ThisisbecauseAllahisgreaterthanwhatweencompassHim…Wemaynotimaginetheseattributesalso.Ifapersonsays:ImaginetheformofthehandofAllah,theMighty,theGreat.Wesay:Thisisnotpermittedatall.YouarenotallowedtotalktoyourselfaboutsearchingtheformoftheattributesofAllah,becausewhateveryoureach,youwillnotrealizethatandyoumayreachapuzzleyoumaynotgetridof.Thatiswhyyou

havetobelieveinwhatitindicatesofmeaning,butdonotgetexposedtotheform.28

Allah(theExalted)says:

{TheyhavenotappraisedAllahwithtrueappraisal…}(Qur’an39:67)

«‘AbdullâhibnMas‘ood(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)reportedthataJewishscholarcametoAllah’sMessenger (bpuh)andsaid:Muhammad,orAbual-Qâsim,verify thatAllah, theExaltedandGlorious,wouldcarry theheavenson theDayof Judgementuponone finger,andearthsuponone finger,and themountainsandtreesupononefinger,andtheoceanandmoistearthupononefinger-infact,thewholeofthecreationupononefinger,andthenHewouldstirthemandsay:IamyourLord,IamyourLord.

ThereuponAllah’sMessenger(bpuh)smiled,testifyingtowhatthatscholarhadsaid.Hethenrecitedthisverse:

{TheyhavenotappraisedAllahwithtrueappraisal,whiletheearthentirelywillbe[within]HisgripontheDayofResurrection,andtheheavenswillbefoldedinHisrighthand.ExaltedisHeandhighabovewhattheyassociatewithHim!}(Qur’an39:67)»(Muslim)

Itisnotpossibleforus,withourlimitedminds,tofullygrasphowAllah(theExalted)isandhowHedoesthings.HeisGreatandGloriousbeyondwhatourinadequatemindscanimagine.Wedonotdelveintotheissueof‘how’Hisattributesare;wesimplybelieveinthemaccordingtotheirmeanings.

NotTwistingtheMeaning

ThefinalprincipleforbeliefinAllah’snamesandattributesisthattheymustbeacceptedaccordingtotheirapparentmeaning,withouttwistingthemeaningorexplainingitawayassomethingelse.

TwistingthemeaningofAllah’sattributeshappensasaresultoflikeningAllah(theExalted)toHiscreation. In order to avoid equating them, the meanings of His attributes are manipulated to suggestsomethingotherthantheirapparentmeaning.However,themannerofAllah’sattributesisunknown,andwesaythatHisattributesarebefittingofHismajesty.Therefore,thereisnoneedtodistortthemeaningsaccordingtothelimitationsofourmindsandofourhumanexperience.

As-Sa‘disumsupbeliefinAllah’sattributes:

WhatHehasattributedtoHimselfisnotdeniednoraresuchdescriptionsdistortedfromtheirpropermeanings.Inaddition,thenamesofAllahareneitherdenied,noristheirmannerdescribed,noraretheydepictedinawaythatmakesHisattributessimilartotheattributesofanyofHiscreation.Thisisbecause there isnooneandnothingsimilarorcomparable toHim.Hehasnoassociateorpartner.

OnecannotmakeananalogybetweenHimandHiscreation,glorifiedandmostHighbeHe.29

KnowledgeofAllahcannotbeattainedwithoutunderstandingtheOnenessofAllahandespeciallytheOnenessofAllahinHisNamesandAttributes.LearningHisnamesandattributesisthewaytoincreasingknowledgeofAllah.Comprehendingthemcorrectly,accordingtowhatAllah(theExalted)revealedand

whattheMessenger(bpuh)affirmed,isessentialforcreatingastrongfoundationofloveforAllah.

ShirkintheOnenessofAllah(theExalted)inHisNamesandAttributes

Theoppositeoftawḥeedisshirk,whichmeanspolytheism,ortheassociationofpartnerswithAllah(theExalted).Onemusthaveknowledgeofshirkinordertoavoidfallingpreytoit.

{Indeed,AllahdoesnotforgiveassociationwithHim,butHeforgiveswhatislessthanthatforwhomHewills.AndhewhoassociatesotherswithAllahhascertainlygonefarastray.}

(Qur’an4:116)

‘AbdullâhibnMas‘ood(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthattheProphet(bpuh)said:

«Whoever dies while still invoking anything other than Allah as a rival to Allah, will enter hell.»(Bukhari)

To clarify, if a person dies in a state of polytheism, while associating partners with Allah (theExalted),thenthisistheonlysinthatisnotforgiven.However,ifapersoncommitsshirkduringhisorherlifetimeandrepentsfromit,turningtoworshippingAllah(theExalted)alone,thenAllahmayforgivehimorher.

InthecontextofAllah’snamesandattributes,shirkcanbecommittedinanumberofways.

First:GivingHisNamesorAttributestoOtherthanAllah(theExalted)AbuHurayrah(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)reportedthattheProphet(bpuh)said:

«Themostwretchedperson in thesightofAllahon theDayofResurrection,and theworstpersonandtargetofHiswrath,wouldbethepersonwhoiscalledthe‘KingofKings’,forthereisnoSovereignbutAllah.»(BukhariandMuslim)

«TheProphet(bpuh)oncesaidtoAbuShurayh,becausethelatteransweredtothetitleofAbul-Ḥakam(FatherofJustice):Allahisal-Ḥakam(theJudge);Hisisthejudgment.

AbuShurayhreplied(inhisowndefence):Mypeoplecometomeforadjudicationoftheirdisputes,andwhenIjudgebetweenthem,bothpartiesarepleasedwithmyjudgment.

TheProphet(bpuh)responded:Howexcellentthisis!Doyouhaveanychildren?

Hereplied:Shurayh,Muslim,and‘Abdullâh.

TheProphet(bpuh)asked:Whoistheeldest?

AbuShurayhanswered:Shurayh.

He(bpuh)said:Verywellthen,youare[henceforthtobecalled]AbuShurayh.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyAbuDâwoodandan-Nasâ’i)

Allah’snamesandattributesareforHimalone.NooneandnothingiscomparabletoHim;therefore,givingAllah’snamestootherthanAllahconstitutesshirk.

At the time of the Prophet (bpuh), idols were worshipped on the Arabian Peninsula. Al-Lât andal-‘Uzzâwerenamesofidols.Al-LâtisderivedfromtheArabicwordIlâh,meaning‘deity’,somethingworshippedasagod;al-‘Uzzâderivesfromal-‘Azeez,oneofthenamesofAllah(theExalted).Bycallingtheiridolsal-Lâtandal-‘Uzzâ,thepeoplecommittedshirkusingAllah’snames.

Second:GivingAllah(theExalted)theNamesorAttributesofCreationAllah (theExalted) isperfectandabove the imperfect, limited, flawednatureofHiscreation. It isnotpermissibletonameAllahwithnamesofthecreationortoattributetoAllahsomethingfromtheattributesof creation; for example, by calling Him ‘the Father’ as the Christians do, ‘the effective cause’ asphilosophers do, or the popular ‘Mother Nature’, or, as a group of Jews are quoted as saying in theQur’an:{…Indeed,Allahispoor,whilewearerich...}(Qur’an3:181)

Allah(theExalted)says:

{…andleavethecompanyofthosewhobelieordeny[orutterimpiousspeechagainst]HisNames.They

willberequitedforwhattheyusedtodo.}30

(Qur’an7:180)

Ibn ‘Abbâs (MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)commented,“Thephrase ‘belieHisnames’means to

giveHimnamesimplyingshirk.”31

ThiscanbefurtherexplainedbythewordsofShaykh‘Umaral-Ashqar,whomentionsthreewaysofcommitting heresy with respect to Allah’s names: denying them, describing Allah (the Exalted) with

attributesofcreation,anddescribingcreatedbeingswithAllah’snamesorattributes.32

Third:AffirmingAttributesthatAllah(theExalted)hasNegatedforHimself{SodonotassertsimilaritiestoAllah.Indeed,Allahknowsandyoudonotknow.}

(Qur’an16:74)

Aswehaveseen,Allah(theExalted)hasnegatedcertainattributesfromHimself,attributesthatimplyimperfection or fault in someway - for instance, thatHe has a son, thatHe becomes tired or thatHesleeps.ShirkcanbecommittedbyaffirmingforAllahthatwhichHenegatedfromHimself.Forexample,

ifpeoplerefertoJesus(pbuh),thesonofMary,asthesonofAllah,theyhavecommittedshirkinAllah’sattributes. Likewise, those who make pictures of Allah have likened Allah to the creation; it is notpossible to imagine something outside the realmof their experience, something ofwhich they have noknowledge.Inthisway,theyhaveaffirmedforAllahalikenesstocreation,whileAllah(theExalted)hasnegatedorrejectedthatlikenessfromHimself.

Fourth:DenyingHisNamesandAttributesThis was mentioned previously, among the fundamentals for belief in Allah’s names and attributes.AnyonewhodeniessomeorallofAllah’snamesandattributeshascommittedshirkinthisarea.Allah(theExalted)says:

{Indeed,thosewhodisbelieveinAllahandHismessengersandwishtodiscriminatebetweenAllahandHismessengers and say:We believe in some and disbelieve in others – andwish to adopt away inbetween. Those are the disbelievers, truly, andWe have prepared for the disbelievers a humiliatingpunishment.}

(Qur’an4:150-151)

Itisimperativetobelieveinalloftherevelation:alloftherevealednamesofAllah(theExalted)thatbelongtoHim,aswellasalloftheattributesthathavebeenrevealed,withoutdenyinganyoneofthem.Denyingevenoneattributeislikedenyingthemall,andthisconstitutesdisbelief.Shaykh‘Abdal-Rahmanas-Sa‘dimentioned:

ThebasisoffaithanditsfoundationalguidelinesarebeliefinAllah,inHisNames,andHisattributes.The stronger one’s knowledge of these while worshipping Allah, the stronger his tawhid…SowhoeverdeniesanyofAllah’sNamesorattributes,heinitiateswhatcontradictsandnullifiestawhid,

andthisisabranchofdisbelief.33

WhenseekingknowledgeofAllah, it isessential for individuals tobeawareof theways inwhichtheycancommitshirk,orassociatepartnerswithAllah(theExalted),whichcouldcanceltheirIslam.

ChapterFour:CommonMisconceptionsaboutAllah(theExalted)

Sadly,therearemanymisconceptionsaboutAllahthataboundwithintheMuslimcommunity.InordertobecomefullyintroducedtoAllah,LordoftheWorlds,andtoknowAllah(theExalted)asHetrulyis,itisnecessary to avoid incorrect beliefs and ideas about Allah. Here we will refute some commonmisconceptionsaboutAllah.

Misconception1:Allah(theExalted)isEverywhere

Allah(theExalted)says:

{TheMostMerciful[whois]abovetheThroneestablished.}(Qur’an20:5)

To explain this verse, IbnMas‘ood (MayAllah be pleasedwith him) said, “...and the throne liesabove thewater,andAllah (theExalted) isabove (His) throne,andHeknowswhatconditionyouare

in.”34

Mu‘âwiyahibnḤakamas-Sulamirelatedthefollowingstory:

«IwenttotheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)andsaid:MessengerofAllah,aslavegirlofminewastendingmysheep.Icametoher,andoneofthesheepwaslost.Iaskedheraboutit,andshesaidthatawolfhadeaten it, so I became angry, and I am one of the children ofAdam, so I struck her on the face.As ithappens,Ihavetosetaslavefree,shallIfreeher?

TheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)questionedher:WhereisAllah?

Sheanswered:Aboveheaven.

Heasked:WhoamI?

Shereplied:YouaretheMessengerofAllah.

TheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)said:Freeher.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyAbuDâwoodandan-Nasâ’i)

ThishadithmakesclearthatAllah(theExalted)isaboveHisthroneandaboveheaven.Heis,infact,aboveeverything,theMostHigh.

{Hearranges[each]matterfromtheheaventotheearth;thenitwillascendtoHiminaDay,theextentofwhichisathousandyearsofthosewhichyoucount.}

(Qur’an32:5)

SincetheaffairsgouptoAllah,thatprovesthatAllahisup,MostHigh,andnoteverywhere.IfHewereeverywhere,therewouldbenoneedfortheaffairstogouptoHim.

ItisincorrecttothinkthatAllah(theExalted)iseverywhere,forthisbeliefisnotonlycontrarytothetexts, but it also includes humiliation for Allah. It necessitates that Allah is in dirty things, such asexcrementandtrash,andAllah(theExalted)isfarremovedfromthat.Also,ifAllahwereeverywhere,itwouldmeanthatHewaswithinpeople,sotherewouldbenothingtopreventtheworshippingofhumanbeings,sinceAllahwouldbeinthem.ThisisclearlyfalseandaverydangerouswayofthinkingaboutAllah(theExalted).

{[Allah]said:Fearnot.Indeed,Iamwithyouboth;IhearandIsee.}(Qur’an20:46)

ThiswassaidtoMosesandAaron(peacebeuponthemboth)whentheyweresenttothepeopleofPharaoh. The concept of Allah’s being ‘with them’must be understood in the proper context. Allah’sknowledge,hearingandsight, areall encompassing,complete, andeverywhere;on theotherhand,HisBeing,HisSelf,isaboveHisthrone,whichisaboveeverything.

Misconception2:OurSinsHurtAllah(theExalted)

Allah(theExalted)isfreeofallwants,freeofanyshortcomings,andfreeofbeinghurt.Humanscanbehurt,butAllahistoogreattobehurtbyanyoneoranything.Oursins,ratherthanhurtingAllah,onlyhurtourselvesandothercreatures.Allah(theExalted)cannotbeharmed.HementionsintheQur’an:

{…youwillnotharmHimatall...}(Qur’an11:57)

AbuDharral-Ghifâri(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthattheProphet(bpuh)reportedthissayingfromAllah(theExalted):

«OMyservants,youwillnotattainharmingMesoastoharmMe,andyouwillnotattainbenefittingMesoastobenefitMe.OMyservants,werethefirstofyouandthelastofyou,thehumanofyouandthejinnofyoutobeaspiousasthemostpiousheartofanyoneofyou,thatwouldnotincreaseMykingdomin

anything.OMyservants,werethefirstofyouandthelastofyou,thehumanofyouandthejinnofyoutobe as wicked as the most wicked heart of any one of you, that would not decrease My kingdom inanything.OMyservants,werethefirstofyouandthelastofyou,thehumanofyouandthejinnofyoutoriseupinoneplaceandmakearequestofMe,andwereItogiveeveryonewhatherequested,thatwould

notdecreasewhatIhave,anymorethananeedledecreasestheseaifputintoit.»35

WhenwestandbeforeAllah(theExalted)toanswerforoursins,eachofuswillbealonetofacetheconsequences of our sins.We risk punishment fromAllah as a result of our sins, but our sins do notdiminishAllahorHisKingdominanyway,andoursinsdefinitelydonotharmorhurtAllah.Allah(theExalted)says:

{…Formenisashareofwhattheyhaveearned,andforwomenisashareofwhattheyhaveearned...}(Qur’an4:32)

Misconception3:ManifestationsofAllah(theExalted)

It is not unheard of forMuslims to believe thatAllah (theExalted)maymanifestHimself in a humanbeing, whether a specific human being (who usually claims prophethood), or any given ‘enlightened’individual.

By suggesting that Allah manifests Himself in a human being, one is suggesting that Allah (theExalted) is imperfect.Why? Because humans are inherently imperfect; we have limitations, we haveneeds, andwe have vain desires. If Allahwere tomanifest Himself in a human being, then it wouldfollowthatAllahhadlimitations,needs,andvaindesires,andthatAllahcoulddie,ashumansdo.Infact,Allah (the Exalted) is far above such things.He is free of allwants, andHe does not have needs orlimitations.Itisnotpossibletomaketheperfect(Allah)imperfect,whichiswhatisbeingdonewiththismisconception.Allah(theExalted)doesnotmanifestHimselfinanyone.

Misconception4:BecomingOnewithAllah(theExalted)

Thismisconceptionissimilartothepreviousone,butdiffersslightly.Somebelievethattheycanattainsuchahigh levelofspiritualityorenlightenment that they infactbecomeonewithAllah(theExalted).Theyconsiderthisthegoalofhumanexistence:toreachthatenlightenedlevelofonenesswithAllah.

This,however,isimpossible.Allah(theExalted)isourCreator;Heisaboveus,greaterthanusandcompletelybeyondbeingencompassedbyus.AllahisseparatefromHiscreation,andHeisunrivalledinHispower,abilitiesandknowledge.HedoesnotrevealHissecrets(thesecretsoftheuniverse)tojustanyone,regardlessofhowpiousorasceticthepersonis.

{[Heis]Knoweroftheunseen,andHedoesnotdiscloseHis[knowledgeofthe]unseentoanyoneexcept

whom He has approved of messengers, and indeed, He sends before him [i.e., each messenger] andbehindhimobservers}

(Qur’an72:26-27)

Humans are limited in their capabilities, while Allah is unlimited and completely capable ofeverything. There is no comparison between the Creator and the created, and the created can neverbecometheCreator.Wehumansdonotandwillneverhavethepowers,abilitiesandknowledgethatourCreator, Allah (the Exalted), has. Regardless of the spiritual exercises, meditation, or asceticismpracticed,peoplewillalwaysbeboundbytheirphysicalbodies.Theywillalwaysneedtoeattosurviveand will always just be human beings. Regardless of what their minds declare, they will always beimperfect humans, below and incomparable toAllah (the Exalted), theMostGreat andGloriousAll-PowerfulCreator.

Imagine, for instance, that a man made a bicycle. He created that bicycle. Can the bicycle everbecomeonewithitscreator?No,thatisasillythought.Thebicycleisthebicycle,anditscreatoristheman;theyaretwocompletelydifferententities.SoitisalsowithAllah,theCreatoroftheuniverseandeverythinginit.ThecreationcannotbecometheCreator;suchanideadefieslogic.

Misconception5:Allah(theExalted)willRevealtheSecretsoftheUniverse

This was briefly mentioned above, but needs to be specifically dealt with. Some people have amisconceptionthatiftheyperformcertainactsofworship,usuallyinventedoneslikechanting,thenAllah(theExalted)willrevealthesecretsoftheuniversetothem.Forexample,wecameacrossthefollowingclaim:“Ifyousaythenameal-Aḥad(theOne)onethousandtimesinaday,thenAllah(theExalted)willrevealthesecretsoftheuniversetoyou.”

However,itmustbeemphasizedthatAllah(theExalted)doesnotrevealthesecretsoftheuniversetojustanyone.AsHe(theExalted)says:

{[Heis]Knoweroftheunseen,andHedoesnotdiscloseHis[knowledgeofthe]unseentoanyoneexceptwhomHehasapprovedofmessengers,and indeed,Hesendsbeforehim[eachmessenger]andbehindhimobservers}

(Qur’an72:26-27)

Nomatterhowmuchchantingapersondoes,Allah (theExalted)willnot reveal the secretsof theuniverse to himor her.Neither is chantingnamesofAllahbeneficial at all for two reasons.First, theProphetMuhammad (bpuh) did not do it, and his religion and practices ofworshipwere perfect;wecannotdobetter thanhim.Secondly, themerechantingofanameofAllah is simplychanting. It isnotpraisingofAllah(theExalted),whichearnsrewards.Sayingthingslike,‘Allahisgreat’,‘Praisebeto

Allah’,and‘GlorifiedisAllah’,arewaystopraiseAllah,becomeclosertoHimandgaingooddeeds,butsimplychantingasinglenamedoesnotpraiseAllah(theExalted),andthereisnobenefitinit.

Regardlessofwhatpeopleperformofworship,orhowascetictheybecome,Allah(theExalted)willnotrevealthesecretsoftheuniversetothem.

Misconception6:SeeingAllah(theExalted)inthisLife

ItsimplyisnotpossibletoseeAllah(theExalted)inthislife.EventheprophetsofAllahdidnotseeHiminthislife.Allah(theExalted)says:

{AndwhenMosesarrivedatOurappointedtimeandhisLordspoketohim,hesaid:MyLord,showme[Yourself]thatImaylookatYou.[Allah]said:YouwillnotseeMe…}

(Qur’an7:143)

«‘Â’ishah (raḍiya Allâhu ‘anhâ – may Allah be pleased with her) narrated: If anyone tells you thatMuhammad(bpuh)sawhisLord,thenhehastoldagreatlieaboutAllah.

WhenshewasaskedabouttheversesofAllah(theExalted):

{Andhehasalreadyseenhim[Gabriel]intheclearhorizon.}(Qur’an81:23)and

{Andhecertainlysawhiminanotherdescent}(Qur’an53:13).Sheresponded:

IwasthefirsttoaskAllah’sMessenger(bpuh)aboutthis.He(bpuh)toldme:ThatwasonlyGabriel.»(Muslim)

Thebelievers,nevertheless,willseeAllah(theExalted)intheHereafter.

«Ṣuhaybar-Roomi(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthat theProphet(bpuh)said:Whenthosedeservingofparadisewouldenterparadise,theBlessedandtheExaltedwouldask:DoyouwishMetogiveyouanythingmore?

Theywouldsay:HaveYounotbrightenedourfaces?HaveYounotmadeusenterparadiseandsavedusfromhellfire?

He(thenarrator)said:Allah(theExalted)wouldlifttheveil(fromtheireyes),andofthethingsgiventothem,nothingwouldbedearertothemthanthesightoftheirLord,theMightyandtheGlorious.»(Muslimandat-Tirmidhi)

Thus it is clear that it isnotpossible to seeAllah (theExalted) in this life,but thebelievers lookforwardtoseeingtheirLordinthenextlife.

Misconception7:Allah’sMercyNegatesHisWrath

AbuHurayrah(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthattheProphet(bpuh)said:

«WhenAllah(theExalted)decreedtheCreation,HepledgedHimselfbywritinginHisbook,whichislaiddownwithHim:MymercyprevailsoverMywrath.»(Bukhari,Muslim,IbnMâjahandan-Nasâ’i)

Thiswell-knownhadithoftheProphetMuhammad(bpuh)affirmsthevastnessofAllah’smercy,andthereareanumberofotherhadiths thatalso illustrate this.For instance,AbuHurayrah (MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthatAllah’sMessenger(bpuh)said:

«Allah(theExalted)dividedMercyintoonehundredparts;Hekept itsninety-ninepartswithHimandsent down its one (hundredth) part to the earth.Because of that, its one single part,His creatures aremerciful to each other, so that even themare lifts up her hoofs away from her young, lest she shouldtrampleonit.»(Bukhari)

However,Allah’s vastmercy does not negateHis anger,wrath, and punishment, as someMuslimswouldliketobelieve.Allah(theExalted)iscertainlyloving,forgiving,andmerciful,butHeisalsoswiftinpunishment.

{Whoeverdisbelievesin[denies]Allahafterhisbelief…exceptforonewhoisforced[torenouncehisreligion]whilehisheartissecureinfaith.Butthosewho[willingly]opentheirbreaststodisbelief,uponthemiswrathfromAllah,andforthemisagreatpunishment}

(Qur’an16:106)

{Oyouwhohavebelieved,fearAllahasHeshouldbefeared…}(Qur’an3:102)

Allah’smercymustnotbeusedasanexcusetodisobeyAllah(theExalted).Therightbalanceneedstobefoundbetweenlove,hope,andfear–thatis,loveofAllah(theExalted),hopeforHismercy,andfearofHispunishment.HopingforAllah’smercyisagoodthing,butwithoutfear,theMuslimhaslittledeterrence from committing sins. When people commit sins, not only do individuals suffer, butcommunitiessufferaswell.

Hence,althoughAllah’smercyprevailsoverHiswrath,itdoesnotnegateit.

Misconception8:AstrologyisPermissible

Allah(theExalted)says:

{AnditisHewhoplacedforyouthestarsthatyoumaybeguidedbythemthroughthedarknessesofthelandandsea...}

(Qur’an6:97)

It is common in both Western and Eastern societies for people to believe in horoscopes andastrological signs.Theybelieve that their personalities are in part a result of themonth inwhich theywerebornandthepositionofthestars.Sadly,someMuslimsfallpreytothisbelief,thinkingthatthereissomesciencebehind it.HenceanothermisconceptionregardingAllah(theExalted)arises in thebeliefthatthecontroloflife’seventsandpersonalitiesisgovernedbystars,ratherthanbyAllah(theExalted).

Thetruthof thematter is thatbelief inastrologicalsignsandhoroscopesareformsofattributingtoAllah’screationqualitiesthatbelongtoHimalone,whichisshirk.Allah(theExalted)innowayneedsanythingfromtheheavenstocreateandguidehumanpersonalities.Allahsays:

{…WhenHedecreesamatter,Heonlysaystoit:Be!–anditis.}(Qur’an2:117)

We are the way we are because Allah (the Exalted) created us that way and fashioned our livesaccordingtoHiswill.Ourlife’sexperiencesaffectourpersonalities,andthisisallasAllahhasdecreed.Thepositionofstarshasnoeffectonourpersonalitiesoronourcompatibilitywithothers.ThisbeliefisaninsulttoAllah(theExalted),inthatHisabilitiesareunderestimated.ItisreportedthatQatâdahsaid:

Allahcreated thestars for threepurposes:asornaments forheaven,missilesagainstdevils,andassignsfortheguidanceoftravelers.Whoeverspeculatesbeyondthiserrsanddissipateshiscreditasa

scholar,forhewouldbetransgressingthelimitsofhisownknowledge.36

Misconception9:JokesaboutAllah(theExalted)arePermissible

Itmaybe fun to tell jokes; itmaybeamusingandentertaining. Itmustbementioned,however, that thecontentofthejokesmustbehalal.Inotherwords,jokingaboutAllah,HisMessenger(bpuh),orIslamisnotpermitted.PeoplehaveamisconceptionaboutAllahthatleadsthemtotakelightlythetellingofjokeswherein they disrespect Allah directly or indirectly. For instance, we received through e-mail thefollowingjoke:“Godmayhavecreatedmanbeforewoman,butthereisalwaysaroughdraftbeforethemasterpiece.”

ThisjokeisblasphemoustoAllah,inappropriate,andenormouslydisrespectful.ItimpliesthatAllah(theExalted) isnotperfect inHiscreation,and thatHehad to tryfirstbeforegetting it right.This isagreatinsulttoAllah(theExalted),aswellasameansoftellingliesaboutHim.

{Theyonlyinventfalsehood,[those]whodonotbelieveintheversesofAllah,anditisthosewhoaretheliars.}

(Qur’an16:105)

{Andifyouaskthem,theywillsurelysay:Wewereonlyconversingandplaying.Say:IsitAllahandHisversesandHisMessengerthatyouweremocking?}

(Qur’an9:65)

The following anecdote, narrated by Ibn ‘Umar (MayAllah be pleasedwith him), exemplifies theenormityofjokingaboutAllah(theExalted):

«InthecourseofthecampaignofTabuk,amancameuponedayanddeclared:Wehaveseennopeoplewithgreater appetite,more lying,ormorecowardly inbattle than theProphetofAllah (bpuh)andhisrecitingcompanions.

‘Awf ibnMâlikroseandsaid: It is ratheryou thatare the liar.Youareahypocrite,pretending tobeaMuslim.IshalltelltheProphetofAllah(bpuh)aboutyou.

‘AwfthenwenttotheProphet(bpuh)toinformhim,butfoundthatrevelationhadalreadyprecededhim.

[Whenthenewsreached]theman,hemountedhiscamel,soughttheProphetofAllah(bpuh)andsaid:Butwewereonlyjoking,tryingtopassthetimewhiletravelling.

Ibn ‘Umar (MayAllahbepleasedwithhim) said:Hewas clinging to the saddlebelt of theProphet’scamelas it ran,his feetand legsbeingbatteredby the roughground,and repeating:Butwewereonlyjoking.

And theProphet (bpuh) insisting,without turninghis face tohim:Joking?JokingwithAllah?WithHis

Revelation?WithHisProphet?»37

Therefore,jokingaboutAllah(theExalted),HisMessenger(bpuh),orIslamshouldbetakenseriouslyandavoidedatallcosts.

{…Indeed,thosewhoinventfalsehoodaboutAllahwillnotsucceed}.(Qur’an16:116)

Misconception10:ChainLettersarePermissible

Achainletterisaletter(orinthetwenty-firstcentury,ane-mail)thattellsastoryandthenpromisesthatiftherecipientpassesonthelettertoacertainnumberofpeople,goodthingswillhappentohimorher,butthatiftheletterisnotforwarded,thenbadluckwillbefalltheperson.

ItmayseemclearthatgoodandbadisfromAllah(theExalted)aloneandnottheresultofpassingona letter; however,Muslims have been fooled by these types of letters.Again, this is amisconceptionregarding Allah (the Exalted) and His abilities. It is an underestimation of the power of Allah (theExalted) andHis all encompassing control of all that exists and all that occurs. It is, in fact, shirk tobelieveinthesetypesofletters,anditisimmenselydisrespectfultoAllah(theExalted).

ShaykhIbnBâz38madethefollowingcommentsregardingachainletter:

{…AndhewhoassociatesotherswithAllahhascertainlygonefarastray.}(Qur’an4:116)

InordertobecomefullyacquaintedwithAllah(theExalted)andtobelieveinHimaccordingtowhatHehasrevealedaboutHimself,allmisconceptionsregardingHimmustbeavoided.BeingawareoftherealityregardingAllahenablesonetodispelanydoubtsorerrors.Knowledgemustbesoughtdiligentlyandsafeguardedstrictlyso that thebelieverdoesnot fall inadvertently intoassociatingsomethingwithAllah(theExalted).

TheProphet(bpuh)said:

«ShirkintheMuslimnationismoreinconspicuousthanthecreepingoftheblackantonablackrock.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyal-Ḥâkim)

All the praises are for Allah (the Exalted), who revealed to His Prophet (bpuh) the followingsupplication,tobesaidthreetimesinadayandanight,toexpiateforthis:

«OAllah! I take refuge inYou from (the possibility) that I should ascribe anything as partner inYourworship,andIamconsciousofthat,andIbegYourpardonforthatsinwhichIamnotawareof.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyal-Ḥâkim)

ChapterFive:TheNumberofAllah’sNames

AbuHurayrah(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)reportedthattheProphet(bpuh)said:

«Allahhasninety-ninenames:onehundredlessone;whoevermemorizesandcomprehendsthementersparadise...»(Bukhari)

Becauseofthishadith,manyMuslimsholdtheopinionthatAllah(theExalted)hasonlyninety-ninenames.Actually,Allahhasagreatnumberofnames,thenumberofwhichisknownonlytoHim.Wehopetoclarifythisissuehere.

Anotherhadithshedslightonthesubject.IbnMas‘ood(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthattheProphet(bpuh)supplicatedtoAllah(theExalted):

«IaskYouwitheveryoneofYournameswithwhichYouhavenamedYourself,orYouhaverevealedinYourBookortaughttoanyoneofyourcreation,orwhichYouhavekepttoYourselfintheknowledgeoftheunseen.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyAḥmad)

Takingbothhadithsintoconsideration,itbecomesclearthatAllah(theExalted)hasmanynamesthatHehaskeptwithHimself,sothetotalnumberofAllah’snamesisunknowntous.

As for the names that were revealed, even their number ismore than ninety-nine. To explain, thewordingof theabovehadithneeds tobe lookedatcarefully. Itdoesstate that“Allah(theExalted)hasninety-ninenames:onehundredlessone”,butthesentencedoesnotstopthere.Ithasaclauseaddedtoit:“whoevermemorizesandcomprehendsthementersparadise”.

Thisclauseisveryimportantbecauseitqualifiestheninety-ninenames.Letusgiveyouanexample.IfIsaytoyouthatIhavefivebooksthatyoucanborrow,doesthismeanthatIonlyhavefivebooks?No;Imay have ten books, but only five that Iwill allow you to borrow.The clause ‘that you can borrow’qualifiesthefivebooks,butitdoesnotlimitthenumberofbooksinmypossessiontothosefiveonly.

LikewiseitiswiththeProphet’sstatementregardingAllah’sninety-ninenames.Theclause“whoevermemorizes and comprehends them enters paradise” does not limitHis names to ninety-nine but ratherqualifiesthem.Soifninety-nineofAllah’smanynamesarememorized,thenparadiseisthereward.

Ibnal-Qayyimstated:

Thewordsof theProphet (bpuh)“Allahhasninety-nineNames,whoevermemorizes them entersparadise” is one sentence. His statement, “whoever memorizes them enters paradise,” is anadjectivalclauseandnotasingleindependentmainclause.Therefore, theintendedmeaningis:He,theAlmighty, has a number ofNames, part of their virtue is that whoevermemorizes them entersparadise.ThisdoesnotnegatethefactthatHehasotherNamesbesidesthem.Inthesameway,youmightsay,“Soandsohasonehundredslaveswhohehaspreparedforjihad.”Thisdoesnotnegatethefactthathehasotherslaveswhohehaspreparedfortasksotherthanjihad.Thereisnodispute

aboutthisamongstthescholars.39

Proofformorethanninety-ninenamescanbefoundwithintheauthentictextsoftheQur’anandtheSunnah.Thismakesclear thatAllah (theExalted)hasmore thanninety-ninenames thatwere revealed,andofcoursemany,manymorethatwerenotrevealed.

WhenlookingatdifferentlistsofAllah’sninety-ninenames,whetheronpostersorinbooks,onemaynoticethatthelistsdonotalwayscontainexactlythesamenames;theyusuallydifferinafewnames.Thisisbecause,aswehavementioned,thereareinfactmorethanninety-ninenamesthathaveauthenticproofsforthem,soeachlistisacompilationofninety-ninenamesofAllah(theExalted)chosenbytheauthorofthelist.Thereisalsomuchdifferentiationamongstscholarsastowhatcanbeconsideredaname,oftenbasedonlinguisticfactors.

As forwhichninety-ninenamesneed to bememorized to enter paradise,wewill quote twovalidopinions.

One: Any ninety-nine names ofAllah (the Exalted) can bememorized in order to enter paradise.According to this opinion, a person may pick any ninety-nine names of Allah (the Exalted) andmemorizethem,andtheyshouldreceivetherewardofparadise.

Two: There is a specific set of ninety-nine names that need to be memorized in order to enterparadise.Sincetherearenotextsspecifyingwhichninety-ninenamesthoseare, itwouldbesafest,accordingtothisopinion,tomemorizeasmanynamesaspossible,andinshallah(Godwilling)withinallthenamesmemorized,thecorrectoneswillhavebeenincorporated.

WehopethatitisclearthatAllah(theExalted)hasmanymorethanninety-ninenames,manynamesofwhichHehaskepttheknowledgewithHimself,andalsomorethanninety-ninethatwererevealed.Asfortherevealednames,wecannotquoteanumberforthem,asthereisdifferentiationamongstscholarsastothosethatareconsiderednames,asopposedtothosethatarementionedintheQur’anandSunnahbywayofinformationonlybutarenotactuallyHisnames.

ChapterSix:LinguisticRootsofAllah’sNames

AsapreludetodiscussingthemeaningsofthenamesandattributesofAllah(theExalted),wewishtodiscussbrieflythelinguisticrootsofHisnames.

TheArabiclanguageutilizesarootsystem,inthatthegreatmajorityofwordshaveroots,andtheirmeaningsrelatetotherootmeaningsinsomeway.Toexplainthis,wewillgiveanexample.Thewordfor‘tostudy’isdarasa,formedbythethreeconsonantsd,rands.Theseconsonantsmakeuptherootofthisword,andthisrootcarriesthemeaningof‘study.’Someoftheotherwordsthathavethesamerootaredars,‘lesson’(athingthatisstudied),dirâsah,‘studies’(theactivityofstudying),madrasah,‘school’(aplacewherestudyingoccurs),darrasa,‘heinstructed’(hemadesomeonestudy),andmudarris,‘teacher’(onewhohelpswithstudying).Thesamethreeconsonantsoccurinthesameorderinallofthesewords,hencetherelationshipamongthem.

In the same way, we can look at the linguistic roots of Allah’s names to help understand theirmeaningsaswellastherelationshipsamongsomeofAllah’snames.NamesthathavethesamerootareoftensynonymousintheEnglishlanguage,andthisisthereasonwhytwodifferentArabicnamesmaybetranslatedusingthesamenameinEnglish.Theremaybeadifferenceinthemeaning,butitmaybeslight.For instance, in English, the words ‘forgive’ and ‘pardon’ are considered synonyms because theirmeaningsareessentiallythesame.Likewise,Allah’snamesal-Ghafoor(TheForgiving),al-Ghâfir(TheForgiver)andal-Ghaffâr(ThePerpetualForgiver)areallrelatedtoforgiving.

Asyouwillseeinshallah,someofthetranslationsforAllah’snamesarethesameasothers.Thisisbecauseeithertheycomefromthesamerootasmentioned,ortheyarecompletelydifferentwordswithdifferent roots, but they are synonyms. Just as theEnglish language has synonyms, so does theArabiclanguage.Thewordshavethesamegeneralmeaningwithonlyslightvariation.

The following table shows the names of Allah (the Exalted) that have common roots. They aregroupedaccordingtotheirlinguisticrootinordertodemonstratetheirrelationshiptoeachother.

LinguisticMeaning NameswithRoot

Root‘alâ high,elevated,exalted,sublime,lofty,supreme Al-A‘lâ(TheMostHigh),

Al-‘Aliyy(TheMostHigh),Al-Muta‘âl(TheExalted)

akhara delay,defer,last,ultimate,conclusion Al-Âkhir(TheLast),Al-Mu’akhkhir(TheDeferrer)

‘alima toknow;tobecognizant,aware,informed Al-‘Aleem(TheKnowing),Al-‘Âlim(TheKnower)

ghafara toforgive,grantpardon Al-Ghaffâr(ThePerpetualForgiver),Al-Ghâfir(TheForgiver),Al-Ghafoor(TheForgiving)

ḥafidha toguard,protect Al-Ḥafeedh(TheGuardian),Al-Ḥâfidh(TheGuardian)

ḥakama tojudge;tobedecisive,wise Al-Ḥakam(TheJudge),Al-Ḥakeem(TheWise)

ḥayy life,living Al-Ḥayy(TheEver-Living),Al-Muḥyee(TheGiverofLife)

ilâh deity Allah(HeWhoDeservestobeWorshipped),Al-Ilâh(TheGod)

kabr great,large,eminent,proud Al-Kabeer(TheGrand),Al-Mutakabbir(TheSuperior)

karuma noblenature,generosity,magnanimity,kindness Al-Akram(TheMostGenerous),Al-Kareem(TheGenerous)

khalaqa tocreate,originate,shape,form,mould Al-Khâliq(TheCreator),Al-Khallâq(TheCreator)

majada glorious,illustrious,exalted Al-Majeed(TheGlorious)malaka topossess,own,dominate,control,toreign,

sovereignAl-Maleek(TheSovereign),Al-Malik(TheSovereign),Al-Mâlik(TheSovereign,TheOwner)

qadira topossessstrength,power,ability Al-Muqtadir(ThePerfectinAbility),Al-Qadeer(TheAll-Powerful),Al-Qâdir(TheAble)

qahr vanquishing,overpowering,prevailing,irresistible Al-Qahhâr(ThePrevailing),Al-Qâhir(TheIrresistible)

raḥmah mercy,compassion,kindness Ar-Raḥeem(TheMostMerciful),Ar-Raḥmân(TheMostGracious)

shukr thankfulness,gratefulness Ash-Shâkir(TheAppreciative),Ash-Shakoor(TheAppreciative)

ChapterSeven:TheNamesofAllah(theExalted)

InourattempttointroducethereaderstotheAttributesofAllah(theExalted)andfacilitateforthemthemeanstoknowledgeofAllah,wewilldiscussthemeaningsofmanyofAllah’snamesandattributes.Foreachname,weinclude:

● prooffromtheQur’anortheSunnah

● explanations,whicharebasedprimarilyonIbnKatheer’scommentary(tafseer)

● themeansof applying theknowledgeof thisname to everyday life, togive the readers a startingpointtoreflectonandponderthegreatnessofAllah(theExalted)

● authenticsupplicationsfromtheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)thatusethename;thisprovidesanothermeansofapplyingtheknowledgeofHisnamesineverydaylife

Although therearedifferencesamongscholars regardingexactlywhichonescanbeconsidered thenamesofAllah(theExalted),wehavechosentobringforthheretheonesthathavethesoundestproofs

foundintheQur’anandtheSunnah.40

Our list includes 116 names, and we have chosen this many for two reasons. First, we wish tothoroughly dispel the idea thatAllah (theExalted) only has ninety-nine names or that only ninety-ninenameshavebeenrevealed.Secondly,wedesire toallowthereader tochoose tofolloweitheropinionregardingthememorizationofHisnames(asmentionedpreviously).Ifonewantstochooseonlyninety-ninenamestomemorize,accordingtotheopinionthatanyninety-ninemaybememorized,thenthatcanbeaccomplished with ninety-nine of the names listed. If one prefers tomemorizemore than ninety-nine,followingtheopinionthatitisaspecificlistofninety-ninethatneedstobememorized,thenthatmaybedoneaswell.

Wehave arranged the names ofAllah (theExalted) into twogroups: those that have their primaryproof in theQur’an, and those that have their primary proof in the Sunnah of theMessenger ofAllah(bpuh).EachgrouphasthenbeenputinalphabeticalorderaccordingtotheEnglishtransliteration,fortheease of the English-speaking reader. The only exception is the name ‘Allah’, which deserves to beaddressedfirst.

NamesofAllah(theExalted)EvidencedfromtheQur’an

1.Allah:HeWhoDeservestobeWorshipped

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{All the praises and thanks be toAllah, the Lord of the ‘Âlameen [humankind, the jinn and all that

exists].}41

(Qur’an1:2)

{Indeed,Allahisoverallthingscompetent.}(Qur’an2:20)

{ThatisAllah,yourLord;thereisnodeityexceptHim,theCreatorofallthings,soworshipHim.AndHeisDisposerofallthings.}

(Qur’an6:102)

Tafseer

ShaykhIbnJareeraṭ-Ṭabarisaidinhistafseer:

TheinterpretationofAllahis,accordingtothemeaningnarratedtousfrom‘AbdAllahIbnAbbas:Heis the One Whom everything takes as its god, Whom all creatures worship. Allah is He Who

possessestheattributesofdivinityandofbeingworshippedwithrespecttoallHiscreatures.42

AccordingtoIbnKatheer’stafseer,“Theword‘Allah’isapropernoun(andthepersonalname)of

the Lord. It is said to be theGreatest Name because it describes all of His attributes.”43 Allah (theExalted)says:

{He isAllah, other thanwhom there is no deity, Knower of the unseen and thewitnessed. He is theEntirelyMerciful,theEspeciallyMerciful.HeisAllah,otherthanwhomthereisnodeity,theSovereign,thePure, thePerfection, theBestowerofFaith, theOverseer, theExalted inMight, theCompeller, theSuperior.ExaltedisAllahabovewhatevertheyassociatewithHim.HeisAllah,theCreator,theInventor,theFashioner;toHimbelongthebestnames.WhateverisintheheavensandearthisexaltingHim.AndHeistheExaltedinMight,theWise.}

(Qur’an59:22-24)

Fromal-Qurṭubi’stafseerofthebismillahintheQur’an,wefindthefollowingrelatedtothemeaningofthisname:

● Nothingelsehasthisname;itisnotfoundinfemaleorpluralform.

● SomescholarssaythisisHisgreatestandmostcompletename.

● Ithasthreepossiblemeanings:theOnewhodeservestobeworshipped,theOnewhoseexistenceis

amust(Hehasalwaysbeenandalwaysshallbe),andtheUniqueOne.44

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheonlyoneworthyofworshipshouldinspirethesincereservantsofAllah to direct all of theirworship, including their love, hope, prayers and intentions, toAllah alone.ThereisnosenseinworshippingotherthanAllah,thosewhohavenopowertoaidoranswerprayers.Allah(theExalted)alonecananswerourprayersandaidusintryingtimes,andHealonedeservestheultimategratitudeanddevotionfromus.

Supplication

«‘Abdur-Raḥmân ibnAbuBakr (MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)said tohis father:Father, Ihearyoureciteeveryday:OAllah!Makemesoundinbody.OAllah!Makemesoundinhearing.OAllah!Makemesoundinsight.ThereisnogodbutYou.

Yourepeatitthreetimesinthemorningandevening.

AbuBakr (MayAllah be pleasedwith him) replied:My son, I heard theMessenger ofAllah (bpuh)supplicate in these words, and I love to follow his practice.» (a reliable hadith recorded by AbuDâwood)

AbuUsaydreportedthattheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)said:

«Whenanyofyouentersthemosque,heshouldsay:OAllah!OpenformethedoorsofThymercy.

Whenhestepsout,heshouldsay:OAllah!IbegofTheeThyGrace.»(Muslim)

‘Umaribnal-KhaṭṭâbnarratedthattheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)said:

«Ifanyamongstyoumakesaperfectablution,thensupplicates:OAllah!MakemeamongthosewhoturntoYouinrepentance,andmakeamongthosewhoarepurified–Allah(theExalted)opensuntoHimtheeight gates of the Garden, that hemay enter at which he chooses.» (a sound hadith recorded byAbuDâwoodandat-Tirmidhi)

«OAllah!Grantmeaneasyreckoning.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyAḥmad)

«OAllah! I ask ofYou guidance, piety and chastity and to be free of depending upon anyone (exceptYou).»(Muslim)

2.Al-‘Adheem:TheMostGreat

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{HisKursiextendsover theheavensandtheearth,andtheirpreservation tiresHimnot.AndHeis theMostHigh,theMostGreat.}

(Qur’an2:255)

{ToHimbelongswhateverisintheheavensandwhateverisintheearth,andHeistheMostHigh,theMostGreat.}

(Qur’an42:4)

{SoexaltthenameofyourLord,theMostGreat.}(Qur’an56:74,69:52)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)isgreaterthaneverything.HeistheAlmighty,andnoneisevenclosetopossessingsuchmight.Rather,everythingissubjecttoAllah’smightandpower.HeistheonlyLord,theMostHigh,andMostGreat.NothingcancomparetoHisawesomegreatness.

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheMostGreatgivestheservantsofAllahasenseofneedtoserveAllah.TheirheartsarefilledwithhumblenessandsubmissiontowardsAllah.Indeed,nothingisworthyofbeingworshippedexcepttheMostGreatOne.

Supplication

Ibn‘Abbâs(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)saidthattheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)usedtosay,intimesofdifficulty:

«There is none worthy of worship other than Allah, theMostGreat, the Forbearing. There is noneworthyofworshipother thanAllah,Lordof theMagnificentThrone.There isnoneworthyofworshipotherthanAllah,Lordoftheheavensandtheearth,LordoftheGloriousthrone.»(BukhariandMuslim)

Ontheauthorityof‘Â’ishah(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim),whosaidthattheProphet(bpuh)hadtaughtherthissupplication:

«OAllah,Behold!IbegofYouthegoodwhichYourProphet(bpuh)beggedofYou;andIseekrefugeinYou from theevilwherefromYourProphet (bpuh) sought refuge.OurLord!Behold,Youaloneare theHearing,theKnowing.Andforgiveus.Behold,YouaretheAcceptingofRepentance,theMostMerciful.ThereisnostrengthnorpowersaveinAllahtheSublime,theMostGreat.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyIbnMâjah)

Supplicationtobesaidwhenenteringthemosque:

«IseekrefugewithAllah,theMostGreat,andwithHisnobleface,andHiseternalauthorityfromSatan

theoutcast…»(asoundhadithrecordedbyAbuDâwood)45

‘Abdullâhibn‘Abbâs(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthattheProphet(bpuh)said:

«Ifanyonevisitsasickpersonwhosetime(ofdeath)hasnotcome,andsayswithhimseventimes:IaskAllah,theMostGreat, theLordof themightyThrone, tocureyou–Allah(theExalted)willcurehimfromthatdisease.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyAbuDâwoodandat-Tirmidhi)

Jâbir(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthattheProphet(bpuh)said:

«Whenever someone says:HowperfectAllah (theExalted) is, theMostGreat, and I praiseHim– apalmtreeisplantedforhiminparadise.»(areliablehadithrecordedbyat-Tirmidhi)

AbuHurayrah(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)reportedthattheProphet(bpuh)said:

«(Thereare)twoexpressionswhicharedeartotheGracious(Allah)andverylight(easy)forthetongue(tosay),butveryheavy inweight in thebalance.Theyare:SubḥânAllâhwa-biḥamdihi (HowperfectAllah is, and I praiseHim) andSubḥânAllâhal-‘Adheem (HowperfectAllah is, theMostGreat).»(BukhariandMuslim)

‘Ali(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)reportedthattheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)said:

«WhosoeveraftereveryprayerrecitesÂyatal-Kursi:

{Allah - there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence. NeitherdrowsinessovertakesHimnorsleep.ToHimbelongswhateverisintheheavensandwhateverisontheearth.Who is it that can intercedewithHimexcept byHispermission?Heknowswhat is [presently]before themandwhatwillbeafter them,and theyencompassnot a thingofHisknowledgeexcept forwhatHewills.HisKursiextendsover theheavensand theearth,and theirpreservation tiresHimnot.AndHeistheMostHigh,theMostGreat}

(Qur’an2:255)

–noneshallpreventhimfromenteringtheGardensavedeath.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyaṭ-Ṭabarâni)

«AbuHurayrah(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthatAllah’sMessenger(bpuh)orderedhimtoguardthezakâtrevenueofRamadan.Thensomebodycametohimandstartedstealingfromthefoodstuff.Hecaughthimandsaid:IwilltakeyoutoAllah’sMessenger.

ThenAbuHurayrahdescribedthewholenarrationandsaid:Thatpersonsaid(tome):PleasedonottakemetoAllah’sMessengerandIwilltellyouafewwordsbywhichAllahwillbenefityou.Whenyougotoyourbed,reciteÂyatal-Kursi:

{Allah – there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence. NeitherdrowsinessovertakesHimnorsleep.ToHimbelongswhateverisintheheavensandwhateverisontheearth.Who is it that can intercedewithHimexcept byHispermission?Heknowswhat is [presently]before themandwhatwillbeafter them,and theyencompassnot a thingofHisknowledgeexcept forwhatHewills.HisKursiextendsovertheheavensandtheearth,andtheirpreservationdoesnottireHim.AndHeistheMostHigh,theMostGreat.}

(Quran2:255)

–forthentherewillbeaguardfromAllahwhowillprotectyouallnightlong,andSatanwillnotbeabletocomenearyouuntildawn.

(When theProphet heard the story), he said (tome):He (whocame toyou at night) toldyou the truthalthoughheisaliar;anditwasSatan.»(Bukhari)

Ibn‘Abbâs(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)saidthattheProphetofAllah(bpuh)taughtthisprayerforwhenonehasafeverorotherpain:

«InthenameofAllah,theGreat,IseekrefugeinAllah,theMostGreat,fromtheevilofeveryspurtingveinandfromtheeviloftheheatoftheFire.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyat-Tirmidhi)

‘Ubâdahibnaṣ-ṢâmitnarratedthattheProphet(bpuh)said:

«Ifanyoneawakesatnightandthensays:NonehastherighttobeworshippedexceptAllah(theExalted),alonewithoutpartners.ToHimbelongssovereigntyandpraise,andHeisoverallthingswhollycapable.HowperfectAllahis,andallpraiseisforAllah,andnonehastherighttobeworshippedexceptAllah.Allah(theExalted)isthegreatest,andthereisnopowernormightexceptwithAllah,theMostHigh,theMostGreat—andthensupplicates:OmyLord,forgiveme–theywillbeforgiven.»(Bukhari)

3.Al-‘Afuww:ThePardoning

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{That[isso].Andwhoeverresponds[toinjustice]withtheequivalentofthatwithwhichhewasharmedandthenistyrannized–Allahwillsurelyaidhim.Indeed,AllahisPardoningandForgiving.}

(Qur’an22:60)

{Thoseofyouwhopronouncedhihâr46[toseparate]fromtheirwives–theyarenot[consequently]theirmothers. Their mothers are none but those who gave birth to them. And indeed, they are saying anobjectionablestatementandafalsehood.Butindeed,AllahisPardoningandForgiving.}

(Qur’an58:2)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted) is thePardoningand theOneWhocoverssins.When individualsaccept Islam,Heforgives all of the sins that they committedpreviously.He is “theOnewho forgives andpardons.Al-

QurṭubiindicatesthatthisqualityisalsoindicativeofAllahbeingeasyonHiscreation.”47

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)isthePardoninginspirestheservantsofAllahtoturnconstantlytoHiminrepentance.TheyareencouragedtohopethroughtheknowledgethatAllahlovestoforgiveandpardon.Hopethattheywillbeforgiven,hopeforparadise,hopetobesavedfromhell–allgrowintheheartsviathisknowledge.TheservantsofAllahknowthat theycanneverbeperfect,but thatAllah(theExalted)willbemercifulandpardonthemiftheyturntoHiminrepentance.

Supplication

«‘Â’ishah(MayAllahbepleasedwithher)said:IaskedtheMessengerofAllah(bpuh):OMessengerof

Allah,ifIknowwhatnightistheNightofPower,48whatshouldIsayduringit?

He said: Say:OAllah,You arepardoning andYou love topardon, sopardonme.» (a sound hadithrecordedbyIbnMâjahandat-Tirmidhi)

4.Al-Aḥad:TheOne

VersefromtheQur’an:

{Say[OMuhammad(bpuh)]:HeisAllah,(the)One.}49

(Qur’an112:1)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)istheOneWhohasnoequalorpartner.Heissingledoutinallformsofperfection.NoonesharesinHisqualitiesofperfection.

IbnKatheercommented:

HeistheOne,theSingular,Whohasnopeer,noassistant,norival,noequalandnonecomparabletoHim. Thisword (Al-Aḥad) cannot be used for anyone in affirmation exceptAllah theMighty and

Majestic,becauseHeisperfectinallofHisattributesandactions.50

«‘Â’ishah (MayAllah be pleasedwith her) said that theProphet (bpuh) sent (an armyunit) under thecommandofamanwhoused to leadhiscompanions in theprayers,andhewould finishhis recitation

with

{Say[OMuhammad(bpuh)]:HeisAllah,(the)One}51

(Qur’an112:1).

Whentheyreturned(fromthebattle),theymentionedthattotheProphet(bpuh).

Hesaid(tothem):Askhimwhyhedoesso.

Theyaskedhim,andhereplied:IdosobecauseitmentionsthequalitiesoftheMostGracious,andIlovetoreciteit(inmyprayer).

TheProphet(bpuh)said(tothem):TellhimthatAllah(theExalted)loveshim.»(Bukhari)

«AbuSa‘eedal-Khudri(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthatamanheardanothermanreciting(intheprayers):

{Say[OMuhammad(bpuh)]:HeisAllah,(the)One}52

(Qur’an112:1)–

andhereciteditrepeatedly.

Whenitwasmorning,he(thefirstman)wenttotheProphet(bpuh)andinformedhimaboutthat,asifheconsideredthattherecitationofthatsoorahbyitselfwasnotenough.

Allah’sMessenger(bpuh)said:ByHiminWhosehandmylifeis,itisequaltoone-thirdoftheQur’an.»(Bukhari)

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheOneandOnlycaninspiretheservantsofAllah(theExalted)todedicatealloftheirworshipsolelytoAllah(theExalted)andnoother.ByunderstandingthisattributeofHis,theworshippersofAllah(theExalted)aremotivatedtopraydirectlytoAllah(theExalted)withoutincludingintercessorsorassociates,forverilyAllah(theExalted)hasnoequalorpartner,asHeistheOne.

Supplication

NarratedBuraydahibnal-Ḥâsib:

«TheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)heardamansaying:OAllah,IaskYou,IbearwitnessthatthereisnogodbutYou,theOne,Self-SufficientMaster,Whohasnotbegotten,andhasnotbeenbegotten,and toWhomnooneisequal.

He(bpuh)said:YouhaveinvokedAllahusingHisGreatestName;whenaskedwiththisname,Hegives,

andwheninvokedbythisnameHeanswers.»(AsoundhadithrecordedbyAbuDâwoodandat-Tirmidhi)

Thefollowingwasnarratedby‘AbdullâhibnKhubayb:

«Wegrewthirsty,andithadbecomedarkwhilewewerewaitingfortheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)toleadusinprayer.

Then,whenhecameouthetookmebymyhandandsaid:Say.

Thenhewassilent.

Hesaidagain:Say.

SoIasked:WhatshouldIsay?

Hesaid:Say:

{Say:HeisAllah,theOne…}(Sooratal-Ikhlâṣ),andthetwochaptersofrefuge(al-Falaqandan-Nâs)at thebeginningoftheeveningandthemorning, threetimes(each).Theywillbesufficientforyoutwotimeseveryday.»(areliablehadithrecordedbyat-Tirmidhiandan-Nasâ’i)

Supplicationsaidattheendoftheprayer,beforethetasleem:

«OAllah, IaskYou,OAllah,asYouare theOne(Al-Aḥad), theOne (Al-Wâḥid), theSelf-SufficientMaster,theOneWhobegetsnotnorwasHebegotten,andthereisnonelikeuntoHim,thatYouforgivememysins,forverilyYouaretheForgiving,theMostMerciful.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyAbuDâwoodandat-Tirmidhi)

5.Al-Âkhir:TheLast

VersefromtheQur’an:

{HeistheFirstandtheLast,andtheOutwardandtheInward;andHeisKnowerofallthings.}53

(Qur’an57:3)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)istheLast;thereisnothingthatwillcomeafterHimorexistafterHim,forHewillexistalwaysandforeternity,whileeverythingelsewilleventuallyperish.Allah(theExalted)says:

{...EverythingwillbedestroyedexceptHisFace...}(Qur’an28:88)

In theverse fromsoorah57 (al-Ḥadeed),Allah (theExalted)puts fourofHisnames together:TheFirst,theLast,theOutwardandtheInward.ThesefournamesinconjunctionshowthevastnessofAllah

(theExalted)andthevastnessofHisknowledge,andtheyindicatethattherecanbenoescapingorhidingfromHim.EverythingisknownbyAllah(theExalted),forHeistheFirst,theLast,theOutwardandtheInward. IbnKatheermentions that Ibn ‘Abbâs (MayAllahbepleasedwithhim) recommended reciting

thisversewhenonehasdoubtsinhisorherheart.54

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheLastcompelstheheartsofthebelieverstosenseandcomprehendAllah’s greatness and eminence. This knowledge encourages them to put their own existence intoperspective.Withtheshortlifespansofhumanbeings,andthelackofcontroloverthelengthofsuchlifespans,thefactthatAllah(theExalted)isandalwayswillbe,evenaftereverythingelseperishes,ismostcompellingtotheheart.

Supplication

AbuHurayrah (MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narrated that theProphet ofAllah (bpuh)wouldpraywhenheretiredtobed:

«OAllah!Lordofthesevenheavens,Lordoftheearth,andLordoftheMagnificentThrone!CleaverofGrainandDateSeeds!RevealeroftheTorah,theGospelandtheQur’an!IseekrefugeinYoufromtheevilof everyevildoerwhomYouare to seizeby the forelock.OAllah,Youare theFirst;nothinghascomebeforeYou.Youare theLast;nothingmaycomeafterYou.Youare theOutward; there isnothingaboveYou.YouaretheInward;thereisnothingnearerthanYou.Removeourdebtsfromusandenrichusagainstpoverty.»(Muslim,IbnMâjah,AbuDâwoodandat-Tirmidhi)

6.Al-Akram:TheMostGenerous

VersefromtheQur’an:

{Recite,andyourLordisthemostGenerous}(Qur’an96:3)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)istheMostGeneroustowardsHisservantsinmanyways,oneofwhichisteachinghumanbeingsallthethingsthattheydidnotknow,includingthenamesofeverything,readingandwriting,andthemeansoflivelihood.Al-Akramis:

...thesuperlativeformof‘kareem’whichmeansnoblehearted,magnanimous,andgenerous(i.e.‘theMostNoblehearted’).Somehavesaidthatit isspecificallyreferringtotheunderstanding,patience,

and disregard - all traits of the noblehearted -whichAllaah shows towards the ignorance ofHis

servants.55

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheMostGenerousinstilsloveforHimintheheartsofMuslims.Hisgenerosity towards humankind, in the face of disobedience and disbelief, is so great that the heartbecomesfullofadmiration,awe,andrespect.LoveincreasesfortheMostGenerousOne.Thiscanalsobe ameans of inspiration to be generous towards others, as it is indeed an excellent trait to possess.AlthoughwecannotreachthelevelofgreatnessofAllah’sgenerosity,wecanexhibitasmuchgenerosityasiswithinourability.

Supplication

IbnMas‘oodandIbn‘Umar(mayAllahbepleasedwiththemboth)usedtosaybetweenthehillsofṢafâand Marwah, “Lord of mine! Pardon and have mercy! You are the Most Powerful and theMostGenerous!”(anauthenticstatementrecordedbyal-Bayhaqi)

7.Al-A‘lâ:TheMostHigh

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{ExaltthenameofyourLord,theMostHigh}(Qur’an87:1)

{ButonlyseekingthecountenanceofhisLord,MostHigh.}(Qur’an92:20)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)istheMostHighinallofHisnamesandattributes,andthemostExaltedandSupreme.HeishighaboveeveryoneandeverythinginHispowerandstatus.Heis:

...theMostHighOnewhoisaboveallothers.ThereisnoonewhoisequalorevencomparabletoHim.Heisalsofreefromanysupposedevil,andfromwhathereticsanddisbelieversmaysayabout

Him.56

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheMostHighinfusesMuslimswithaweandadmirationofAllah.ItcanbringasenseofsubserviencetoAllah,inallHisgreatness,andinspiretruesubmissionthroughfaith

anddevotion.

Supplication

«Ibn‘Abbâs(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)saidthatwhenevertheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)recited:

{ExalttheNameofyourLord,theMostHigh}(Qur’an87:1),

hewouldsay:GlorytomyLord,theMostHigh.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyAbuDâwood)

«Ḥudhayfahnarrated thatwhen theMessengerofAllah (bpuh)prostrated,hewould recite three times:GlorybetomyLord,theMostHigh.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyAbuDâwoodandat-Tirmidhi)

8.Al-‘Aleem:TheKnowing

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{ItisHewhocreatedforyouallofthatwhichisontheearth.ThenHedirectedHimselftotheheaven,[Hisbeingaboveallcreation],andmadethemsevenheavens,andHeisKnowingofallthings.}

(Qur’an2:29)

{AndrememberthefavourofAllahuponyouandHiscovenantwithwhichHeboundyouwhenyousaid:Wehearandweobey.AndfearAllah.Indeed,AllahisKnowingofthatwithinthebreasts.}

(Qur’an5:7)

{AndifanevilsuggestioncomestoyoufromSatan,thenseekrefugeinAllah.Indeed,HeisHearingandKnowing.}

(Qur’an7:200)

{Andmostof themfollownothingexceptassumption. Indeed,assumptionavailsnotagainst the truthatall.Indeed,AllahisKnowingofwhattheydo.}

(Qur’an10:36)

{WhoevershouldhopeforthemeetingwithAllah–indeed,theterm[decreedby]Allahiscoming.AndHeistheHearing,theKnowing.}

(Qur’an29:5)

{HaveyounotconsideredthatAllahknowswhatisintheheavensandwhatisontheearth?ThereisnoprivateconversationbetweenthreebutthatHeisthefourthofthem,noramongfivebutthatHeisthesixthofthem–andnolessthanthatandnomoreexceptthatHeiswiththem[inknowledge]wherevertheyare.ThenHewill inform themofwhat theydid,on theDayofResurrection. IndeedAllah is,ofall things,Knowing.}

(Qur’an58:7)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)isKnowingwithouthavingbeentaught,Knowingallthatwhichisandwhichwillbe,Knowingtheunperceivable.ThenameAl-‘AleemindicatesthatAllahisperfectinHisknowledge.HeistheKnowingofourdeeds, andnothing escapesHim.Hisknowledgeencompasses all ofHis creation.AllahsaysintheQur’an:

{…AndIknowwhatyourevealandwhatyouhaveconcealed.}(Qur’an2:33)

Ibn‘Umar(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthattheProphet(bpuh)said:

«Thekeysoftheunseenarefive,andnoneknowsthembutAllah(theExalted):(1)Noneknows(thesexof)whatisinthewombbutAllah;(2)noneknowswhatwillhappentomorrowbutAllah;(3)noneknowswhen it will rain butAllah; (4) noneknows where hewill die butAllah (knows that); (5) and noneknowswhentheHourwillbeestablishedbutAllah.»(Bukhari)

Application

Recognizing thatAllah (theExalted) is theKnowingmotivatesbelievers to seekAllah’spleasurewitheverythingtheydo.NothingescapesAllah’sknowledge;thereforeitisimperativethatbelieversstrivetoobey Allah. Awareness of Allah’s presence, through His knowledge of everything, is heightened andinstilsconsciousnessandthussubmissiontoAllah.

Supplication

On the authority of ‘Â’ishah (MayAllah be pleasedwith him),who said that the Prophet (bpuh) hadtaughtherthissupplication:

«OAllah,Behold!IbegofYouthegoodwhichYourProphet(bpuh)beggedofYou;andIseekrefugeinYou from theevilwherefromYourProphet (bpuh) sought refuge.OurLord!Behold,Youaloneare theHearing,theKnowing.Andforgiveus.Behold,YouaretheAcceptingofRepentance,theMostMerciful.ThereisnostrengthnorpowersaveinAllahtheSublime,theMostGreat.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyIbnMâjah)

Abânibn‘Uthmânsaidthatheheardhisfather,‘Uthmânibn‘Affân(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim),say:

«IheardtheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)say:Ifanyonesaysthreetimes:InthenameofAllah,whenWhosenameismentionednothingonEarthorinheavencancauseharm,andHeistheHearing,theKnowing–he

willnotsuffersuddenafflictionuntilthemorning,andifanyonesaysthisinthemorning,hewillnotsuffersuddenafflictionuntiltheevening.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyAbuDâwoodandIbnMâjah)

NarratedAbuSa‘eedal-Khudri(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim):

«When theMessenger ofAllah (bpuh) got up to pray at night (for the tahajjud prayer), he uttered thetakbeerandthensaid:GlorybetoYou,OAllah,praisebetoYou,blessedisYourname,exaltedisYourgreatnessandthereisnogodbutYou.

Hethensaid,‘ThereisnogodbutAllah,’threetimes,then‘Allahisaltogethergreat,’threetimes,then‘Iseek refuge inAllah, theHearing and theKnowing from the accursed devil, from his evil suggestion(hamz), from his puffing up (nafkh), and from his spitting (nafth).’ He then recited (verses from theQur’an).»(asoundhadithrecordedbyAbuDâwoodandat-Tirmidhi)

AbuHurayrah(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthattheProphet(bpuh)said:

«Whoeverrecitesatdaybreak:

{Allah - there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence. NeitherdrowsinessovertakesHimnorsleep.ToHimbelongswhateverisintheheavensandwhateverisontheearth.Who is it that can intercedewithHimexcept byHispermission?Heknowswhat is [presently]before themandwhatwillbeafter them,and theyencompassnot a thingofHisknowledgeexcept forwhatHewills.HisKursiextendsover theheavensand theearth,and theirpreservation tiresHimnot.AndHeistheMostHigh,theMostGreat.}

(Qur’an2:255)

–shallremaininsafetybyvirtueoftheseversesuntilsunset;andwhoeverrecitestheseversesatsunsetshallremaininsafetybyvirtuethereofuntildaybreak.»(Bukhari)

9.Al-‘Âlim:TheKnower

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{And say: Do [as you will], for Allah will see your deeds, and [so will] His Messenger and thebelievers.AndyouwillbereturnedtotheKnoweroftheunseenandthewitnessed,andHewillinformyouofwhatyouusedtodo.}

(Qur’an9:105)

{ThatistheKnoweroftheunseenandthewitnessed,theExaltedinMight,theMerciful}(Qur’an32:6)

{Butthosewhodisbelievesay:TheHourwillnotcometous.Say:Yes,bymyLord,itwillsurelycometoyou.[Allahis]theKnoweroftheunseen.NotabsentfromHimisanatom’sweightwithintheheavens

orwithintheearthor[whatis]smallerthanthatorgreater,exceptthatitisinaclearregister}(Qur’an34:3)

{Indeed,AllahisKnoweroftheunseen[aspects]oftheheavensandearth.Indeed,HeisKnowingofthatwithinthebreasts.}

(Qur’an35:38)

{Say:Indeed,thedeathfromwhichyouflee–certainly,itwillmeetyou.ThenyouwillbereturnedtotheKnoweroftheunseenandthewitnessed,andHewillinformyouaboutwhatyouusedtodo.}

(Qur’an62:8)

{[Heis]Knoweroftheunseen,andHedoesnotdiscloseHis[knowledgeofthe]unseentoanyone}(Qur’an72:26)

Tafseer

IbnKatheercommentedinhistafseer:

Allah affirms His perfect knowledge, from which nothing is hidden, and that He has completeknowledge of whatever every female creature is carrying, whether male or female, fair or ugly,miserableorhappy,whetheritwillhavealongorashortlife…[AllahisHe]Whoknowseverything

thattheservantsseeandallwhattheycannotsee,andnoneofiteverescapesHisknowledge.57

Ibn‘Umar(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthattheProphet(bpuh)said:

«Thekeysoftheunseenarefive,andnoneknowsthembutAllah(theExalted):(1)Noneknows(thesexof)whatisinthewombbutAllah;(2)noneknowswhatwillhappentomorrowbutAllah;(3)noneknowswhen it will rain butAllah; (4) noneknows where hewill die butAllah (knows that); (5) and noneknowswhentheHourwillbeestablishedbutAllah.»(Bukhari)

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheKnowerofeverything,hiddenandopen,causesbelieverstobeawareofthepresenceofAllahwithHisallperfectKnowledge.ThisawarenessinspiresHisservantstoseekthemeansofnearnesstoAllah,andthemeansofpleasingHim,withtheirwordsanddeeds.Asthereis no escape from the all-encompassing knowledge of Allah, being vividly aware of His knowledgecreatesmotivationtosubmittoAllah,andinstilsintheheartawe,admiration,andloveofAllah.

Supplication

AbuBakraṣ-Ṣiddeeq(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)related:

«IsaidtotheMessengerofAllah(bpuh):TellmesomethingthatImayreciteinthemorningandevening.

TheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)said:Sayeverymorningandeveningandwhenyouretiretobed:OAllah,Knowerofthevisibleandtheinvisible,Originatoroftheheavensandtheearth,LordandSovereignofall things.I testify that there isnogodbutYou.IseekrefugeinYoufromtheevilofmysoul,fromthemischief of Satan and his ascribing partners (toYou), and from committingwrong againstmy soul orbringingsuchuponanotherMuslim.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyAbuDâwoodandat-Tirmidhi)

«‘Abdur-Raḥmânibn‘Awf(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)reported:Iasked‘Â’ishah,theMotheroftheBelievers (MayAllahbepleasedwithher), (to tellme) thewordswithwhich theMessengerofAllah(bpuh)commencedtheprayerwhenhegotupatnight.

Shesaid:Whenhegotupatnight,hewouldcommencehisprayerwith thesewords:OAllah,LordofGabrielandMichaelandRaphael,theCreatoroftheheavensandtheearth,Whoknowstheunseenandtheseen;YoudecideamongstYourservantsconcerningtheirdifferences.GuidemewithYourpermissioninthedivergentviewswhichthepeopleholdabouttruth,foritisYouWhoguideswhomYouwilltotheStraightPath.»(Muslim)

10.Al-‘Aliyy:TheMostHigh

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{AndHeistheMostHigh,theMostGreat.}(Qur’an2:255)

{That is because Allah is the Truth, and that which they call upon other than Him is falsehood, andbecauseAllahistheMostHigh,theGrand.}

(Qur’an22:62)

{And intercessiondoesnotbenefitwithHimexcept foronewhomHepermits. [And thosewait]until,whenterrorisremovedfromtheirhearts,theywillsay[tooneanother]:WhathasyourLordsaid?Theywillsay:Thetruth.AndHeistheMostHigh,theGrand}

(Qur’an34:23)

{[Theywillbetold]:Thatisbecause,whenAllahwascalleduponalone,youdisbelieved;butifotherswereassociatedwithHim,youbelieved.SothejudgementiswithAllah,theMostHigh,theGrand.}

(Qur’an40:12)

{ToHimbelongswhateverisintheheavensandwhateverisintheearth,andHeistheMostHigh, theMostGreat.}

(Qur’an42:4)

{AnditisnotforanyhumanbeingthatAllahshouldspeaktohimexceptbyrevelationorfrombehindapartitionorthatHesendsamessenger[anangel]toreveal,byHispermission,whatHewills.Indeed,He

isMostHighandWise.}(Qur’an42:51)

Tafseer

Allah (the Exalted) is aboveHis creation.He is theOnewho is so great thatHe is free from faults.EverythingisunderHispowerandrule.Allahis:

...theOnewho isHigh above everyone inHis power and status.Though al-Qurtubi states that thenotionofphysicalplacementisnotthesubjectofthisattribute,itisalsoknownthatAllaahisaboveHis creation, and He is not everywhere. Rather, His knowledge and awareness encompasses all

things.58

Application

Knowing that Allah (the Exalted) is theMost High infuses the hearts ofMuslims with awe, wonder,humilityandsurrender.ThegreatnessofAllahisexhibitedthroughthisattribute,andthebelievershumblethemselvesbeforeAllah(theExalted)asaresultofrecognizingthatAllahistheMostHigh.

Supplication

On the authority of ‘Â’ishah (MayAllah be pleasedwith him),who said that the Prophet (bpuh) hadtaughtherthissupplication:

«OAllah,Behold!IbegofYouthegoodwhichYourProphet(bpuh)beggedofYou;andIseekrefugeinYou from theevilwherefromYourProphet (bpuh) sought refuge.OurLord!Behold,Youaloneare theHearing,theKnowing.Andforgiveus.Behold,YouaretheAcceptingofRepentance,theMostMerciful.ThereisnostrengthnorpowersaveinAllahtheMostHigh,theMostGreat.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyIbnMâjah)

‘Ali(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)reportedthattheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)said:

«WhosoeveraftereveryprayerrecitesÂyatal-Kursi

{Allah - there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence. NeitherdrowsinessovertakesHimnorsleep.ToHimbelongswhateverisintheheavensandwhateverisontheearth.Who is it that can intercedewithHimexcept byHis permission?Heknowswhat is [presently]before themandwhatwillbeafter them,and theyencompassnot a thingofHisknowledgeexcept forwhatHewills.HisKursiextendsover theheavensand theearth,and theirpreservation tiresHimnot.AndHeistheMostHigh,theMostGreat}

(Qur’an2:255)

–noneshallpreventhimfromenteringthegardensavedeath.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyaṭ-Ṭabarâni)

«AbuHurayrah (MayAllah be pleasedwith him) said thatAllah’sMessenger (bpuh) ordered him toguardthezakâtrevenueofRamadan.Thensomebodycametohimandstartedstealingfromthefoodstuff.

Hecaughthimandsaid:IwilltakeyoutoAllah’sMessenger.

ThenAbuHurayrahdescribedthewholenarrationandsaid:Thatpersonsaid(tome):PleasedonottakemetoAllah’sMessengerandIwilltellyouafewwordsbywhichAllahwillbenefityou.Whenyougotoyourbed,reciteÂyatal-Kursi:

{Allah – there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence. NeitherdrowsinessovertakesHimnorsleep.ToHimbelongswhateverisintheheavensandwhateverisontheearth.Who is it that can intercedewithHimexcept byHispermission?Heknowswhat is [presently]before themandwhatwillbeafter them,and theyencompassnot a thingofHisknowledgeexcept forwhatHewills.HisKursiextendsovertheheavensandtheearth,andtheirpreservationdoesnottireHim.AndHeistheMostHigh,theMostGreat.}

(Quran2:255)

–forthentherewillbeaguardfromAllahwhowillprotectyouallnightlong,andSatanwillnotbeabletocomenearyouuntildawn.

(When theProphet heard the story), he said (tome):He (whocame toyou at night) toldyou the truthalthoughheisaliar;anditwasSatan.»(Bukhari)

TheProphet(bpuh)said:

«Ifanyoneawakesatnightandthensays:NonehastherighttobeworshippedexceptAllah(theExalted),alonewithoutpartners.ToHimbelongssovereigntyandpraise,andHeisoverallthingswhollycapable.HowperfectAllahis,andallpraiseisforAllah,andnonehastherighttobeworshippedexceptAllah.Allah(theExalted)isthegreatest,andthereisnopowernormightexceptwithAllah,theMostHigh,theMostGreat—andthensupplicates:OmyLord,forgiveme–theywillbeforgiven.»(Bukhari)

11.Al-Awwal:TheFirst

VersefromtheQur’an:

{HeistheFirstandtheLast,andtheOutwardandtheInward;andHeisKnowerofallthings.}59

(Qur’an57:3)

Tafseer

Allah (the Exalted) is the First, meaning that there is nothing that came before Him. He has always

existed,andnothingexistedbeforeHim.

TheFirst, theLast, theOutward and the Inward all come together in the above verse to show thevastness of Allah (the Exalted) and of His knowledge, and that there can be no escape from Him.EverythingisknownbyAllah,andnonecanhidefromHim,forHeistheFirst,theLast,theOutwardandtheInward.Anyonewhoishavingdoubtsinhisorherheart,concerningthereligion,isadvisedtorecitethisverse.

Application

KnowingthatAllahistheFirstcangivetheservantsofAllah(theExalted)asenseofhumilityinthefaceofAllah(theExalted).BecauseAllahexistedbeforeanythingelseandhasalwaysexisted,itshowshowour lives are miniscule and insignificant in comparison. This can stimulate feelings of modesty andtimiditytowardsAllahandinvokethedesiretosubmittoHim.

Supplication

AbuHurayrah (MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narrated that theProphetofAllah (bpuh)wouldpray,whenheretiredtobed:

«OAllah!Lordofthesevenheavens,Lordoftheearth,andLordoftheMagnificentThrone!CleaverofGrainandDateSeeds!RevealeroftheTorahandtheGospelandtheQur’an!IseekrefugeinYoufromtheevilofeveryevildoerwhomYouaretoseizebytheforelock.OAllah,YouaretheFirst;nothinghascomebeforeYou.Youare theLast;nothingmaycomeafterYou.Youare theOutward; there isnothingaboveYou.YouaretheInward;thereisnothingnearerthanYou.Removeourdebtsfromusandenrichusagainstpoverty.»(Muslim,AbuDâwood,at-TirmidhiandIbnMâjah)

12.Al-‘Azeez:TheExaltedinMight

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{Butifyouslip[deviate]afterclearproofshavecometoyou,thenknowthatAllahisExaltedinMightandWise.}

(Qur’an2:209)

{…Indeed, those who disbelieve in the verses of Allahwill have a severe punishment, andAllah isExaltedinMight,theOwnerofRetribution.}

(Qur’an3:4)

{[He is] thecleaverofdaybreakandhasmade thenight for restand thesunandmoonforcalculation.ThatisthedeterminationoftheExaltedinMight,theKnowing.}

(Qur’an6:96)

{AndAllahmadeitnotbutgoodtidingsandsothatyourheartswouldbeassuredthereby.AndvictoryisnotbutfromAllah.Indeed,AllahisExaltedinMightandWise.}

(Qur’an8:10)

{Andindeed,yourLord–HeistheExaltedinMight,theMerciful.}(Qur’an26:140)

{Andifyoushouldaskthem:Whohascreatedtheheavensandtheearth?Theywouldsurelysay:TheywerecreatedbytheExaltedinMight,theKnowing.}

(Qur’an43:9)

Tafseer

TheExaltedinMightindicatesthatAllah’sgrandeurisinvincible.Allah’ssovereigntyisinfinite,andHehassubduedallthingsaccordingtoHiswill.NothingcanstopAllah’swillfromcomingtopass,andnoonecanopposeAllah’sdecision.Allah’sstrengthisunconquerable.HiscreationcannotharmHiminanyway,andHeisinnoneedofHiscreation.HeistheExaltedinMight;noonecanfrustrateHisplans,andnothingescapesHisability.

Application

Knowing that Allah (the Exalted) is the Exalted in Might brings fear and awe to the hearts of thebelievers.Their hearts are subdued by themight and power ofAllah.This inspires believers to obeyAllah to the best of their abilities, knowing that Allah’s might extends to the Hereafter and Hispunishment.ThisknowledgebringsasenseofwonderatwhatAllah(theExalted)cando;thatis,anythingHewants.WhatAllahwills,willcometopass,thustheheartsofthebelieverscanrestintheknowledgethateventsthatoccurareasAllahwantsthemtobe,andwithHismight,Hewilltakecareofsituationsinthebestway.

Supplication

«Muṣ‘ab ibnSa‘dreportedon theauthorityofhis father,Sa‘d ibnAbiWaqqâṣ(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim), thatadesertArabcame toAllah’sMessenger (bpuh)andsaid tohim:Teachme thewordswhichIshould(often)say.

He (bpuh) said: Say: There is no god but Allah, the One, having no partner with Him. Allah is theGreatestofthegreat,andallpraiseisduetoHim.HallowedbeAllah,theLordoftheworlds;thereisnoMightandPowerbutthatofAllah,theExaltedinMightandtheWise.

He(thatdesertArab)said:Theseall(glorify)myLord.Butwhatabout(somethingfor)me?

ThereupontheProphet(bpuh)said:Youshouldsay:OAllah,grantmepardon,havemercyuponme,directmetorighteousnessandprovidemesustenance.»(Muslim)

TheProphetAbraham(pbuh)said:

{OurLord,makeusnot[objectsof] tormentforthedisbelieversandforgiveus,ourLord.Indeed, it isYouwhoistheExaltedinMight,theWise.}

(Qur’an60:5)

‘Â’ishah(MayAllahbepleasedwithher)saidthattheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)usedtosayatnightifheturnedoverduringhissleep:

«ThereisnoneworthyofworshipbutAllah,theOne,thePrevailing,Lordoftheheavensandtheearthandallbetween them, theExalted inMight, thePerpetualForgiver.» (a soundhadith recordedby al-Ḥâkim)

AbuHurayrah(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthattheProphet(bpuh)said:

«Whoeverrecitesatdaybreak:

{Allah - there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence. NeitherdrowsinessovertakesHimnorsleep.ToHimbelongswhateverisintheheavensandwhateverisontheearth.Who is it that can intercedewithHimexcept byHispermission?Heknowswhat is [presently]before themandwhatwillbeafter them,and theyencompassnot a thingofHisknowledgeexcept forwhatHewills.HisKursiextendsover theheavensand theearth,and theirpreservation tiresHimnot.AndHeistheMostHigh,theMostGreat.}

(Qur’an2:255)

–shallremaininsafetybyvirtueoftheseversesuntilsunset;andwhoeverrecitestheseversesatsunsetshallremaininsafetybyvirtuethereofuntildaybreak.»(Bukhari)

13.Al-Badee’:TheOriginator

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{Theysay:Allahhastakenason.–ExaltedisHe!Rather,toHimbelongswhateverisintheheavensandtheearth.AllaredevoutlyobedienttoHim,Originatoroftheheavensandtheearth.WhenHedecreesamatter,Heonlysaystoit:Be!–anditis.}

(Qur’an2:116-117)

{[Heis]Originatorof theheavensand theearth.HowcouldHehaveasonwhenHedoesnothaveacompanion[i.e.,wife]andHecreatedallthings?AndHeis,ofallthings,Knowing.}

(Qur’an6:101)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)createdtheheavensandtheearthoutofnothing,withoutanypreviousexample.Whennothingexisted,Hebrought intoexistenceeverything thatHewilled.He is theCreator andMaker.HeshapesthecreaturesandthecreationinthemannerthatHewills.

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheOriginatorcreatesasenseofsubmissionandaweintheservantsofAllah.TheyaresubduedbythisknowledgeandareinspiredtodevotetheirworshiptoAllahalone.TheyarethankfultoAllah(theExalted)forgivingthemlifeandcreatingtheearthasaplaceoflivingforthem,andtheheavensasanadornmenttotheearth.

Supplication

Supplicationtobesaidattheendoftheprayer,beforethetasleem:

«OAllah,IaskYou,asYouaretheOwnerofpraise,thereisnoneworthyofworshipbutYoualone,Youhavenopartner.YouaretheBenefactor.OOriginatoroftheheavensandtheearth,OwnerofMajestyandHonour.OEver-LivingandSustainerofallExistence, Iaskyou forparadiseand I seek refuge inYoufromthefire.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyAbuDâwoodandan-Nasâ’i)

14.Al-Bâri’:TheInventor,theCreator

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{HeisAllah,theCreator,theInventor,theFashioner;toHimbelongthebestnames.WhateverisintheheavensandearthisexaltingHim.AndHeistheExaltedinMight,theWise.}

(Qur’an59:24)

{And[recall]whenMosessaid tohispeople,“Omypeople, indeedyouhavewrongedyourselvesbyyourtakingofthecalf[forworship].SorepenttoyourCreatorandkillyourselves[i.e.,theguiltyamongyou]. That is best for [all of] you in the sight of yourCreator.” Then He accepted your repentance;indeed,HeistheAcceptingofrepentance,theMerciful.}

(Qur’an2:54)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)istheInventorofallthings,theCreator.AllahcreatesthingsaccordingtoHiswishandwill,givingthemwhateverdescriptionthatHeintends.Hecreatesinaperfectandexcellentmanner.Allah(theExalted)sayselsewhereintheQur’an:

{InwhateverformHewilledhasHeassembledyou.}(Qur’an82:8)

HeistheOneWhobroughtthecreationoutofnon-existenceintoexistence.IbnKatheermentionedinhistafseer:

Al-Bari refers to inventing and bringing into existencewhatHe has created andmeasured. Surelynone except Allah is able to measure, bring forth and create whatever He wills to come toexistence…IfAllahwillssomething,Hemerelysaystoit,“Be”anditcomestoexistenceintheform

thatHewillsandtheshapethatHechooses.60

Application

Knowing thatAllah(theExalted) is theInventorofall thingssteers theservantsofAllah(theExalted)towardsworship of the only Creator who deservesworship. BecauseAllah (the Exalted) is the onlyCreatorandInventor,Healonedeservesallpraises.TheservantsbecomethankfultoAllah(theExalted),knowingthatHeistheInventorofallthings,andthankfulforlifeitselfaswellasalloftheblessingsthatAllah(theExalted)hasbestowedonthem.

Supplication

15.Al-Barr:TheMostCourteousandGenerous

VersefromtheQur’an:

{Verily,WeusedtoinvokeHim(Aloneandnoneelse)before.Verily,HeisAl-Barr(theMostSubtle,

Kind,Courteous,andGenerous),theMostMerciful.}61

(Qur’an52:28)

Tafseer

Allah (the Exalted) is the Most Subtle, Kind, Courteous, and Generous. Ibn ‘Abbâs (May Allah bepleasedwithhim)said,“ThemeaningofAl-BarristheMostCourteous.”(Bukhari)HeistheOneWhoblessesthecreation,showingkindnessespeciallytoHispiousservants.Heisbeneficentandgenerous,andHeistruetoHispromiseinthatHerewardsHisbelievingservantswithparadise.

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheMostCourteousandGeneroussoftenstheheartsofthebelieverstowardstheirLord.TheheartsofHisservantsarefilledwithlovefortheMostKindOne.Hisservants

reflect on the kindnesses shown to them by Allah and ponder Allah’s favours. This is the path tosubmissiontoAllah(theExalted)andpeacewithinthesoul.

16.Al-Baṣeer:TheSeeing

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{AndAllahjudgeswithtruth,whilethosetheyinvokebesidesHimjudgenotwithanything.Indeed,Allah–HeistheHearing,theSeeing.}

(Qur’an40:20)

{Indeed,thosewhodisputeconcerningthesignsofAllahwithout[any]authorityhavingcometothem–thereisnotwithintheirbreastsexceptpride,[theextentof]whichtheycannotreach.SoseekrefugeinAllah.Indeed,itisHewhoistheHearing,theSeeing.}

(Qur’an40:56)

{[Heis]Creatoroftheheavensandtheearth.Hehasmadeforyoufromyourselves,mates,andamongthecattle, mates; He multiplies you thereby. There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the Hearing, theSeeing.}

(Qur’an42:11)

{…AndAllahisSeeingofwhattheydo.}(Qur’an2:96)

{…AndAllahisSeeing[aware]of[His]servants}(Qur’an3:15)

{Whoever desires the reward of this world – then with Allah is the reward of this world and theHereafter.AndeverisAllahHearingandSeeing.}

(Qur’an4:134)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)istheSeeing.NothingofwhatwedoishiddenfromHim;ratherHeisawareofitall.AllahistheexpertwhoknowsandseeseverythingHisservantsdo,whetherofgooddeedsorbad.HewillrecompensethemaccordinglybyHisultimatejustice.Allah(theExalted)isallawareofeverythingthattakesplaceintheuniverse,evendowntothemostminiscule,seeminglyinvisibleaction.

AbuMoosâ al-‘Ash‘ari (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated the following incident, whichillustratesthegreatnessofAllah’ssight:

«WewerewiththeProphet(bpuh)onajourney,andwheneverweascendedahighplace,wewouldsay

(loudly):AllâhuAkbar!

TheProphet(bpuh)toldus:Donottroubleyourselvestoomuch!Youarenotcallingadeaforanabsentperson,butyouarecallingOneWhoHears,Sees,andisverynear.»(BukhariandMuslim)

Application

Knowing thatAllah is theSeeingmotivates the servantsofAllah topaycloseattention to theirdeeds.Allah (theExalted) is seeingofeverything that theydo,hence theyshouldavoiddisobedience toHim.ThisknowledgebringsthemaheightenedconsciousnessofthepresenceofAllahandoftheconsequencesoftheiractions.ThereisnoescapefromthesightofAllah.

17.Al-Bâṭin:TheInward

VersefromtheQur’an:

{HeistheFirstandtheLast,andtheOutwardandtheInward;andHeisKnowerofallthings.}62

(Qur’an57:3)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)istheInward.ThereisnothingnearerthanAllah(theExalted).HeisnearusthroughHis knowledge, hearing, and sight. According to Ibn Katheer, this means that Allah (the Exalted) is

“knowing[of]allthings”.63

Al-BatinindicatesHisawarenessandknowledgeofallsecrets,ofthatwhichisintheheartsandthemostintimateofthingsjustasitindicatesHisclosenessandnearnesstoallinamannerwhichbefits

Hismajesty.64

Thisname,togetherwiththenamestheFirst,theLastandtheOutward,showsthevastnessofAllah(theExalted)andHisknowledge.TherecanbenoescapeorhidingfromHim.SinceAllah(theExalted)istheFirst,theLast,theOutwardandtheInward,everythingisknownbyHim.Thosewhohavedoubtsin

theirheartsareadvisedtorecitetheaboveverse.65

Application

KnowingthatAllahistheInwardbringsasenseofrealitytothemindoftheservantsofAllah.BecauseAllah(theExalted)iseverywherewithHisknowledge,thereisnoescapingHim.AsismentionedintheQur’an,Heisclosertousthanourjugularveins.

{AndWehavealreadycreatedthehumanandknowwhathissoulwhisperstohim,andWearecloserto

himthan[his]jugularvein.}(Qur’an50:16)

Thereforeitisimperativetopaycloseattentiontoone’sdeeds.

Supplication

AbuHurayrah (MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narrated that theProphetofAllah (bpuh)wouldpray,whenheretiredtobed:

«OAllah!Lordofthesevenheavens,Lordoftheearth,andLordoftheMagnificentThrone!Cleaverofgrainanddateseeds!RevealeroftheTorah,theGospelandtheQur’an!IseekrefugeinYoufromtheevilofeveryevildoerwhomYouaretoseizebytheforelock.OAllah,YouaretheFirst;nothinghascomebeforeYou.YouaretheLast;nothingmaycomeafterYou.YouaretheOutward;thereisnothingaboveYou.You are the Inward; there is nothing nearer than You. Remove our debts from us and enrich usagainstpoverty.»(Muslim,AbuDâwood,at-TirmidhiandIbnMâjah)

18.Adh-Dhâhir:TheOutward

VersefromtheQur’an:

{HeistheFirstandtheLast,andtheOutwardandtheInward;andHeisKnowerofallthings.}66

(Qur’an57:3)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)istheOutward.ThereisnothingaboveHim.IbnKatheer’stafseersaysthatthismeans

thatAllahis“knowing[of]allthings”.67

Adh-DhâhirindicatesthegreatnessofHisattributesandtheinsignificanceofeverysinglecreationinrespecttoHisgreatnessandHighness,forHeisaboveallofHiscreationasregardsHisessenceand

attributes.68

Allah(theExalted)putsthefournames-theFirst,theLast,theOutwardandtheInward-togetherintheaboveverse.Together,theyshowthevastnessofAllah(theExalted),thevastnessofHisknowledge,andthattherecanbenoescapefromHim.EverythingisknownbyAllah(theExalted),forHeistheFirst,the Last, the Outward, and the Inward. Ibn ‘Abbâs (May Allah be pleased with him) recommended

recitingtheaboveverseifonehasdoubtsinhisorherheart.69

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheOutwardsubduestheservantsofAllah(theExalted).TheirheartsarefilledwithaweandfearofAllah,andtheyknowthatthereisnoescapefromthejudgmentofAllah.Therefore, the servants ofAllah strive to submit toAllah and pleaseHim in all that they say and do,knowingthatAllahistheOutwardandinescapable.

Supplication

AbuHurayrah (MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narrated that theProphetofAllah (bpuh)wouldpray,whenheretiredtobed:

«OAllah!Lordofthesevenheavens,Lordoftheearth,andLordoftheMagnificentThrone!Cleaverofgrainanddateseeds!RevealeroftheTorah,theGospelandtheQur’an!IseekrefugeinYoufromtheevilofeveryevildoerwhomYouaretoseizebytheforelock.OAllah,YouaretheFirst;nothinghascomebeforeYou.YouaretheLast;nothingmaycomeafterYou.YouaretheOutward;thereisnothingaboveYou.YouaretheInward;thereisnothingnearerthanYou.Removeourdebtsfromusandenrichusagainstpoverty.»(Muslim,AbuDâwood,at-TirmidhiandIbnMâjah)

19.Fâliqul-Ḥabbiwan-Nawâ:TheCleaverofGrainandDateSeeds

VersefromtheQur’an:

{Indeed,AllahistheCleaverofgrainanddateseeds.Hebringsthelivingoutofthedeadandbringsthedeadoutoftheliving.ThatisAllah;sohowareyoudeluded?}

(Qur’an6:95)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)isultimatelyincontroloftheearthanditscontents.ItisbyHiswillandmercythattheseedssplitandgrow.

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheCleaveroftheseedsinstilsaweandthankfulnessintheheartofthebelievers.TheyknowthattheymustturntoAllahintimesofdroughtaswellasintimesofplenty.Thisname shows the immense power ofAllah andputs our own existence andpower into perspective.Asmuchashumankindtriestocontroltheearth–itsproduceanditswater–wecannot,exceptbyAllah’swill.Allah(theExalted)canwithholdrainorsun,therebypreventingthegrowthofseeds,orHecansendtherainandbringoutthesunandcleavethegrainsandseeds,grantingabountifulharvest.ThebelieversarewellawareofAllah’scontrolofthisaspectoftheirlivelihoodsandarethankfulandhumbleservantsofAllah.

Supplication

AbuHurayrah (MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narrated that theProphetofAllah (bpuh)wouldpray,whenheretiredtobed:

«OAllah!Lordofthesevenheavens,Lordoftheearth,andLordoftheMagnificentThrone!Cleaverofgrainanddateseeds!RevealeroftheTorah,theGospelandtheQur’an!IseekrefugeinYoufromtheevilofeveryevildoerwhomYouaretoseizebytheforelock.OAllah,YouaretheFirst;nothinghascomebeforeYou.YouaretheLast;nothingmaycomeafterYou.YouaretheOutward;thereisnothingaboveYou.YouaretheInward;thereisnothingnearerthanYou.Removeourdebtsfromusandenrichusagainstpoverty.»(Muslim,AbuDâwood,at-TirmidhiandIbnMâjah)

20.Al-Fâṭir:TheCreator

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{[All] praise is [due] to Allah, Creator of the heavens and the earth, [who] made the angelsmessengers…}

(Qur’an35:1)

{MyLord,Youhavegivenme[something]ofsovereigntyandtaughtmeoftheinterpretationofdreams.Creatoroftheheavensandearth,YouaremyprotectorinthisworldandintheHereafter...}

(Qur’an12:101)

{Say,“OAllah,Creatoroftheheavensandtheearth,Knoweroftheunseenandthewitnessed,Youwilljudgebetweenyourservantsconcerningthatoverwhichtheyusedtodiffer.”}

(Qur’an39:46)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)istheCreatorandoriginatoroftheheavensandtheearth.“Ad-Dahhaksaid,‘EverytimethephraseFatirAs-Samawatiwal-ArdisusedintheQur’an,itmeanstheCreatoroftheheavensand

theearth.’”70

Application

Knowing that Allah (the Exalted) is the Creator inspires the believers to surrender toHim. They areoverwhelmed with awe and gratitude and feel compelled to bow down in prayer. They are humbledbeforetheLordoftheheavensandtheearth,andtheyturntoHimwithlove,hope,admiration,respect,gratitudeanddevotion.

Supplication

«‘Abdur-Raḥmânibn‘Awf(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)reported:Iasked‘Â’ishah,theMotheroftheBelievers (MayAllahbepleasedwithher), (to tellme) thewordswithwhich theMessengerofAllah(bpuh)commencedtheprayerwhenhegotupatnight.

Shesaid:Whenhegotupatnight,hewouldcommencehisprayerwith thesewords:OAllah,LordofGabriel,MichaelandRaphael,theCreatoroftheheavensandtheearth,Whoknowstheunseenandtheseen;YoudecideamongstYourservantsconcerningtheirdifferences.GuidemewithYourpermissioninthedivergentviewswhichthepeopleholdaboutTruth,foritisYouWhoguideswhomYouwilltotheStraightPath.»(Muslim)

AbuBakraṣ-Ṣiddeeq(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)related:

«IsaidtotheMessengerofAllah(bpuh):TellmesomethingthatImayreciteinthemorningandevening.

TheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)said:Sayeverymorningandeveningandwhenyouretiretobed:OAllah,Knowerofthevisibleandtheinvisible,Originatoroftheheavensandtheearth,LordandSovereignofall things.I testify that there isnogodbutYou.IseekrefugeinYoufromtheevilofmysoul,fromthemischief of Satan and his ascribing partners (toYou), and from committingwrong againstmy soul orbringingsuchuponanotherMuslim.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyAbuDâwoodandat-Tirmidhi)

21.Al-Fattâḥ:TheJudge

VersefromtheQur’an:

{Say:OurLordwillbringus together; thenHewill judgebetweenus in truth.AndHeis theKnowingJudge.}

(Qur’an34:26)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)isthemostjustandwiseJudge.OntheDayofResurrection,allofcreationwillbebroughttogetherandjudgedwithtruthandjustice.Everyonewillberewardedorpunishedaccordingly.Onthatday,everyonewillcometoknowwhetherornottheyhaveattainedvictoryandeternalhappiness.Alloftheinjusticesofthisworldwillberightedonthatdaybytheperfect,justJudge.

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheJudgecompelsbelieverstoconsiderthedaywhentheywillbestandingbeforetheJudge,answeringfortheirdeedsinthislife.Thatdaywillbesevere,anditisthosewho believed in Allah and acted righteously who will be in good standing. With every action and

intention,thebelieverscontemplatewhatAllahwillthinkofthem.Theyareabletoresistnegativepeerpressure by considering that theywill be standing beforeAllah soon enough.WhatAllah thinks aboutindividuals ismuchmore important thanwhat their peers, particularly non-Muslims, think. UltimatelyAllah(theExalted)willjudgethemandtheirpeersaswell.Keepingthisinmindhelpsbelieverstostayonthestraightpath.

22.Al-Ghaffâr:ThePerpetualForgiver

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{Lordof theheavensand theearthandwhatever isbetween them, theExalted inMight, thePerpetualForgiver.}

(Qur’an38:66)

{Hecreatedtheheavensandearthintruth.Hewrapsthenightoverthedayandwrapsthedayoverthenight and has subjected the sun and the moon, each running [its course] for a specified term.Unquestionably,HeistheExaltedinMight,thePerpetualForgiver.}

(Qur’an39:5)

{YouinvitemetodisbelieveinAllahandassociatewithHimthatofwhichIhavenoknowledge,andIinviteyoutotheExaltedinMight,thePerpetualForgiver.}

(Qur’an40:42)

Tafseer

Allah (the Exalted) is the Perpetual Forgiver, the One who forgives and overlooks the sins of Hiscreation.Whoever turns toAllah in repentance,Allahwill accepthis repentance regardlessof the sin.AllahisperpetuallyforgivingofthosewhoturntoHim.

AbuHurayrah(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)saidthatheheardtheProphet(bpuh)saying:

«Apersoncommitsasinandthensays:OmyLord!Ihavesinned,pleaseforgiveme!

SoHisLordsays:MyslavehasacknowledgedthathehasaLordwhoforgivessinsandpunishesforit;Ithereforehaveforgivenmyslave(hissins).

Heremainswithoutcommittinganysinforawhileandthenagaincommitsanothersinandsays:OmyLord,Ihavecommittedanothersin,pleaseforgiveme.

Allah(theExalted)says:MyslavehasacknowledgedthathehasaLordwhoforgivessinsandpunishesforit;Ithereforehaveforgivenmyslave(hissin).

Thenheremainswithoutcommittinganyothersinforawhileandthencommitsanothersin(forthethirdtime)andsays:OmyLord,Ihavecommittedanothersin;pleaseforgiveme.

Allah says:My slave has acknowledged that he has a LordWho forgives sins and punishes for it; IthereforehaveforgivenMyslave(hissin).Hecandowhateverhelikes.»(BukhariandMuslim)

On the authority of Jundub (MayAllah be pleasedwith him),who narrated that theMessenger ofAllah(bpuh)related:

«Amansaid:ByAllah,Allah(theExalted)willnotforgiveso-and-so.

Atthis,AllahtheAlmightysaid:WhoishewhoswearsbyMethatIwillnotforgiveso-and-so?VerilyIhaveforgivenso-and-soandhavenullifiedyour(owngood)deeds.»(Muslim)

Application

Knowing that Allah (the Exalted) is the Perpetual Forgiver fills the hearts ofMuslimswith love anddevotiontoAllah.TheirheartsarefilledwithhopeofAllah’smercyandforgiveness.Theyroutinelyseekforgiveness fromAllah and never despair ofAllah’s forgiveness. They also implement forgiveness intheirownlives,forgivingthosearoundthemwhohaveharmedthem.Thustheyunderstandthepowerofforgiveness,andtheycleartheirheartsofillwillsothattheycanmeetAllah(theExalted)ontheDayofJudgementwithclean,purehearts.

Supplication

‘Â’ishah(MayAllahbepleasedwithher)saidthattheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)usedtosayatnightifheturnedduringhissleep:

«ThereisnoneworthyofworshipbutAllah,theOne,thePrevailing,Lordoftheheavensandtheearthandallbetween them, theExalted inMight, thePerpetualForgiver.» (a soundhadith recordedbyal-Ḥâkim)

23.Al-Ghâfir:TheForgiver

VersefromtheQur’an:

{The forgiver of sin, accepter of repentance, severe in punishment, owner of abundance. There is nodeityexceptHim;toHimisthedestination.}

(Qur’an40:3)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)istheOneWhoforgivesthesinsofthosewhoturntoHiminrepentance.IbnKatheerexplained,“Heforgivessinsthathavebeencommittedinthepast,andHeacceptsrepentanceforsinsthat

maybecommittedinthefuture,fromtheonewhorepentsandsubmitstoHim.”71

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheForgiversendshopeintotheheartsofthebelieversthattheywillbeforgiventheirsins.Nooneisperfect,andeveryonehassins;thebestarethosewhoturntoAllahinrepentance.ThereforethebelieversturntoAllahaskingHisforgivenesseveryday,andtheynevertireofaskingAllahforforgiveness.TheydonotdespairofAllah’sforgiveness,butalwayshopeforitandseekit,knowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheForgiver.

24.Al-Ghafoor:TheForgiving

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{Andiftheycease,thenindeed,AllahisForgivingandMerciful.}(Qur’an2:192)

{Thendepart from theplace fromwhere [all] thepeopledepart andask forgivenessofAllah. Indeed,AllahisForgivingandMerciful.}

(Qur’an2:199)

{Say[OMuhammad]:IfyoushouldloveAllah,thenfollowme,[so]Allahwillloveyouandforgiveyouyoursins.AndAllahisForgivingandMerciful.}

(Qur’an3:31)

{AndwhenthosecometoyouwhobelieveinOurverses,say:Peacebeuponyou.YourLordhasdecreeduponHimselfmercy: that anyof youwhodoeswrongout of ignorance and then repents after that andcorrectshimself-indeed,HeisForgivingandMerciful.}

(Qur’an6:54)

{ThenAllahwillacceptrepentanceafterthatforwhomHewills;andAllahisForgivingandMerciful.}(Qur’an9:27)

{Otherwise,hewhowrongs,thensubstitutesgoodafterevil–indeed,IamForgivingandMerciful.}(Qur’an27:11)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)nevertiresofforgivingtherepentant.“ThefactthatAllahacceptsman’srepentancein

spite of the fact that his errorwas intentional is a partial expression of the supremenature ofAllah’s

quality of forgiveness.”72 Ibn Katheer noted, “Indeed, Allah’s forgiveness encompasses every sin,

whateveritsenormity,whenthesinnerrepentsit.”73

Anas(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthattheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)said:

«AllahtheAlmightysaid:OsonofAdam,solongasyoucalluponMeandaskofMe,Ishallforgiveyouforwhatyouhavedone,andIshallnotmind.OsonofAdam,wereyoursinstoreachthecloudsoftheskyandwereyouthentoaskforgivenessofMe,Iwouldforgiveyou.OsonofAdam,wereyoutocometoMewithsinsnearlyasgreatastheearthandwereyouthentofaceMe,ascribingnopartnertoMe,Iwouldbringyou forgivenessnearlyasgreatas it.» (recordedbyat-TirmidhiandAḥmadwithasoundchain)

AbuHurayrah(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthattheProphet(bpuh)said:

«Amansinnedgreatlyagainsthimself,andwhendeathcametohimhechargedhissons,saying:WhenIhavedied,burnme, thencrushmeand scatter (myashes) into the sea, for, byAllah, ifmyLord takespossessionofme,HewillpunishmeinamannerinwhichHehaspunishednoone(else).

Sotheydidthattohim.

ThenAllahsaidtotheearth:Producewhatyouhavetaken.Andtherewastheman.

Allahaskedhim:Whatinducedyoutodowhatyoudid?

Heanswered:BeingafraidofYou,OmyLord.

SoAllah(theExalted)forgavehim.»(Bukhari,Muslim,IbnMâjahandan-Nasâ’i)

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheForgivingfillstheheartsofbelieverswithloveforAllah.TheystrivetoseekAllah’sforgiveness,andtheyalwayshopeforthatforgiveness.Despitewhateversinstheymayhavecommittedinthepast,theyshouldnevergiveuphope.Theyneverbecomedepressedovertheirshortcomings; rather they turn to Allah (the Exalted) in repentance every day. The believers alsoimplement forgiveness with their own acquaintances, knowing how great it is to forgive and to beforgiven.WantingAllah’sforgivenessforthemselvesinspiresthemtoshowforgivenesstoothers.

Supplication

ItwasnarratedbyWatheelahibnal-Aqṣâ:

«TheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)ledusinprayeroverthebierofaMuslim.Iheardhimsay:OAllah!So-and-so,sonofso-and-so,isunderYourprotection,andintheropeofYoursecurity,sosavehimfromthe

trialofthegraveandfromthepunishmentoftheFire.Youfulfilpromisesandgrantrights,soforgivehimandhavemercyonhim.SurelyYouaretheForgiving,theMostMerciful.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyAbuDâwoodandIbnMâjah)

ItwasnarratedbyAbuBakraṣ-Ṣiddeeq(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim):

«Isaid:OMessengerofAllah!TeachmesomesupplicationwhichImayreciteinmyprayer.

TheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)said:Say:OAllah!Behold,Ihavedonemyselfimmensewrong,andnoneforgivessinsbutYou.SograntmeforgivenessfromYourPresence,andhavemercyuponMe.Behold,YouaretheForgiving,theMostMerciful.»(BukhariandMuslim)

Supplicationtobesaidattheendofprayer,beforethetasleem:

«OAllah, I askYouOAllah, asYou are theOne (Al-Aḥad), theOne (Al-Wâḥid), the Self-SufficientMaster,theOneWhobegetsnotnorwasHebegotten,andthereisnonelikeuntoHim,thatYouforgivememysins,forverilyYouaretheForgiving,theMostMerciful.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyAbuDâwoodandat-Tirmidhi)

«Ibn ‘Umar (MayAllah be pleasedwith him) said: It would be counted that theMessenger of Allah(bpuh)wouldsayonehundredtimesatanyonesittingbeforegettingup:MyLord,forgivemeandacceptmyrepentance,YouaretheAcceptingofRepentance, theForgiving.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyAbuDâwood,at-TirmidhiandIbnMâjah)

25.Al-Ghaniyy:TheFreeofNeed

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{Oyouwhohavebelieved,spendfromthegoodthingswhichyouhaveearnedandfromthatwhichWehaveproduced foryou from theearth.Anddonot aim toward thedefective therefrom, spending [fromthat]whileyouwouldnottakeit[yourself]exceptwithclosedeyes.AndknowthatAllahisFreeofneedandPraiseworthy.}

(Qur’an2:267)

{Theyhavesaid:Allahhastakenason.–ExaltedisHe;Heisthe[one]Freeofneed.ToHimbelongswhateverisintheheavensandwhateverisintheearth.Youhavenoauthorityforthis[claim].DoyousayaboutAllahthatwhichyoudonotknow?}

(Qur’an10:68)

{To Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and earth. Indeed, Allah is the Free of need, thePraiseworthy.}

(Qur’an31:26)

{Hereyouare–thoseinvitedtospendinthecauseofAllah–butamongyouarethosewhowithhold[outofgreed].Andwhoeverwithholdsonlywithholds[benefit]fromhimself;andAllahistheFreeofneed,whileyouaretheneedy.Andifyouturnaway[inrefusal],Hewillreplaceyouwithanotherpeople;thentheywillnotbethelikesofyou.}

(Qur’an47:38)

{[Those]whoarestingyandenjoinuponpeoplestinginess.Andwhoeverturnsaway–thenindeed,AllahistheFreeofneed,thePraiseworthy.}

(Qur’an57:24)

{Thatisbecausetheirmessengersusedtocometothemwithclearevidences,buttheysaid:Shallhumanbeingsguideus?–Anddisbelievedandturnedaway.AndAllahdispensed[withthem];andAllahisFreeofneedandPraiseworthy.}

(Qur’an64:6)

Tafseer

Allah (the Exalted) does not need His creation; He is self sufficient. He is the One Who enriches,providesandnurturesthecreation.IbnKatheercommented:

AllahisRichandfreeofneedinganythingfromanyofHiscreatures,whileallofHiscreaturesstandinneedofHim.Allah’sbounty isencompassing,andwhatHehasneverends.Therefore,whoevergivesawaygoodandpurethingsincharity,lethimknowthatAllahistheMostRich,HisfavourisenormousandHeistheMostGenerous,MostCompassionate;andHeshallrewardhimforhischarity

andmultiplyitmanytimes.74

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)istherichOne,freeofallwantsandneeds,theservantsofAllahareinclinedtoseethevalueinworshippingAllah.Theservantsarepoorandfullofneeds,andit isAllahwhofulfilsthoseneedsforthem.Theheartsoftheservantsarefilledwithawe,inspiringdevotiontotheOnewhoisrichandfreeofneeds.TheservantsofAllaharealsoinspired,throughAllah’sgraciousnessinprovidingforHiscreation,togiveincharitytothosewhohavelessthantheydo.Allah(theExalted)ultimatelyisrichandfulfilstheneedsofHisservants,andthebelieversinAllahfollowthatexamplebysharingtheirwealth,seekingAllah’spleasurethereby.

Supplication

Itisnarratedfrom‘Â’ishah(MayAllahbepleasedwithher):

«PeoplecomplainedtotheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)ofthelackofrain,sohecalledforapulpit.Itwas

thensetupforhimintheplaceofprayer.Hefixedadayforthepeopleonwhichtheyshouldcomeout.

‘Â’ishah(MayAllahbepleasedwithher)said:TheMessengerofAllah(bpuh),whentherimofthesunappeared, sat down on the pulpit, and having pronounced the greatness of Allah (the Exalted) andexpressed His praise, he said: You have complained of drought in your homes, and of the delay inreceivingrainatthebeginningofitsseason.Allah(theExalted)hasorderedyoutosupplicateHimandhaspromisedthatHewillansweryourprayer.

Thenhe(bpuh)said:PraisebetoAllah,theLordoftheUniverse,theCompassionate,theMerciful,theMasteroftheDayofJudgement.ThereisnogodbutAllah,WhodoeswhatHewishes.OAllah,YouareAllah,thereisnodeitybutYou,theRich,whilewearethepoor.SenddowntherainuponusandmakewhatYousenddownastrengthandsatisfactionforatime.

Hethenraisedhishands,andkeptraisingthemuntilthewhitenessunderhisarmpitswasvisible.Hethenturnedhisbacktothepeopleandinvertedorturnedroundhiscloakwhilekeepinghishandsaloft.Hethenfacedthepeople,descendedandprayedtwounitsofprayer.

Allah(theExalted)thenproducedacloud,andthestormofthunderandlightningcameon.ThentherainfellbyAllah’spermission,andbeforehereachedhismosque,streamswereflowing.Whenhesawthespeedwithwhichthepeoplewereseekingshelter,he(bpuh)laugheduntilhisbackteethwerevisible.

Then he said: I testify that Allah (the Exalted) is Omnipotent, and that I am Allah’s servant andmessenger.»(areliablehadithrecordedbyAbuDâwood)

26.Al-Hâdi:TheGuide

VersefromtheQur’an:

{…ButsufficientisyourLordasaguideandahelper.}(Qur’an25:31)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)istheOneWhoguidespeopletothestraightpath.AllahwillbetheGuideforthosewhobelieveinHisbookandfollowHismessenger.HewillbetheirguideinthislifeandtheHereafter.AtthetimeofMuhammad(bpuh),theidolaterswouldtrytopreventpeoplefromhearingtheQur’an,astheydidnotwantanyonetobeguidedbyit.TheywantedtheirwaytoprevailoverIslam,butultimatelyAllah(theExalted)guideswhomHewills.

Application

KnowingthatAllahistheGuidefillstheheartsoftheservantsofAllahwithgratitude.Theyrealizethe

greatblessingthatAllah(theExalted)hasgiventhembyguidingthemtoIslam.TheythankAllaheverydayforguidingthemtoIslam.TheysupplicatetoAllahtocontinuetoguidethemtothestraightpathandtokeepthemonthestraightpath.Theyknowthatheartscandeviate,sotheysincerelyseekguidancefromAllah,inbothreligiousmattersandworldlymatters.

27.Al-Ḥafiyy:TheEverGracious

VersefromtheQur’an:

{[Abraham]said:Peace[safety]willbeuponyou.IwillaskforgivenessforyouofmyLord.Indeed,Heisevergracioustome.}

(Qur’an19:47)

Tafseer

Al-Ḥafiyyis“theOnewhoisextremelygraciousandresponsivetoHiscreation;Heistheonewhotends

toourneeds.”75IbnKatheernoted:

Ibn‘Abbâs(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)andotherssaidthatḤafiyyanmeans,‘Kind.’Meaning,“sinceHeguidedmetoworshipHimanddirectmyreligiousdevotiontoHimalone.”As-Suddisaid,

“Al-ḤafiyyistheOneWhoisconcernedwithhis…affair.”76

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheEverGraciousfillstheheartsandsoulswithloveandaffectionforAllah.LovemaythenturntosubmissiontoHiswill,asameansofexpressingthatlove.DevotiontoAllahthusincreasesviatheknowledgethatAllahistheEverGracious.

28.Al-Ḥafeedh:TheGuardian

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{Butiftheyturnaway,[say]:IhavealreadyconveyedthatwithwhichIwassenttoyou.MyLordwillgivesuccessiontoapeopleotherthanyou,andyouwillnotharmHimatall.IndeedmyLordis,overallthings,Guardian.}

(Qur’an11:57)

{Andhehadoverthemnoauthorityexcept[itwasdecreed]thatWemightmakeevidentwhobelievesintheHereafterfromwhoisthereofindoubt.AndyourLord,overallthings,isGuardian.}

(Qur’an34:21)

{And those who take as allies other than Him – Allah is [yet] Guardian over them; and you, [OMuhammad],arenotoverthemamanager.}

(Qur’an42:6)

Tafseer

Heisthe“All-Knowerofeverything,i.e.Hekeepsrecordsofeachandeverypersonasregardsdeeds,

andthenHewillrewardthemaccordingly.”77Al-Ḥafeedh is“amoreintensiveformof[Al-Ḥâfidh]. It

meanstheOnewhoisever-mindfulandconstantlyonguard.”78

Application

KnowingthatAllahistheGuardianoverallthingscanbringsolacetothehearts.TheheartsfindrestintheknowledgethatAllah(theExalted)willpreserveandguardwhatHewills.TrustisplacedinAllah,andthosethingsthatareoutofthecontroloftheservantsofAllahareputinthehandsofAllah.WorryandapprehensionareovercomewiththeknowledgethatAllah(theExalted)istheGuardianoverallthings.

29.Al-Ḥâfidh:TheGuardian

VersefromtheQur’an:

{He said: Should I entrust you with him except [under coercion] as I entrusted you with his brotherbefore?ButAllahisthebestguardian,andHeisthemostmercifulofthemerciful.}

(Qur’an12:64)

Tafseer

Allah (the Exalted) is the Guardian and Protector. He gives the example in the Qur’an of when HeguardedtheProphetSolomon(pbuh)fromdevils:

{Andofthedevils[thejinn]werethosewhodivedforhimanddidworkotherthanthat.AndWewereofthemaguardian.}

(Qur’an21:82)

Allah(theExalted)hasprotectedtheQur’anfrombeingaltered.Hesays:

{Indeed,itisWewhosentdownthemessage[theQur’an]andindeed,Wewillbeitsguardian.}(Qur’an15:9)

ThereisnogreaterguardianorprotectorthanAllah(theExalted).

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted) is theGuardianrelievesanxietyfromtheheartsof thebelievers.ThebelieverscanputtheirfulltrustinAllah,knowingthatAllahisthebestGuardian.Worriesdisappearwiththe understanding of this name. In a trying situation, the believers can put their hearts at restwith theknowledgethatAllahisthebestGuardian,Whoiswatchingandprotecting.

30.Al-Ḥakam:TheJudge

VersefromtheQur’an:

{ThenisitotherthanAllahIshouldseekasjudgewhileitisHewhohasrevealedtoyoutheBook[theQur’an]explainedindetail?}

(Qur’an6:114)

Tafseer

Allah (theExalted) is themost just Judge;He judgeswith truth,wisdom, and justice.He decrees thatsomewillgotohell(weseekrefugeinAllahfromthat),andthatsomewillgotoparadise.Hisjudgmentisperfectandencompassesallof thecreation.There isnoescapingAllah’s judgment,and truly it isajudgmentbyamosthonest,astuteJudge.

HâniibnYazeednarratedthattheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)said:

«Allah(theExalted)istheJudge,andjudgmentisforHim.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyAbuDâwoodandan-Nasâ’i)

Application

KnowingthatAllahistheJudgecompelsthebelieverstobeverycarefulabouttheirdeeds.TheyknowthattheywillbestandingbeforeAllah(theExalted)ontheDayofJudgement.TheyfearAllah,theJudge,andfearanegativejudgmentinthenextlife,ajudgmentendinginpunishment.Therefore,theysubmittoAllah,obeyHimandseektopleaseAllahthroughgooddeeds,praises,andprayer.Theyalwayshopeforrewardsinthenextlifefromthebestandmostjustofalljudges.

31.Al-Ḥakeem:TheWise

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{Theysaid:ExaltedareYou;wehavenoknowledgeexceptwhatYouhavetaughtus.Indeed, it isYouwhoistheKnowing,theWise.}

(Qur’an2:32)

{OurLord,andsendamongthemamessengerfromthemselveswhowillrecitetothemYourversesandteachthemtheBookandwisdomandpurifythem.Indeed,YouaretheExaltedinMight,theWise.}

(Qur’an2:129)

{ItisHewhoformsyouinthewombshoweverHewills.ThereisnodeityexceptHim,theExaltedinMight,theWise.}

(Qur’an3:6)

{AllahwitnessesthatthereisnodeityexceptHim,and[sodo]theangelsandthoseofknowledge–[thatHeis]maintaining[creation]injustice.ThereisnodeityexceptHim,theExaltedinMight,theWise.}

(Qur’an3:18)

{Indeed,thisisthetruenarration.AndthereisnodeityexceptAllah.Andindeed,AllahistheExaltedinMight,theWise.}

(Qur’an3:62)

{IfYoushouldpunishthem–indeedtheyareYourservants;butifYouforgivethem–indeedit isYouwhoistheExaltedinMight,theWise.}

(Qur’an5:118)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)isperfectinHisjudgment.EverythingAllahdoes,says,legislates,ordecreesiswithwisdom.Wisdom is behindHis creation andHis laws.He iswise inHis creation and covenants, inteachingwhomeverHechoosesandindenyingothersthebenefitofknowledge.HeiswiseandjustinHisjudgment.HeiswiseinHisactionsandwords,andHeplacesthingsintheircorrectplaces.

Application

KnowingthatAllahistheAll-WisecangivecomforttotheheartsoftheMuslims,forverily,everythingthathappensisduetoHiswisdom.Oftenwedonotseethewisdomincertainthingsthathappeninlife,inthings thatwemaynot like;however, there isalwayswisdombehind it.Allah(theExalted)knowsthewisdom,althoughitmaynotbecomeapparenttousforawhile,ifever.WemayalsotakecomfortintheknowledgethatontheDayofJudgement,Allah(theExalted)willjudgewithHiswisdom,andallwillbedealt with, with perfect fairness. This knowledge is again reassuring, as trust can be put in Allah’sgreatnessandwisdomoverallthings.

Supplication

«Muṣ‘ab ibnSa‘dreportedon theauthorityofhis father,Sa‘d ibnAbiWaqqâṣ(MayAllahbepleased

withhim), thatadesertArabcame toAllah’sMessenger (bpuh)andsaid tohim:Teachme thewordswhichIshould(often)say.

He (bpuh) said: Say: There is no god but Allah, the One, having no partner with Him. Allah is theGreatestofthegreat,andallpraiseisduetoHim.HallowedbeAllah,theLordoftheworlds;thereisnoMightandPowerbutthatofAllah,theExaltedinMightandtheWise.

He(thatdesertArab)said:Theseall(glorify)myLord.Butwhatabout(somethingfor)me?

Thereupon the Prophet (bpuh) said:You should say:OAllah, grantme pardon, havemercy uponme,directmetorighteousnessandprovidemesustenance.»(Muslim)

TheProphetAbraham(pbuh)said:

{OurLord,makeusnot[objectsof] tormentforthedisbelieversandforgiveus,ourLord.Indeed, it isYouwhoistheExaltedinMight,theWise.}

(Qur’an60:5)

32.Al-Ḥaleem:TheForbearing

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{Allahdoesnot imposeblameuponyouforwhat isunintentional inyouroaths,butHe imposesblameuponyouforwhatyourheartshaveearned.AndAllahisForgivingandForbearing.}

(Qur’an2:225)

{Indeed,thoseofyouwhoturnedbackonthedaythetwoarmiesmet[atUḥud],itwasSatanwhocausedthemtoslipbecauseofsome[blame]theyhadearned.ButAllahhasalreadyforgiventhem.Indeed,AllahisForgivingandForbearing.}

(Qur’an3:155)

{…[Thisis]anordinancefromAllah,andAllahisKnowingandForbearing.}(Qur’an4:12)

{…Andknow thatAllahknowswhat iswithinyourselves, sobewareofHim.AndknowthatAllah isForgivingandForbearing.}

(Qur’an2:235)

{Hewillsurelycause themtoenteranentrancewithwhich theywillbepleased,and indeed,Allah isKnowingandForbearing.}

(Qur’an22:59)

{If you loan Allah a goodly loan, He will multiply it for you and forgive you. And Allah is Most

AppreciativeandForbearing.}(Qur’an64:17)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)isforbearing,tolerant,gentle,andpatientwithHisservants.IbnKatheerexplained,

“MostForbearingmeans,Heforgivesandoverlookstheirsins.”79AlthoughthecreationisdisobedienttoAllah,HestillgivesthemHisblessings.Hegivesthemopportunitiestomendtheirways,andHedoesnothastentopunishHisservantsfortheirsins.

Application

KnowingthatAllah isforbearingandpatientcangivehopeto theservantsofAllah.WithHispatienceand forgiveness, Allah (the Exalted) expresses His mercy to His creation. This can be a source ofoptimismandstrengthtotheheart.Thereisnoneedtobecomedepressedoverone’ssinsandmistakes;rather,happinesscanbeattainedbyknowingthatAllahisforbearingandforgiving.ThisisagreatsourceofhopeandloveforAllah.KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)isforbearingcanalsogivetheservantsofAllah themselves the strength tobepatient and forbearingwith thosearound them. It is agreat trait topossess; it isnoble,gracious,andrighteous.Surely, ifAllahissotolerantandforbearing, thenwetoo,canstrivetobeso.

Supplication

Ibn‘Abbâs(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)saidthattheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)usedtosay,intimesofdifficulty:

«ThereisnoneworthyofworshipotherthanAllah,theMostGreat,theForbearing.ThereisnoneworthyofworshipotherthanAllah,LordoftheMagnificentThrone.ThereisnoneworthyofworshipotherthanAllah,Lordoftheheavensandtheearth,LordoftheGloriousthrone.»(BukhariandMuslim)

33.Al-Ḥameed:ThePraiseworthy

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{…[Thisis]aBookwhichWehaverevealedtoyou,[OMuhammad],thatyoumightbringhumankindoutof darknesses into the light by permission of their Lord – to the path of the Exalted in Might, thePraiseworthy}

(Qur’an14:1)

{AndMosessaid:Ifyoushoulddisbelieve,youandwhoeverisontheearthentirely–indeed,Allahis

FreeofneedandPraiseworthy.}(Qur’an14:8)

{ToHimbelongswhatisintheheavensandwhatisontheearth.Andindeed,AllahistheFreeofneed,thePraiseworthy.}

(Qur’an22:64)

{AndthosewhohavebeengivenknowledgeseethatwhatisrevealedtoyoufromyourLordisthetruth,anditguidestothepathoftheExaltedinMight,thePraiseworthy.}

(Qur’an34:6)

{Ohumankind,youarethoseinneedofAllah,whileAllahistheFreeofneed,thePraiseworthy.}(Qur’an35:15)

{AnditisHewhosendsdowntherainaftertheyhaddespairedandspreadsHismercy.AndHeistheProtector,thePraiseworthy.}

(Qur’an42:28)

Tafseer

According to Ibn Katheer’s tafseer, “The Praised Who is glorified and praised in all His actions,statements,legislation,commandmentsandprohibitionsandWhoonlysaysthetruthintheinformationHe

conveys.”80EveryformofpraisebelongstoAllah(theExalted).ItisimpossibleforustopraiseAllah(theExalted)perfectly.Theangelssaid,“WehavenotworshippedYouasYoudeserved,”andtheProphet(bpuh)usedtosaywhileprostratingduringtheprayer:

«OAllah,itisimpossibleforustopraiseYouasYoudeserved.YouareasYouhavepraisedYourself.»(Muslim)

Application

Knowing that Allah (the Exalted) is the Praiseworthy fills the hearts of Muslims with wonder andadmirationforAllah.HispraiseworthinessissogreatthatthehearttremblesatHisawesomeness.ThisknowledgeinspirestheMuslimstosubmitanddevotethemselvestoAllah,thePraiseworthyOne.

Supplication

«IbnAbiLaylâreported:Ka‘bibn‘Ujrahmetmeandsaid:ShouldInotofferyouapresent?

(andadded:)TheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)came tousandwesaid:Wehave learnedhowto invokepeaceuponyou;(kindlytellus)howweshouldblessyou.

TheProphet(bpuh)replied:Say:OAllah,blessMuhammadandhisfamilyasYoublessedthefamilyofAbraham.VerilyYouarePraiseworthyandGlorious,OAllah.»(BukhariandMuslim)

34.Al-Ḥaqq:TheTruth

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{Theretheauthorityis[completely]forAllah,theTruth.Heisbestinrewardandbestinoutcome.}(Qur’an18:44)

{That isbecauseAllah is theTruth andbecauseHegives life to thedeadandbecauseHe isoverallthingscompetent}

(Qur’an22:6)

{That is becauseAllah is theTruth, and that which they call upon other thanHim is falsehood, andbecauseAllahistheMostHigh,theGrand.}

(Qur’an22:62&31:30)

{ThatDay,Allahwillpay them in full their true [deserved] recompense, and theywillknow that it isAllahwhoisthemanifestTruth[i.e.,perfectinjustice].}

(Qur’an24:25)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)istheTruth;HeistheonlyTruegod.IbnKatheercommented:

He truly exists and is truly divine, and that all else besidesHim is falsehood.He has no need ofanythingelse,buteverythingelseisdependentonHim,becauseeverythinginheavenandonearthiscreatedbyHimandisenslavedbyHim;noneofthemcouldmoveevenanatom’sweightexceptwith

Hispermission.81

Healsomentionsthatthismeans“theCreator,theController,theOneWhodoesasHewills”,82andthatAllah(theExalted)is:

...the true God, besides Whom no one deserves worship. He is the Possessor of the greatestsovereignty;whateverHewillshappensandwhateverHedoesnotwilldoesnothappen.Everything

isinneedofHimandsubmitstoHim.83

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheTruthsolidifiesfaithintheheartsoftheservantsofAllah.Doubts

areobliteratedwiththisknowledge,andfaithanddedicationbecomestrongandflourish.

Supplication

Watheelahibnal-Aqṣâreported:

«TheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)ledusinprayeroverthebierofaMuslim.Iheardhimsay:OAllah!So-and-so,sonofso-and-so,isunderYourprotection,andintheropeofYoursecurity,sosavehimfromthetrialofthegraveandfromthepunishmentoftheFire.Youfulfilpromisesandgrantrights,soforgivehimandhavemercyonhim.SurelyYouaretheForgiving,theMostMerciful.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyAbuDâwoodandIbnMâjah)

Ibn‘Abbâs(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthatwhentheProphet(bpuh)gotupatnighttooffertahajjudprayer,heusedtosay:

«OAllah!Allthepraisesareforyou.YouaretheHolderoftheheavensandtheearthandwhateverisinthem.AllthepraisesareforYou;Youhavethepossessionoftheheavensandtheearthandwhateverisinthem.AllthepraisesareforYou;YouaretheLightoftheheavensandtheearth.AllthepraisesareforYou;YouaretheSovereignoftheheavensandtheearth.AllthepraisesareforYou;YouaretheTruth,andYourPromiseisthetruth,andtomeetYouistrue.YourWordisthetruth,andparadiseistrue,andhellistrue,andalltheprophets(peacebeuponthem)aretrue.Muhammad(bpuh)istrue,andtheDayofResurrectionistrue.OAllah!Isurrender(mywill)toYou.IbelieveinYouanddependonYouandrepenttoYou.WithYourhelp,Iargue(withmyopponents,thenon-believers),andItakeYouasajudge(to judge between us). Please forgive me my previous and future sins and whatever I concealed orrevealed.YouaretheExpediterandtheDeferrer.Thereisnonetobeworshippedbutyou.»(Bukhari)

35.Al-Ḥaseeb:TheReckoner

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{Forthemtherewillbeallottedashareforwhattheyhaveearned.AndAllahisSwiftatreckoning.}84

(Qur’an2:202)

{WhetherWeshowyou[OMuhammad]partofwhatWehavepromisedthemorcauseyoutodie,yourdutyisonlytoconvey(theMessage)andonUsisthereckoning.}

(Qur’an13:40)

{AndWeshallsetupbalancesofjusticeontheDayofResurrection,thennonewillbedealtwithunjustlyin anything.And if there be theweight of amustard seed,Wewill bring it.AndSufficient areWe asReckoners.}

(Qur’an21:47)

{ThosewhoconveytheMessageofAllahandfearHim,andfearnonesaveAllah.AndSufficientisAllahasaReckoner.}

(Qur’an33:39)

{This Day shall every person be recompensed for what he earned. No injustice (shall be done toanybody).Truly,AllahisSwiftinreckoning.}

(Qur’an40:17)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)istheReckoner,thecarefulaccounttakerofallthings:

that is, theOnewhowill takeaccountofallpeople’sdeeds, andwhowill rewardorpunish themaccordingly. Al-Qurṭubi points out that this is a warning in particular to those who deny Allaah:

ultimatelytheywillanswertoHimfortheirdeeds.85

IbnKatheercommentedthatAllah(theExalted) is“sufficientasWitness,Reckoner,andWatcher…

IndeedAllahknowsall…”86

Application

KnowingthatAllahistheReckonerputsfearintheheartofthebelievers,promotingsubmissiontoAllah(theExalted).Alldeedswillbeaccountedfor,sobelieversstrivetofulfiltheirdutiestoAllahandstayawayfromtheforbidden.Solaceisalsofoundwiththisknowledge,asAllah(theExalted)willtakeintoaccountallthingswithperfectjusticeandwisdom.Noonewillbedealtwithunjustly,andthisrelaxestheheartsofthebelievers.

36.Al-Ḥayy:TheEver-Living

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{Allah–thereisnodeityexceptHim,theEver-Living,theSustainerof[all]existence.}(Qur’an2:255and3:2)

{And[all]faceswillbehumbledbeforetheEver-Living, theSustainerofexistence.Andhewillhavefailedwhocarriesinjustice.}

(Qur’an20:111)

{AndrelyupontheEver-Livingwhodoesnotdie,andexalt[Allah]withHispraise.AndsufficientisHetobe,withthesinsofHisservants,Acquainted}

(Qur’an25:58)

{He is theEver-Living; there is no deity except Him, so call upon Him, [being] sincere to Him inreligion.[All]praiseis[due]toAllah,Lordoftheworlds.}

(Qur’an40:65)

Tafseer

Allah (the Exalted) is the Ever-Living, Who never dies. He is eternal and everlasting. Ibn KatheerdescribedHimas“…theEverLiving,frometernitytoeternity,Whowas,isandshallbe,theFirstandthe

Last,theManifest,theHidden.”87

Application

Knowing that Allah is the Ever-Living causes the Muslims to recognize the greatness of Allah (theExalted)andrecognizetheirownimperfectionsandtransientnature.TheservantsofAllaharehumbledby the knowledge that this life is brief and fleeting.The servants are inspired to bow in humility anddevotiontoAllah,theEver-LivingOne.

Supplication

Ibn‘Abbâs(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)saidthattheProphet(bpuh)wasaccustomedtopraying:

«OAllah!UntoYoudoIsurrender,inYoudoIbelieve,uponYoudoIrely,untoYoudoIturnpenitent,andwithYouraiddoIdispute.OAllah,behold!IseekrefugeinYourMight—otherthanYouthereisnoother god—lest You send me astray. You are theLiving One that doesnot die, while the jinn andhumankinddie.»(BukhariandMuslim)

‘Umar(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthattheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)said:

«If, on entering amarketplace, one says:None has the right to beworshipped butAllah (theExalted)alone,Whohasnopartner.HisisthedominionandHisisthepraise.HebringslifeandHecausesdeath,andHe is theEver-Living anddoesnotdie. InHishand isallgood,andHe isAll-Powerfuloverallthings–Allahshallrecordtohiscreditamillionrighteousdeeds,remitfromhimamillionevildeeds,raisehimbyamilliondegreesandbuildforhimanabodeintheGarden.»(areliablehadithrecordedby

IbnMâjahandat-Tirmidhi)88

Thefollowingsupplicationcanbesaidattheendofprayer,beforethetasleem:

«OAllah,IaskYou,forYouaretheOwnerofpraise,thereisnoneworthyofworshipbutYoualone,Youhavenopartner.YouaretheBenefactor.OOriginatoroftheheavensandtheearth,OwnerofMajestyandHonour.OEver-LivingandSustainerofallExistence,Iaskyouforparadise,andIseekrefugeinYoufromthefire.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyAbuDâwoodandan-Nasâ’i)

Thefollowingsupplicationcanbesaidinthemorningandevening:

«OEver-Living, O Self-Subsisting and Sustainer of all Existence, by Your mercy I seek assistance.Rectifyformeallofmyaffairsanddonotleavemetomyself,evenfortheblinkofaneye.»(areliablehadithrecordedbyal-Ḥâkimandan-Nasâ’i)

‘Ali(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)reportedthattheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)said:

«WhosoeveraftereveryprayerrecitesÂyatal-Kursi:

{Allah - there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence. NeitherdrowsinessovertakesHimnorsleep.ToHimbelongswhateverisintheheavensandwhateverisontheearth.Who is it that can intercedewithHimexcept byHis permission?Heknowswhat is [presently]before themandwhatwillbeafter them,and theyencompassnot a thingofHisknowledgeexcept forwhatHewills.HisKursiextendsover theheavensand theearth,and theirpreservation tiresHimnot.AndHeistheMostHigh,theMostGreat}

(Qur’an2:255)

–noneshallpreventhimfromenteringthegardensavedeath.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyaṭ-Ṭabarâni)

«AbuHurayrah (MayAllah be pleasedwith him) said thatAllah’sMessenger (bpuh) ordered him toguardthezakâtrevenueofRamadan.Thensomebodycametohimandstartedstealingfromthefoodstuff.Hecaughthimandsaid:IwilltakeyoutoAllah’sMessenger.ThenAbuHurayrahdescribedthewholenarrationandsaid:Thatpersonsaid(tome):PleasedonottakemetoAllah’sMessenger,andIwilltellyouafewwordsbywhichAllahwillbenefityou.Whenyougotoyourbed,reciteÂyatal-Kursi:

{Allah – there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence. NeitherdrowsinessovertakesHimnorsleep.ToHimbelongswhateverisintheheavensandwhateverisontheearth.Who is it that can intercedewithHimexcept byHis permission?Heknowswhat is [presently]before themandwhatwillbeafter them,and theyencompassnot a thingofHisknowledgeexcept forwhatHewills.HisKursiextendsovertheheavensandtheearth,andtheirpreservationdoesnottireHim.AndHeistheMostHigh,theMostGreat.}

(Quran2:255)

–forthentherewillbeaguardfromAllahwhowillprotectyouallnightlong,andSatanwillnotbeabletocomenearyouuntildawn.

(When theProphet heard the story), he said (tome):He (whocame toyou at night) toldyou the truthalthoughheisaliar;anditwasSatan.»(Bukhari)

Anas(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)saidthatwhenanymatterdistressedtheMessengerofAllah(bpuh),hewouldsay:

«OYou,theEver-Living!UntoYourmercyIappeal!»(areliablehadithrecordedbyat-Tirmidhi)

37.Al-Ilâh:TheGod

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{Your god is only Allah, except for whom there is no deity. He has encompassed all things inknowledge.}

(Qur’an20:98)

{OrwereyouwitnesseswhendeathapproachedJacob?Whenhesaidtohissons:Whatwillyouworshipafterme?Theysaid:WewillworshipyourGodandtheGodofyourfathers,AbrahamandIshmaelandIsaac–oneGod.AndweareMuslims[insubmission]toHim.}

(Qur’an2:133)

{Anddonotarguewith thePeopleof theScriptureexcept inaway that isbest, except for thosewhocommitinjusticeamongthem,andsay:Webelieveinthatwhichhasbeenrevealedtousandrevealedtoyou.AndourGodandyourGodisone;andweareMuslims[insubmission]toHim.}

(Qur’an29:46)

{Say:IseekrefugeintheLordofhumankind,theSovereignofhumankind,theGodofhumankind}(Qur’an114:1-3)

Tafseer

Al-Ilâhmeans‘theonlydeitywhodeservestobeworshipped’.Heis tobesingledout inHisdivinity.TherearenopartnersorassociateswithAllah(theExalted).HeistheonlytrueGod.

Application

Knowing thatAllah (theExalted) is theonlydeityworthyofworship inspires the servantsofAllah todedicate their actionsand intentions toAllahalone.They feel compelled toworshipAllahanddevotethemselvestoAllah(theExalted),theirGod.

Supplication

Ibn‘Umar(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)saidthatwhentheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)wenttobedatnight,hewouldsay:

«PraisebetoAllah,Whoprovidedmesufficiently,andgavemeaplaceofshelter,fedmeandgavemedrink,Whofavouredmeandwentfar(infavouring),Whobestoweduponme(Hisgifts)andwasliberal(inbestowing).Praisebe toAllah inevery state.OAllah!LordofeverythingandOwner thereof, andGodofeverything!IseekrefugeinYoufromtheFire.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyAbuDâwood)

Ibn‘Abbâs(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthatwhentheProphet(bpuh)gotupatnighttooffertahajjudprayer,heusedtosay:

«OAllah!Allthepraisesareforyou.YouaretheHolderoftheheavensandtheearthandwhateverisinthem.AllthepraisesareforYou;Youhavethepossessionoftheheavensandtheearthandwhateverisinthem.AllthepraisesareforYou;YouaretheLightoftheheavensandtheearth.AllthepraisesareforYou;YouaretheSovereignoftheheavensandtheearth.AllthepraisesareforYou;YouaretheTruth,andYourPromiseisthetruth,andtomeetYouistrue.YourWordisthetruth,andparadiseistrue,andhellistrue,andalltheprophets(peacebeuponthem)aretrue.Muhammad(bpuh)istrue,andtheDayofResurrection is true.OAllah! I surrender (mywill) toYou. I believe inYou and depend onYou andrepenttoYou.WithYourhelp,Iargue(withmyopponents,thenon-believers),andItakeYouasajudge(to judge between us). Please forgive me my previous and future sins and whatever I concealed orrevealed.YouaretheExpediterandtheDeferrer.ThereisnonetobeworshippedbutYou.»(Bukhari)

38.Al-Jabbâr:TheCompeller

VersefromtheQur’an:

{HeisAllah,otherthanwhomthereisnodeity,theSovereign,thePure,thePerfection,theBestowerofFaith,theOverseer,theExaltedinMight,theCompeller,theSuperior.ExaltedisAllahabovewhatevertheyassociatewithHim.}

(Qur’an59:23)

Tafseer

IbnKatheerexplainedthatAl-Jabbârmeans“theOnlyOneworthyofbeingtheCompeller.”89Allah(theExalted)isalmightyandomnipotent.Heis:

...theOmnipotent,All-PowerfulOnewho isabsolutely freeofanyweaknesseswhatsoever.Hecancompelothers,andHispowercannotberesisted.Othershavesaidthatanotherpossiblemeaningis

theOnewhosetsrightorfixes.90

AccordingtoA.Abd-Allah:

He enriches the poor, cures the sick, and causes ease for those in hardship, like Ar-Ra‘oof [theCompassionate]. Everything is submissive to Allah. He is above the creation in all senses likeAl-‘Aliyy [theMostHigh].He is above having a partner or equal in anymatter, andHe is above

faultsandmistakes,likeAl-Mutakabbir[theSupreme].91

Application

Knowing thatAllah is theCompellerencourages thebelievers toseeksolace in thepowerandwillofAllah(theExalted).Ultimately,Allah’sdecisionswillprevailsinceHecancompelwhatHewantstobe.Hispowerisinescapable;thereforetheservantsubmitstoAllah’swillandfindsharmonywiththat.

39.Al-Kabeer:TheGrand

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{[Heis]Knoweroftheunseenandthewitnessed,theGrand,theExalted.}(Qur’an13:9)

{That is because Allah is the Truth, and that which they call upon other than Him is falsehood, andbecauseAllahistheMostHigh,theGrand.}

(Qur’an22:62)

{And intercessiondoesnotbenefitwithHimexcept foronewhomHepermits. [And thosewait]until,whenterrorisremovedfromtheirhearts,theywillsay[tooneanother]:WhathasyourLordsaid?Theywillsay:Thetruth.AndHeistheMostHigh,theGrand.}

(Qur’an34:23)

{[Theywillbetold:]Thatisbecause,whenAllahwascalleduponalone,youdisbelieved;butifotherswereassociatedwithHim,youbelieved.SothejudgementiswithAllah,theMostHigh,theGrand.}

(Qur’an40:12)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)isgreaterthaneverything.IbnKatheerexplained:

EverythingissubjecttoHismightandpower;thereisnoGodexceptHimandnoLordbesidesHim,becauseHeis theAlmightyandthere isnonemightier thanHe, theMostHighandthere isnonehigherthanHe, theMostGreatand there isnonegreater thanHe.Exalted, sanctified,andglorifiedbeHefar

aboveallthattheevildoerssay.92

Application

KnowingthatAllah is theGrandreassures thebelievers thatAllah(theExalted) isworthyofworship,andthattheyaredoingtherightthingbyworshippingAllah(theExalted)alone.NoonecanbeasgrandasAllah(theExalted),sothereisnosenseindevotingtheinnerselfandworshiptootherthanAllah.Thebelievers are humbled in the face of such greatness and look forward to the meeting with Allah, theGrand,inthenextlife.

Supplication

Ibn ‘Abbâs (MayAllahbepleasedwithhim) said that theProphet (bpuh)used to teach the followingprayerforfeverandallmannerofpains:

«IntheNameofAllah,theGrand,IseekrefugeinAllahtheMagnificent,fromtheevilofeveryspurtingvein,andfromtheeviloftheheatoftheFire.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyat-Tirmidhi)

40.Al-Kafeel:TheWitness,theGuarantor

VersefromtheQur’an:

{AndfulfilthecovenantofAllahwhenyouhavetakenit,[Obelievers],anddonotbreakoathsaftertheirconfirmationwhileyouhavemadeAllah,overyou,asecurity[witness].Indeed,Allahknowswhatyoudo.}

(Qur’an16:91)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)isOneWhoprovidessecurityandwitnesstooathstakeninHisname.WhenapersontakesanoathwiththenameofAllah(theExalted),heisappointingAllah(theExalted)ashisGuarantor.Hebecomesobligatedtofulfilthatoathandifhedoesnot,thenhemustmakeexpiationfornotfulfillinghisoath.

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheWitnessandGuarantorencouragestheservantsofAllahtofulfiltheiroathsandcontracts.TheyfearAllahinthisregard.TheyknowthatAllahwillblessandrewardthepersonswhofulfiltheiroathsandcontracts;thereforetheyendeavourtocompletetheirpromises,inorderto be able to come before Allah (the Exalted) on the Day of Judgement without broken promises orunfulfilledoathsforwhichtoaccount.

41.Al-Kareem:TheGenerous

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{SaidonewhohadknowledgefromtheScripture:Iwillbringittoyoubeforeyourglancereturnstoyou.Andwhen[Solomon]sawitplacedbeforehim,hesaid:This isfromthefavourofmyLordto testmewhetherIwillbegratefulorungrateful.Andwhoeverisgrateful–hisgratitudeisonlyfor[thebenefitof]himself.Andwhoeverisungrateful–thenindeed,myLordisFreeofneedandGenerous.}

(Qur’an27:40)

{Ohumankind,whathasdeceivedyouconcerningyourLord,theGenerous}(Qur’an82:6)

Tafseer

Allah (the Exalted) is generous and gracious.He gives blessings toHis creation, even if they do notworshipHim.Hisgenerosity,greatnessandgraciousnessdonotdependonanyoneandarenotlimited.

Application

Knowing that Allah is themost Generous fills the hearts of theMuslimswith love, thankfulness, anddevotiontoAllah(theExalted).MuslimsaredrawntothegenerosityofAllahandturntoHimingratitudeforallof theblessingsHebestowsuponthem.Theytake timetocontemplate theblessingswithwhichAllah (the Exalted) has favoured them, beginning with the blessing of life itself.With life comes theopportunitytoattainparadise,anopportunitynotworthwasting;thisopportunityaloneissomethingtobethankfulfor.Needlesstosay,allofushavemanythingsforwhichweshouldthankAllah(theExalted)andrecognizeHisgenerosityinourlives,anddoingsocreatesloveforthemostGenerous.Muslimsarealsoinspiredtobegenerousthemselvestothoseinneed,asgenerosityisagreattraittopossessandwillcertainlyreaprewardsinthenextlife.

Supplication

«‘Abdullâh ibn Jâ‘farnarrated that theMessengerofAllah (bpuh) said:Suggest toyourdyingpersons(thewords):ThereisnogodbutAllah.»(Muslim)

42.Al-Khabeer:TheAcquaintedwithallThings

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{And He is the Irresistible, above His slaves, and He is the All-Wise, Well Acquainted with all

things.}93

(Qur’an6:18)

{VisionperceivesHimnot,butHeperceives[all]vision;andHeistheSubtle,theAcquainted.}(Qur’an6:103)

{DoyounotseethatAllahhassentdownrainfromtheskyandtheearthbecomesgreen?Indeed,AllahisSubtleandAcquainted.}

(Qur’an22:63)

{Tellthebelievingmentoreduce[some]oftheirvisionandguardtheirprivateparts.Thatispurerforthem.Indeed,AllahisAcquaintedwithwhattheydo.}

(Qur’an24:30)

{Indeed,Allah [alone] has knowledge of theHour and sends down the rain and knowswhat is in thewombs.Andnosoulperceiveswhatitwillearntomorrow,andnosoulperceivesinwhatlanditwilldie.Indeed,AllahisKnowingandAcquainted.}

(Qur’an31:34)

{DoesHewhocreatednotknow,whileHeistheSubtle,theAcquainted?}(Qur’an67:14)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)knowsthehiddennatureofallthings.Hehasputallthingsintheirproperplaces,andHeiswell-acquaintedwiththem.Heknowseverythingthatexistsineverycorneroftheearth,regardlessofhowsmall it is.Nothingatall ishiddenfromAllah(theExalted);Heiswell-acquaintedwitheverydetail.

‘Abdullâhibn‘Umar(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthattheProphet(bpuh)said:

«Thekeysoftheunseenarefive,andnoneknowsthembutAllah(theExalted):(1)NoneknowswhatisinthewombbutAllah;(2)NoneknowswhatwillhappentomorrowbutAllah;(3)NoneknowswhenitwillrainbutAllah;(4)Noneknowswherehewilldie,butAllah(knowsthat);(5)andnoneknowswhentheHourwillbeestablishedbutAllah.»(Bukhari)

Application

Knowing that Allah (the Exalted) is Acquainted with all Things brings an acute awareness to thebelieversofthepresenceofAllah(theExalted).EvenourthoughtsareknownbyAllah(theExalted),aswell as our feelings. He is well acquainted with everything, hidden or apparent, and this knowledgedrivesthebelieverstotakeheedoftheiractions,sayingsandintentions,makingcertainthattheyareforthesakeandpleasureofAllah(theExalted).

43.Al-Khâliq:TheCreator

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{HeisAllah,theCreator,theInventor,theFashioner;toHimbelongthebestnames.WhateverisintheheavensandearthisexaltingHim.AndHeistheExaltedinMight,theWise.}

(Qur’an59:24)

{…OrhavetheyattributedtoAllahpartnerswhocreatedlikeHiscreationsothatthecreation[ofeach]seemedsimilartothem?Say:AllahistheCreatorofallthings,andHeistheOne,thePrevailing.}

(Qur’an13:16)

{AllahistheCreatorofallthings,andHeis,overallthings,Disposerofaffairs.}(Qur’an39:62)

{ThatisAllah,yourLord,Creatorofallthings;thereisnodeityexceptHim,sohowareyoudeluded?}(Qur’an40:62)

Tafseer

HeistheOneWhobroughtthecreationoutofnon-existenceintoexistence,thenshapedandproportioneditintheperfectway.ThisnamedoesnotjustmeantheCreator,butitincludestheactofproportioning,asdescribedinthishadithfrom‘AbdullâhibnMas‘ood(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim):

«Allah’sMessenger(bpuh),thetrueandtrulyinspired,narratedtous:Thecreationofeveryoneofyoustartswith the process of collecting thematerial for his bodywithin forty days and forty nights in thewombofhismother.Thenhebecomesaclotofthickbloodforasimilarperiod(fortydays),andthenhebecomeslikeapieceoffleshforasimilarperiod.Thenanangelissenttohim(byAllah),andtheangelisallowed(ordered) towrite four things:his livelihood,his (dateof)death,hisdeedsandwhetherhewill be a wretched one or a blessed one (in the Hereafter), and then the soul is breathed into him.»(BukhariandMuslim)

IbnKatheerexplained,“Al-Khaliqreferstomeasuringandproportioning.”94

Application

Knowing that Allah (the Exalted) is the Creator subdues the servants of Allah. Thankfulness towardsAllah (the Exalted), withoutWhomwe would not exist, is imprinted in the soul. Because Allah (theExalted)istheOneWhoproportionedourbeingsandcreatedusinthemannerthatweare,weshouldbethankfultoHim.Gratitudeisnecessaryforthegiftoftheplanetearthandallthatisonitforourdwellingandbenefit,thereforethanksareduetothegreatCreator.AlongwiththankingAllah(theExalted)forHiscreation, theservantsofAllah(theExalted)devote theirworship to theoneandonlyCreator, theonlyOneworthyoftheirworship.

44.Al-Khallâq:TheCreator

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{Indeed,yourLord–HeistheKnowingCreator.}

(Qur’an15:86)

{IsnotHewhocreatedtheheavensandtheearthAbletocreatethelikesofthem?Yes,[itisso];andHeistheKnowingCreator.}

(Qur’an36:81)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)istheCreator,andnothingisbeyondHim.Heisnotweakenedinanywaybytheactofcreating.Heonlycommandsa thingonce,and itcomes intoexistence.Hesays, ‘Be!’,and it is. IbnKatheermentioned:

AllahpointsoutHisgreatmightandpowerinthatHecreatedthesevenheavenswithalltheirstarsand planets, and the seven earths with everything in them of mountains, sands, oceans and

wildernesses,andeverythinginbetween.95

{Do they not see that Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth, and was not wearied by their

creation,isAbletogivelifetothedead?Yes,HesurelyisAbletodoallthings.}96

(Qur’an46:33)

Application

Knowing thatAllah is the supremeCreator generates reverence in the hearts of the believers towardstheirLord.Theservantsarehumbledby,andatthesametimethankfulto,AllahforHiscreation.Theirhearts becomes subordinated and submissive to the will of Allah (the Exalted) with this awesomeknowledgethatHeisthesupremeCreator.

45.Al-Laṭeef:TheMostSubtleandKind

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{VisionperceivesHimnot,butHeperceives[all]vision;andHeistheSubtle,theAcquainted.}(Qur’an6:103)

{Andheraisedhisparentsuponthe throne,and theybowedtohiminprostration.Andhesaid,“Omyfather,thisistheexplanationofmyvisionofbefore.MyLordhasmadeitreality.AndHewascertainlygood tomewhenHe tookme out of prison and brought you [here] fromBedouin life after Satan hadinduced[estrangement]betweenmeandmybrothers.Indeed,myLordisSubtleinwhatHewills.Indeed,itisHewhoistheKnowing,theWise.}

(Qur’an12:100)

{DoyounotseethatAllahhassentdownrainfromtheskyandtheearthbecomesgreen?Indeed,AllahisSubtleandAcquainted.}

(Qur’an22:63)

{[AndLuqmânsaid:]Omyson,indeedifit[awrong]shouldbetheweightofamustardseedandshouldbewithinarockor[anywhere]intheheavensorintheearth,Allahwillbringitforth.Indeed,AllahisSubtleandAcquainted.}

(Qur’an31:16)

{AllahisveryGraciousandKindtoHisslaves.HegivesprovisionstowhomHewills.AndHeisthe

All-Strong,theAll-Mighty.}97

(Qur’an42:19)

{DoesHewhocreatednotknow,whileHeistheSubtle,theAcquainted?}(Qur’an67:14)

Tafseer

Allah (the Exalted) is the OneWho fully shows his servants kindness and gentleness. He showsHiskindness inHis creating andwilling things into existence.Allah (theExalted) provides for all ofHiscreatures, whether they are righteous or not, out of His immense kindness. Allah’s kindness iseverywhere;accordingtoIbnKatheer:

AllahmentionsHisfavourtoHiscreationinsubjugatingtheearthtothem,andmakingitsubservienttothem.ThisisbyHismakingitastableabodeanddwellingplace.Heplacedinitmountainsandcausedwaterspringstogushforthfromit.Hefashionedpathways,andplacedusefulthingsinitand

placesfertileforthegrowthoffruitandvegetation.98

Application

Knowing that Allah (the Exalted) is the Most Subtle and Kind to His slaves fills the hearts of thebelieverswithloveandappreciationofAllah(theExalted).TheyareacutelyawareofAllah’skindnessin every aspect of life, and this knowledge overwhelms their hearts with love. They recognize thegreatnessofsuchatraitandstrivetobethesameintheirlives,withthosearoundhim.Theyarekindtoothers,andtheyrespondtomalevolencewithkindness.

46.Al-Majeed:TheGlorious

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{Theysaid:DoyouwonderattheDecreeofAllah?TheMercyofAllahandHisBlessingsbeonyou,O

thefamily[ofIbrahim(Abraham)].Surely,He(Allah)isAll-Praiseworthy,All-Glorious.}99

(Qur’an11:73)

{Ownerofthethrone,theGlorious}100

(Qur’an85:15)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)haseveryqualityofperfection.HeispraiseworthyandgloriousinHisattributesandinHisself.

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)is theGloriousfills theservantsofAllah(theExalted)withaweandrespectforAllah(theExalted).TheyfalldownprostratetotheAllGloriousLordoftheworlds.Theirhearts tremble at this knowledge and overflowwith love and submission toAllah (theExalted).Theybecomeacutelyawareof theirownimperfections,andany inklingsofarrogancemeltawayfromthem.Theyarethushumbledbeforetheperfect,GloriousLord.

Supplication

«IbnAbiLaylâreported:Ka‘bibn‘Ujrahmetmeandsaid:ShouldInotofferyouapresent?(andadded:)TheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)cametousandwesaid:Wehavelearnedhowtoinvokepeaceuponyou;(kindlytellus)howweshouldblessyou.

TheProphet(bpuh)replied:Say:OAllah,blessMuhammadandhisfamilyasYoublessedthefamilyofAbraham.VerilyYouarePraiseworthyandGlorious,OAllah.»(BukhariandMuslim)

47.Al-Maleek:TheSovereign

VersefromtheQur’an:

{InaseatofhonournearaSovereign,PerfectinAbility.}(Qur’an54:55)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)istheownerofmajestyandhonour.Heistheownerofallthings,andallareunderHiscommand.HeisthemajesticSovereign.Hecreatedeverything,andHecontrolsalldestiny.Hehasthepowerandsovereigntytograntwhateveroneasksfor.HeistheomnipotentSovereign.

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheSovereigncreatesdevotionintheheartsofthebelievers.Theyareawed at the magnificent kingdom of Allah (the Exalted), the world and the universe. They submitthemselves to thecommandsof theirLord, theSovereign.Theyareconsciousof theirmeetingwith theSovereigninthenextlife,andtheylookforwardtoitwhilepreparingthemselvesforit.Intheirprayers,theyareespeciallyconsciousthat theyarebowingandprostratingbeforetheOmnipotentSovereign,sotheystrivetoperformtheirprayersinthebestmanner,knowingthatAllah(theExalted),theSovereign,isseeingandhearingthem.

Supplication

AbuBakraṣ-Ṣiddeeq(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)related:

«IsaidtotheMessengerofAllah(bpuh):TellmesomethingthatImayreciteinthemorningandevening.

TheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)said:Sayeverymorningandeveningandwhenyouretiretobed:OAllah,Knowerofthevisibleandtheinvisible,Originatoroftheheavensandtheearth,LordandSovereignofall things.I testifythat there isnogodbutYou.IseekrefugeinYoufromtheevilofmysoul,fromthemischief of Satan and his ascribing partners (toYou), and from committingwrong againstmy soul orbringingsuchuponanotherMuslim.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyAbuDâwoodandat-Tirmidhi)

48.Al-Malik:TheSovereign

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{So high [above all] is Allah, the Sovereign, the Truth. And, [O Muhammad], do not hasten with[recitation of] the Qur’an before its revelation is completed to you, and say: My Lord, increase myknowledge.}

(Qur’an20:114)

{SoexaltedisAllah,theSovereign,theTruth;thereisnodeityexceptHim,LordoftheNobleThrone.}(Qur’an23:116)

{HeisAllah,otherthanwhomthereisnodeity,theSovereign,thePure,thePerfection,theBestowerofFaith,theOverseer,theExaltedinMight,theCompeller,theSuperior.ExaltedisAllahabovewhatevertheyassociatewithHim.}

(Qur’an59:23)

{WhateverisintheheavensandwhateverisontheearthisexaltingAllah,theSovereign, thePure,theExaltedinMight,theWise.}

(Qur’an62:1)

{TheSovereignofhumankind.}(Qur’an114:2)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)isall-holyandmajestic.AllareunderHiscommand.Hemakeswhomeverhewantsrich or poor, healthy or sick. He commands and He prohibits. Ibn Katheer commented, “Al-Malik,meaning ‘The Owner and King of all things,’ Who has full power over them without resistance or

hindrance.”101

Ibn‘Umar(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthatAllah’sMessenger(bpuh)said:

«OntheDayofResurrection,AllahwillgraspthewholeEarthwithHishand,andalltheheavensinHisright(hand),andthenHewillsay:IamtheSovereign.»(Bukhari)

Application

KnowingthatAllahistheSovereigncausestheservantsofAllah(theExalted)tobowdownprostrateinworshipofAllah(theExalted).TheyrealizethatAllahdeservestobeworshipped,andnootherdeservessuch.They followHiscommandsandstayaway fromwhatHeprohibits,and they look forward to themeetingwiththeSovereign.

Supplication

‘AliibnAbuṬâlib(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)reportedthatwhentheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)gotupatnightforprayer,hewouldsay:

«IturnmyfaceincompletedevotiontoOneWhoistheOriginatoroftheheavenandtheearth,andIamnotofthepolytheists.Verilymyprayer,mysacrifice,mylivingandmydyingareforAllah,theLordoftheworlds.ThereisnopartnerwithHim,andthisiswhatIhavebeencommanded(toprofessandbelieve),andIamofthebelievers.OAllah,YouaretheSovereign;thereisnogodbutYou.YouaremyLord,andIamYourbondman.Iwrongedmyselfandmakeaconfessionofmysin.Forgiveallmysins,fornooneforgivesthesinsbutYou,andguidemeinthebestofconduct,fornonebutYouguidesanyoneingoodconduct. Remove sins fromme, for none else but You can remove sins fromme. Here I am at Yourservice.GraceistoYou,andthewholeofgoodisinYourhand,andonecannotgetneartoYouthroughevil.MypoweraswellasexistenceisduetoYou(Yourgrace),andIturntoYouforsupplication.YouareblessedandYouareexalted.IseekforgivenessfromYouandturntoYouinrepentance.»(Muslim)

UbayyibnKa‘bnarratedthataftermakingthesalutationoftheendofthewitr (odd-numbered, late-night)prayer,theMessengerofAllah(bpuh)wouldsaythreetimes:

«GlorifiedistheSovereignKing,thePureOne.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyAbuDâwood)

Ibn‘Abbâs(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthatwhentheProphet(bpuh)gotupatnighttooffertahajjudprayer,heusedtosay:

«OAllah!Allthepraisesareforyou.YouaretheHolderoftheheavensandtheearthandwhateverisinthem.AllthepraisesareforYou;Youhavethepossessionoftheheavensandtheearthandwhateverisinthem.AllthepraisesareforYou;YouaretheLightoftheheavensandtheearth.AllthepraisesareforYou;YouaretheSovereignoftheheavensandtheearth.AllthepraisesareforYou;YouaretheTruth,andYourPromiseisthetruth,andtomeetYouistrue.YourWordisthetruth,andparadiseistrue,andhellistrue,andalltheprophets(peacebeuponthem)aretrue.Muhammad(bpuh)istrue,andtheDayofResurrection is true.OAllah! I surrender (mywill) toYou. I believe inYou and depend onYou andrepenttoYou.WithYourhelp,Iargue(withmyopponents,thenon-believers),andItakeYouasajudge(to judge between us). Please forgive me my previous and future sins and whatever I concealed orrevealed.YouaretheExpediterandtheDeferrer.Thereisnonetobeworshippedbutyou.»(Bukhari)

{Say:IseekrefugeintheLordofhumankind,theSovereignofhumankind,theGodofhumankind.Fromtheevilof the retreatingwhispererwhowhispers [evil] into thebreastsofhumankind, fromamong thejinnandhumankind.}

(Qur’an114:1-6)

«Shareeqal-HawzaniandIcameto‘Â’ishah(MayAllahbepleasedwithher)andaskedherwithwhich(prayer)theMessengerofAllah(bpuh)beganwhenhewokeupatnight.

Shereplied:Youaskmeaboutsomethingthatnoonehasaskedmebefore.Whenhewokeupatnight,heuttered,‘AllahisMostGreat,’tentimes;uttered,‘PraisebetoAllah,’tentimes;said,‘GlorybetoAllahandIbeginwithHispraise,’tentimes;said,‘GlorybetotheSovereign,theMostPure,’tentimes;askedAllah’spardon ten times; said, ‘There is nogodbutAllah,’ ten times; and then said, ‘OAllah! I seekrefuge inThee from the distress of theDay ofResurrection,’ ten times.He then began the prayer.» (asoundhadithrecordedbyAbuDâwood)

49.Al-Mâlik:TheSovereign,TheOwner

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{SovereignoftheDayofRecompense.}(Qur’an1:4)

{Say:OAllah,OwnerofSovereignty,YougivesovereigntytowhomYouwillandYoutakesovereigntyawayfromwhomYouwill.YouhonourwhomYouwillandYouhumblewhomYouwill.InYourhandis[all]good.Indeed,Youareoverallthingscompetent.}

(Qur’an3:26)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)isthetrueownerofeveryoneandeverything,andallsovereigntyisHis.HedecideswhatHewillsconcerningHiscreation,andHedoeswhatHewills.

AbuHurayrah(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthattheProphet(bpuh)said:

«Themostwretchedperson in thesightofAllahon theDayofResurrection,and theworstpersonandtargetofHiswrath,wouldbethepersonwhoiscalledtheKingofKings,forthereisnoSovereignbutAllah(theExalted).»(BukhariandMuslim)

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheOwnerofallthingshumblestheservantsofAllah(theExalted).They see their own belongings in a different light, as temporary possessions; therefore they do notdevelop suchdeepattachment to them.They recognize that even theirownselvesbelong toAllah (theExalted),andthattheywillreturntoHim.Thelifeinthisworldistemporary,sotheyworkforthenextlife,byobeyingandworshippingAllah(theExalted).TheylookforwardtomeetingtheirOwneringoodstanding.

50.Al-Mateen:TheMostStrong

VersefromtheQur’an:

{Verily,AllahistheAll-Provider,OwnerofPower,theMostStrong.}102

(Qur’an51:58)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)isfirmandstrong.Heisnotinneedofanything;HeisnotinneedofHiscreation.Onthecontrary,weareinneedofHim.HehastheutmostpowertodoasHelikes.Allah(theExalted)isabletodoallthings,andHisstrengthknowsnobounds.

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheMostStronginfusestheMuslimswithfaith.TheyputtheirtrustinAllahintimesofhardship,knowingthatAllahistheMostStrongandcapableofdoinganything.TheyarefilledwithaweandrecognizethecorrectnessofsubmittingtotheMostStrongOne.

51.Al-Maulâ:TheProtector

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{…OurLord,donotimposeblameuponusifwehaveforgottenorerred.OurLord,andlaynotuponusaburdenlike thatwhichYoulaiduponthosebeforeus.OurLord,andburdenusnotwith thatwhichwehavenoabilitytobear.Andpardonus;andforgiveus;andhavemercyuponus.Youareourprotector,sogiveusvictoryoverthedisbelievingpeople.}

(Qur’an2:286)

{Butiftheyturnaway–thenknowthatAllahisyourprotector.Excellentistheprotector,andExcellentisthehelper.}

(Qur’an8:40)

{…SoestablishprayerandgivezakâhandholdfasttoAllah.Heisyourprotector;andexcellentistheprotector,andexcellentisthehelper.}

(Qur’an22:78)

{ThatisbecauseAllahistheprotectorofthosewhohavebelievedandbecausethedisbelievershavenoprotector.}

(Qur’an47:11)

Tafseer

Allah (theExalted)guidesandprotects thebelievers fromharm.Heguardsover them, loves themandshowsthemmercy.AllahistheBenefactorandSupporterwhoprovidesvictoryandprotectiontothosewho dowhat He has commanded and avoidwhat He has forbidden. He is theOne to whomwe aresupposedtoturntoforaid.Weareespeciallywarnednottoseekaidfromthedisbelievers.

{Oyouwhohavebelieved,ifyouobeythosewhodisbelieve,theywillturnyoubackonyourheels,andyouwill[then]becomelosers.ButAllahisyourprotector,andHeisthebestofhelpers.}

(Qur’an3:149-150)

Allah(theExalted)istheProtector,SupporterandHelper,andHecanenableonetoprevailinhardtimes.

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheProtectorputssolaceintheheartsoftheservantsofAllah.Theyknow and have full faith that Allahwill help, support and protect them.Worry is dispelledwith thisknowledge,andtranquillityreplacesit.TheservantsseekthehelpofAllahthroughsupplicating,prayingand following the laws ofAllah (theExalted). They know thatAllah’s helpmay not come if they aredisobedienttoAllah;therefore,theystrivetheirutmosttopleaseHimandstayawayfromsins.

Supplication

ZaydibnArqam(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narrated:IamnotgoingtosayanythingotherthanthatwhichAllah’sMessenger(bpuh)usedtosay;heusedtosupplicate:

«OAllah, Iseekrefuge inYoufromincapacity, fromlaziness, fromcowardice, frommiserliness, fromdecrepitudeandfromtormentofthegrave.OAllah,granttomysoulthesenseofrighteousnessandpurifyit,forYouaretheBestPurifierthereof.YouaretheProtectingFriend thereofandGuardianthereof.OAllah, I seek refuge in You from the knowledge which does not benefit, from the heart that does notentertain the fear (ofAllah), from the soul that doesnot feel contented and the supplication that is notanswered.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyan-Nasâ’i)

52.Al-Mubeen:TheManifest

VersefromtheQur’an:

{ThatDay,Allahwillpay them in full their true [deserved] recompense, and theywillknow that it isAllahwhoisthemanifestTruth[perfectinjustice].}

(Qur’an24:25)

Tafseer

Thisattributehasadoublemeaningrevolvingaroundthenotionof‘beingclear’.First, it identifiesAllaah as being the Clear andManifest Truth. Second, it reflects His promise that Hewill makeeverythingcleartousontheDayofJudgement.Thiswillincludethetruemagnitudeofouractions,

goodandbad.103

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheManifest,thatHeisclearandtrue,canstrengthentheheartsoftheMuslims and guide them to focus their consciousness on Allah (the Exalted). The realization of thisknowledgecausesthebelieverstosubmittoAllah’sgloryandmajesty.TheirheartsarefilledwithaweandloveoftheManifestOne.Thisattributecanbeappliedtothereinforcingoffaith.

53.Al-Muhaymin:TheOverseer

VersefromtheQur’an:

{HeisAllah,otherthanwhomthereisnodeity,theSovereign,thePure,thePerfection,theBestowerofFaith,theOverseer,theExaltedinMight,theCompeller,theSuperior.ExaltedisAllahabovewhatever

theyassociatewithHim.}(Qur’an59:23)

Tafseer

Allahseesandhearseverything.HeisthewitnessforHisservants,andHewatchesoverthemalways.Allah(theExalted)isalwayswithHisservantsthroughHissightandknowledge,watchingandhavingalloftheirdeedsrecorded.

Application

KnowingthatAllahistheOverseer,watchingoverHiscreatures,makestheservantsofAllahawareoftheiractions,sayingsandintentionsatalltimes.TheyarekeenlyconsciousofthepresenceofAllah(theExalted)withregardtotheirdeeds,andtheyconsiderthiswitheverythingthattheydoandsay.

54.Al-Muḥeeṭ:TheEncompassing

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{Or[it is] likearainstormfromtheskywithinwhichisdarkness, thunderandlightning.Theyputtheirfingers in their ears against the thunderclaps in dread of death. But Allah is encompassing of thedisbelievers.}

(Qur’an2:19)

{Ifgoodtouchesyou,itdistressesthem;butifharmstrikesyou,theyrejoiceatit.AndifyouarepatientandfearAllah,theirplotwillnotharmyouatall.Indeed,Allahisencompassingofwhattheydo.}

(Qur’an3:120)

{Anddonotbelikethosewhocameforthfromtheirhomesinsolentlyandtobeseenbypeopleandavert[them]fromthewayofAllah.AndAllahisencompassingofthatwhichtheydo.}

(Qur’an8:47)

{He said:Omypeople, ismy familymore respected for power by you thanAllah?But you putHimbehindyourbacks[inneglect].Indeed,myLordisencompassingofwhatyoudo.}

(Qur’an11:92)

{Unquestionably,theyareindoubtaboutthemeetingwiththeirLord.UnquestionablyHeis,ofallthings,encompassing.}

(Qur’an41:54)

{WhileAllahencompassesthemfrombehind.}

(Qur’an85:20)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)surroundsandthoroughlycomprehends(allthings).HeencompasseseverythinginHismercy,knowledge,ability,hearing,andseeing.Allah(theExalted)is:

theOnewhoencompassesorsurroundseverything,suchthatnothingcanescapefromHimoreludeHim.SomehavesaidthatitisthescopeofHisknowledgethatisbeingalludedtowiththisname,asin [65:12] “Allaah surrounds (comprehends)all things in (His) knowledge.” Others have said itindicatesHe is theOnewhowill destroy everything, as in Jacob’swarning to his sons to protectJoseph’s brother “...unless you are yourselves surrounded” - and by implication destroyed

[12:66].104

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheEncompassingstimulatesthebelieversinAllah(theExalted)sothat theystrive topleaseHim.They takecare toobeyAllahandavoidsins.When theyareaware thatnothing escapesAllah’s knowledge, hearing, and sight, the believers fear displeasing theirLord.TheyseekHisall-encompassingmercy throughsupplication,and theyput their trustandhope inAllah’sall-encompassingability.TheyknowthatthereisnothingworthyofworshipexcepttheEncompassingOne.

55.Al-Muḥyee:TheGiverofLife

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{…Indeed,HewhohasgivenitlifeistheGiverofLifetothedead...}(Qur’an41:39)

{…Indeed,that[sameone]willgivelifetothedead,andHeisoverallthingscompetent.}(Qur’an30:50)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)istheGiverofLifetothedead.Hewillbringpeoplebacktolifeaftertheyhavediedandtheirbodieshavedisintegrated,inorderforthemtofacejudgmentinthenextlife.ThisisanexampleofAllah’spower;itillustratesthatHehasnoequal,andthatHeisabletodoallthings.

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheGiverofLifeinfusesMuslimswithgratitudetoAllahforgiving

themlife.Theyarethankfulfortheopportunitytoberesurrectedandspendeternityinparadise,andtheyhopeforthat.TheyalsofearAllah(theExalted),knowingwithoutadoubtthattheywillberesurrectedafter death; they fear the Day on which they will stand before their Lord. They do not want to facepunishmentfromtheirLord;thereforetheyareseriousandsincereintheirworshipof,andobediencetoAllah,hopingforHismercyonthatDay.Ultimately,theyknowthatAllah(theExalted)hasthepowertoresurrectthebodiesandsoulsofeveryone,sotheyworktopleaseAllah.

56.Al-Mujeeb:TheResponsive

VersefromtheQur’an:

{AndtoThamood[Wesent]theirbrotherṢâliḥ.Hesaid;Omypeople,worshipAllah;youhavenodeityotherthanHim.Hehasproducedyoufromtheearthandsettledyouinit,soaskforgivenessofHimandthenrepenttoHim.Indeed,myLordisnearandresponsive.}

(Qur’an11:61)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)respondstotheprayersofHisservants.HeistheOnewhoanswersandacceptstheworship and supplications ofHis servants.To avoid confusion, the scholars often quote the followinghadithsinthecontextofthisparticularname:

AbuHurayrah(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthattheProphet(bpuh):

«…madeamentionofapersonwhotravelswidely,hishairdishevelledandcoveredwithdust.Heliftshis hand towards the sky (and thus makes the supplication): O Lord, O Lord! –Whereas his diet isunlawful,hisdrinkisunlawful,hisclothesareunlawfulandhisnourishmentisunlawful.Howthencanhissupplicationbeaccepted?»(Muslim)

«Abu Hurayrah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah’sMessenger (bpuh) as saying: Thesupplicationofaservantisgrantedifhedoesnotsupplicateforsinorforseveringthetiesofblood,orhedoesnotbecomeimpatient.

Itwasasked:Allah’sMessenger,whatdoes‘hedoesnotbecomeimpatient’imply?Hereplied:Thatheshouldsay,‘IsupplicatedandIsupplicated,butIdidnotfinditbeingrespondedto,’andthenhebecomesfrustratedandabandonssupplication.»(Muslim)

{AndyourLordsays:CalluponMe;Iwillrespondtoyou.…}(Qur’an40:60)

{AndwhenMyservantsaskyou, [OMuhammad],concerningMe– indeedIamnear. Irespond to theinvocation of the supplicant when he calls uponMe. So let them respond toMe [by obedience] and

believeinMethattheymaybe[rightly]guided.}(Qur’an2:186)

AbuHurayrah(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthatAllah’sMessenger(bpuh)said:

«Allah(theExalted)said:IwilldeclarewaragainsthimwhoshowshostilitytoapiousworshipperofMine.ThemostbelovedthingswithwhichMyslavecomesnearertoMearewhatIhaveenjoineduponhim, and My slave keeps on coming closer to Me through performing extra deeds (besides what isobligatory)untilI lovehim.Ibecomehissenseofhearingwithwhichhehears,hissenseofsightwithwhichhesees,hishandwithwhichhegrips,andhislegwithwhichhewalks.IfheasksMe,Iwillgivehim,andifheasksMyprotection,Iwillprotecthim.IdonothesitatetodoanythingasIhesitatetotakethesoulofthebeliever,forhehatesdeath,andIhatetodisappointhim.»(Bukhari)

Application

Knowing thatAllah (theExalted) is theResponsiveencourages theservantsofAllah to turn toHim insupplicationandprayer.Theyareheartenedby thisknowledgeofAllah’s responsivenessandkindnesstowardsHis servants.They routinelyaskAllah forparadiseand forprotection from theFire, from thepunishmentofthegrave,frombeingindebt,andfromthetrialsoflifeanddeath.TheyalsorealizethatitisAllah(theExalted)aloneWhohastheabilitytoberesponsiveandanswerprayers,sotheydonotseekintermediaries. They talk directly to Allah with their needs, and they praise Allah (the Exalted), theResponsiveOne.

57.Al-Mu’min:TheBestowerofFaith

VersefromtheQur’an:

{HeisAllah,otherthanwhomthereisnodeity,theSovereign,thePure,thePerfection,theBestowerofFaith,theOverseer,theExaltedinMight,theCompeller,theSuperior.ExaltedisAllahabovewhatevertheyassociatewithHim.}

(Qur’an59:23)

Tafseer

IbnKatheerexplained:

Al-Mu’minmeans“WhohasgrantedsafetytoHisservantsbypromisingthatHewillneverbeunjustto them,” according toAd-Dahhakwho reported it from IbnAbbas.Qatâdah said thatAl-Mu’minmeansthat“AllahaffirmsthatHisstatementsaretrue,”whileIbnZaydsaidthatitmeans,“Heattested

toHisfaithfulservants’havingfaithinHim.”105

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheBestowerofFaith,theservantsofAllahputtheirfulltrustinHim.Theirheartsarereassuredwiththisknowledge,andtheytrustthatAllah(theExalted)willprotecttheminlife.Theirheartsareatease,knowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheBestowerofFaith.

58.Al-Munshi’:TheProducer

VersefromtheQur’an:

{Isityouwhoproduceditstree,orareWetheproducer?}(Qur’an56:72)

Tafseer

ViaAllah’scontroloftheearthandwhatitproduces,He(theExalted)makesmanythingspossible.Fromthegrowthoftrees,fruitsandgrains,notonlyisfoodgenerated,butclothes,buildingsandenergycanbemade.ThisisagreatblessingfromAllah(theExalted).Ultimately,Allah(theExalted)isincommandoftheproducingandgrowthoftreesandotherplants.

Application

KnowingthatAllahistheProducercreatesasenseofpeaceandharmonyintheheartsofbelievers.Theyrealize that it isAllah (theExalted)whohascreated thenaturalworld that sustainsourexistence.Theveryworkingsofnature–thetreesthattakeincarbondioxideandgiveoffoxygen,thecloudsthatsoakupmoisturefromtheoceansandgiveraintotheland,andeventheozonelayerthatprotectstheearthfromharmful sun rays–all areexamplesofhowmagnificentlyAllah (theExalted) runs theactivitiesof theearthandcreatesanenvironmentconducivetohumanliving.TheheartsoftheservantsofAllahareputatrestwith thisknowledge,andtheyhavefull trust inAllahandHisawesomepower toproducewhat isneededbyhumankind.

59.Al-Muqeet:TheAll-Able

VersefromtheQur’an:

{Whosoeverintercedesforagoodcausewillhavetherewardthereof,andwhosoeverintercedesforanevil causewill have a share in its burden.AndAllah isEverAll-Able to do (and also aWitness to)

everything.}106

(Qur’an4:85)

Tafseer

IbnKatheer commented, “Ibn ‘Abbas, ‘Ata’, ‘Atiyah, Qatâdah andMatar Al-Warraq said that,Muqit

means,‘Watcher.’MujahidsaidthatMuqitmeans,‘Witness’,andinanothernarration,‘Abletodo.’”107

AliTamimiexplained:

He is the OneWho gives every creature what it needs for its survival, whether He brings theirsustenancetothemorleadsthemtoit.Hegivesthecreaturestheirsustenanceindueproportionand

time.108

Al-Qurṭubihasidentifiedatleastthefollowingthreeunderstandingsofthisparticularname:

-theMasterwhoiscapableofanything,andwhorewardsandpunishesHiscreation-theSustainerandSupporterwhogivesstrengthandabilitytoHiscreation-theOnewhoprotectsandwitnessesover

Hiscreation.109

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted) is theAll-Able inspires theservantsofAllah toput their full trust inHim.TheyunderstandthatAllah(theExalted)candoanything;thereforetheyfeelsolaceandpeaceinthatknowledge.Theyneverdespair;instead,theytrustinAllah’ssupportandstrength.TheyturntoAllahinsupplicationandprayerfortheirneeds,knowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheAll-Able.

60.Al-Muqtadir:ThePerfectinAbility

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{They denied Our signs, all of them, soWe seized themwith a seizure of one Exalted inMight andPerfectinAbility.}

(Qur’an54:42)

{InaseatofhonournearaSovereign,PerfectinAbility.}(Qur’an54:55)

Tafseer

Allah (the Exalted) is all-capable and all-powerful. He is the one who created everything, and Hecontrolsthedestiniesofeveryone.HehascompleteabilitytodoasHewillsandcompletepowertograntthesupplicationsofHisservants.

Application

KnowingthatAllahisthePerfectinAbilitybringsfeartotheheartsofbelievers.Theyaresubdued,andthey submit to Allah (the Exalted) in worship. They praise Him and fear punishment for neglectingobligatory aspects of their worship or for committing sins. They understand the gravity of suchdisobedience, and they are conscious of Allah’s omnipotence, power, and ability to do anything Hepleases.Therefore,thebelieversstrivetosurrendertheirheartsandsoulstotheOneWhoisPerfectinAbility,seekingthegreatestrewardofparadiseandfearingtheeternalpunishmentofthehellfire.

61.Al-Muṣawwir:TheFashioner

VersefromtheQur’an:

{HeisAllah,theCreator,theInventor,theFashioner;toHimbelongthebestnames.WhateverisintheheavensandearthisexaltingHim.AndHeistheExaltedinMight,theWise}

(Qur’an59:24)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)istheOneWhobroughtthecreationintoexistenceandHeshapedandproportioneditsmeasure.IbnKatheermentioned:

IfAllahwillssomething,Hemerelysaystoit‘be’anditcomestoexistenceintheformthatHewillsand the shape He chooses. Allah describing Himself as being Al-Moosâwwir, Who brings into

existenceanythingHewillsintheshapeandformHedecides.110

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheFashioner,theBestowerofForms,makestheMuslimsthankfulfortheirowncreationandbeautifulforms.TheyarefilledwithgratitudetowardsAllah(theExalted)forlife,fortheabilitytohear,see,walk,talk,eatandsoon.Forthosewhoarenotblessedwithallofthis,theyarepatientwiththeforminwhichAllah(theExalted)createdthemandthankfulforwhattheyhavebeengiven.Weoftenoverlookthesimpleblessingsinlifesuchasourexistence,shapeandabilities.Withtheknowledge that Allah is the Fashioner comes renewed attentiveness to the things that we should bethankful for, andwith this renewed attentiveness comes renewed love for theOneWho has given us,bestoweduponus,suchthings.

62.Al-Musta‘ân:TheOneWhoseHelpisSought

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{…AndourLordistheMostMerciful,theonewhosehelpissoughtagainstthatwhichyoudescribe.}

(Qur’an21:112)

{…AndAllahistheonesoughtforhelpagainstthatwhichyoudescribe.}(Qur’an12:18)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)istheOnewhosehelpissoughtagainsttheliesandfabricationsthatpeoplesay.HeistheonlyOnecapableofhelping, answeringprayers, andmakingknown the truth,henceHe is theOneWhosehelpissought.

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheOneWhoseHelpisSoughtinspiresbelieverstoseekhelpfromHim.TheyturntoAllahinsupplication,hopingandputtingtheirtrustinAllah.TheyknowthatAllahistheonlyOnewhocanhelp(incertaincircumstances)andmakethetruthknown,thatAllah(theExalted)isthecontrollerofaffairs.ThusthebelieversturntotheOneWhoseHelpisSought.

63.Al-Muta‘âl:TheExalted

VersefromtheQur’an:

{[Heis]Knoweroftheunseenandthewitnessed,theGrand,theExalted.}(Qur’an13:9)

Tafseer

Allah (the Exalted) is above everything. He is “the Exalted, HighOnewho is aboveHis creation in

irresistiblepowerandmight,andwhoisabovewhateverliesthedisbelieversmaysayaboutHim.”111

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted) is theExaltedfills theservantsofAllahwithawe.Theyaresubduedwith the knowledge that Allah is High andMighty. Their hearts are drawn to worship of Allah (theExalted),andtheyarefilledwithdevotiontoAllah(theExalted).TheservantsofAllahcontemplateandreflect on the greatness of Allah via this attribute and recognize their own insignificance, thereafterturning toAllah (theExalted) inobedience,submissionandworship.Theyfill theirheartsand tongueswithpraiseandremembranceofAllah.

64.Al-Mutakabbir:TheSuperior

VersefromtheQur’an:

{HeisAllah,otherthanwhomthereisnodeity,theSovereign,thePure,thePerfection,theBestowerofFaith,theOverseer,theExaltedinMight,theCompeller,theSuperior.ExaltedisAllahabovewhatevertheyassociatewithHim.}

(Qur’an59:23)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)istheonlyOneworthyofbeingtheSuperior.Heisgreaterthananything:

...theOnewhoisproud,andforAllaah this isnotanegative trait,as it is forHiscreation;AllaahAlmightysaid,“PrideisMycloak,andGloryismywrap,soforhewhocompeteswithMeineitherof these, Iwill cast him into the fire...” [Narrated byAbuHurayrah and reported inAḥmad,AbuDâwoodandIbnMâjah]Al-QurṭubireportsthatothershaveunderstoodthisnametomeantheGrand,

GreatOne.112

Application

Knowing that Allah (the Exalted) is the Superior infuses the hearts of the believers with awe andwondermentat thegreatnessof theirLord.Theyarehumbledinfrontofsuchawe-inspiringsupremacy.Their hearts drawnear toAllah (theExalted)with this knowledge, and they fill their spare timewithpraisesoftheirLord.

65.An-Naṣeer:TheHelper

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{…andsufficientisAllahasahelper.}(Qur’an4:45)

{Butiftheyturnaway–thenknowthatAllahisyourprotector.Excellentistheprotector,andExcellentisthehelper.}

(Qur’an8:40)

{…SoestablishprayerandgivezakâhandholdfasttoAllah.Heisyourprotector;andexcellentistheprotector,andexcellentisthehelper.}

(Qur’an22:78)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)guidesandprotectsbelieversfromharm,lovesthem,andshowsthemmercy.Heis

“theHelperandSupporterwhobacksandstrengthensthebelievers.”113

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheHelper,theservantsofAllahareoverwhelmedwithloveforanddevotiontoAllah.Theirheartsarefilledwithpeace,andtheyareabletorelaxwiththisknowledge.TheyseekthehelpofAllah(theExalted)routinelythroughsupplicationandprayer,andtheyputtheirtrustinAllah,lettinganxietyflowawayfromthem.

66.An-Noor:TheLight

VersefromtheQur’an:

{AllahistheLightoftheheavensandtheearth.TheexampleofHislightislikeanichewithinwhichisalamp,thelampiswithinglass,theglassasifitwereapearly[white]starlitfrom[theoilof]ablessedolive tree,neitherof theeastnorof thewest,whoseoilwouldalmostgloweven ifuntouchedbyfire.Lightuponlight.AllahguidestoHislightwhomHewills.AndAllahpresentsexamplesforthepeople,andAllahisKnowingofallthings.}

(Qur’an24:35)

Tafseer

Thisnamecanbeunderstoodindifferentways,accordingtotheinterpretationsofscholars.ThefollowingarevaryingopinionsasdetailedbyIbnKatheer,whosaidthat‘Lightoftheheavensandtheearth’means:

...theGuideoftheinhabitantsoftheheavensandtheearth.IbnJurayjsaid:“MujahidandIbnAbbassaidconcerningtheAyah:‘AllahistheLightoftheheavensandtheearth.’Heiscontrollingtheiraffairsandtheirstarsandsunandmoon.’As-SuddisaidconcerningtheAyah:‘AllahistheLightof

theheavensandtheearth.’ByHisLighttheheavensandearthareilluminated.114

Application

Knowing that Allah is the Light brings awe to the hearts of believers. They are overwhelmed by theawesomenessofAllah(theExalted)andHisLight.TheyarehumbledandsubmissivetoAllah,theLight.They look forward to seeing face to face the great Light ofAllah (the Exalted). They always seek topleaseAllah(theExalted)andseekHisguidanceintheiraffairs.TheyhopetobeguidedtothestraightpathofIslamandalwaysstrivetostayuponthatpath.

Supplication

Ibn‘Abbâs(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthatwhentheProphet(bpuh)gotupatnighttooffertahajjudprayer,heusedtosay:

«OAllah!Allthepraisesareforyou.YouaretheHolderoftheheavensandtheearthandwhateverisinthem.AllthepraisesareforYou;Youhavethepossessionoftheheavensandtheearthandwhateverisinthem.AllthepraisesareforYou;YouaretheLightoftheheavensandtheearth.AllthepraisesareforYou;YouaretheSovereignoftheheavensandtheearth.AllthepraisesareforYou;YouaretheTruth,andYourPromiseisthetruth,andtomeetYouistrue.YourWordisthetruth,andparadiseistrue,andhellistrue,andalltheprophets(peacebeuponthem)aretrue.Muhammad(bpuh)istrue,andtheDayofResurrection is true.OAllah! I surrender (mywill) toYou. I believe inYou and depend onYou andrepenttoYou.WithYourhelp,Iargue(withmyopponents,thenon-believers),andItakeYouasajudge(to judge between us). Please forgive me my previous and future sins and whatever I concealed orrevealed.YouaretheExpediterandtheDeferrer.Thereisnonetobeworshippedbutyou.»(Bukhari)

67.Al-Qadeer:TheAll-Powerful

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{AllahisHeWhocreatedyouin(astateof)weakness,thengaveyoustrengthafterweakness,thenafterstrength gave (you)weakness and grey hair.He createswhatHewills.And it isHeWho is theAll-

Knowing,theAll-Powerful(Abletodoallthings).}115

(Qur’an30:54)

{AndAllahhascreatedyouandthenHewillcauseyoutodie,andofyoutherearesomewhoaresentbacktosenility,sothattheyknownothingafterhavingknown(much).Truly!AllahisAll-Knowing,All-Powerful.}

(Qur’an16:70)

{Allahhasdecreed:Verily!ItisIandMyMessengerswhoshallbethevictorious.Verily,AllahisAll-Powerful,All-Mighty.}

(Qur’an58:21)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)isabletodoallthingsandhaspowerovereverything.HedoeswhatHewills,andnonecan resistHisdecision.Qadeer isa synonymofQâdir,but itsmeaning is intensified. Ibn ‘Abbâs(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)saidthatanythingthatAllah(theExalted)wantstodotoHisservants,

beitpunishmentorreward,iswithinAllah’sgreatpower.116

Allah(theExalted)isincontrolofHisdominion,andthecommandmentisHis.Hecreatesaccording

toHiswill.Hemakes somehappyand somemiserable, asHewishes, for reasonsknown toHim.HecureswhomHewills,makesillwhomHewills,andsupportswhomHewills.His is thepowertodoanything as He wishes. When He decrees something, then none can escape that decree. He is All-Powerfulineverywayandovereverything.

AsAllah(theExalted)saysinSooratal-Ḥadeed:

{Hisisthedominionoftheheavensandearth.Hegiveslifeandcausesdeath,andHeisoverallthingscompetent.}

(Qur’an57:2)

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)isAll-Powerfulsubduesbelievers.TheirheartsarefilledwithfearofAllahandaweofHispowerandability.ThebelieversaremotivatedtoturntheirheartstowardsAllah(the Exalted) in submission andworship.Allah, being theAll-Powerful, is the onlyOnewho has thepower toanswerprayersandcontrolevents in theworld.Knowingthis, thebelieversposeallof theirsupplicationstoAllah(theExalted)andfullytrustinHimtogivethemwhatisbestfortheminthislife.They are also very aware ofAllah’s power to rain down punishment on them, so they aremindful ofstayingawayfromsinsandangeringAllah.

Supplication

‘Umar(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)reportedthattheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)said:

«If, on entering amarketplace, one says:None has the right to beworshipped butAllah (theExalted)alone,Whohasnopartner.HisisthedominionandHisisthepraise.HebringslifeandHecausesdeath,andHe is theEver-Living anddoesnotdie. InHishand isallgood,andHe isAll-Powerfuloverallthings–Allahshallrecordtohiscreditamillionrighteousdeeds,remitfromhimamillionevildeeds,raisehimbyamilliondegreesandbuildforhimanabodeintheGarden.»(areliablehadithrecordedby

IbnMâjahandat-Tirmidhi)117

NarratedIbn‘Umar(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim):

«WheneverAllah’sMessenger (bpuh) returned fromabattleorHajjor ‘Umrah,heused to sayAllâhuakbar(AllahistheGreatest)threetimes.

Wheneverhewentupahighplace,heusedtosay:Nonehas theright tobeworshippedbutAllah(theExalted)alone,Whohasnopartner.HisisthedominionandHisisthepraise,andHeisAll-Powerfuloverallthings.WereturnrepentanttoourLord,worshippingourLord,andpraisingourLord.HefulfilledHisPromise,HeaidedHisslave,andHealonedefeatedtheConfederates.»(BukhariandMuslim)

‘AmribnShu’aybreportedthattheProphetofAllah(bpuh)said:

«The best invocation is that of theDay ofArafat, and the best that anyone can say iswhat I and theprophetsbeforemehavesaid:NonehastherighttobeworshippedbutAllahalone,Whohasnopartner.His is the dominion and His is the praise, and He isAll-Powerful over all things.» (a sound hadithrecordedbyAbuDâwood,at-TirmidhiandImamMâlik)

Thissupplicationistobesaidtentimesafterthedawnandsunsetprayers:

«None has the right to be worshipped but Allah (the Exalted) alone,Who has no partner. His is thedominion andHis is the praise.Hebrings life andHe causes death, andHe isAll-Powerful over allthings.»(Muslim)

AbuHurayrah(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)reportedAllah’sMessenger(bpuh)assaying:

«Whoeversays:ThereisnogodbutAllah,theOne,havingnopartnerwithHimsovereigntybelongstoHimandallthepraiseisduetoHim,andHeisAll-Powerful–onehundredtimeseveryday,willgetthesamerewardasgivenformanumittingtenslaves,andonehundredgooddeedswillbewritteninhisorheraccounts,andonehundredsinswillbedeductedfromhisorheraccounts,andit(thissaying)willbeashieldforhimorherfromSatanonthatdayuntilnight.Noonebringsanythingmoreexcellentthanthis,exceptonewhohasdonemorethanthis(whouttersthesewordsmorethanonehundredtimesanddoesmoregoodacts)andwhoutters,“HallowedbeAllah,andallpraiseisduetoHim”onehundredtimesaday,hisorhersinsareobliterated,eveniftheyareequaltotheextentofthefoamoftheocean.»(BukhariandMuslim)

Supplicationaftereachprayer:

«NonehastherighttobeworshippedbutAllahalone.Hehasnopartner,HisisthedominionandHisisthepraise,andHe isAll-Powerfuloverall things.OAllah, there isnonewhocanwithholdwhatYougive,andnonemaygivewhatYouhavewithheld;andthemightofthemightypersoncannotbenefithimagainstYou.»(BukhariandMuslim)

«‘Abdullâh ibnMas‘ood (MayAllahbepleasedwithhim) reported thatwhen itwasevening,Allah’sMessenger(bpuh)usedtosupplicate:Wehaveentereduponeveningandso,too,thewholeKingdomofAllahhasentereduponevening.PraiseisduetoAllah.ThereisnogodbutAllah,Whohasnopartner.

He (the narrator) said: I think that he also uttered (in this supplication these words): His is theSovereignty,andpraise isdue toHim,andHe isAll-Powerfuloverall things.MyLord, IbegofYougoodthatliesinthisnightandgoodthatfollowsit,andIseekrefugeinYoufromtheevilthatliesinthisnightandfromtheevilofthatwhichfollowsit.MyLord,IseekrefugeinYoufromlaziness,fromtheevilofvanity.MyLord,IseekrefugeinYoufromtormentofthehellfireandfromtormentofthegrave.

Andwhenitwasmorning,hesaiditlikethis:Wehaveentereduponmorning,andthewholeKingdomof

Allahhasentereduponmorning.»(Muslim)

68.Al-Qâdir:TheAble

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{Say:Heis the[one]Able tosenduponyouafflictionfromaboveyouorfrombeneathyourfeetor toconfuse you [so you become] sects and make you taste the violence of one another. Look how Wediversifythesignsthattheymightunderstand.}

(Qur’an6:65)

{Indeed,He[Allah],toreturnhim[tolife],isAble.}(Qur’an86:8)

Tafseer

Allah (the Exalted) is able to do all things. He is capable of doing anything that He wills. He hascompletepowerandability.

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)isAbletodoallthingsfillsHisservants’heartswithaweandfearofHim. Since Allah is able to do anything, He is able to punish or reward and to give or take awayblessingsandprovisions.HedoeswhatHewills,knowingwhatisbestforHisservants;thustheservantsaremotivated to seekAllah’spleasure throughobedience, submissionandworship.They seekAllah’sbountythroughsupplicationanddevotion,knowingthatAllah(theExalted)isabletodoallthings.

69.Al-Qahhâr:ThePrevailing

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{O[my]twocompanionsofprison,areseparatelordsbetterorAllah,theOne,thePrevailing?}(Qur’an12:39)

{Say:WhoisLordoftheheavensandearth?Say:Allah.Say:HaveyouthentakenbesidesHimalliesnotpossessing[even]forthemselvesanybenefitoranyharm?Say:Istheblindequivalenttotheseeing?Orisdarknessequivalenttolight?OrhavetheyattributedtoAllahpartnerswhocreatedlikeHiscreationsothatthecreation[ofeach]seemedsimilartothem?Say:AllahistheCreatorofallthings,andHeistheOne,thePrevailing.}

(Qur’an13:16)

{[Itwillbe]ontheDaytheearthwillbereplacedbyanotherearth,andtheheavens[aswell],andthey[allcreatures]willcomeoutbeforeAllah,theOne,thePrevailing.}

(Qur’an14:48)

{Say [O Muhammad]: I am only a warner, and there is not any deity except Allah, the One, thePrevailing.}

(Qur’an38:65)

{IfAllahhadintendedtotakeason,HecouldhavechosenfromwhatHecreateswhateverHewilled.ExaltedisHe;HeisAllah,theOne,thePrevailing.}

(Qur’an39:4)

{TheDaytheycomeforthnothingconcerningthemwillbeconcealedfromAllah.Towhombelongs[all]sovereigntythisDay?ToAllah,theOne,thePrevailing.}

(Qur’an40:16)

Tafseer

Allahhasmadeeverythingsubduedandsubmissive.NothingoccursexceptwhatAllah(theExalted)hasallowed.EverythingiscomplianttoAllahandHisinfinitekingdom.Hehaspowerandcontroloverallthings.

Application

Knowing thatAllah (theExalted) is thePrevailing softens the hearts ofHis servants.Their hearts arecompelledtosubmittoAllah.TheirheartsfindrestandpeaceintheknowledgethatAllahisPrevailing,and that nothing can happen except byAllah’swill. They find happiness and inner tranquillity in thisknowledge.Theydonotfightorbecomeangryabouteventsinthislifethatarebeyondtheircontrolandthatmaynotbetotheirliking;rather,theyacceptwhatAllah(theExalted)haswilledforthemandtrustthatAllahknowsbestforthem.ThisacceptanceofAllah’swilliscalmingandreassuringtotheheartsoftheservantsofAllah.

Supplication

‘Â’ishah(MayAllahbepleasedwithher)saidthattheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)usedtosayatnightifheturnedduringhissleep:

«ThereisnoneworthyofworshipbutAllah,theOne,thePrevailing,Lordoftheheavensandtheearthand all between them, the Exalted inMight, the Perpetual Forgiver.» (a sound hadith recorded by al-Ḥâkim)

70.Al-Qâhir:TheIrresistible

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{And He is the Irresistible, above His slaves, and He is the All-Wise, Well Acquainted with all

things.}118

(Qur’an6:18)

{HeistheIrresistible,SupremeoverHisslaves,andHesendsguardians(angelsguardingandwritingallofone’sgoodandbaddeeds)overyou,untilwhendeathapproachesoneofyou,OurMessengers(angelofdeathandhisassistants)takehissoul,andtheyneverneglecttheirduty.}

(Qur’an6:61)

Tafseer

Allah (the Exalted) has made everything subdued and submissive. He has complete control over allthings.AllaresubservienttoHim,includingtyrantswhowillbehumbledbeforeHim.Allcreaturesarehumbled before Allah’s honour, grace, highness, and ability over all things. We are all insignificantcomparedtoAllah(theExalted),andweareunderHisirresistibledecisionandpower.

Application

KnowingthatAllahistheIrresistiblehumblesHisservantsandencouragessubmissiontoHim.TheheartsofHis servants are brought to peacewith the knowledge thatwhat occurs is a result ofAllah’swill.NothingcanhappenunlessAllah(theExalted)willsit tohappen;thereforetheheartisatrestwiththisknowledge. Fear of anything in this life dissipates under the firm belief in Allah (the Exalted), theIrresistible,Whoisincompletecontrolofeverything.

71.Al-Qareeb:TheNear

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{AndwhenMyservantsaskyou, [OMuhammad],concerningMe- indeedIamnear. I respond to theinvocation of the supplicant when he calls uponMe. So let them respond toMe [by obedience] andbelieveinMethattheymaybe[rightly]guided.}

(Qur’an2:186)

{AndtoThamood[Wesent]theirbrotherṢâliḥ.Hesaid:Omypeople,worshipAllah;youhavenodeityotherthanHim.Hehasproducedyoufromtheearthandsettledyouinit,soaskforgivenessofHimandthenrepenttoHim.Indeed,myLordisnearandresponsive.}

(Qur’an11:61)

{Say:IfIshoulderr,Iwouldonlyerragainstmyself.ButifIamguided,itisbywhatmyLordrevealstome.Indeed,HeisHearingandnear.}

(Qur’an34:50)

Tafseer

Allah (the Exalted) is near to all by His knowledge. This name does not indicate that Allah iseverywhere;ratherHeisabovetheheavens.ButHeisnearusthroughHisknowledge,hearing,andsight.Inthegeneralsense,itmeansthatHeknowswhatallthecreationisdoing;inthespecificsense,itmeansthatHeanswerstheprayersofHisservants.

NarratedAbuMoosâal-‘Ash‘ari(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim):

«WewerewiththeProphet(bpuh)onajourney,andwheneverweascendedahighplace,weusedtosayAllâhuAkbar.TheProphet(bpuh)said:Donottroubleyourselvestoomuch!Youarenotcallingadeaforanabsentperson,butyouarecallingOneWhoHears,Sees,andisverynear.»(BukhariandMuslim)

Onecandrawnearer toAllah (theExalted) through theperformanceofgooddeeds.AbuHurayrah(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthatAllah’sMessenger(bpuh)said:

«Allah(theExalted)said:IwilldeclarewaragainsthimwhoshowshostilitytoapiousworshipperofMine.ThemostbelovedthingswithwhichMyslavecomesnearertoMearewhatIhaveenjoineduponhim, and My slave keeps on coming closer to Me through performing extra deeds (besides what isobligatory)untilI lovehim.Ibecomehissenseofhearingwithwhichhehears,hissenseofsightwithwhichhesees,hishandwithwhichhegrips,andhisfootwithwhichhewalks.IfheasksMe,Iwillgivehim,andifheasksMyprotection,Iwillprotecthim.IdonothesitatetodoanythingasIhesitatetotakethesoulofthebeliever,forhehatesdeath,andIhatetodisappointhim.»(Bukhari)

Application

Knowing that Allah (the Exalted) is ever Near brings to His servants an acute awareness of Allah’spresence.TheyareconstantlyawareofAllahandconsiderHiminallofhisactions.TheymakesurethattheirintentionsarepurelyforthesakeofAllah,knowingthatAllah(theExalted)isnearandknowstheirthoughts and intentions. The servants ofAllah also devote theirworship and supplications directly toHim,knowingthatHeisnear.Thereisnoneedforintermediaries,astheycanseekhelpdirectlyfromtheOnewhoiseverNear.

72.Al-Qawiyy:TheAll-Strong

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{SowhenOurCommandmentcame,WesavedṢâliḥandthosewhobelievedwithhimbyaMercyfrom

Us,andfromthedisgraceofthatDay.Verily,yourLord,HeistheAll-Strong,theAll-Mighty.}119

(Qur’an11:66)

{Thosewhohavebeenexpelledfromtheirhomesunjustlyonlybecausetheysaid:OurLordisAllah.–For had it not been that Allah checks one set of people by means of another, monasteries, churches,synagogues,andmosques,whereintheNameofAllahismentionedmuchwouldsurelyhavebeenpulleddown.Verily,AllahwillhelpthosewhohelpHis(Cause).Truly,AllahisAll-Strong,All-Mighty.}

(Qur’an22:40)

{TheyhavenotestimatedAllahHisRightfulEstimate;Verily,AllahisAll-Strong,All-Mighty.}(Qur’an22:74)

{ThatwasbecausetherecametothemtheirMessengerswithclearevidences,proofsandsignsbuttheydisbelieved (in them). So Allah seized them with punishment. Verily, He is All-Strong, Severe inpunishment.}

(Qur’an40:22)

{AllahisveryGraciousandKindtoHisslaves.HegivesprovisionstowhomHewills.AndHeistheAll-Strong,theAll-Mighty.}

(Qur’an42:19)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted) is theAll-Strong;withHisstrength,Hecreatesall things.There isnothingthatcanoverpower Him. None can resist Him nor overwhelm Him. Allah (the Exalted) is All Mighty, andeverythingisinneedofAllahandhumbledbeforeHim.

Application

Knowing that Allah is the All-Strong infuses the hearts ofMuslims with fear and awe of Allah (theExalted).Thehearts are inspired to honourAllah (theExalted) and are cognizant ofHismajesty, thusinspiringdevotionandsubmissiontoHim.TheMuslims,inaweofAllah’sstrengthandmight,aredriventosurrendertoHim.TheyrecognizetheirowninabilityandweaknessnexttoAllah’sstrengthandpower,thus becoming inclined to fall prostrate toAllah (the Exalted). The hearts ofMuslims are filledwithdependenceandtrustinAllah,theAll-Strong.

73.Al-Qayyoom:TheSustainerofallExistence

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{Allah-thereisnodeityexceptHim,theEver-Living,theSustainerof[all]existence...}(Qur’an2:255)

{And[all]faceswillbehumbledbeforetheEver-Living,theSustainerofexistence.Andhewillhavefailedwhocarriesinjustice.}

(Qur’an20:111)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)isHeWhosustainseveryoneandeverything.AllofcreationisinneedofAllah(theExalted)andreliantuponHim,whileHeisinneedofnothingfromHiscreation.Hemaintainseverythingofthecreationanddeterminestheaffairsofeverything.HepreservesHiscreation,andHeisabsolutelyperfectinHisself.

Application

Knowing thatAllah (theExalted) is theSustainerofallExistencegivessuccour toHisservants.TheirheartsturntoAllah(theExalted)withfulltrustandadorationintheknowledgeofthisattribute.Withthisknowledge,thespiritisupliftedandcomforted,knowingthatAllah(theExalted)sustainsandprotectsallthatexists.

Supplication

Thefollowingsupplicationcanbesaidattheendofprayer,beforethetasleem:

«OAllah,IaskYou,asYouaretheOwnerofpraise,thereisnoneworthyofworshipbutYoualone,Youhavenopartner.YouaretheBenefactor.OOriginatoroftheheavensandtheearth,OwnerofMajestyandHonour.OEver-LivingandSustainerofallExistence,IaskyouforparadiseandIseekrefugeinYoufromthefire.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyAbuDâwoodandan-Nasâ’i)

Thefollowingsupplicationcanbesaidinthemorningandevening:

«O Ever-Living, O Self-Subsisting andSustainer ofall Existence, by Your mercy I seek assistance.Rectifyformeallofmyaffairsanddonotleavemetomyself,evenfortheblinkofaneye.»(areliablehadithrecordedbyal-Ḥâkimandan-Nasâ’i)

‘Ali(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)reportedthattheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)said:

«WhosoeveraftereveryprayerrecitesÂyatal-Kursi:

{Allah - there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence. Neither

drowsinessovertakesHimnorsleep.ToHimbelongswhateverisintheheavensandwhateverisontheearth.Who is it that can intercedewithHimexcept byHis permission?Heknowswhat is [presently]before themandwhatwillbeafter them,and theyencompassnot a thingofHisknowledgeexcept forwhatHewills.HisKursiextendsover theheavensand theearth,and theirpreservation tiresHimnot.AndHeistheMostHigh,theMostGreat}

(Qur’an2:255)

–noneshallpreventhimfromenteringtheGardensavedeath.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyaṭ-Ṭabarâni)

«AbuHurayrah (MayAllah be pleasedwith him) said thatAllah’sMessenger (bpuh) ordered him toguardthezakâtrevenueofRamadan.Thensomebodycametohimandstartedstealingfromthefoodstuff.Hecaughthimandsaid:IwilltakeyoutoAllah’sMessenger.

ThenAbuHurayrahdescribedthewholenarrationandsaid:Thatpersonsaid(tome):PleasedonottakemetoAllah’sMessengerandIwilltellyouafewwordsbywhichAllahwillbenefityou.Whenyougotoyourbed,reciteÂyatal-Kursi:

{Allah – there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence. NeitherdrowsinessovertakesHimnorsleep.ToHimbelongswhateverisintheheavensandwhateverisontheearth.Who is it that can intercedewithHimexcept byHis permission?Heknowswhat is [presently]before themandwhatwillbeafter them,and theyencompassnot a thingofHisknowledgeexcept forwhatHewills.HisKursiextendsovertheheavensandtheearth,andtheirpreservationdoesnottireHim.AndHeistheMostHigh,theMostGreat.}

(Quran2:255)

–forthentherewillbeaguardfromAllahwhowillprotectyouallnightlong,andSatanwillnotbeabletocomenearyouuntildawn.

(When theProphet heard the story), he said (tome):He (whocame toyou at night) toldyou the truthalthoughheisaliar;anditwasSatan.»(Bukhari)

Anas(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)saidthatwhenanymatterdistressedtheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)hewouldsay:

«OYou, theEver-Living,Sustainer andprotector of all that exists!UntoYourmercy I appeal!» (areliablehadithrecordedbyat-Tirmidhi)

74.Al-Quddoos:ThePure120

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{HeisAllah,otherthanwhomthereisnodeity,theSovereign,thePure,thePerfection,theBestowerof

Faith,theOverseer,theExaltedinMight,theCompeller,theSuperior.ExaltedisAllahabovewhatevertheyassociatewithHim.}

(Qur’an59:23)

{WhateverisintheheavensandwhateverisontheearthisexaltingAllah,theSovereign,thePure, theExaltedinMight,theWise.}

(Qur’an62:1)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)isfreefromallfaults.Hisattributesareperfect.IbnKatheerexplained:

Al-Quddus,meaning‘ThePure,’accordingtoWahbibnMunabbih,whileMujahidandQatâdahsaidthat Al-Quddus means ‘The Blessed.’ Ibn Jurayj said that Al-Quddus means ‘He Whom the

honourableangelsglorify.’121

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)isthePureandHolyhumblesthebelievers.Theirheartsarefilledwithlove and admiration. They praise Allah, glorify Him and spend time remembering Him. They aremotivatedtosubmitanddevotetheirworshiptoAllah(theExalted),theHolyOne.

Supplication

UbayyibnKa‘bnarratedthataftermakingthesalutationoftheendofthewitrprayer,theMessengerofAllah(bpuh)wouldsaythreetimes:

«GlorifiedistheSovereignKing,thePureOne.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyAbuDâwood)

«Shareeqal-HawzaniandIcameto‘Â’ishah(MayAllahbepleasedwithher)andaskedherwithwhich(prayer)theMessengerofAllah(bpuh)beganwhenhewokeupatnight.

Shereplied:Youaskmeaboutsomethingthatnoonehasaskedmebefore.Whenhewokeupatnight,heuttered,‘AllahisMostGreat,’tentimes;uttered,‘PraisebetoAllah,’tentimes;said,‘GlorybetoAllahandIbeginwithHispraise,’tentimes;said,‘GlorybetotheSovereign,theMostPure,’tentimes;askedAllah’spardon ten times; said, ‘There is nogodbutAllah,’ ten times; and then said, ‘OAllah! I seekrefuge inThee from the distress of theDay ofResurrection,’ ten times.He then began the prayer.» (asoundhadithrecordedbyAbuDâwood)

75.Ar-Rabb:TheLord

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{All the praises and thanks be to Allah, theLord of the ‘Âlameen [humankind, the jinn and all that

exists].}122

(Qur’an1:2)

{Say[OMuhammad]:DoyouarguewithusaboutAllahwhileHeisourLordandyourLord?Forusareourdeeds,andforyouareyourdeeds.Andwearesincere[indeedandintention]toHim.}

(Qur’an2:139)

{AndturnnotawaythosewhoinvoketheirLord,morningandafternoonseekingHisFace...}123

(Qur’an6:52)

{Sothepeoplethatcommittedwrongwereeliminated.AndpraisetoAllah,Lordoftheworlds.}(Qur’an6:45)

{Say:IseekrefugeintheLordofhumankind}(Qur’an114:1)

{LetthemworshiptheLordofthisHouse}(Qur’an106:3)

Tafseer

Accordingtoaṭ-Ṭabari,themeaningofAr-Rabbis:

OurLordistheMasterwithoutpeer,nothingisequaltoHisdominion,HeistheOnewhoarrangestheaffairsofHiscreaturesthroughthebountieswhichHeliberallybestowsonthem,HeistheOwnerto

whomthecreationandthecommandbelong.124

IbnKatheercommented:

Ar-Rabb is the ownerwho has full authority over his property.Ar-Rabb, linguisticallymeans, themasterortheonewhohastheauthoritytolead.AllofthesemeaningsarecorrectforAllah.Whenitis

alone,thewordRabbisusedonlyforAllah.125

AbuHurayrah(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthattheProphet(bpuh)said:

«{OntheDayWewillsaytohell:Haveyoubeenfilled?–anditwillsay:Arethereanymore?}(Qur’an50:30)

Onthat,theLordwillputHisFootoverit,anditwillsay:Enough!Enough!»(Bukhari)

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheLordoftheworldsinspiresHisservantstoworshipAllahalone.Their faith isboosted,and they feel loveanddevotion towardsAllah (theExalted).TheirbodiesbowdowntotheLordwhiletheirmindspraiseHim,andtheirsoulsarefilledwithlovefor,andfaithin,theLordoftheworlds.TheirbeliefdrivesthemtoputtheirtrustinAllah,andtheyfindsolaceinthattrust,knowingthatAllahalonedecreeswhatwillhappen,andthatAllahaloneisthecreator,owner,andLordofallthatexists.

Supplication

Ḥudhayfah(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)saidthattheProphetofAllah(bpuh)usedtosaybetweenthetwoprostrations(ofprayer):

«Lordofmine,forgiveme.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyIbnMâjah)

‘Ali ibnAbuṬâlib (MayAllah be pleasedwith him) narrated that theMessenger ofAllah (bpuh)wouldsay,onraisinghishead(fromthebowingofprayer):

«OAllah,Lordofus.UntoYouisapraisethatfillstheheavensandtheearthandwhatliesbetweenthem,andwhateverelseYouplease.»(Muslim)

{Say:IseekrefugeintheLordofhumankind,theSovereignofhumankind,theGodofhumankind.Fromtheeviloftheretreatingwhispererwhowhispers[evil]intothebreastsofhumankind,Fromamongthejinnandhumankind.}

(Qur’an114:1-6)

‘Ali(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)alsoreportedthatwhentheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)gotupatnighttopray,hewouldsay:

«IturnmyfaceincompletedevotiontoOnewhoistheOriginatoroftheheavenandtheearth,andIamnotofthepolytheists.Verilymyprayer,mysacrifice,mylivingandmydyingareforAllah,theLordofthe worlds; There is no partner with Him, and this is what I have been commanded (to profess andbelieve),andIamofthebelievers.OAllah,YouaretheSovereign;thereisnogodbutYou.YouaremyLord,andIamYourbondman.Iwrongedmyselfandmakeaconfessionofmysin.Forgiveallmysins,fornooneforgivesthesinsbutYou,andguidemeinthebestofconduct,fornonebutYouguidesanyoneingoodconduct.Removesinsfromme,fornoneelsebutYoucanremovesinsfromme.HereIamatYourservice.GraceistoYou,andthewholeofgoodisinYourhand,andonecannotgetneartoYouthroughevil.MypoweraswellasexistenceisduetoYou(Yourgrace),andIturntoYouforsupplication.YouareblessedandYouareexalted.IseekforgivenessfromYouandturntoYouinrepentance.»(Muslim)

«‘Abdur-Raḥmânibn‘Awf(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)reported:Iasked‘Â’ishah,theMotheroftheBelievers (MayAllahbepleasedwithher), (to tellme) thewordswithwhich theMessengerofAllah

(bpuh)commencedtheprayerwhenhegotupatnight.

Shesaid:Whenhegotupatnight,hewouldcommencehisprayerwith thesewords:OAllah,LordofGabrielandMichaelandRaphael,theCreatoroftheheavensandtheearth,Whoknowstheunseenandtheseen;YoudecideamongstYourservantsconcerningtheirdifferences.GuidemewithYourpermissioninthedivergentviewswhichthepeopleholdaboutTruth,foritisYouwhoguideswhomYouwilltotheStraightPath.»(Muslim)

AbuBakraṣ-Ṣiddeeq(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)related:

«IsaidtotheMessengerofAllah(bpuh):TellmesomethingthatImayreciteinthemorningandevening.TheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)said:Sayeverymorningandeveningandwhenyouretiretobed:OAllah,Knowerofthevisibleandtheinvisible,Originatoroftheheavensandtheearth,LordandSovereignofall things.I testifythat there isnogodbutYou.IseekrefugeinYoufromtheevilofmysoul,fromthemischief of Satan and his ascribing partners (toYou), and from committingwrong againstmy soul orbringingsuchuponanotherMuslim.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyAbuDâwoodandat-Tirmidhi)

«‘Abdullâh ibnMas‘ood (MayAllahbepleasedwithhim) reported thatwhen itwasevening,Allah’sMessenger(bpuh)usedtosupplicate:Wehaveentereduponeveningandso,too,thewholeKingdomofAllahhas entereduponevening.Praise is due toAllah.There is nogodbutAllah, theOnehavingnopartnerwithHim.

He (the narrator) said: I think that he also uttered (in this supplication these words): His is theSovereignty,andpraise isdue toHim,andHe isAll-Powerfuloverall things.MyLord, IbegofYougoodthatliesinthisnightandgoodthatfollowsit,andIseekrefugeinYoufromtheevilthatliesinthisnightandfromtheevilofthatwhichfollowsit.MyLord,IseekrefugeinYoufromlaziness,fromtheevilofvanity.MyLord,IseekrefugeinYoufromthetormentofhellfireandfromthetormentofthegrave.

Andwhenitwasmorning,hebeganitlikethis:Wehaveentereduponmorning,andthewholeKingdomofAllahhasentereduponmorning.»(Muslim)

76.Ar-Raḥeem:TheMostMercifuland

77.Ar-Raḥmân:TheMostGracious

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{Say[OMuhammad]:InvokeAllahorinvoketheMostGracious(Allah),bywhatevernameyouinvokeHim(itisthesame),fortoHimbelongtheBestNames.Andofferyourprayerneitheraloudnorinalow

voice,butfollowawaybetween.}126

(Qur’an17:110)

{(Theywill enter)Eden, everlastingGardens,which theMostGracious (Allah) has promised toHisslavesintheunseen:Verily!HisPromisemustcometopass.}

(Qur’an19:61)

{YoucanonlywarnhimwhofollowstheReminder(theQur’an),andfearstheMostGracious (Allah)unseen.Bearyoutosuchonethegladtidingsofforgiveness,andagenerousreward(paradise).}

(Qur’an36:11)

{AllthepraisesandthanksbetoAllah,theLordofthe‘Âlameen[humankind,thejinnandallthatexists],theMostGracious,theMostMerciful}

(Qur’an1:2-3)

{AndyourIlâh(God)isOneIlâh(God-Allah),LâilâhaillâHuwa(thereisnonewhohastherighttobeworshippedbutHe),theMostGracious,theMostMerciful.}

(Qur’an2:163)

{AndifAllahtouchesyouwithhurt,thereisnonewhocanremoveitbutHe;andifHeintendsanygoodforyou,thereisnonewhocanrepelHisFavourwhichHecausesittoreachwhomsoeverofHisslavesHewill.AndHeistheOft-Forgiving,MostMerciful}

(Qur’an10:107)

{Andverily,yourLord!HeistrulytheAll-Mighty,theMostMerciful.}(Qur’an26:9)

Tafseer

BothAr-RaḥmânandAr-RaḥeemhavethemeaningofOneWhohasmercy,butAr-RaḥmânhasastrongerandmorecomprehensivequalitythanAr-Raḥeem.Ar-Raḥmân indicatesmercytoallcreatures,whereasAr-Raḥeemdenotesmercytothebelievers.Inanotherinterpretation,Ar-Raḥmânismercyinthenextlifeaswellasthisworld,whileAr-Raḥeemismercyinthenextworldonly.Boththeseinterpretationsholdmerit.Thereisnoreasontotakeoneandnottheother,sincetheyarefullycompatible.

Ar-Raḥmân encompasses all creatures in a general all-enveloping mercy. Both believers anddisbelieversreceivemercyinthislifewithsustenance,rain,health,wealthandotherbounties.Allah(theExalted)says:

{…andifyoucounttheBlessingsofAllah,neverwillyoubeabletocountthem…}(Qur’an14:34)

Allah(theExalted)isalsoAr-RaḥmâninthenextlifewithHisequaltreatmentforallwithjusticeandjudgment.Everysoulreceiveswhatisdeserves.

Ar-Raḥeemreferstomercytowardssomecreaturesandnotothers,whetheronlyinthisworldorinthenext.Allah(theExalted)grantssuccessinthislifetobelievers.Hebestowseternalblissinthenextlifetothosewhobelieveanddogooddeeds,butnotonthosewhoattributepartnerstoHim.Allah(theExalted)says:

{…AndHeisEverMostMercifultothebelievers..}(Qur’an33:43)

IbnKatheerexplainedinhistafseer,“TheArabicwords,‘Ar-Rahman,Ar-Rahim’arebothintensiveforms derived from theword ‘Rahmah’ [raḥmah],meaningmercy,with theword ‘Rahman’ being the

moreintensiveofthetwo.”127

ThishadithfromAbuHurayrah(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)illustratesAllah’smercyinthenextlife:

«TheProphet(bpuh)said:Paradiseandhellquarrelled in thepresenceof theirLord.Paradisesaid:OLord!What iswrongwithme that only the poor andhumble people enterme?Hell said: I havebeenfavouredwiththearrogantpeople.SoAllahsaidtoparadise:Youaremymercy.Andhesaidtohell:Youaremypunishment,whichIinflictuponwhomIwish.AndIshallfillbothofyou.»(Bukhari)

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)isGraciousandMercifulinfusesbelieverswithloveofAllah,longingforHimandgratefulnesstowardsHim.ThisknowledgefurtherinspiresservantsofAllahtopraiseHimwiththeultimatepraisesforHisgreatnessandmercy.Allah’smercycanbeseeneveryday,everywhere.Recognizing His mercy in their lives promotes thankfulness, appreciation and devotion to Allah (theExalted).

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)isMercifulcausestheheartsofbelieverstofillwithhopeforHismercy,bothinthislifeandthenext.Eveninthefaceofsins,thebelieversturntoAllahandhopeforhismercy, thus combating any depression or sadness that may come with sinning. Allah (the Exalted) isalwaysfullofmercy,andthebelieversshouldalwayshopeforthatmercyandentrancetoparadise.

Likewise, mercy is an attribute that the servants of Allah should strive to display. Jareer ibn‘AbdullâhnarratedthatAllah’sMessenger(bpuh)said:

«Allah(theExalted)willnotbemercifultothosewhoarenotmercifultohumankind.»(Bukhari)

Supplication

SupplicationtowardoffSatan:

«ItakerefugewithinAllah’sperfectwords,whichnorighteousorunrighteouspersoncantransgressfrom

alltheevilthatHehascreated,madeandoriginated.(Itakerefuge)fromtheevilthatdescendsfromtheskyandtheevil thatrisesupto it. (I takerefuge)fromtheevil that isspreadonearthandtheevil thatspringsfromher,andItakerefugefromtheevilofthetribulationsofnightandday,andtheevilofonewhovisitsatnightexcepttheonewhobringsgood.OMostGraciousOne.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyImamAḥmadandImamMâlik)

ItwasnarratedbyAbuBakraṣ-Ṣiddeeq(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim):

«Isaid:OMessengerofAllah!TeachmesomesupplicationwhichImayreciteinmyprayer.

TheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)said:Say:OAllah!Behold,Ihavedonemyselfimmensewrong,andnoneforgivessinsbutYou.SograntmeforgivenessfromYourPresence,andhavemercyuponMe.Behold,YouaretheForgiving,theMostMerciful.”»(BukhariandMuslim)

Ontheauthorityof‘Â’ishah(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim),whosaidthattheProphet(bpuh)hadtaughtherthissupplication:

«OAllah,Behold!IbegofYouthegoodwhichYourProphet(bpuh)beggedofYou;andIseekrefugeinYou from theevilwherefromYourProphet (bpuh) sought refuge.OurLord!Behold,Youaloneare theHearing,theKnowing.Andforgiveus.Behold,YouaretheAcceptingofRepentance,theMostMerciful.ThereisnostrengthnorpowersaveinAllahtheMostHigh,theMostGreat.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyIbnMâjah)

Supplicationtobesaidattheendofprayer,beforethetasleem:

«OAllah, I askYouOAllah, asYou are theOne (Al-Aḥad), theOne (Al-Wâḥid), the Self-SufficientMaster,theOneWhobegetsnotnorwasHebegotten,andthereisnonelikeuntoHim,thatYouforgivememysins,forverilyYouaretheForgiving,theMostMerciful.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyAbuDâwoodandat-Tirmidhi)

Watheelah ibn al-Aqṣâ narrated this hadith, which contains a supplication for the deceased at thefuneralprayer:

«TheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)ledusinprayeroverthebierofaMuslim.Iheardhimsay:OAllah!So-and-so,sonofso-and-so,isunderYourprotection,andintheropeofYoursecurity,sosavehimfromthetrialofthegraveandfromthepunishmentoftheFire.Youfulfilpromisesandgrantrights,soforgivehimandhavemercyonhim.SurelyYouaretheForgiving,theMostMerciful.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyAbuDâwoodandIbnMâjah)

{And[thereisasharefor]thosewhocameafterthem,saying:OurLord,forgiveusandourbrotherswhoprecededusinfaithandputnotinourhearts[any]resentmenttowardthosewhohavebelieved.OurLord,indeedYouareKindandMerciful.}

(Qur’an59:10)

Supplicationinthewitrprayer:

«InthenameofAllah,theMostGracious,theMostMerciful.OAllah!Behold,weseekYourhelpandseekYourforgiveness.WeextolYouinthebestmanner,andarenotunthankfultoYou,whilewedisownandshunhimwhodisobeysYou.InthenameofAllahtheMostGracious,theMostMerciful,Youaloneweworship.UntoYouwepray.BeforeYouweprostrateourselves.TowardYouwerunandhasten.Wedread Your inevitable chastisement and hope for Your mercy. Certainly, Your inevitable chastisementshallovertakethedisbelievers.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyIbnAbiShaybahinal-Moosânnaf,andbyaṭ-Ṭaḥḥâwi)

‘Umaribnal-Khaṭṭâbreportedthissupplicationtobesaidafterperformingablution:

«InthenameofAllah,theMostGracious,theMostMerciful. Ibearwitness that there isnogodbutAllahalone,withnopartner,andIbearwitnessthatMuhammad(bpuh)isHisslaveandHismessenger.»(MuslimandIbnMâjah)

78.Ar-Ra‘oof:TheKind

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{Andofthepeopleishewhosellshimself,seekingmeanstotheapprovalofAllah.AndAllahisKindto[His]servants.}

(Qur’an2:207)

{And they carryyour loads to a landyoucouldnothave reachedexceptwithdifficulty toyourselves.Indeed,yourLordisKindandMerciful.}

(Qur’an16:7)

{DoyounotseethatAllahhassubjectedtoyouwhateverisontheearthandtheshipswhichrunthroughtheseabyHiscommand?AndHerestrainstheskyfromfallingupontheearth,unlessbyHispermission.IndeedAllah,tothepeople,isKindandMerciful.}

(Qur’an22:65)

{AndifithadnotbeenforthefavourofAllahuponyouandHismercy...andbecauseAllahisKindandMerciful.}

(Qur’an24:20)

{ItisHewhosendsdownuponHisServant[Muhammad(bpuh)]versesofclearevidencethatHemaybringyououtfromdarknessesintothelight.Andindeed,AllahistoyouKindandMerciful.}

(Qur’an57:9)

{And[thereisasharefor]thosewhocameafterthem,saying:OurLord,forgiveusandourbrotherswho

precededusinfaithandputnotinourhearts[any]resentmenttowardthosewhohavebelieved.OurLord,indeedYouareKindandMerciful.}

(Qur’an59:10)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)caresabouteverything, iskind,andgivesmercytoanythingoranyoneHechooses.‘Umaribnal-Khaṭṭâb(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)said:

«Somewarprisoners(childrenandwomenonly)werebroughtbeforetheProphet(bpuh)andbehold,awoman amongst them was milking her breasts to feed, and whenever she found a child amongst thecaptives,shetookitoverherchestandnursedit.(Shehadlostherchild,butlatershefoundhim.)

TheProphet(bpuh)saidtous:Doyouthinkthatthisladycanthrowhersoninthefire?

Wereplied:No,ifshehasthepowernottothrowit(inthefire).

TheProphet(bpuh)thensaid:AllahismoremercifultoHisslavesthanthisladytoherson.»(BukhariandMuslim)

ItismentionedinIbnKatheer’stafseerthat:

Al-Hasan Al-Basri said, “Allah is so kind with them [His servants] that He warns them againstHimself[warnsofHispunishment].”Otherscommented,“HeismercifulwithHiscreationandlikesfor them to remain on His straight path and chosen religion, and to follow His honourable

Messenger.”128

«‘AbdullâhibnQaysreportedfromAllah’sMessenger(bpuh)thatnoneismoreforbearinginlisteningtothemostirksomethingsthanAllah.TheyassociaterivalswithhimandattributeasontoHim,butinspiteofthis,Heprovidesthemsustenance,grantsthemsafetyandconfersuponthemsomanythings.»(Muslim)

It ispartofAllah’skindness thatHegivesprovisionandgoodhealth tothosewhoblasphemeHimanddisobeyHim.DuetoHisimmensekindnessHedoesnothastenHispunishmentonthem;instead,Hegivesthemtimeandgoodthings.

Ibn Katheer also described how Allah (the Exalted) is full of kindness “by revealing the Divine

BooksandsendingtheMessengerstoguidehumankind,eradicatingdoubtsandremovingconfusion.”129

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheKindsendshopetotheheartsofbelievers.ThereisnoneedtodespairofAllah’smercyorfeelhopelessofHiskindness.Thebelievers,knowingthatAllah isfullofkindness, are lifted out of depression and into joy, thankfulness, hope for the future and hope for the

Hereafter.Lookingaroundatlife,theycanseethekindnessofAllah(theExalted)everywhere.SometimesitisnecessarytostopforamomentandconsiderAllah’skindnessestous.Suchasmalltaskcanbeheart-warmingandupliftingtothespirit.

Supplication

{And[thereisasharefor]thosewhocameafterthem,saying:OurLord,forgiveusandourbrotherswhoprecededusinfaithandputnotinourhearts[any]resentmenttowardthosewhohavebelieved.OurLord,indeedYouareKindandMerciful.}

(Qur’an59:10)

79.Ar-Raqeeb:TheObserver

VersefromtheQur’an:

{IsaidnothingtothemexceptwhatYoucommandedme-toworshipAllah,myLordandyourLord.AndI was a witness over them as long as I was among them; but when You took me up, You were theObserveroverthem,andYouare,overallthings,Witness.}

(Qur’an5:117)

Tafseer

Allah (the Exalted) hears, sees and knows everything, and nothing escapesHim.He is “theOnewhoclosely watches over His creation. He is completely aware and knowledgeable of all that happens,

includingallthatwemaydoinordertorewardorpunishus.”130

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheObserveroverthem,Hisservantsareinspiredtopayverycloseattentiontotheirthoughtsanddeeds.ThereisnoescapefromAllahinthislifeorthenext,asHeseesandknowseverythingthatwedo;therefore,wemustkeepthisinmindatalltimesandconsiderwhetheranintendeddeedispleasingtoAllah(theExalted).

80.Ar-Razzâq:TheProvider

VersefromtheQur’an:

{Indeed,itisAllahwhoisthe[continual]Provider,thepossessoroffirmstrength.}(Qur’an51:58)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)providesandsustainsthewholecreation.HeHimselfisnotinneedofanythingfromanyone,butrathereveryoneisinneedofHimandprovisionfromHim.Healsoprovidestheprophetsandthepiouswithfaith,correctknowledge,goodmorals,andmanners.

Allah(theExalted)givestoeveryone,regardlessofwhetherornottheyworshipHim.

«‘AbdullâhibnQaysreportedfromAllah’sMessenger(bpuh)thatnoneismoreforbearinginlisteningtothemost irksome things thanAllah (theExalted).Theyassociate rivalswithhimandattributea son toHim,butinspiteofthis,Heprovidesthemsustenance,grantsthemsafetyandconfersuponthemsomanythings.»(Muslim)

Application

Knowing thatAllah (theExalted) is the continualProvider creates awareness in thosewhobelieve inHim of their need for and dependence on Him. This promotes reliance on Allah (the Exalted) in allmatters of life.Theyput their trust in theProvider,Who sustains all of creation.This knowledge alsopromotes gratefulness toAllah, since believers know thatwithoutAllah (the Exalted), theywould benothing.

81.Aṣ-Ṣâdiq:TheTruthful

VersefromtheQur’an:

{…[By]thatWerepaidthemfortheirinjustice.Andindeed,Wearetruthful}(Qur’an6:146)

Tafseer

AllahistheOneWhoisalwaystruthfulinHisstatements.ThisisfarfromthecasewithindividualsofHiscreation,whomaynotalwaysbetruthful.Allah(theExalted)isgreaterandbeyondHiscreation,andHeperfectlyembodiestruthfulness.Healwayscanbetrusted.

Application

KnowingthatAllahistheTruthfulfillstheheartsofHisservantswithloveandaffectionforHim.TheirheartsareconsumedwithdedicationandadmirationforAllah(theExalted).Theyarealsoinspiredtobetruthfulintheirownlives,followingthecommandofAllah.Thisisanoblecharacteristictopossess,andthe servants ofAllah (theExalted) strive to implement it always.Theyknow that truthfulness leads toparadise, while falsehood and lying lead to hell, so they constantly consider their words. They are

motivatedbyAllah(theExalted),theTruthfulOne.

‘Abdullâh ibnMas‘ood (May Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah’s Messenger (bpuh) assaying:

«It isobligatory foryou to tell the truth, for thetruth leads topiety, andpiety leads toparadise.ThepersonwhocontinuestospeakthetruthandendeavourstotellthetruthisrecordedinAllah’sRecordastruthful.Bewareoftellinglies,fortellingliesleadstoimpiety,andimpietyleadstohellfire.ThepersonwhokeepstellingliesandendeavourstotellliesisrecordedinAllah’sRecordasaliar.»(BukhariandMuslim)

82.As-Salâm:TheSourceofPeaceandPerfection

VersefromtheQur’an:

{HeisAllah,otherthanwhomthereisnodeity,theSovereign,thePure,thePerfection,theBestowerofFaith,theOverseer,theExaltedinMight,theCompeller,theSuperior.ExaltedisAllahabovewhatevertheyassociatewithHim.}

(Qur’an59:23)

Tafseer

ThenameAs-SalâmmeansthatAllah(theExalted)isfreefromanydefectsorshortcomingsthatwouldlessenHisperfectattributes.Allah(theExalted)isthe:

...onesecurefromeverydefectandshortcoming,securefromanyofHiscreaturesresemblingHim.HeistheoneutterlysecurefromHisservants.Sotheservantwillneverbecapableofcausinganyharm to Him, nor can they ever bring Him any benefit, rather they are all in dire need of Him,

dependentuponHiminalloftheircircumstances,andHeistheFree,theoneworthyofpraise.131

TheProphet(bpuh)said:

«As-SalâmisoneofAllah’snames,sospreaditamongyourselves.»(Bukhari)

‘Abdullâh(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)related:

«WeusedtopraybehindtheProphet(bpuh)andusedtosayAs-salâmu‘alâAllâh(PeacebeuponAllah).

The Prophet (bpuh) said: Allah (the Exalted) himself is As-Salâm, so you should say: All thecompliments,prayersandgoodthingsareforAllah.Peacebeuponyou,OProphet,andAllah’smercyandblessingsbeonyou.PeacebeuponusandupontherighteousslavesofAllah.Itestifythatnonehasthe right to be worshipped but Allah, and also testify that Muhammad (bpuh) is His slave and HisMessenger. [At-taḥiyâtu lillâh, waṣ-ṣalâwâtu waṭ-ṭayibât; as-salâmu ‘alayka ayyuha an-nabi, wa

raḥmatAllâhiwabarakâtuh;as-salâmu‘alaynâwa‘alâ‘ibâdillâhiaṣ-ṣâliḥeen.Ash-haduanlâilâhaillâAllâhwaash-haduannaMuḥammadan‘abduhuwarasooluh.]»(Bukhari)

Application

Knowing thatAllah (theExalted) is theSourceofPeaceandPerfection, theOne free fromalldefects,putsaweandadmirationintheheartsofthebelievers.Thebelieversareinspiredtofilltheirliveswithworshipof theOnewho is free fromalldefects.Contemplating thisname, thebelieversareovercomewithrespectforAllah(theExalted)andamazementattheperfectionofAllah;thustheyaremotivatedtoturntoHiminsurrenderandsubmission.

Supplication

Thawbân narrated that the Messenger of Allah (bpuh), on completing his prayer, would beg Allah’sforgivenessthreetimes.Thenhewouldsupplicate:

«OAllah,Youare theSourceofPeaceandPerfection, and fromYou ispeace.Blessed areYou,OOwnerofMajestyandHonour.»(Muslim)

83.Aṣ-Ṣamad:TheSelf-SufficientMaster

VersefromtheQur’an:

{Say[OMuhammad(bpuh)]:HeisAllah,[the]One.Allah-uṣ-Ṣamad[theSelf-SufficientMaster,Whomallcreaturesneed;Heneithereatsnordrinks].Hebegetsnot,norwasHebegotten,andthereisnoneco-

equalorcomparableuntoHim.}132

(Qur’an112:1-4)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)istheOneWhoisperfectandSelf-Sufficient,Whomallcreaturesneed.IbnKatheermentioned:

‘IkrimahreportedthatIbn‘Abbassaid,“ThismeanstheOneWhoallofthecreationdependsuponfortheirneedsandtheirrequests.”‘AliibnAbiTalhahreportedfromIbn‘Abbas,“HeistheMasterWhoisperfect inHis sovereignty, theMostNobleWho isperfect inHisnobility, theMostMagnificentWhoisperfectinHismagnificence,theMostForbearingWhoisperfectinHisforbearance,theAll-KnowingWhoisperfectinHisknowledge,andtheMostWiseWhoisperfectinHiswisdom.HeistheOneWhoisperfectinallaspectsofnobilityandauthority.HeisAllah,glorybeuntoHim.Theseattributesarenotbefittinganyoneother thanHim.Hehasnocoequalandnothingis likeHim…As-

SamadistheMasterWhosecontroliscomplete.”133

Healsomentionsthat:

As-SamadistheOneWhodoesnotgivebirth,norwasHeborn,becausethereisnothingthatisbornexcept that it will die, and there is nothing that dies except that it leaves behind inheritance, and

indeedAllahdoesnotdieandHedoesnotleavebehindanyinheritance.134

AbuHurayrah(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthattheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)related:

«Allah(theExalted)said:Iamsoself-sufficientthatIaminnoneedofhavinganassociate.Thushewhodoesanactionforsomeoneelse’ssakeaswellasMinewillhave thatactionrenouncedbyMetohimwhomheassociatedwithMe.»(MuslimandIbnMâjah)

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheSelf-SufficientMasterbringsaweandhumblenesstotheheartsofHisservants.TheirheartslongforthemeetingwithAllah,thegreatandself-sufficientOne.Theiractionsare humble toward Allah (the Exalted) in obedience and submission at the recognition of their ownweaknessandneediness.

Supplication

NarratedBuraydahibnal-Ḥâsib:

«TheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)heardamansaying:OAllah,IaskYou,IbearwitnessthatthereisnogodbutYou,theOne,Self-SufficientMaster,Whohasnotbegotten,andhasnotbeenbegotten,andtoWhomnooneisequal.

He (bpuh) said:Youhave supplicatedAllahusingHisGreatestName;whenaskedwith this nameHegives,andwhensupplicatedbythisnameHeanswers.»(AsoundhadithrecordedbyAbuDâwoodandat-Tirmidhi)

Supplicationtobesaidattheendofprayer,beforethetasleem:

«OAllah, I askYouOAllah, asYou are theOne (Al-Aḥad), theOne (Al-Wâḥid), theSelf-SufficientMaster,theOneWhobegetsnotnorwasHebegotten,andthereisnonelikeuntoHim,thatYouforgivememy sins, for verily You are the Forgiving, theMostMerciful.» (a sound hadith recorded by AbuDâwoodandat-Tirmidhi)

Thefollowingwasnarratedby‘AbdullâhibnKhubayb:

«Wegrewthirsty,andithadbecomedarkwhilewewerewaitingfortheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)toleadusinprayer.

Thenwhenhecameout,hetookmebymyhandandsaid:Say.

Thenhewassilent.Hesaidagain:Say.

SoIasked:WhatshouldIsay?

Hesaid:Say:

{Say:HeisAllah,theOne…}(Sooratal-Ikhlâṣ),andthetwochaptersofrefuge(al-Falaqandan-Nâs)at thebeginningoftheeveningandthemorning, threetimes(each).Theywillbesufficientforyoutwotimeseveryday.»(areliablehadithrecordedbyat-Tirmidhiandan-Nasâ’i)

84.As-Samee‘:TheHearing

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{Say:DoyouworshipbesidesAllahthatwhichholdsforyouno[powerof]harmorbenefitwhileitisAllahwhoistheHearing,theKnowing?}

(Qur’an5:76)

{So his Lord responded to him and averted from him their plan. Indeed, He is the Hearing, theKnowing.}

(Qur’an12:34)

{He[theProphet(bpuh)]said:MyLordknowswhateverissaidthroughouttheheavenandearth,andHeistheHearing,theKnowing.}

(Qur’an21:4)

{Indeed,HeistheHearing,theKnowing.}(Qur’an26:220)

{AndAllahjudgeswithtruth,whilethosetheyinvokebesidesHimjudgenotwithanything.Indeed,Allah-HeistheHearing,theSeeing.}

(Qur’an40:20)

{And if therecomes toyou fromSatananevil suggestion, thenseek refuge inAllah. Indeed,He is theHearing,theKnowing.}

(Qur’an41:36)

Tafseer

NothingescapesthehearingofAllah(theExalted).HehearsallthestatementsofallofHisservants,bothbelievers and disbelievers, and He will recompense them accordingly in this life and the Hereafter.

BecauseAllahhearseverythingthatHisservantssayandhasknowledgeofeverything,Healonedeservestobeworshipped. Itwouldnotmakesense toworshipan inanimateobject thatdoesnothearorknowanythinganddoesnothavethepowertoharmorbenefit.

NarratedAbuMoosâal-‘Ash‘ari(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim):

«WewerewiththeProphet(bpuh)onajourney,andwheneverweascendedahighplace,weusedtosayAllâhuAkbar.

TheProphet (bpuh) said:Donot troubleyourselves toomuch!Youarenot callingadeafor anabsentperson,butyouarecallingOneWhoHears,Sees,andisverynear.»(BukhariandMuslim)

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheHearingmotivatestheservantsofAllahtobecarefulabouttheirwords.Theythinkbeforetheyspeak,andtheydonotutterprofane,angryorhurtfullanguage.SinceAllahhears everything that they say and will judge them and reward them accordingly, they consider theirspeechbeforespeaking.Thetongueisoneoftheeasiestmeansofacquiringbaddeeds,andknowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheHearinghelpstheservantsofAllahtocontroltheirtongues.

Supplication

‘Â’ishah(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthattheProphet(bpuh)taughtherthissupplication:

«OAllah,Behold!IbegofYouthegoodwhichYourProphet(bpuh)beggedofYou;andIseekrefugeinYou from theevilwherefromYourProphet (bpuh) sought refuge.OurLord!Behold,Youaloneare theHearing,theKnowing.Andforgiveus.Behold,YouaretheAcceptingofRepentance,theMostMerciful.ThereisnostrengthnorpowersaveinAllahtheSublime,theMighty.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyIbnMâjah)

Abânibn‘Uthmânsaidthatheheardhisfather,‘Uthmânibn‘Affân(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim),say:

«IheardtheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)say:Ifanyonesaysthreetimes:InthenameofAllah,whenWhosenameismentionednothingonEarthorinheavencancauseharm,andHeistheHearing,theKnowing–hewillnotsuffersuddenafflictionuntilthemorning,andifanyonesaysthisinthemorning,hewillnotsuffersuddenafflictionuntiltheevening.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyAbuDâwoodandIbnMâjah)

NarratedAbuSa‘eedal-Khudri(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim):

«WhentheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)gotuptoprayatnight(fortahajjudprayer),heutteredthetakbeerand then said: Glory be to You, O Allah, Praise be to You, Blessed is Your name, Exalted is Yourgreatness,andThereisnogodbutYou.

Hethensaid:ThereisnogodbutAllah–threetimes,then‘Allahisaltogethergreat,’threetimes,then‘Iseek refuge inAllah, theHearing and theKnowing from the accursed devil, from his evil suggestion(hamz), from his puffing up (nafkh), and from his spitting (nafth).’ He then recited (the Qur’an).» (asoundhadithrecordedbyAbuDâwoodandat-Tirmidhi)

85.Ash-Shaheed:TheWitness

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{IsaidnothingtothemexceptwhatYoucommandedme:toworshipAllah,myLordandyourLord.AndIwasawitnessoverthemaslongasIwasamongthem;butwhenYoutookmeup,YouweretheObserveroverthem,andYouare,overallthings,Witness.}

(Qur’an5:117)

{AndwhetherWeshowyousomeofwhatWepromisethem,[OMuhammad],orWetakeyouindeath,toUsistheirreturn;then,[eitherway],Allahisawitnessconcerningwhattheyaredoing.}

(Qur’an10:46)

{Indeed,thosewhohavebelievedandthosewhowereJewsandtheSabeansandtheChristiansandtheMagians and those who associated with Allah - Allah will judge between them on the Day ofResurrection.IndeedAllahis,overallthings,Witness.}

(Qur’an22:17)

{WewillshowthemOursignsinthehorizonsandwithinthemselvesuntilitbecomescleartothemthatitisthetruth.ButisitnotsufficientconcerningyourLordthatHeis,overallthings,aWitness?}

(Qur’an41:53)

{OntheDaywhenAllahwillresurrectthemallandinformthemofwhattheydid.Allahhadenumeratedit,whiletheyforgotit;andAllahis,overallthings,Witness.}

(Qur’an58:6)

{Towhombelongsthedominionoftheheavensandtheearth.AndAllah,overallthings,isWitness.}(Qur’an85:9)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)istheWitnessovereveryone’sactions;Hesees,knowsandhearseverything.Allahissufficient asawitnessover thedeedsofHis servants.NothingescapesHisknowledge, andnothing ishiddenfromHim.

Application

KnowingthatAllahistheWitnessovereverythinginstilsfearandawarenessofAllahintheheartsoftheservantsofAllah.BeingawarethatAllah(theExalted)iswatchingeverymovementandactionmotivatestheservantstoguardagainstdoinganyactionsindisobediencetoAllah.

86.Ash-Shâkir:TheAppreciative

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{Indeed, Ṣafâ andMarwah are among the symbols ofAllah. Sowhoevermakes hajj to theHouse orperforms‘umrah-thereisnoblameuponhimforwalkingbetweenthem.Andwhoevervolunteersgood-thenindeed,AllahisappreciativeandKnowing.}

(Qur’an2:158)

{WhatwouldAllahdowith[gainfrom]yourpunishment ifyouaregratefulandbelieve?AndAllahiseverAppreciativeandKnowing.}

(Qur’an4:147)

Tafseer

Allah (the Exalted) appreciates those who appreciate Him. He recognizes good deeds and rewardsaccordingly.IbnKatheercommentedaboutthesignificanceof‘Appreciative’:“meaning,Allah’srewardis immense for the little deed, andHe knows about the sufficiency of the reward.Hence,Hewill not

awardinsufficientrewardstoanyone.”135

{Indeed,Allahdoesnotdoinjustice,[even]asmuchasanatom’sweight;whileifthereisagooddeed,HemultipliesitandgivesfromHimselfagreatreward.}

(Qur’an4:40)

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheAppreciativefillsthebelievers’heartswithloveforAllahandhopeofHisreward.ThisknowledgeinspirestheMuslimstoperformeventhesmallestofgooddeeds,knowingthatAllah’srewardisgreat.Smallgooddeedsshouldnotbeoverlookedortreatedasiftheyareofnoconsequence,becauseAllah(theExalted) is theAppreciativeandrewards thebelieversforsuchdeeds.

87.Ash-Shakoor:TheAppreciative

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{ThatHemaygivetheminfulltheirrewardsandincreaseforthemofHisbounty.Indeed,HeisForgivingandAppreciative.}

(Qur’an35:30)

{Andtheywillsay:PraisetoAllah,whohasremovedfromus[all]sorrow.Indeed,ourLordisForgivingandAppreciative}

(Qur’an35:34)

{ItisthatofwhichAllahgivesgoodtidingstoHisservantswhobelieveanddorighteousdeeds.Say[OMuhammad]:Idonotaskyoufor[thismessage]anypayment[but]onlygoodwill[due]tokinsfolk.Andwhoevercommitsagooddeed-Wewillincreaseforhimgoodtherein.Indeed,AllahisForgivingandAppreciative.}

(Qur’an42:23)

{If you loan Allah a goodly loan, He will multiply it for you and forgive you. And Allah is MostAppreciativeandForbearing.}

(Qur’an64:17)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)appreciatesgooddeedsandrecompensesfor them,evenif theyarefew.Allah(theExalted)rewardsoutofHisfavourandgoodness.TheAppreciativeis:

theOnewhorewardsthebelievingservantsfortheirgooddeeds;infact,Hegivesthemevenmorethan they deserve.Al-Qurṭubiwrites, ‘He [Allaah] accepts the little from the good deeds, andHe

repaysforitthegreatfromtherewards.’136

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheAppreciativeinfusesMuslimswiththankfulnessandloveofAllahforHisgreatappreciationandrewards.Withthisknowledge,theMuslimsareinspiredtofilltheirliveswithgooddeedsanddevotiontoAllah(theExalted),inhopesofthatgreatrewardfromHim.

88.At-Tawwâb:TheAcceptingofRepentance

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{…indeed,HeistheAcceptingofrepentance,theMerciful.}(Qur’an2:54)

{ThenAdamreceivedfromhisLord[some]words,andHeacceptedhisrepentance.Indeed,itisHewho

istheAcceptingofrepentance,theMerciful.}(Qur’an2:37)

{OurLord,andmakeusMuslims[insubmission]toYouandfromourdescendantsaMuslimnation[insubmission]toYou.Andshowusourrites[ofhajjand‘umrah]andacceptourrepentance.Indeed,YouaretheAcceptingofrepentance,theMerciful.}

(Qur’an2:128)

{Exceptforthosewhorepentandcorrectthemselvesandmakeevident[whattheyconcealed].Those-Iwillaccepttheirrepentance,andIamtheAcceptingofrepentance,theMerciful.}

(Qur’an2:160)

{DotheynotknowthatitisAllahwhoacceptsrepentancefromHisservantsandreceivescharitiesandthatitisAllahwhoistheAcceptingofrepentance,theMerciful?}

(Qur’an9:104)

{And if not for the favour of Allah upon you and His mercy... and because Allah isAccepting ofrepentanceandWise.}

(Qur’an24:10)

Tafseer

Aṭ-Ṭabariexplained:

thatGodtrulyturnstowhomsoeverofHissinningservantswhorepentsofhissinsbeforeHim,andthatHewithdrawsHispunishmentinexchangeforhisreturningtoobediencetoHimafterdisobeying

Himthroughhisprevioussins.137

“Allah is theonlyOnewhoseforgivenessandmercyknownobounds.”138He forgives thosewhorepentaspartofHisgracetoHisservants.

AnasibnMâlik(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)relatedthatAllah’sMessenger(bpuh)said:«Allah(theExalted)ismorepleasedwiththerepentanceofHisslavethananyoneofyouispleasedwithfindinghislostcamelthathadstrayedintothedesert.»(Bukhari)

AbuSa‘eedal-Khudri(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthatAllah’sMessenger(bpuh)alsosaid:

«IfapersonembracesIslamsincerely,thenAllahshallforgiveallhispastsins,andafterthatstartsthesettlementofaccounts.Therewardofhisgooddeedswillbetentimestosevenhundredtimesforeachgooddeed,andanevildeedwillberecordedasitisunlessAllahforgivesit.»(Bukhari)

“The Prophet [SA] vividly illustrated Allah’s capacity for forgiveness to those who seek His

forgiveness,inspiteofthegravityofthecrime,byrelatingthestoryofamanfromthepast.”139

Abu Sa‘eed al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah’s Messenger (bpuh) assaying:

«Therewas a person before youwho hadmurdered ninety-nine people; he inquired about the learnedpersonsoftheworld(whocouldshowhimthewaytosalvation).

Hewasdirectedtoamonk.Hewenttohimandtoldhimthathehadkilledninety-ninepersons,andaskedhimwhethertherewasanyscopeforhisrepentancetobeaccepted.

Themonksaid:No.

Hekilledhim(themonk)too,andthuscompletedonehundred(murders).

Hethenaskedaboutthelearnedpersonsoftheearth,andhewasdirectedtoascholar.

Hetoldthescholarthathehadkilledonehundredpersonsandaskedhimwhethertherewasanyscopeforhisrepentancetobeaccepted.

He(thescholar)said:Yes.Whatstandsbetweenyouandrepentance?Youhadbettergotosuch-and-suchland;thereyouwillfindpeopledevotedtoprayerandworship.Soyoualsoworshipalongwiththemanddonotreturntothatlandofyours,sinceitwasanevilland(foryou).

So themanwent away, and he had hardly covered half the distancewhen death overtook him. Thereensuedadisputebetweentheangelsofmercyandtheangelsofpunishment.

Theangelsofmercysaid:ThismanhascomeasapenitentandremorsefultoAllah.

Theangelsofpunishmentsaid:Hehasdonenogoodatall.

Thentherecameanotherangelintheformofahumanbeing,inordertodecidebetweenthem.Hesaid:Measurethe(distancebetweentheman’scorpseandthelandfromwhichhefledandthe)landtowhichhehaddrawnnear.

Theymeasured(thesetwodistances)andfoundhimnearertothelandwhereheintendedtogo(thelandofpiety),andsotheangelsofmercytookpossessionofhim.»(Muslim)

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted) is theAcceptingofRepentanceinspires theservantsofAllahtoseekforgivenessfromAllaheveryday.Thereisnoreasonforthemtobedepressedovertheirsins,forAllahis theOneWhoaccepts repentance.They shouldnevergiveuphope for themercy and forgivenessofAllah.ConstantlyturningtoAllahinrepentanceisthewaytoreceiveHisforgivenessandclemency.

Supplication

On the authority of ‘Â’ishah (MayAllah be pleasedwith him),who said that the Prophet (bpuh) hadtaughtherthissupplication:

«Our Lord! Behold, You alone are the Hearing, the Knowing. And forgive us. Behold, You are theAcceptingofRepentance,theMostMerciful.ThereisnostrengthnorpowersaveinAllahtheSublime,theMostGreat.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyIbnMâjah)

«Ibn ‘Umar (MayAllah be pleasedwith him) said: It would be counted that theMessenger of Allah(bpuh)wouldsayonehundredtimesatanyonesittingbeforegettingup:MyLord,forgivemeandacceptmyrepentance,YouaretheAcceptingofRepentance,theForgiving.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyAbuDâwood,at-TirmidhiandIbnMâjah)

89.Al-Wadood:TheMostLoving

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{AndaskforgivenessofyourLordandturnuntoHiminrepentance.Verily,myLordisMostMerciful,

MostLoving.}140

(Qur’an11:90)

{AndHeistheForgiving,theLoving,}141

(Qur’an85:14)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)istheMostLovingtotherighteousandtothosewhorepent.

Al-Waddmeanspurelove,alovewithoutcondition.AllahlovesthepiousamongHiscreation.Allahsaid,“HewillbringapeoplewholoveHimandHewilllovethem.”(Qur’an5:54)AllahistheOnewhoisloved.Loveisofdifferenttypes:naturallove,liketheloveofone’sspouse;theloveofidols,Allahsaid,“AmongmankindarethosewhotakeothersasequalswithAllah.TheylovetheseequalsastheyshouldloveAllah.ButthosewhobelievehavetheutmostloveforAllah.”(Qur’an2:165);theloveoffalsehood;andaloveofsomethingbecauseAllahlovesthatthing(Mahaba).WhendoesAllahloveyou?WhenyoufollowtheProphet.Allahsaid,“Say(tothemOMuhammad–[SA]), ‘If

youtrulyloveAllah,followme.Allahwillloveyouandforgiveyoursins.’”(Qur’an3:31)142

{…Indeed,Allahlovesthosewhoactjustly.}(Qur’an60:8)

{…Indeed,Allahlovesthosewhorely[uponHim].}(Qur’an3:159)

{…AndAllahlovesthesteadfast.}(Qur’an3:146)

{…Indeed,Allahlovesthosewhoactjustly.}(Qur’an49:9)

{…andAllahlovesthedoersofgood.}(Qur’an5:93)

AbuHurayrah(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)reportedthatAllah’sMessenger(bpuh)said:

«WhenAllah (the Exalted) loves a servant, He calls Gabriel and says: Verily, I love so-and-so; youshouldalsolovehim.

ThenGabrielbeginstolovehim.

ThenGabrielmakesanannouncementintheheavensaying:Allahlovesso-and-so,andyoualsomustlovehim.

Sotheinhabitantsofheaven(theAngels)alsobegintolovehim,andthenhonourisconferreduponhimonearth.

WhenAllahisangrywithanyservant,HecallsGabrielandsays:Iamangrywithso-and-so;youmustalsobecomeangrywithhim.

ThenGabriel also becomes angry, and hemakes an announcement to the inhabitants of heaven:VerilyAllahisangrywithso-andso,soyoualsobecomeangrywithhim.

Thus theyalsobecomeangrywithhim.Then(thatperson)becomes theobjectofwrathon theearthaswell.»(Muslim)

AbuHurayrah(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthatAllah’sMessenger(bpuh)said:

«Allah(theExalted)said:IwilldeclarewaragainsthimwhoshowshostilitytoapiousworshipperofMine.ThemostbelovedthingswithwhichMyslavecomesnearertoMearewhatIhaveenjoineduponhim, and My slave keeps on coming closer to Me through performing extra deeds (besides what isobligatory)untilI lovehim.Ibecomehissenseofhearingwithwhichhehears,hissenseofsightwithwhichhesees,hishandwithwhichhegrips,andhislegwithwhichhewalks.IfheasksMe,Iwillgivehim,andifheasksMyprotection,Iwillprotecthim.IdonothesitatetodoanythingasIhesitatetotakethesoulofthebeliever,forhehatesdeath,andIhatetodisappointhim.»(Bukhari)

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheMostLovingfillstheheartsofbelieverswithoverwhelmingloveforAllah.TheyaredrawntowardsAllahwithdevotionandadoration.Theyfindhappinessandsolaceinthisknowledge.ThebelieversstrivetofulfilthedeedsthatwillcauseAllahtolovethem,suchassincereprayer,performinggooddeeds,andfollowingtheexampleoftheProphetMuhammad(bpuh).TheyseekandhopefortheloveofAllah(theExalted),andinturntheyloveAllahgreatly.

90.Al-Wahhâb:TheBestower

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{[Who say]:OurLord, let notourheartsdeviate afterYouhaveguidedus andgrantus fromYourselfmercy.Indeed,YouaretheBestower.}

(Qur’an3:8)

{OrdotheyhavethedepositoriesofthemercyofyourLord,theExaltedinMight,theBestower?}(Qur’an38:9)

{He said:My Lord, forgiveme and grantme a kingdom such aswill not belong to anyone afterme.Indeed,YouaretheBestower.}

(Qur’an38:35)

Tafseer

Allah (theExalted) blesses the creation and shows kindness and gentleness to them, especially toHispious servants. Ibn Katheer explained that Allah is “the Bestower Who gives whatever He wills to

whomsoeverHewills.”143 Allah (the Exalted) is “the One who bestows mercy and success on His

creation.HealsograntsconvictionwithIslamuponHisbelievingservantswhoturntoHim.”144

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheBestowerfillstheheartsofHisservantswithloveforHim.TheyareawedatthekindnessandlovingnessofAllah.TheytaketimetofocusonthemanyblessingsthatAllah(theExalted)hasbestowedon them,and theyaregrateful toAllahfor them.They thus turn toAllah inprayerwiththankfulnessandlove.TheyaremotivatedtosurrendertotheOneWhoistheBestower,theonlyOneWhoiscapableofbestowingblessingsonthem.

Supplication

«Umm Salamah (May Allah be pleased with her) said that the Messenger of Allah (bpuh) used tosupplicate: O YouWho changes the hearts, make my heart firm on Your religion. Then he (the sub-narrator,Mu‘âdhibnMu‘âdh)recited:

{OurLord!Letnotourheartsdeviate(fromthetruth)afterYouhaveguidedus,andgrantusmercyfromYou.Truly,YouaretheBestower.}(Qur’an3:8)»(asoundhadithrecordedbyat-Tirmidhi)

91.Al-Wâḥid:TheOne

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{O[my]twocompanionsofprison,areseparatelordsbetterorAllah,theOne,thePrevailing?}(Qur’an12:39)

{[Itwillbe]ontheDaytheearthwillbereplacedbyanotherearth,andtheheavens[aswell],andthey[allcreatures]willcomeoutbeforeAllah,theOne,thePrevailing.}

(Qur’an14:48)

{Indeed,yourGodisOne}(Qur’an37:4)

{Say [O Muhammad]: I am only a warner, and there is not any deity except Allah, the One, thePrevailing.}

(Qur’an38:65)

{IfAllahhadintendedtotakeason,HecouldhavechosenfromwhatHecreateswhateverHewilled.ExaltedisHe;HeisAllah,theOne,thePrevailing.}

(Qur’an39:4)

{TheDaytheycomeforthnothingconcerningthemwillbeconcealedfromAllah.Towhombelongs[all]sovereigntythisDay?ToAllah,theOne,thePrevailing.}

(Qur’an40:16)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)isalonewithoutanypartner,Heistheonlyoneworthyofbeingworshipped.Heistheonlygod,withoutpartners.HeistheonlyLordofallcreationandisaloneinHisdivinity.

Application

Knowing thatAllah is theOne inspires the believers to submit toAllah inworship. They realize thesignificanceof this attribute: that onlyAllah (theExalted) andnoother is theLord andCreatorof the

universe, the onlyOneWhodeserves to beworshipped.Thus, they recognize that there is no point inworshippinganythingelseorseekinghelpfromanyoneotherthanAllah(theExalted),theOne.

Supplication

‘Umar(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthattheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)said:

«If, on entering amarketplace, one says:None has the right to beworshipped butAllah (theExalted)alone,Whohasnopartner.HisisthedominionandHisisthepraise.HebringslifeandHecausesdeath,andHe is theEver-Living anddoesnotdie. InHishand isallgood,andHe isAll-Powerfuloverallthings–Allahshallrecordtohiscreditamillionrighteousdeeds,remitfromhimamillionevildeeds,raisehimbyamilliondegreesandbuildforhimanabodeintheGarden.»(areliablehadithrecordedby

at-TirmidhiandIbnMâjah)145

NarratedIbn‘Umar(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim):

«WheneverAllah’sMessenger (bpuh) returned fromabattleorHajjor ‘Umrah,heused to sayAllâhuakbar(AllahistheGreatest)threetimes.

Wheneverhewentupahighplace,heusedtosay:Nonehas theright tobeworshippedbutAllah(theExalted)alone,Whohasnopartner.HisisthedominionandHisisthepraise,andHeisAll-Powerfuloverallthings.WereturnrepentanttoourLord,worshippingourLord,andpraisingourLord.Hefulfilled

HisPromise,HeaidedHisslave,andHealonedefeatedtheConfederates.»146

‘AmribnShu‘aybreportedthattheProphetofAllah(bpuh)said:

«The best invocation is that of theDay ofArafat, and the best that anyone can say iswhat I and theprophetsbeforemehavesaid:NonehastherighttobeworshippedbutAllahalone,Whohasnopartner.His is the dominion and His is the praise, and He is All-Powerful over all things.» (a sound hadithrecordedbyAbuDâwood,at-TirmidhiandImamMâlik)

‘Â’ishah (MayAllah be pleasedwith her) said that theMessenger ofAllah (bpuh) used to say atnight,ifheturnedduringhissleep:

«ThereisnoneworthyofworshipbutAllah,theOne,thePrevailing,Lordoftheheavensandtheearthand all between them, the Exalted inMight, the Perpetual Forgiver.» (a sound hadith recorded by al-Ḥâkim)

Supplicationsaidbeforethetasleemoftheendofprayer:

«OAllah, I askYouOAllah, asYou are theOne (Al-Aḥad), theOne(Al-Wâḥid), the Self-SufficientMaster,theOneWhobegetsnotnorwasHebegotten,andthereisnonelikeuntoHim,thatYouforgivememysins,forverilyYouaretheForgiving,theMostMerciful.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyAbuDâwood

andat-Tirmidhi)

92.Al-Wakeel:TheDisposerofAffairs

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{Thosetowhompeople[hypocrites]said:Indeed,thepeoplehavegatheredagainstyou,sofearthem.Butit[merely]increasedtheminfaith,andtheysaid:SufficientforusisAllah,and[Heis]thebestDisposerofaffairs.}

(Qur’an3:173)

{ThatisAllah,yourLord;thereisnodeityexceptHim,theCreatorofallthings,soworshipHim.AndHeisDisposerofallthings.}

(Qur’an6:102)

{Thenwouldyoupossiblyleave[out]someofwhatisrevealedtoyou,orisyourbreastconstrainedbyitbecausetheysay:Whyhastherenotbeensentdowntohimatreasureorcomewithhimanangel?Butyouareonlyawarner.AndAllahisDisposerofallthings.}

(Qur’an11:12)

{AllahistheCreatorofallthings,andHeis,overallthings,Disposerofaffairs.}(Qur’an39:62)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)guidesbelievers,protectsthemfromharmandguardsthem.AllahisthetrusteeandwatcheroverHiscreatures.HeistheDisposerofAffairsforallthingsthatexist.Hegivesprovisionandprotectionandcontrolsallthatoccurs.

Ibn‘Abbâs(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)stated:

«SufficientforusisAllah,and[Heis]thebestDisposerofaffairs–wassaidbyAbraham(pbuh)whenhewasthrownintothefire,anditwassaidbyMuhammad(bpuh)whenthey(thehypocrites)said:

{Indeed,thepeoplehavegatheredagainstyou,sofearthem.Butit[merely]increasedtheminfaith,andtheysaid:SufficientforusisAllah,and[Heis]thebestDisposerofaffairs.}(Qur’an3:173)»(Bukhari)

Application

Knowing that Allah (the Exalted) is the best Disposer of Affairs puts certainty in the hearts of thebelievers that everything is in Allah’s control. This knowledge is heartening, since it relieves thebelievers of stress over negative events of this life. So much occurs that is outside the control of

individuals, andstressanddepressioncanensue ifeventsarenot to their liking.Knowing thatnothinghappensexceptwhatisaccordingtoAllah’swill,andknowingthatAllahisthebestDisposerofAffairs,consolesthebelieversandaidstheminacceptingAllah’swillforthem.ThebelieversturntoAllah(theExalted)withpeaceandplacetheirtrustinAllah,confidentthatAllahknowswhatisbestforthem.

Supplication

Supplicationsaidwhenencounteringanenemyorthoseofauthority:

«SufficientforusisAllah,and[Heis]thebestDisposerofaffairs.»(Bukhari)

93.Al-Waliyy:TheProtector,theAlly

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{Allahistheallyofthosewhobelieve.Hebringsthemoutfromdarknessesintothelight.Andthosewhodisbelieve-theiralliesareevil idolatry.Theytakethemoutofthelightintodarknesses.ThosearethecompanionsoftheFire;theywillabideeternallytherein.}

(Qur’an2:257)

{Indeed, themostworthyofAbrahamamongthepeopleare thosewhofollowedhim[insubmission toAllah]and thisprophet [Muhammad(bpuh)]and thosewhobelieve [inhismessage].AndAllah is theallyofthebelievers.}

(Qur’an3:68)

{AndAllahismostknowingofyourenemies;andsufficientisAllahasanally,andsufficientisAllahasahelper.}

(Qur’an4:45)

{Orhavetheytakenprotectors[orallies]besidesHim?ButAllah-HeistheProtector,andHegiveslifetothedead,andHeisoverallthingscompetent.}

(Qur’an42:9)

{AnditisHewhosendsdowntherainaftertheyhaddespairedandspreadsHismercy.AndHeistheProtector,thePraiseworthy.}

(Qur’an42:28)

{Indeed, theywill never avail you againstAllah at all.And indeed, thewrongdoers are allies of oneanother;butAllahistheprotectoroftherighteous.}

(Qur’an45:19)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)guidesandprotectsthebelieversfromharm.Heguardsthem,lovesthemandshowsthemmercy.HeistheProtectorandAllyofthosewhobelieveinHimandHismessengers.IbnKatheercommented:

AllahstatedthatwhoeverfollowswhatpleasesHim,Hewillguidehimtothepathsofpeace,thatisIslam,orparadise.Verily,AllahdeliversHisbelievingservantsfromthedarknessofdisbelief,doubtandhesitationtothelightoftheplain,clear,explained,easyandunequivocaltruth.HealsostatedthatSatanisthesupporterofthedisbelieverswhobeautifiesthepathsofignoranceandmisguidancethat

theyfollow,thuscausingthemtodeviatefromthetruepathintodisbeliefandwickedness.147

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheProtectorandtheAllybringssolacetoMuslims.TheyaregratefultoAllahforHisprotection,andtheytrustinHimtoprotectthemfromharm.TheyvieweventsthatmayseemharmfultothemasatestfromAllah(theExalted)andtrustthatthereisbenefitinthem,eveniftheydonotinitiallyseeorunderstandthatbenefit.TheMuslimsseekAllah’sprotectionthroughsupplicationandfindpeaceintheknowledgethatAllahistheirProtector.

Supplication

ZaydibnArqam(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narrated:IamnotgoingtosayanythingotherthanthatwhichAllah’sMessenger(bpuh)usedtosay;heusedtosupplicate:

«OAllah, Iseekrefuge inYoufromincapacity, fromlaziness, fromcowardice, frommiserliness, fromdecrepitudeandfromtormentofthegrave.OAllah,granttomysoulthesenseofrighteousnessandpurifyit,forYouaretheBestPurifierthereof.YouaretheProtectingFriend thereofandGuardianthereof.OAllah, I seek refuge in You from the knowledge which does not benefit, from the heart that does notentertain the fear (ofAllah), from the soul that doesnot feel contented and the supplication that is notanswered.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyan-Nasâ’i)

94.Al-Wârith:TheInheritor

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{Andindeed,itisWewhogivelifeandcausedeath,andWearetheInheritor.}(Qur’an15:23)

{And[mention]Zechariah,whenhecalledtohisLord:MyLord,donotleavemealone[withnoheir],whileyouarethebestofinheritors.}

(Qur’an21:89)

{Andhowmanya cityhaveWedestroyed thatwas insolent in its [wayof] living, and those are theirdwellings which have not been inhabited after them except briefly. And it is We who were theinheritors.}

(Qur’an28:58)

Tafseer

IbnKatheerexplained,“Hewillinherittheearthandeveryoneonit,andthenitistoHimthattheywill

return.”148Allah(theExalted)is:

...theInheritorwhoinheritstheearthandallthatisonitbecauseallcreatedlifeshallcease,leavingonlyHim, theCreator.Al-Qurtubi alsopointsout that thoughAllahownsall things,Heentrusts topeoplewealthwhile they live.Someof thesepeople accumulatedebts that are terminatedby their

deaths.Inthoseparticularcircumstances,Allahistheirinheritor.149

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheInheritorhelpsthebelieverstoviewtheworldlylifeintherightway.Theyunderstandthatthislifewillsurelyendsoon,andthattheywilltakenothingwiththemtotheHereafterexcept theirfaithandtheirdeeds.Thus, theydonotputsomuchimportanceonissuesof thislife,butratherseetheminthepropercontextofbeingfleeting.Thishelps themcombatdepressionandanxiety, knowing that this worldly life is only a passing amusement and that Allah (the Exalted) willinheritall.TheyareheartenedbytheknowledgethatAllahistheInheritoraftertheydie,andtheytrustinAllahtoprotecttheirchildrenandfamilies.

95.Al-Wâsi‘:TheAll-Encompassing

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{AndtoAllahbelongs theeastandthewest.Sowhereveryou[might] turn, there is theFaceofAllah.Indeed,Allahisall-EncompassingandKnowing.}

(Qur’an2:115)

{TheexampleofthosewhospendtheirwealthinthewayofAllahislikeaseed[ofgrain]whichgrowssevenspikes;ineachspikeisahundredgrains.AndAllahmultiplies[Hisreward]forwhomHewills.AndAllahisall-EncompassingandKnowing.}

(Qur’an2:261)

{Satan threatensyouwithpovertyandordersyou to immorality,whileAllahpromisesyouforgiveness

fromHimandbounty.AndAllahisall-EncompassingandKnowing.}(Qur’an2:268)

{Anddonottrustexceptthosewhofollowyourreligion.Say:Indeed,the[true]guidanceistheguidanceof Allah. [Do you fear] lest someone be given [knowledge] like you were given or that they would[thereby]arguewithyoubeforeyourLord?Say:Indeed,[all]bountyisinthehandofAllah-HegrantsittowhomHewills.AndAllahisall-EncompassingandWise.}

(Qur’an3:73)

{Oyouwhohavebelieved,whoeverofyoushouldrevertfromhisreligion-Allahwillbringforth[inplaceof them]apeopleHewill loveandwhowill loveHim[whoare]humble toward thebelievers,powerfulagainstthedisbelievers;theystriveinthecauseofAllahanddonotfeartheblameofacritic.That is the favour ofAllah;He bestows it uponwhomHewills.AndAllah isall-Encompassing andKnowing.}

(Qur’an5:54)

{Andmarrytheunmarriedamongyouandtherighteousamongyourmaleslavesandfemaleslaves.Iftheyshouldbepoor,AllahwillenrichthemfromHisbounty,andAllahisall-EncompassingandKnowing.}

(Qur’an24:32)

Tafseer

Allah (the Exalted) encompasses all of His creation with satisfaction and generosity. His favour isimmense,andHegrantsmercytoallthings.Allahis:

theOnewhoisGenerousorMagnanimoustowardsHisservantsintheirdeen,andwhodoesnotholdthemresponsibleforwhatisbeyondtheircapabilities.OthershavesaiditreferstothespaciousnessandcompletenessofHisknowledge,asin[20:98],“HeencompasseseverythinginHisknowledge.”Similarly, others have said it refers to the scope of his Mercy, as in [7:156], “And my mercyencompassesallthings”.OthermeaningsincludetheOnewhoseForgivenessiswide,andtheOne

whoisGracioustoHiscreation.150

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheAll-EncompassinginspiresHisservantstoseekhelpfromHim.They understand thatAllah is the only onewho can fulfil their needs, and thatAllah (the Exalted) isgenerous in doing so and sufficient in doing so. They are grateful to Allah for the blessings He hasbestowed on them, and they are calmed by the knowledge thatAllah is sufficient for their needs.TheservantsofAllaharefilledwithloveandaffectionforAllah(theExalted),Whoissufficientforthem.

NamesofAllah(theExalted)EvidencedfromtheSunnah

96.Al-Bâsiṭ:TheMunificent

ProoffromtheSunnah:

AnasibnMâlik(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narrated:

«PricesincreasedgreatlyduringthelifetimeoftheMessengerofAllah(bpuh),andsothepeoplesaid:OMessengerofAllah!Priceshavebecomeveryhigh,sosetthemforus.

He (bpuh) said:Verily, it isAllahWho sets the prices, theConstrictor, theMunificent, the Provider.IndeedIhopetomeetmyLordwithoutanyoneofyouholdingagainstmeanyactofinjusticewithrespecttobloodorwealth.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyAbuDâwood,at-TirmidhiandIbnMâjah)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)isextremelygenerous.HeisbountifulandgivingtowardsHiscreatures.Heprovidesfor the needs of His creation and bestows upon them bounties. He is “The Giver and Provider who

lavishlyextendssustenanceandwealthtoHiscreation”.151

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheMunificentencouragesHisservantstobegenerousandmunificenttoothers.Theyrecognizewhatanexcellenttraitthisistopossess,andtheytrytoapplythistraitintheirlives.Atthesametime,theirheartsarefilledwithloveforandgratitudetoAllahforHisgenerositytothem.TheyroutinelythankAllah(theExalted)foralltheblessingsthatHehasgiventhem.

97.Ad-Dayân:TheJudge

ProoffromtheSunnah:

‘AbdullâhibnUnaysnarratedthattheProphet(bpuh)said:

«Allahwillgatherthepeopleandcallthemwithavoicethatwillbeheardbythosewhowillbefarawayandthosewhowillbenear,bysaying:IamtheKing,IamtheDayân.»(Bukhari)

Tafseer

TheDayânmeans the onewho judges people for their deeds after calling them to account.Allah (theExalted)ismostjustandwiseinHisjudgment.HeisamercifuljudgewhotakesHisservantstoaccount

anddealswiththemonthebasisofjustice.

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheJudgemotivatesbelieverstoconcernthemselveswiththeirdeeds.Theyareutterlyawareof theirmeetingwith theirLordandthat theywillbeheldaccountablefor theiractions.ThustheyconsiderAllah(theExalted)inalloftheirdeeds,strivingtoobeyHim.

98.Al-Hannân:TheCompassionate

ProoffromtheSunnah:

ItwasnarratedbyAnas(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim):

«WhileIwassittingwiththeProphetofAllah(bpuh)inthemosque,amanwasofferingprayer.(Inthecourseofhisprayer)themansaid:OAllah.Behold,IbegofYoubecauseuntoYoubelongsallthepraise.ThereisnoneworthyofworshipotherthanYou,theCompassionate,theOriginatoroftheheavensandtheearth.OLordofMajestyandGlory,OLiving,EternalOne,ofYouIbeg.

WhereupontheProphetofAllah(bpuh)said:(Thisman)calleduponAllahbyHismostsublimename.WhenHeiscalleduponbythatnameHeresponds,andwhenHeisbesoughtinthatnameHebestows.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyAbuDâwoodandan-Nasâ’i)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)isthemostcaring,sympathetic,kind,understanding,andcompassionate.HehasmercyonHiscreatures,isconcernedwiththesufferingofHisbelievingslavesandalleviatestheirsuffering.

Application

Knowing thatAllah (theExalted) is theCompassionate fills the heart of believerswith love forHim.They are filledwith contentment and peace, knowing that Allah is kind and compassionate. They areconstantlythankfultoAllah(theExalted)forHiscompassionandmercy;asaresult, theyrecognizethebenefitofcompassion,sotheyarecompassionatewithpeopleasmuchastheycanbe.

Supplication

Asmentionedinthehadithabove.

99.Al-Ḥayee:TheModest

ProoffromtheSunnah:

Ya‘lâibnUmayyahrelatedthattheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)said:

«AllahisModestandHeveils.Helovesmodestyandveiling.Therefore,ifanyofyoutakesabath,let

himveilhimself.»(authenticatedbyal-Albâni)152

Salmânal-Fârsi(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)saidthattheProphet(bpuh)said:

«VerilyAllahisModestandHonourable.IfapersonliftshishandstoHim(insupplication),Heisshytoreturnthememptyanddisappointed.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyAbuDâwoodandan-Nasâ’i)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)ismodestandshy,freefromvanity,egotism,boastfulness,orgreatpretensions.Hisveilisaveiloflight,andHelovesmodestyforHisservantsaswell.

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheModestencouragesMuslimservantsofAllahtobemodestintheirdressandshyregardingtheirbodies.Theywearlooseclothesthatdonotshowofftheirshapes.FemaleservantsofAllah areproud towear their hijab inpublic, knowing thatAllah (theExalted)Himself isModest.

100.Al-Jameel:TheBeautiful

ProoffromtheSunnah:

‘AbdullâhibnMas‘oodnarratedthattheProphet(bpuh)said:

«Mostcertainly,Allah(theExalted)isBeautiful,andHelovesbeauty.»(Muslim)

Tafseer

Allah (the Exalted) is beautiful inHis essence,His names and attributes, andHis actions. Allah (theExalted) adorned this universe with great beauty and splendour. Certainly, the One Who made thisbeautifulworldismoredeservingofthebeautyHimself.

Application

Knowing thatAllah (theExalted) is theMostBeautiful fillsHis servantswith aweand loveofAllah.TheylookforwardeagerlytomeetingwithHimandsettingtheireyesonHisbeauty.Theyknowthatthe

believerswillseeAllah(theExalted)ontheDayofResurrection;AbuHurayrah(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)related:

«Peopleasked:OAllah’sMessenger!ShallweseeourLordontheDayofResurrection?

TheProphetresponded:Doyouhaveanydifficultyinseeingthemoononafullmoonnight?

Theyreplied:No,OAllah’sMessenger.

Heasked:Doyouhaveanydifficultyinseeingthesunwhentherearenoclouds?

Theyreplied:No,OAllah’sMessenger.

He said: So youwill seeHim, like that.Allah (theExalted)will gather all the people on theDay ofResurrection and say:Whoever worshipped something (in the world) should follow that (which theyworshipped).Sowhoeverworshipped the sunwill follow the sun,whoeverworshiped themoonwillfollow themoon, andwhoeverused toworshipcertain (other false)deities,will follow thosedeities.Andtherewillremainonlythisnationwithitsgoodpeople(oritshypocrites;thesub-narrator,Ibrahim,isindoubt.)Allahwillcometothemandsay:IamyourLord.Theywill(denyHimand)say:WewillstayhereuntilourLordcomes,forwhenourLordcomes,wewillrecognizeHim.SoAllahwillcometotheminHisappearancewhichtheyknow,andwillsay:IamyourLord.Theywillsay:YouareourLord.SotheywillfollowHim.»(Bukhari)

BelieversknowthattheywillseeAllah(theExalted)inparadise.

«Suḥaybar-Roomi(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthat theProphet(bpuh)said:Whenthosedeservingofparadisewouldenterparadise,theBlessedandtheExaltedwouldask:DoyouwishMetogiveyou anythingmore?Theywould say:HaveYounot brightenedour faces?HaveYounotmadeusenterparadiseandsavedusfromhellfire?

He(thenarrator)said:Allah(theExalted)wouldlifttheveil(fromtheireyes),andofthethingsgiventothem,nothingwouldbedearertothemthanthesightoftheirLord,theMightyandtheGlorious.»(Muslimandat-Tirmidhi)

TheservantsofAllahlookforwardtothat.TheystrivetoobeyAllah(theExalted)andtopleaseHimineverythingthattheysayanddo,sothattheywillhavethegreatopportunitytolookuponAllah’sbeauty.

101.Al-Jawâd:TheMagnanimous

ProoffromtheSunnah:

ṢâliḥibnAbiḤasansaid:

«IheardSa‘eedibnal-Musayyabsay:VerilyAllah(theExalted)isgood,Helovesgoodness;Pure,He

lovespurity;Generous,Helovesgenerosity;andMagnanimous,Helovesmagnanimity.Therefore,cleanyourcourtyardsanddonotbeliketheJews.»(recordedbyat-Tirmidhi;areliablehadithaccordingtoal-Albâni)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)isverygenerous,giving,benevolentandnoble.AnotherhadithgivesfurtherproofofHismagnanimity:

«My servants, I have made oppression unlawful for Me and unlawful for you, so do not commitoppressionagainstoneanother.Myservants,allofyouareliabletoerrexceptonewhomIguideontherightpath,soseekrightguidancefromMesothatIshoulddirectyoutotherightpath.OMyservants,allofyouarehungry(needy)exceptonewhomIfeed,sobegfoodfromMe,sothatImaygivethattoyou.OMyservants, all ofyouarenaked (needclothes) exceptonewhom Iprovidegarments, sobegclothesfromMe,sothatIshouldclotheyou.OMyservants,youcommiterrornightanddayandIamtheretopardon your sins, so beg pardon fromMe so that I should grant you pardon.OMy servants, you canneitherdoMeanyharmnorcanyoudoMeanygood.OMyservants,evenifthefirstamongstyouandthelastamongstyouandeven thewholehumanrace,and thatof the jinnaswell,become(equal in)God-consciousness like the heart of a single person amongst you, nothingwould add toMy power. OMyservants,evenifthefirstamongstyouandthelastamongstyou,andthewholehumanraceandthatofthejinnaswell,inunisonbecomethemostwicked,(allbeating)liketheheartofasingleperson,itwouldcausenolosstoMypower.OMyservants,evenifthefirstamongstyouandthelastamongstyouandthewholehumanraceandthatoftheaswell,allstandononeopenplainandyouaskMe,andIconferuponeverypersonwhatheasksfor,itwouldnot,inanyway,causeanylosstoMe(more)thanthatwhichiscausedtotheoceanbydippinganeedleintoit.Myservants,whatisforyouIshallrewardyouforit,soifanyonewhosedeedsIamrecordingfindsgood,theyshouldpraiseAllahandthosewhodonotfindthatshouldnotblameanyonebuttheirownselves.»(Muslim)

Allahisaboveseekingrevengeorbeingresentful;ratherHeisgenerousinforgiving,unselfishandgracious.

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)isMagnanimousshowsHisservantstheexcellenceofmagnanimityandgenerosity.TheylookattheirlifeandseethewonderfulthingsthatAllah(theExalted)hasgiventothem,and theyhope for evenmorewonderful things tocome inparadiseas a resultofAllah’smagnanimity.Theyrealizethattheyneedtoimplementthischaracteristicintheirownliveswiththosearoundthem,andtheyknowthattheywillberewardedgenerouslyfordoingso.

102.Al-Mannân:TheBenefactor

ProoffromtheSunnah:

ItwasnarratedbyAnas(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim):

«WhileIwassittingwiththeProphetofAllah(bpuh)inthemosque,amanwasofferingprayer.(Inthecourseofhisprayer)themansaid:OAllah.Behold,IbegofYoubecauseuntoYoubelongsallthepraise.ThereisnogodbutYou,theBenefactor,theOriginatoroftheheavensandtheearth.OLordofMajestyandGlory,OLiving,EternalOne,ofYouIbeg.

WhereupontheProphetofAllah(bpuh)said:(Thisman)calleduponAllahbyHismostsublimename.WhenHeiscalleduponbythatnameHeresponds,andwhenHeisbesoughtinthatnameHebestows.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyAbuDâwoodandan-Nasâ’i)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)isbountifulandgiving.Heis“theBenefactor,theGenerousOnewhoiskindandwho

givesgenerouslyfromHisbounty.”153Hisgenerosityisoverwhelmingwithcompassionandkindness.

Application

Knowing that Allah (the Exalted) is the Benefactor encourages believers to be giving and beneficent.They know that thiswill bring great reward for them in the next life. They are grateful toAllah (theExalted) for being bountiful, and therefore they become aware of the benefits and goodness that comefromsuchacharacteristic.Hencetheystrivetobeso.

Supplication

Asmentionedinthehadithabove:

«OAllah.Behold, IbegofYoubecauseuntoYoubelongsall thepraise.There isnogodbutYou, theBenefactor,theOriginatoroftheheavensandtheearth.OLordofMajestyandGlory,OLiving,EternalOne,ofYouIbeg.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyAbuDâwoodandan-Nasâ’i)

103.Al-Mu’akhkhir:TheDeferrer

ProoffromtheSunnah:

‘Ali (MayAllah be pleasedwith him) reported that the Prophet ofAllah (bpuh) used to say betweentashahhudandtasleem(ofprayer):

«OAllah.ForgivemeforthatwhichIexpediteandforthatwhichIdefer,forthatwhichIconcealandforthatwhichIreveal,forthatwhereItransgress,andalsoforthatsinofminewhereofYouarebetteraware

than I.You are theExpediter, andYou are theDeferrer. There is noneworthy ofworship butYou.»(BukhariandMuslim)

AbuMoosâal-‘Ash‘ari(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)reported,ontheauthorityofhisfather,thatAllah’sMessenger(bpuh)usedtosupplicateinthesewords:

«OAllah,forgivememyfaults,myignorance,myimmoderationinmyconcerns.Youarebetteraware(ofmy affairs) thanmyself.OAllah, grantme forgiveness (for the faultswhich I committed) seriously orotherwise(andwhichIcommittedinadvertentlyanddeliberately).Allthese(failings)areinme.OAllah,grantmeforgivenessfromthefaultwhichIdidinhasteordeferred,whichIcommittedinprivacyorinpublic,andYouarebetterawareof(them)thanmyself.YouaretheExpediterandtheDeferrer,andoverallthingsYouareOmnipotent.»(Bukhari)

Ibn‘Abbâs(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthatwhentheProphet(bpuh)gotupatnighttooffertahajjudprayer,heusedtosay:

«OAllah!Allthepraisesareforyou.YouaretheHolderoftheheavensandtheearthandwhateverisinthem.AllthepraisesareforYou;Youhavethepossessionoftheheavensandtheearthandwhateverisinthem.AllthepraisesareforYou;YouaretheLightoftheheavensandtheearth.AllthepraisesareforYou;YouaretheSovereignoftheheavensandtheearth.AllthepraisesareforYou;YouaretheTruth,andYourPromiseisthetruth,andtomeetYouistrue.YourWordisthetruth,andparadiseistrue,andhellistrue,andalltheprophets(peacebeuponthem)aretrue.Muhammad(bpuh)istrue,andtheDayofResurrection is true.OAllah! I surrender (mywill) toYou. I believe inYou and depend onYou andrepenttoYou.WithYourhelp,Iargue(withmyopponents,thenon-believers),andItakeYouasajudge(to judge between us). Please forgive me my previous and future sins and whatever I concealed orrevealed.YouaretheExpediterandtheDeferrer.Thereisnonetobeworshippedbutyou.»(Bukhari)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)delaysorslowswhateverHewills.HedefersandholdsbackwhomsoeverHewillsinaccordancewithHiswisdom.

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheDeferrerinstilsuneasinessinbelievers.TheyfearwhatAllahbyHispowercandotothemiftheyaredisobedienttoHim;thus,theystrivetofollowAllah’slaws.Atthesametime,theyknowthatAllah(theExalted)isincompletecontroloftheirdestinies;therefore,theyseekhelpfromAllah.

Supplication

Asmentionedinthehadithsabove.

104.Al-Muhsin:TheCharitable

ProoffromtheSunnah:

SamrahnarratedthattheProphet(bpuh)said:

«Verily,Allah(theExalted)isCharitable,sobecharitable.»154

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)isbenevolent,generous,bountiful,kind,andcompassionate.HeischaritabletoHiscreatureswhethertheyarebelieversornot,andthisisagreatexampleofHischarityandkindness.

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)isCharitablebringsamazementupontheservantsofAllah(theExalted).TheyareastonishedatAllah’skindnessandgenerosityandathowwonderfulandexcellentaLordHeis.They are overwhelmed with love for theMost Charitable One. Understanding the greatness of beingcharitable,andthebenefittosociety,theservantsofAllah(theExalted)giveincharityasmuchastheycan,seekingtherewardoftheHereafterandfollowingtheillustriousexampleofAllah(theExalted).

105.Al-Muqaddim:TheExpediter

ProoffromtheSunnah:

‘AlireportedthattheProphetofAllah(bpuh)usedtosaybetweentashahhudandtasleem(ofprayer):

«OAllah.ForgivemeforthatwhichIexpediteandforthatwhichIdefer,forthatwhichIconcealandforthatwhichIreveal,forthatwhereItransgress,andalsoforthatsinofminewhereofYouarebetterawarethan I.You are theExpediter, andYou are theDeferrer. There is noneworthy ofworship butYou.»(BukhariandMuslim)

AbuMoosâal-‘Ash‘ari(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)reported,ontheauthorityofhisfather,thatAllah’sMessenger(bpuh)usedtosupplicateinthesewords:

«OAllah, forgivememy faults,my ignorance,my immoderation inmy concerns.AndYou are betteraware (of my affairs) than myself. O Allah, grant me forgiveness (for the faults which I committed)seriouslyorotherwise(andwhichIcommittedinadvertentlyanddeliberately).Allthese(failings)areinme.OAllah,grantmeforgivenessfromthefaultwhichIdidinhasteordeferred,whichIcommittedin

privacy or in public, andYou are better aware of (them) thanmyself.You are theExpediter and theDeferrer,andoverallthingsYouareOmnipotent.»(BukhariandMuslim)

Ibn‘Abbâs(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthatwhentheProphet(bpuh)gotupatnighttooffertahajjudprayer,heusedtosay:

«OAllah!Allthepraisesareforyou.YouaretheHolderoftheheavensandtheearthandwhateverisinthem.AllthepraisesareforYou;Youhavethepossessionoftheheavensandtheearthandwhateverisinthem.AllthepraisesareforYou;YouaretheLightoftheheavensandtheearth,andallthepraisesareforYou;YouaretheSovereignoftheheavensandtheearth.AllthepraisesareforYou;YouaretheTruth,andYourPromiseisthetruth,andtomeetYouistrue.YourWordisthetruth,andparadiseistrue,andhellistrue,andalltheprophets(peacebeuponthem)aretrue.Muhammad(bpuh)istrue,andtheDayofResurrection is true.OAllah! I surrender (mywill) toYou. I believe inYou and depend onYou andrepenttoYou.WithYourhelp,Iargue(withmyopponents,thenon-believers),andItakeYouasajudge(to judge between us). Please forgive me my previous and future sins and whatever I concealed orrevealed.YouaretheExpediterandtheDeferrer.Thereisnonetobeworshippedbutyou.»(Bukhari)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)hastensorspeedswhatHewills.HeputsforwardandfavourswhomsoeverHewillsfromHiscreation.

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheExpediterimplantsintheheartsofMuslimsasenseofsatisfactionwithAllah’swill.TheyarecontentwiththepositionsinlifethatAllahhasgiventhem.Theycontinuetostrive to reach their goals, at the same time understanding thatAllah (theExalted) is in control of alleventsinlife,andthatHeistheExpediter.

Supplication

Asmentionedinthehadithsabove.

106.Al-Muqâllibul-Quloob:TheOneWhoTurnsHearts

ProoffromtheSunnah:

Narrated‘Abdullâh(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim):

«When takinganoath, theProphet (bpuh)veryoftenused tosay:No,by theOneWho turnshearts.»(Bukhari)

«‘Abdullâh ibn ‘Amr ibn al-‘Âṣ (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that he heard Allah’sMessenger(bpuh)say:Verily,theheartsofallthesonsofAdamarebetweenthetwofingersoutofthefingersoftheCompassionateLordasoneheart.Heturnsthattoany(direction)Helikes.

Then Allah’s Messenger (bpuh) said: O Allah, theOneWho turns hearts, turn our hearts to Yourobedience.»(Muslim,at-TirmidhiandAḥmad)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)turnstheheartseithertoHimandIslamorawayfromHimandIslam,soweaskAllah(theExalted)toturnourheartstowardHim.He(theExalted)says:

{AndWewillturnawaytheirheartsandtheireyesjustastheyrefusedtobelieveinit[therevelation]thefirsttime.AndWewillleavethemintheirtransgression,wanderingblindly.}

(Qur’an6:110)

Al-Qurṭubistated,“TheUmmahhasagreedthatAllahhasdescribedHimselfwithsealingandclosing

theheartsofthedisbelievers,asapunishmentfortheirdisbelief.”155

AbuHurayrah(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)relatedthattheProphet(bpuh)said:

«Whenabelieversins,thereisablackspotonhisheart,andifherepentsandaskspardon,hisheartispolished.But ifhesinsmore, it increasesuntil itgainsascendancyoverhisheart.That is thecoveringmentionedbyAllahtheMostHigh:

{No!Rather, the stain has covered their heartsof thatwhich theywere earning.} (Qur’an 83:14)» (areliablehadithrecordedbyat-TirmidhiandIbnMâjah)

Aṭ-Ṭabarirecordedthisreportbyal-A‘mash:

Mujâhid showedusbyusinghishand and said, “Our companions considered theheart like this” -meaningthepalmofthehand-“Whentheservantcommitsasin,apartofitisclosedup”-andhedemonstratedbycurlinguphislittlefingerlikethis-“andwhenhecommitsasinitisclosedup”-andhedemonstratedbycurlingupanotherfinger-“andwhenhecommitsasinitisclosedup”-andhedemonstratedbycurlingupanotherfingerlikethis,untilhehadcurledupallhisfingers.Hesaid,

“Thenitisimpressedwithaseal.”156

Application

StayingawayfromsinsisvitalbecauseAllah(theExalted)istheOneWhoturnsthehearts.BelieversdonotwantAllah to turn theirhearts away fromIslam, so theynotonlyobeyAllah’scommandsbut alsosupplicatetoAllahtokeeptheirheartsfirmuponfaith.

107.Al-Mus‘ir:ThePrice-Setter

ProoffromtheSunnah:

AnasibnMâlik(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narrated:

«PricesincreasedgreatlyduringthelifetimeoftheMessengerofAllah(bpuh),andsothepeoplesaid:OMessengerofAllah!Priceshavebecomeveryhigh,sosetthemforus.He(bpuh)said:Verily,itisAllahWhosetstheprices,theConstrictor,theMunificent,theProvider.IndeedIhopetomeetmyLordwithoutanyoneofyouholdingagainstmeanyactofinjusticewithrespecttobloodorwealth.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyAbuDâwood,at-TirmidhiandIbnMâjah)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)istheOneWhosetstheprices.Hesetstheconditionsandisincompletecontrolofeverythingthatoccurs.

Application

Knowing thatAllah (theExalted) is the Price-Setter settles the hearts ofHis servants as they becomeawareofAllah’scompletecontrolofcircumstances.Theyaregrateful toHimforwhatever sustenancethatHehasgiventhem,understandingthatitisAllah(theExalted)Whogiveswealthandcontrolsprices.Iftheyareinneed,theyseekhelpfromAllah,thegiverofwealthandsustenance;thus,theyaresatisfiedwithwhatAllah(theExalted)haswilled,includingrisingpricesandpricesthatgodown.

108.Al-Mu‘ṭee:TheGiver

ProoffromtheSunnah:

Mu‘âwiyah(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthatAllah’sMessenger(bpuh)said:

«IfAllah(theExalted)wantstodogoodforsomebody,hemakeshimcomprehendthereligion(Islam).Iambutadistributor,andAllahistheGiver.»(Bukhari)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)istheGiverofwealthandknowledge.Heisgenerousandbountiful.HeprovidesforHisservantstheirneeds.Heisthegiverofsecurityandthegiverofpeace.Heisthegiverofsustenanceandthemostmagnanimousgiver.

Application

KnowingthatAllahistheGiverinspiresMuslimstosupplicatetoHim.TheyareawarethatAllah(theExalted) is the onlyOnewho can answer supplications, and that ultimatelyHe is theOnewho givessustenanceandknowledgetowhomHewills.Inaddition,MuslimsaregratefultoAllah(theExalted)fortheamountofwealthandknowledgethatHehasbestoweduponthem.

109.Al-Qâbiḍ:TheConstrictor

ProoffromtheSunnah:

AnasibnMâlik(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narrated:

«PricesincreasedgreatlyduringthelifetimeoftheMessengerofAllah(bpuh),andsothepeoplesaid:OMessengerofAllah!Priceshavebecomeveryhigh,sosetthemforus.

He (bpuh) said:Verily, it isAllahWho sets the prices, theConstrictor, theMunificent, the Provider.IndeedIhopetomeetmyLordwithoutanyoneofyouholdingagainstmeanyactofinjusticewithrespecttobloodorwealth.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyAbuDâwood,at-TirmidhiandIbnMâjah)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)istherestrainerandthewithholder.HetakesandconstrictsthewealthandsustenanceofHiscreationasHewills.

Application

Knowing that Allah (the Exalted) is the Constrictor fills Muslims with awe and fear of Allah. Theyunderstand that they must surrender to Allah in obedience, worship, and supplication, as a means ofseekingAllah’slove.Inthisway,theyseektoavoidhavingtheirsustenanceconstrictedbyAllah.TheyknowthatifAllah(theExalted)holdsbackwealthfromthem,thatitisatestforthem.Beingpatientwithitandstriving tohelp themselves,while turning toAllah, is themanner inwhich to succeed.TheyarealwaysgratefultoAllah(theExalted),eveniftheydonothavemuchmaterially.

110.Ar-Rafeeq:TheGentle

ProoffromtheSunnah:

AbuHurayrah(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthattheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)said:

«Truly,AllahisGentle;HelovesgentlenessandHegives,asaresultofit,whatHedoesnotgiveforharshness.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyAḥmad,AbuDâwoodandIbnMâjah)

‘Â’ishah(MayAllahbepleasedwithher)relatedthattheProphet(bpuh)said:

«Truly,AllahisGentle;Helovesgentlenessinallmatters.»(BukhariandMuslim)

Tafseer

Allah (the Exalted) is kind, compassionate, and gentle. He showers His servants with mercy andforgiveness.Helovesgentlenessandembodieswithperfectionthegreatestgentlenessandbenevolence.

Application

Knowing thatAllah (theExalted) isGentle infusesbelieverswith loveandadmiration forAllah.Theyrecognizethebenefitofkindnessandgentleness,andthustheytrytoapplythesetraitswithintheirownrelationships.

111.As-Sateer:TheOneWhoVeils

ProoffromtheSunnah:

Ya‘lâibnUmayyahnarratedthattheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)said:

«Allah(theExalted)isModestandHeveils.Helovesmodestyandveiling.Therefore,ifanyofyoutakes

abath,lethimveilhimself.»(authenticatedbyal-Albâni)157

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)veilsorcoversHimself.ItisreportedthatHehasaveiloflight.AbuMoosâ(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)reported:

«TheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)wasstandingamongstus,andhetoldusfivethings.Hesaid:VerilytheExaltedandMightyAllahdoesnotsleep,anditdoesnotbefitHimtosleep.Helowersthescaleandliftsit.ThedeedsinthenightaretakenuptoHimbeforethedeedsoftheday,andthedeedsofthedaybeforethedeedsof the night.Hisveil is the light. If hewere towithdraw it (the veil), the splendour ofHiscountenancewouldconsumeHiscreationasfarasHissightreaches.»(Muslim)

Application

Knowing that Allah (the Exalted) is the OneWho Veils humbles Muslims. They are impressed withAllah’smodesty,sotheyseektobehumbleandmodest.FemaleMuslimsareinspiredtofollowAllah’scommandtoveilthemselves,knowingthatAllah(theExalted)HimselfistheOneWhoveils.

112.As-Sayyid:TheMaster

ProoffromtheSunnah:

‘Abdullâhibnash-Shakheernarrated:

«AmancametotheProphet(bpuh)andsaid:YouarethemasterofQuraysh.

TheProphet(bpuh)said:TheMasterisAllah(theExalted).

Themansaid:Youarethebestoftheminspeechandthemostgenerousofthem.

TheProphet(bpuh)said:Letnotanyofyouexaggerateinhisspeech,thenSatanwillnotpullhimalong.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyAbuDâwood)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)istheMaster,whoisperfect.HeistheOnetowhomtheentirecreationturnstosatisfytheirneeds.HeistheMasterofeveryoneandeverything.

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheMastercausesHisservantstofallprostratetoHiminsubmission.TheyrecognizeAllah(theExalted)astheLordandMasterofallthingsandtheonlyOneworthyofbeingworshipped.Thus they turn toAllah by followingHis commands and staying away fromwhatHe hasprohibited.

113.Ash-Shâfy:TheOneWhoCures

ProoffromtheSunnah:

Narrated‘Â’ishah(MayAllahbepleasedwithher):

«WheneverAllah’sMessenger(bpuh)paidavisittoapatient,orapatientwasbroughttohim,heusedtoinvokeAllah,saying:Takeaway thedisease,O theLordof thepeople!Curehim,asYouare theOneWhocures.ThereisnocurebutYours,acurethatleavesnodisease.»(BukhariandMuslim)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)istheOneWhocurespeopleoftheirillnessesandailments.Heisthehealer.Hecuresdiseasesoftheheart,andHecuresillnessesofthesoul.WhensomeonetakesknowledgefromtheQur’anandSunnah,Allahcuresthemfromfalsebeliefs,sinfulness,andingratitudetoAllah.

Ṣuhayb (MayAllah be pleasedwith him) narrated the story of thePeople of theDitch, as told byAllah’sMessenger(bpuh).Itdescribesaboywhowasbeingtrainedtotakeoverastheking’ssorcerer.

Wheneverhewent tobe trainedbytheelderlysorcerer,hestoppedandsatwithamonkfirst.Theboywasconfusedaboutwhetherthesorcererorthemonkwasright,untilAllah(theExalted)senthimasignshowinghim that themonkwas the correct one.Whenhe told themonkwhathadhappened, themonkinformedhimthathewouldbeputontrial,andheaskedtheboynottotelltheauthoritiesabouthim.

«...The boy used to treat the people suffering from congenital blindness, leprosy, vitiligo and otherdiseases.Ablindcourtierofthekingheardabouttheboy.

Hecameandbroughtanumberofgiftsfortheboyandsaid:Allthesegiftsareforyouonconditionthatyoucureme.

Theboysaid:Idonotcureanybody.ItisonlyAllah(Alone)Whocures(people).SoifyoubelieveinAllah,andinvokeAllah,Hewillcureyou.

HethenbelievedinAllah,andAllahcuredhim.Laterthecourtiercametothekingandsatattheplacewhereheusedtositbefore.

Thekingaskedhim:Whohasgivenyoubackyoursight?

Thecourtierreplied:MyLord(Allah).

Thekingasked:HaveyougotanotherlordthanI?

Thecourtieranswered:MyLord—andyourLord—isAllah.

Thekinggotholdofhimandtorturedhimuntilheinformedhimabouttheboy,sotheboywasbrought.Thekingsaidtotheboy:Youngman,hasyour(knowledgeof)sorceryreachedtotheextentthatyoucuretheblind,lepers,vitiligopatientsandsoforth?

Theboyreplied:Idonotcureanybody.ItisonlyAllah(Alone)Whocures.

Thenthekinggotholdofhimandtorturedhimuntiltheboyinformedhimaboutthemonk…»(Muslim)

Thekingkilledthemonkandorderedtheboykilled,buthiscourtierswereunabletokillhim.Finally,thekingdidastheboysuggestedandshotanarrowathimaftersaying,“InthenameofAllah,theLordoftheboy,”andtheboywasthusmartyred.Asaresult,thepeople(whowitnessedthis)allprofessedtheirbeliefinhisLord(Allah),andthekingcommandedthattheybethrownintoditchesandburnedalive.

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheOneWhoCuresencouragesHisservantstoseekhealingandcuresfromAllah. They utilize the known remedies recommended by the Prophet (bpuh), such as adopting abalanced, healthy lifestyle, andmaking use of black seed and honey; andwith the name ofAllah (theExalted) they take them and other natural remedies or medicines. They supplicate to Allah with theauthenticsupplicationstaughtbytheProphet(bpuh)forwhenoneissick,andtheyputtheirfaithinAllah

foracure.

Supplication

Asmentionedinthehadithnarratedby‘Â’ishah(MayAllahbepleasedwithher)above.

114.As-Subbooḥ:ThePerfect

ProoffromtheSunnah:

‘Â’ishah(MayAllahbepleasedwithher)narratedthattheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)usedtosay,whilebowingandprostrating:

«PerfectandPure(Heis),Lordoftheangelsandthespirit(Gabriel).»(Muslim)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)istheexaltedOneandispraisedextensively.“ThemeaningofSubbooḥ is freedom

fromanyimperfection,shortcomingorpartnerandeverythingthatisnotfittingforDivinity.”158

Application

Knowing thatAllah (theExalted) is thePerfect infusesbelieverswith aweand respect for thePerfectLordoftheuniverse.Theybecomeintentlyawareoftheirownimperfectionsandarehumbledasaresult.TheyaresubduedandfilledwithdevotiontoAllah(theExalted),thePerfectOne.

Supplication

Asmentionedinthehadithabove.

115.Aṭ-Ṭayyib:TheGood

ProoffromtheSunnah:

«AbuHurayrah (MayAllah be pleasedwith him) related that theMessenger ofAllah (bpuh) said:Opeople,AllahisGoodandHethereforeacceptsonlythatwhichisgood.AllahcommandedthebelieversasHecommandedtheMessengersbysaying:

{Omessengers,eatthegoodfoodandworkrighteousness.Indeed,I,ofwhatyoudo,amKnowing.}(Qur’an23:51)

AndHesaid:

{Oyouwhohavebelieved,eatfromthegood[lawful]thingswhichWehaveprovidedforyou}(Qur’an2:172)

Hethenmadementionofapersonwho travelswidely,hishairdishevelledandcoveredwithdust.Helifts his hand towards the sky (and thusmakes the supplication:)O Lord,O Lord –while his diet isunlawful,hisdrinkisunlawful,hisclothesareunlawfulandhisnourishmentisunlawful.Howthencanhissupplicationbeaccepted?»(Muslim)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)ispureandgood.Hehasonlyexceptionalqualities;qualitiesofperfection.Heisthemost excellent, superior, bountiful, and virtuous. His lordship is supreme. His attributes and self aremajesticandmarvellous.

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)istheGoodinspiresHisservantstoseekgoodnessintheirlivesthroughtheirspeechanddeeds.Theyeatonlythatwhichislawfulandgood,andtheyworshipAllahaccordingtothebestexample,thatoftheProphetMuhammad(bpuh).TheymakesurethattheirintentionsaregoodandpurelyforthesakeofAllah(theExalted).

116.Al-Witr:TheSingle

ProoffromtheSunnah:

AbuHurayrah(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)relatedthattheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)said:

«Allahhasninety-ninenames,onehundred lessone;whoevermemorizesandcomprehends thementersparadise,andAllahisWitr(one)andloves‘theWitr’(thingsinoddnumbers).»(Bukhari)

‘Ali(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthattheProphetofAllah(bpuh)said:

«AllahisSingle;Heloveswhatisoddinnumber.Therefore,praythewitrprayeratnight,OpeopleoftheQur’an.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyat-TirmidhiandIbnMâjah)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted) is theOne, theOnly, theSingle.Hehasnopartners.Heis theonlydeityworthyofworshipandtheonlycreatorandLordoftheuniverse.

Application

KnowingthatAllah(theExalted)isSinglemotivatesMuslimstodirectalloftheirworshiptoHimalone,Whohasnopartnerorassociate.Theybecomeaware that there isnoneed toseek intermediarieswithAllah,andthatAllah(theExalted)aloneistheOnewhoanswersprayersandhaspoweroverallthings.TheyarepromptedthroughthisknowledgetodevotethemselvestotheSingle,theCreator,theLordoftheworlds.

ChapterEight:TheAttributesofAllah(theExalted)

Asmentioned,Allah(theExalted)hasmanymoreattributesthannames.ThisisbecauseallofHisnamesrefer to attributes that belong to Him, while He possesses many attributes that do not have namesassociatedwith them. Inorder to furthergainknowledgeofAllah (theExalted),and todrawcloser toHim,wewilldiscusssomeofAllah’sattributes.

Foreachattribute,wehavebroughtitsprooffromtheQur’anand/ortheSunnahoftheMessengerofAllah(bpuh).Wehaveincludedsomeexplanation(tafseer)oftheattribute,thenwehaveincorporatedthesignificanceofthisattributetoindividuals-thatis,ameansforthemtorelatethisknowledgewithintheirlives.Wehavegroupedtheattributesaccordingtosimilaritiesamongthem;forsomegroups,thetafseerandthesignificancetotheindividualarementionedatthebeginningofthegroup,sincetheyrelatetoalloftheattributesinthatgroup.Forsomeoftheattributes,wehavealsoincludedauthenticsupplicationsfromtheProphet(bpuh)thatutilizethatattribute.

Wehavechosensixty-twoattributestodiscuss.CertainlyAllah(theExalted)hasmore;however,wedecidedtochoosetheonesthatareinterestingandsignificant,whichhaveauthenticproofs.Also,wedidnotwishtoberepetitivebyincludingmanywithsimilarmeanings.

TheattributesofAllah (theExalted)havebeenarranged in twogroups:attributesofnegation (thatnegateanypossibilityoffaultsandshortcomingsassociatedwithHim)andattributesofaffirmation(thataffirm His great qualities). The attributes of affirmation are further classified into those of essence(referringtotheessenceofHisself)andthoseofaction(referringtoactionsthatHehastheabilitytodo).

AttributesofNegation

NegatingDisbeliever’sClaims

ThisfirstgroupofattributescomprisesnegationsoffalseclaimsaboutAllah(theExalted)thatweremadebythedisbelievers.

1.DoesNotGiveBirth,WasnotBorn

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{Say[OMuhammad(bpuh)]:HeisAllah,[the]One.Allah-uṣ-Ṣamad[theSelf-SufficientMaster,Whomallcreaturesneed;Heneithereatsnordrinks].Hebegetsnot,norwasHebegotten,andthereisnoneco-

equalorcomparableuntoHim.}159

(Qur’an112:1-4)

{They say: Allah has takena son. –Exalted is He [above that which they say]! Rather, to Himbelongswhatever is in the heavens and the earth.All are devoutly obedient toHim,Originator of theheavensandtheearth.WhenHedecreesamatter,Heonlysaystoit:Be!–Anditis.}

(Qur’an2:116-117)

{[Heis]Originatorof theheavensandtheearth.HowcouldHehaveasonwhenHedoesnothaveacompanion[spouse]andHecreatedallthings?AndHeis,ofallthings,Knowing.}

(Qur’an6:101)

{Andtheysay:TheMostMercifulhastaken[forHimself]ason.Youhavedoneanatrociousthing.Theheavensalmostrupturetherefromandtheearthsplitsopenandthemountainscollapseindevastationthatthey attribute to theMostMerciful a son.Andit is not appropriate for theMostMerciful thatHeshouldtakeason.ThereisnooneintheheavensandearthbutthathecomestotheMostMercifulasaservant.Hehasenumeratedthemandcountedthema[full]counting,andallofthemarecomingtoHimontheDayofResurrectionalone.}

(Qur’an19:88-95)

NarrationsoftheProphetMuhammad(bpuh):

AbuHurayrah(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)reportedthattheProphet(bpuh)said:

«Allah(theExalted)says:ThesonofAdamtellsalieaboutMe,thoughhedoesnothavetherighttodoso.Heabusesme,thoughhedoesnothavetherighttodoso.AsforhistellingalieaboutMe,itishissaying that Iwillnot recreatehimas Icreatedhimfor the first time. In fact, the first creationwasnoteasierforMethannewcreation.AsforhisabusingMe,itishissayingthatAllahhasbegottenchildren,whileIamtheOne,theSelf-SufficientMasterWhomallcreaturesneed.Ibegetnot,norwasIbegotten,andthereisnonelikeuntoMe.»(Bukhariandan-Nasâ’i)

AbuMoosâal-‘Ash‘ari(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)saidthattheProphet(bpuh)said:

«NoneismoreforbearingthanAllahwiththeharmfulandannoyingwordsHehears(frompeople).TheyascribechildrentoHim,yetHebestowsuponthemhealthandprovision.»(BukhariandMuslim)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)doesnothaveanychild,parent,orspouse.FarisHeremovedfromhavingasonordaughters,asisascribedtoHimbysomepeople.AllthatisintheheavensandtheearthbelongstoHim.He created everything out of nothing, and He is nothing like His creation. Suggesting that Allah wasbegotten or has begotten is to ascribeweakness to Him and to likenHim toHis creation. Allah (theExalted)ishighabovethat;HeistheonlyLordandCreatorofeverythingthatexists.

Allah(theExalted)respondstotheclaims-bytheChristians,JewsandthepolytheisticArabs-thattheangelsareAllah’sdaughters,andthatJesus(peacebeuponhim)isHisson.Heaccusesthemalloflyingandinvalidatestheirclaimsbysaying:

{toHimbelongswhateverisintheheavensandtheearth}(Qur’an2:116)

The truth is notwhat they claim, because toHimbelongswhat is in the heavens andon the earth,whichHeisfreetodowithasHewills.Achildisaproductoftwoequalentities,butAllah(theExalted)doesnothaveanequal;therefore,Hecannothaveachild.Hismajestyandgreatnessareunique,andthereisnonelikeHim.

Significance

Allah’s not having children and not having been born proves the greatness and lordship ofAllah (theExalted).SinceallthingsbelongtoHim,andHeisgreaterthanamerehumanbeing,HeisthustheonlyOne worthy of being worshipped. Hence, the servants of Allah devote their worship to Allah (theExalted)alone.

Supplication

Thefollowingwasnarratedby‘AbdullâhibnKhubayb:

«Wegrewthirsty,andithadbecomedarkwhilewewerewaitingfortheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)toleadusinprayer.Thenwhenhecameouthetookmebymyhandandsaid:Say.

Thenhewassilent.Hesaidagain:Say.

SoIasked:WhatshouldIsay?

Hesaid:Say:

{Say:HeisAllah,theOne…}(Sooratal-Ikhlâṣ),andthetwochaptersofrefuge(al-Falaqandan-Nâs)at thebeginningoftheeveningandthemorning, threetimes(each).Theywillbesufficientforyoutwotimeseveryday.»(areliablehadithrecordedbyat-Tirmidhiandan-Nasâ’i)

2.NothingEqualorComparabletoHim

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{Say[OMuhammad(bpuh)]:HeisAllah,[the]One.Allah-uṣ-Ṣamad[theSelf-SufficientMaster,Whomallcreaturesneed;Heneithereatsnordrinks].Hebegetsnot,norwasHebegotten,andthereisnoneco-

equalorcomparableuntoHim.}160

(Qur’an112:1-4)

{…ThereisnothinglikeuntoHim,andHeistheHearing,theSeeing.}(Qur’an42:11)

{…DoyouknowofanysimilaritytoHim?}(Qur’an19:65)

Tafseer

Allah (theExalted) isbeyondour total comprehension.He isnothing like anythingwithwhichwearefamiliar.NothingissimilartoHim,andHeisnotlikeHiscreaturesinanywayatall.Heisnot(inanymanifestation)ahumanbeing,asChristiansmakeHimouttobe.HeisgreaterthantheimperfectionofHiscreatures.Heisunique,self-sufficient,andwithoutequal.

Everythingweknoworthatwecanimagineisconfinedtotherealmofsensoryexperience,whereasAllahisbeyondtheconfinesofspaceandtime.HeisnothinglikeanynotionorideaanyonemayhaveofHiminhismind…Heisfreeofalllimitationsandshortcomings…Anyonewhothinksofhisgodasanoldman,orassomeonesittingupinthesky,withasonsittingonhisright,hasnotrecognizedhisLord. Islam appeals to the humanbeing to use his rationality to affirm the non resemblance of the

creator,andwarnsoftheterribleconsequencesforthosewhorefusetodoso.161

Significance

Allah’snotbeinglikethecreationinanywayalsoprovesthatAllah(theExalted)istheonlydeityworthyof worship. It shows His Eminence andMagnificence and illustrates that He is the true Lord of theuniverse.Indeed,hiscreationhasimperfectionsinherently,butAllah(theExalted)hasnoneandisgreaterthanallthings.

NegatingWeakness

ThisgroupofattributesofnegationdescribesweaknessesthatAllah(theExalted)doesnotpossess.FarisHeabovehavingany imperfectionsor shortcomings.The itemsherearecertainweaknesses thatare

specificallymentionedintheQur’anandtheSunnah,butwhichareexplicitlydeniedbyAllah.

Significance

TheseattributesshowthatAllah(theExalted)isperfectandthusworthyofbeingworshipped.Theyfostera sense of awareness in the believers that they cannot hide or escape from Allah, so the believersconsidertheiractionsandmakethempleasingtoAllah(theExalted).

3.DoesNotSleeporBecomeDrowsy

VersefromtheQur’an:

{Allah – there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence. NeitherdrowsinessovertakesHimnorsleep.ToHimbelongswhateverisintheheavensandwhateverisontheearth.Who is it that can intercedewithHimexcept byHis permission?Heknowswhat is [presently]before themandwhatwillbeafter them,and theyencompassnot a thingofHisknowledgeexcept forwhatHewills.HisKursiextendsover theheavensand theearth,and theirpreservation tiresHimnot.AndHeistheMostHigh,theMostGreat.}

(Qur’an2:255)

NarrationoftheProphetMuhammad(bpuh):

AbuMoosâ(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)reported:

«TheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)wasstandingamongstus,andhetoldusfivethings.Hesaid:VerilytheExaltedandMightyAllahdoesnotsleep,anditdoesnotbefitHimtosleep.Helowersthescaleandliftsit.ThedeedsinthenightaretakenuptoHimbeforethedeedsoftheday,andthedeedsofthedaybeforethedeedsofthenight.Hisveilisthelight.IfHeweretowithdrawit(theveil),thesplendourofHiscountenancewouldconsumeHiscreationasfarasHissightreaches.»(Muslim)

Tafseer

AccordingtoIbnKatheer:

Noshortcoming,unawarenessorignoranceevertouchesAllah.Rather,Heisawareof,andcontrolswhat every soul earns, has perfectwatch over everything, nothing escapesHis knowledge, and nosecretmatterissecrettoHim.AmongHisperfectattributes,isthefactthatHeisneveraffectedbyslumber or sleep. Therefore,Allah’s statement indicates that no unawareness due to slumber ever

overtakesAllah.162

4.DoesNotDie

VersefromtheQur’an:

{AndrelyupontheEver-Livingwhodoesnotdie…}(Qur’an25:58)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)isEternal,Ever-Lasting,andEver-Living.HeistheFirstandtheLast.Hehasalwaysexistedandalwayswill.

5.NoWearinessTouchesHim

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{AndWedid certainly create the heavens and earth andwhat is between them in six days, and theretouchedUsnoweariness.}

(Qur’an50:38)

{Do they not see that Allah,Who created the heavens and the earth, andwas not wearied by their

creation,isAbletogivelifetothedead?Yes,HesurelyisAbletodoallthings.}163

(Qur’an46:33)

Tafseer

TheChristiansandJewsmakethefalseclaimthatAllahrestedaftercreatingtheheavensandtheearth.Allah(theExalted)negatestheirclaimwiththeseverses.Nosleep,exhaustion,orwearinesseveraffectsAllah(theExalted).

6.DoesNotDoThingswithoutPurpose

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{ThendidyouthinkthatWecreatedyouuselesslyandthattoUsyouwouldnotbereturned?}(Qur’an23:115)

{AndWedidnotcreatetheheavenandtheearthandthatbetweenthemaimlessly...}(Qur’an38:27)

{AndWedidnotcreatetheheavensandearthandthatbetweentheminplay.}

(Qur’an44:38)

Tafseer

IbnKatheerexplained:

AllahtellsusthatHedidnotcreatethecreaturesinvain;HecreatedthemtoworshipHimAlone,thenHe will gather them on the Day of Gathering and will reward the obedient and punish the

disbelievers.164

Allah(theExalted)alsosays:

{Doesthehumanthinkthathewillbeleftneglected?}(Qur’an75:36)

Leftneglectedmeansleftwithoutbeingcommandedandbidden.ThedisbelieversbelievethatAllahcreatedthemwithnopurpose,sotheytakethislifeasaplaceifenjoyment.Thus,theyhaveattributed

toAllahafault.But,wemustnegatethisfaultfromAllah.165

{Wedidnotcreatetheheavensandearthandwhatisbetweenthemexceptintruthand[for]aspecifiedterm…}

(Qur’an46:3)

‘Exceptintruth’meansnothaphazardlyorinidleplay,butwithajustpurpose.WeknowthepurposeofAllah’screationofhumankind:

{AndIdidnotcreatethejinnandhumankindexcepttoworshipMe.}(Qur’an51:56)

7.DoesNotForget

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{[Gabriel said]:Andwe [angels] descendnot except by the order of yourLord.ToHimbelongs thatbeforeusandthatbehindusandwhatisinbetween.AndneverisyourLordforgetful}

(Qur’an19:64)

{[Moses]said:TheknowledgethereofiswithmyLordinarecord.MyLordneithererrsnorforgets.}(Qur’an20:52)

Tafseer

AccordingtoIbnKatheer’stafseer:

ThismeansthatnothingeludesHimandHedoesnotmissanything,whetheritissmallorgreat.HedoesnotforgetanythingandHisMostExaltedknowledgeisdescribedasencompassingeverything.Blessed be He, the Exalted, the Most Holy and free of any imperfections. The knowledge thatcreatureshavehastwodeficiencies.Thefirstisthatitdoesnotcompletelyencompassanything,andthesecondisthatthecreatureispronetoforgetafterknowing.Therefore,AllahhasdeclaredHimself

abovesuchdeficiencies.166

ItisnecessarytodiscussherethefollowingversesfromtheQur’an:

{Thehypocritemenandhypocritewomenareofoneanother.Theyenjoinwhatiswrongandforbidwhatisrightandclosetheirhands.TheyhaveforgottenAllah,soHehasforgottenthem[accordingly].Indeed,thehypocrites-itistheywhoarethedefiantlydisobedient.}

(Qur’an9:67)

{Anditwillbesaid:TodayWewillforgetyouasyouforgotthemeetingofthisDayofyours,andyourrefugeistheFire,andforyoutherearenohelpers.}

(Qur’an45:34)

Allah(theExalted),asexplained,doesnotforget,sotheseversesdonotrefertoAllah(theExalted)havingamemorylapse.Heisgreaterthanthat.Hewillnotinstantlyforgettheseevilpeople.Rather,themeaningof‘forget’, inthiscase, is toignorethemandthrowthemintotheFire.IbnKatheermentioned

thatthismeans“bytreatingthemasifHehasforgottenthem.”167

8.DoesNotNeedSustenance

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{Say:IsitotherthanAllahIshouldtakeasaprotector,Creatoroftheheavensandtheearth,whileitisHewhofeedsandisnotfed?…}

(Qur’an6:14)

{Idonotwantfromthemanyprovision,nordoIwantthemtofeedMe.Indeed,itisAllahwhoisthe[continual]Provider,thefirmpossessorofstrength.}

(Qur’an51:57-58)

NarrationoftheProphetMuhammad(bpuh):

«AbuHurayrahnarratedthatamanfromtheAnṣâr,fromtheareaofQubâ,invitedtheProphet(bpuh)toeatsomefood,andwewentalongwiththeProphet(bpuh).

WhentheProphet(bpuh)ateandwashedhishands,hesaid:AllpraiseisduetoAllah(theExalted),Whofeedsbutisneverfed.Hebestowedbountyuntous,gaveusguidanceandfedus,gaveussomethingtodrink,coveredournakedness;andforeveryfavourHehasgivenus.AllpraiseisduetoAllah,praisethatshouldnotbeneglected,myLord,allthewhileaffirmingthatwewillneverbeabletodulythankHim;norbeappreciativeenoughofHim,norbefreeofneedingHim.AllthanksandpraisesareduetoAllah,Whofedus the food,gaveus thedrink,coveredournudity,guidedus frommisguidance,gaveussightfromblindness,andhonouredusabovemanyofHiscreatures.AllpraiseisduetoAllah,Lordofallthatexists.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyan-Nasâ’iandal-Ḥâkim)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)doesnoteatorneedtoeat.HesustainsHiscreatureswithoutneedingthem.Heisnotlikehiscreatures,whoneedsustenance.Heisabovesuchweaknesses.

Supplication

Asmentionedinthehadithsabove.

AttributesofAffirmation

AttributesofEssence

Allah’sPhysicalSelf

ThisgroupofattributesreferstopartsofAllah’sphysicalself.

Tafseer

It is necessary to reiterate that Allah (the Exalted) is nothing like His creation. Just because somecreatures have a face or eyes or hands, and so doesAllah, this does notmean thatAllah is likeHiscreation.Allah’s‘face’,‘hands’andsoonarenothinglikethoseofHiscreation.TheyarebefittingofHisMajesty,andwedonotknow‘how’theyare.Wesimplybelievein them- thatAllah(theExalted)hasthem,andthattheyarePerfectandMajestic,entirelysuitableforAllah(theExalted).

Significance

Theknowledgeof theseattributes ismostly informationalonly.With this information, thebelieversareincreased in theirdesire tomeetAllah (theExalted) ingood standingand tobe allowed togazeupon

Him;thereforethebelieversstrivetomaketheirdeedsaccordingtowhatisallowableandgood.

9.Face

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{AndtoAllahbelongs theeastand thewest.Sowhereveryou[might] turn, there is the faceofAllah.Indeed,Allahisall-EncompassingandKnowing.}

(Qur’an2:115)

{AnddonotturnawaythosewhoinvoketheirLord,morningandafternoonseekingHisface...}168

(Qur’an6:52)

{AndtherewillremainthefaceofyourLord,OwnerofMajestyandHonour.}(Qur’an55:27)

{AnddonotinvokewithAllahanotherdeity.ThereisnodeityexceptHim.EverythingwillbedestroyedexceptHisFace.Hisisthejudgement,andtoHimyouwillbereturned.}

(Qur’an28:88)

NarrationoftheProphetMuhammad(bpuh):

Jâbiribn‘Abdullâhnarrated:

«Whenthisverse:

{Say:Heisthe[One]Abletosenduponyouafflictionfromaboveyou…}(Qur’an6:65)

wasrevealed,theProphet(bpuh)said:ItakerefugewithYourface.

Allah(theExalted)revealed:

{...orfrombeneathyourfeet…}(Qur’an6:65).

TheProphet(bpuh)thensaid:IseekrefugewithYourface!

ThenAllahrevealed:

{...ortoconfuseyou[soyoubecome]sects…}(Qur’an6:65).

Onthat,theProphet(bpuh)said:Thisiseasier.»(Bukhari)

Supplication

‘Aṭâ’ibnaṣ-Ṣâ’ib,ontheauthorityofhisfather,narratedthattheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)prayed:

«OAllah,throughYourknowledgeoftheunseenandYourpoweroverthecreation,causemetoliveaslongasYoudeemlifebetterforme,andcausemetodiewhenYoudeemdeathbetterforme.OAllah,IbegofYou(tograntthatImayhave)fearofYouinprivateandinpublic.IbegofYou(tohelpmeutter)therightword(whetherIam)inapleasantmoodorrage.IbegofYou(tocausemetoadopt)moderationinpovertyandaffluence.IbegofYouadelightthatshallnotend,andacoolnessoftheeyethatshallnotbe cut off; also a feeling of satisfaction (onmy part) when it is decreed (by You). I beg of You thetranquillityoflifeafterdeath.IbegofYoutheblissofbeholdingYourFace,andayearningtomeetYou,withoutdistressinghardshipormisleadingtrial.OAllah,adornuswiththeornamentoffaith,andmakeusrighteousguides,andtherightlyguided.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyan-Nasâ’iandal-Ḥâkim)

10.Eyes

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{AndconstructtheshipunderOureyesandwithOurInspiration,andaddressMenotonbehalfofthose

whodidwrong;theyaresurelytobedrowned.}169

(Qur’an11:37)

{Andbepatient,[OMuhammad],forthedecisionofyourLord,forindeed,youareinOureyes[Allah’ssight].Andexalt[Allah]withpraiseofyourLordwhenyouarise.}

(Qur’an52:48)

{AndWecarriedhimona(ship)madeofplanksandnails, floatingunderOureyes,a rewardforhim

whohadbeenrejected!}170

(Qur’an54:13-14)

{[Saying];Casthimintothechestandcastitintotheriver,andtheriverwillthrowitontothebank;therewill takehimanenemy toMeandanenemy tohim.And Ibestoweduponyou love fromMe thatyouwouldbebroughtupunderMyeye[meaningHisobservationandcare].}

(Qur’an20:39)

NarrationoftheProphetMuhammad(bpuh):

Ibn‘UmarrelatedthattheProphet(bpuh)saidabouttheDajjâl(Antichrist):

«Youshouldknowthatheisone-eyed,andAllahisnotone-eyed.»(BukhariandMuslim)

11.Hands

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{…Indeed, [all] bounty is in the hand of Allah - He grants it to whom He wills. And Allah is all-EncompassingandWise}

(Qur’an3:73)

{AndtheJewssay:ThehandofAllahischained.Chainedaretheirhands,andcursedaretheyforwhattheysay!Rather,bothHishandsareextended;HespendshoweverHewills...}

(Qur’an5:64)

{SoexaltedisHeinwhosehandistherealmofallthings,andtoHimyouwillbereturned.}(Qur’an36:83)

{[Allah] said:O Iblees,what prevented you fromprostrating to thatwhich I createdwithMyhands?Wereyouarrogant[then],orwereyou[already]amongthehaughty?}

(Qur’an38:75)

{DotheynotseethatWehavecreatedforthemfromwhatOurhandshavemade,grazinglivestock,and[then]theyaretheirowners?}

(Qur’an36:71)

NarrationsoftheProphetMuhammad(bpuh):

‘Umar(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthattheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)said:

«ThefirstthingthatAllahtheExaltedcreatedwasthepen,andHetookitwithHisrighthand,andboth

Hishandsareright.»171

Ibn‘Umar(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthatAllah’sMessenger(bpuh)said:

«OntheDayofResurrection,Allah(theExalted)willgraspthewholeEarthwithHishand,andalltheheavensinHisright(hand),andthenHewillsay:IamtheSovereign.»(Bukhari)

Anas(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthattheProphet(bpuh)said:

«The believers will gather together on the Day of Resurrection and will say: Should we not ask(someone)tointercedeforuswithourLord?

SotheywillcometoAdamandwillsay:Youare thefatherofhumankind.AllahcreatedyouwithHishandandHemadeHisangelsbowdowntoyouandHetaughtyouthenamesofeverything…»(Bukhari,Muslim,at-TirmidhiandIbnMâjah)

AbuHurayrah(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)related:

«Allah’sMessenger(bpuh)said:Allahsays:Spend,andIshallspendonyou.

He(bpuh)alsosaid:Allah’shandisfull,and(itsfullness)isnotaffectedby(His)continuousspendingnightandday.

He (bpuh) also said: Do you see what He has spent since He created the heavens and the earth?Nevertheless,whatisinHishandisnotdecreased,andHisThronewasoverthewater,andinHishandthereisthebalance(ofjustice)wherebyHeraisesandlowers(people).»(Bukhari)

Supplication

Onenteringamarketplaceoneshouldsay:

«None has the right to be worshipped but Allah (the Exalted) alone,Who has no partner. His is thedominionandHisisthepraise.HebringslifeandHecausesdeath,andHeistheEver-Livinganddoesnotdie.InHishandisallgood,andHeisAll-Powerfuloverallthings.»(areliablehadithrecordedbyAḥmad)

12.Fingers

NarrationoftheProphetMuhammad(bpuh):

‘Abdullâhibn‘Amribnal-‘ÂṣreportedthatheheardAllah’sMessenger(bpuh)saying:

«Verily,theheartsofallthesonsofAdamarebetweentwoofthefingersoftheCompassionateLordasoneheart.Heturnsthattoany(direction)Helikes.»(Muslim)

13.Feet

NarrationoftheProphetMuhammad(bpuh):

«AbuHurayrah(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthattheProphet(bpuh)said:

{OntheDayWewillsaytohell:Haveyoubeenfilled?–anditwillrespond:Arethereanymore?}(Qur’an50:30)

OnthattheLordwillputHisFootoverit,anditwillsay:Enough!Enough!»(Bukhari)

14.Shin

VersefromtheQur’an:

{TheDaytheshinwillbeuncoveredandtheyareinvitedtoprostrationbutthey[thedisbelievers]willnotbeableto}

(Qur’an68:42)

NarrationoftheProphetMuhammad(bpuh):

ItwasnarratedbyAbuSa‘eedal-Khudri(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)thattheProphet(bpuh)said,referringtotheeventsontheDayofResurrection:

«ThentheAlmighty(theExalted)willcometotheminashapeotherthantheonewhichtheysawthefirsttime,andHewillsay:IamyourLord.

Theywillsay:YouarenotourLord.

NonewillspeaktoHimthenbuttheprophets,andthenitwillbesaidtothem:DoyouknowanysignbywhichyoucanrecognizeHim?

Theywillsay:Theshin.

SoAllahwillthenuncoverHisshin,whereuponeverybelieverwillprostratebeforeHim,andtherewillremain those who used to prostrate before Him just for showing off and for gaining good reputation.Thesepeoplewilltrytoprostrate,buttheirbackswillberigidlikeonepieceofwood,andtheywillnotbeabletoprostrate.

Thenthebridgewillbebroughtlaidacrosshell.»(Bukhari)

EminenceandMajesty

ThisgroupofattributesisrelatedtoAllah’sMajesty,Honour,andEminence.

15.OwnerofMajestyandHonour(Dhul-Jalâliwal-Ikrâm)

VersefromtheQur’an:

{BlessedisthenameofyourLord,OwnerofMajestyandHonour.}(Qur’an55:78)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)isthemajesticandmostdeservingofhonour.IbnKatheercommented:

AllahstatesthatHeisWorthyofbeinghonouredandalwaysobeyed,reveredandthusworshipped,appreciated and never unappreciated, and remembered and never forgotten. ‘Abdullâh ibn ‘Abbas

saidthatDhil-Jalâlwal-IkrâmmeanstheOwnerofgreatnessandpride.172

Significance

Thisattributeillustrateshowgreat,magnificentandhonourableAllah(theExalted)is.HeisthereforetheonlyOneworthyofbeingworshipped.Itwouldnotmakesensetoworshiponethatdoesnotpossesstheattributesofmajestyandhonour,andAllah(theExalted) is theonlyOnewhopossessesthesequalitieswiththeutmostperfection.

Supplication

Thawbân narrated that the Messenger of Allah (bpuh), on completing his prayer, would beg Allah’sforgivenessthreetimes.Thenhewouldsupplicate:

«OAllah, You are the Source of Peace and Perfection, and fromYou is peace. Blessed are You,OOwnerofMajestyandHonour.»(Muslim)

Supplicationtobesaidattheendoftheprayer,beforethetasleem:

«OAllah,IaskYou,asYouaretheOwnerofpraise,thereisnoneworthyofworshipbutYoualone,Youhavenopartner.YouaretheBenefactor.OOriginatoroftheheavensandtheearth,OwnerofMajestyandHonour.OEver-LivingandSustainerofallExistence, IaskyouforparadiseandIseekrefuge inYoufromthefire.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyAbuDâwoodandan-Nasâ’i)

16.Eminence,Honour(‘Izzah)

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{Theysay: Ifwe return toal-Madinah, themorehonoured [forpower]will surelyexpel therefrom themore humble.And toAllah belongs [all]honour, and toHisMessenger, and to the believers, but thehypocritesdonotknow.}

(Qur’an63:8)

{Glorified be your Lord, the Lord ofHonour and Power! (He is free) fromwhat they attribute unto

Him!}173

(Qur’an37:180)

NarrationsoftheProphetMuhammad(bpuh):

Anas(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)reportedthattheProphet(bpuh)said:

«Thepeoplewillbethrownintohellfireanditwillkeeponsaying:Arethereanymore?–UntiltheLordoftheworldsputsHisFootoverit,whereuponitsedgeswillcomeclosetoeachother,anditwillsay:Enough,enough!ByYourEminenceandYourGenerosity!

Paradise will remain spacious enough to accommodate more people until Allah creates some morepeopleandletsthemdwellinthesuperfluousspaceofparadise.»(Bukhari)

AbuHurayrah(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthattheProphet(bpuh)said,inalonghadithdescribingtheDayofJudgement:

«…ThenwhenAllah has finished judging amonghis creatures, onemanwill be left betweenhell andparadise,andhewillbethelastmanfromthepeopleofhelltoenterparadise.Hewillbefacinghellandwillsay:OAllah!Turnmyfacefromthefire,asitswindhasdriedmeanditssteamhasburntme.

Allahwillaskhim:Willyouaskforanythingmoreifthisfavourisgrantedtoyou?

Hewillsay:No,byYourEminence!AndhewillgivetohisLordwhathewillofpledgesandcovenants.

Allahwillthenturnhisfacefromthefire…»(Bukhari)

Tafseer

‘Izzahmeans eminence,orhonour, power,might andglory. IbnKatheer explained that thismeans “the

OwnerofmightandpowerWhomnonecanresist.”174

Significance

It isnecessary toknowthat theLordofall things iseminent,glorified,andhonourable.This ispartofwhatmakesAllah(theExalted)sogreatanddeservingofourworshipanddedication.

Supplication

Ibn‘Abbâs(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthattheProphet(bpuh)usedtosay:

«Iseekrefuge(withYou)byYourEminence.NonehastherighttobeworshippedbutYouWhodonotdie,whilethejinnandhumanbeingsdie.»(Bukhari)

IbnMas‘oodandIbn‘Umar(mayAllahbepleasedwiththemboth)usedtosaybetweenthehillsofṢafâ andMarwah, “Lord ofmine! Pardon and havemercy!You are theMostPowerful and theMostGenerous!”(anauthenticstatementrecordedbyal-Bayhaqi)

AbuHurayrah(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthattheProphet(bpuh)said:

«WhentheProphetJob(pbuh)wastakingabathnaked,goldenlocustsbegantofallonhim.Jobstartedcollectingtheminhisclothes.

HisLordaddressedhim:OJob!HaveInotgivenyouenoughsothatyouarenotinneedofthem?

Jobreplied:Yes!ByYourEminence!ButIcannotdispensewithYourBlessings.»(Bukhari)

17.Jealousy,SenseofHonour(Gheerah)

NarrationsoftheProphetMuhammad(bpuh):

Narratedal-Mugheerah:

«Sa‘dibn‘Ubâdah(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)said:IfIsawamanwithmywife,Iwouldstrikehim(beheadhim)withthebladeofmysword.

This news reached Allah’s Messenger (bpuh), who then said: You people are astonished at Sa‘d’sgheerah(jealousy,senseofhonour).ByAllah,Ihavemoregheerahthanhe,andAllah(theExalted)hasmoregheerahthanI,andbecauseofAllah’sgheerah,Hehasoutlawedshamefuldeedsandsinsdoneinopenandinsecret.AndthereisnonewholikesthatthepeopleshouldrepenttoHimandbegHispardonmorethanAllah(theExalted),andforthisreason,Hesentwarnersandgiversofgoodnews.AndthereisnonewholikestobepraisedmorethanAllahdoes,andforthisreason,Allahpromisedtograntparadise(tothedoersofgood).»(Bukhari)

‘AbdullâhibnMas‘ood(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthattheProphet(bpuh)said:

«ThereisnonehavingagreatersenseofgheerahthanAllah(theExalted).»(Bukhari)

‘Â’ishah(MayAllahbepleasedwithher)narratedthattheProphet(bpuh)said:

«OfollowersofMuhammad!ThereisnonewhohasmoregheerahthanAllah,soHehasforbiddenthatHisslaves,maleorfemale,commitadultery.OfollowersofMuhammad!IfyouknewthatwhichIknow,youwouldlaughlittleandweepmuch.»(Bukhari,MuslimandMâlik)

Tafseer

Gheerah is translated as jealousy and sense of honour,with themeaning of intolerant of disloyalty. Itmeansafeelingofangerwhenone’shonourandprestigeisabused.RegardingAllah(theExalted),itisHis dislike of sins andHis angerwhen someone transgressesHis prohibitions orwhenHis honour ischallenged.

Significance

The fact thatnonehasmoregheerah thanAllah (theExalted) showshowserious it is tocommita sin.ThosewhobelieveinAllaharesubduedbytheknowledgeofAllah’sgheerah.TheyareinspiredtofeelthesamewayregardingdisobediencetoAllah.

18.HisThrone(‘Arsh)andChairorFootstool(Kursi)

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{Indeed,yourLordisAllah,whocreatedtheheavensandearthinsixdaysandthenestablishedHimselfabovetheThrone...}

(Qur’an7:54)

{Ownerofthethrone,theGlorious}175

(Qur’an85:15)

{…HisKursiextendsovertheheavensandtheearth,andtheirpreservationtiresHimnot.AndHeistheMostHigh,theMostGreat.}

(Qur’an2:255)

NarrationoftheProphetMuhammad(bpuh):

TheProphet(bpuh)said:

«TheKursicomparedtotheThrone(‘Arsh)isasaringthrownoutupontheopenspaceofadesert.»176

Tafseer

ThefactthatAllah(theExalted)possessesathroneandloftychairorfootstoolillustrateshownobleandmajesticAllahis.TheyareasignofHisLordshipandSovereignty.Allah(theExalted)istheKingofallkings,theKingofthedominion,theSovereignofeverythingandeveryone,HighandEminent.

IbnKatheernoted,“TheThroneismentionedbecauseitisthehighestpointofallcreation,anditis

describedasKarim,meaningbeautifulinappearanceandsplendidinform.”177

Allah (the Exalted) by no means needs a throne or chair, as He does not have any needs orshortcomingsatall.HeisMightyandGlorious.

Significance

Allah’sownershipofthethroneandchairproducesaweandundividedloyaltytoAllah(theExalted)inthe heart of Muslims. They contemplate and reflect on Allah’s Sovereignty and Majesty and are

overwhelmed with devotion to Allah (the Exalted). They show that devotion through their prayers,supplicationanddeeds.

Supplication

‘Ali(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)reportedthattheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)said:

«WhosoeveraftereveryprayerrecitesÂyatal-Kursi:

{Allah - there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence. NeitherdrowsinessovertakesHimnorsleep.ToHimbelongswhateverisintheheavensandwhateverisontheearth.Who is it that can intercedewithHimexcept byHispermission?Heknowswhat is [presently]before themandwhatwillbeafter them,and theyencompassnot a thingofHisknowledgeexcept forwhatHewills.HisKursiextendsovertheheavensandtheearth,andtheirpreservationdoesnottireHim.AndHeistheMostHigh,theMostGreat}

(Qur’an2:255)–

noneshallpreventhimfromenteringtheGardensavedeath.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyaṭ-Ṭabarâni)

«AbuHurayrah (MayAllah be pleasedwith him) said thatAllah’sMessenger (bpuh) ordered him toguardthezakâtrevenueofRamadan.Thensomebodycametohimandstartedstealingfromthefoodstuff.

Hecaughthimandsaid:IwilltakeyoutoAllah’sMessenger.ThenAbuHurayrahdescribedthewholenarrationandsaid:Thatpersonsaid(tome):PleasedonottakemetoAllah’sMessengerandIwilltellyouafewwordsbywhichAllahwillbenefityou.Whenyougotoyourbed,reciteÂyatal-Kursi:

{Allah – there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence. NeitherdrowsinessovertakesHimnorsleep.ToHimbelongswhateverisintheheavensandwhateverisontheearth.Who is it that can intercedewithHimexcept byHispermission?Heknowswhat is [presently]before themandwhatwillbeafter them,and theyencompassnot a thingofHisknowledgeexcept forwhatHewills.HisKursiextendsovertheheavensandtheearth,andtheirpreservationdoesnottireHim.AndHeistheMostHigh,theMostGreat.}

(Qur’an2:255)–

forthentherewillbeaguardfromAllahwhowillprotectyouallnightlong,andSatanwillnotbeabletocomenearyouuntildawn.

(When theProphet heard the story), he said (tome):He (whocame toyou at night) toldyou the truthalthoughheisaliar;anditwasSatan.»(Bukhari)

AttributesofAction

TheBestoftheBest

The followinggroupof attributes illustrates theultimate greatness ofAllah (theExalted).They furthershow how He is the best in these characteristics. Most of them are related to Allah’s names, so areferencetotherelatednameornamesisgiven.

19.MostJustofJudges(Aḥkamul-Ḥâkimeen)

VersefromtheQur’an:

{AndNoah called to his Lord and said:My Lord, indeedmy son is ofmy family; and indeed, Yourpromiseistrue;andYouarethemostjustofjudges!}

(Qur’an11:45)

SeethenamesAl-ḤakamandAl-Ḥakeem.

20.BestofThoseWhoGiveDecision(Khayrul-Fâtiḥeen)

VersefromtheQur’an:

{Saidtheeminentoneswhowerearrogantamonghispeople:Wewillsurelyevictyou,OShu‘ayb,andthosewhohavebelievedwithyoufromourcity,oryoumustreturntoourreligion.Hesaid:Evenifwewereunwilling?WewouldhaveinventedagainstAllahalieifwereturnedtoyourreligionafterAllahhadsavedusfromit.AnditisnotforustoreturntoitexceptthatAllah,ourLord,shouldwill.OurLordhasencompassedallthingsinknowledge.UponAllahwehaverelied.OurLord,decidebetweenusandourpeopleintruth,andYouarethebestofthosewhogivedecision.}

(Qur’an7:88-89)

SeethenameAl-Fattâḥ.

21.BestofInheritors(Khayrul-Wâritheen)

VersefromtheQur’an:

{And[mention]Zachariah,whenhecalledtohisLord:MyLord,donotleavemealone[withnoheir],whileyouarethebestofinheritors.}

(Qur’an21:89)

SeethenameAl-Wârith.

22.BestofProviders(Khayrur-Râziqeen)

VersefromtheQur’an:

{SaidJesus, thesonofMary:OAllah,ourLord,senddowntousa table[spreadwithfood]fromtheheaventobeforusafestivalforthefirstofusandthelastofusandasignfromYou.Andprovideforus,andYouarethebestofproviders.}

(Qur’an5:114)

SeethenameAr-Razzâq.

23.MostMercifuloftheMerciful(Arḥamur-Râḥimeen)

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{[Moses]said:MyLord,forgivemeandmybrotherandadmitusintoYourmercy,forYouaretheMostMercifulofthemerciful.}

(Qur’an7:151)

{And[mention]Job,whenhecalledtohisLord:Indeed,adversityhastouchedme,andyouaretheMostMercifulofthemerciful.}

(Qur’an21:83)

SeethenamesAr-RaḥmânandAr-Raḥeem.

24.BestofCreators(Aḥsanul-Khâliqeen)

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{When he said to his people:Will you not fearAllah?Do you call uponBaal and leave thebest ofcreators:Allah,yourLordandtheLordofyourfirstforefathers?}

(Qur’an37:124-126)

{ThenWemadethesperm-dropintoaclingingclot,andWemadetheclotintoalump[offlesh],andWemade[from]thelump,bones,andWecoveredtheboneswithflesh;thenWedevelopedhimintoanothercreation.SoblessedisAllah,thebestofcreators.}

(Qur’an23:14)

SeethenamesAl-KhâliqandAl-Khallâq.

25.BestofBestowers(Khayrul-Mu‘ṭeen)

NarrationoftheProphetMuhammad(bpuh):

SeethenameAl-Mu‘ṭee.

26.BesttoAccommodate(Khayrul-Munzileen)

VersefromtheQur’an:

{Andsay:MyLord,letmelandatablessedlandingplace,andYouarethebesttoaccommodate[us].}(Qur’an23:29)

Tafseer

ThisversereferstothestoryofNoah(pbuh)andtheshipthathebuiltwhenAllah(theExalted)savedhimandthebelieversfromthedisbelievers.Thewholeearthwasflooded,soNoahinvokedhisLordatthebeginningandattheendofhisjourneyontheship,foritisAllah(theExalted)Whoisincontrolofallevents. He is the OneWho guided the ship to land at a good place. All that happens, including themovementoftheseas,areunderthecommandofAllah.

Significance

This attribute shows the ultimate power and control that Allah (the Exalted) has over all things. Theknowledge of this attribute leads the believers to put their trust in Allah. It puts their hearts at restknowingthatAllah(theExalted)isincontrolofallthings.

ShowingMercy

ThisgroupofattributeshasincommonAllah’smercy.TheyallshowhowmercifulAllah(theExalted)is,inonewayoranother.

27.PatienceandForbearance

NarrationoftheProphetMuhammad(bpuh):

AbuMoosâal-‘Ash‘ari(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthattheProphet(bpuh)said:

«NoneismoreforbearingthanAllahagainsttheharmfulandannoyingwordsHehears(fromthepeople).TheyascribechildrentoHim,yetHebestowsuponthemhealthandprovision.»(BukhariandMuslim)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)istolerant,benevolentandpatient.HeismercifulwiththedisbelieverseventhoughtheyblasphemeHim.

Significance

ThisillustrateshowextremelymercifulandgenerousAllah(theExalted)is.Eveninthefaceofdisbelief,Heisforbearingandbestowsprovision.Thebelieversrecognizethebenefitofsuchacharacteristicandimplementpatienceandforbearancewithintheirownlives.

28.Likes,IsPleased

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{…Andifyouaregrateful,Heapproves[likes]itforyou…}(Qur’an39:7)

{TheirrewardwithAllahwillbegardensofperpetualresidencebeneathwhichriversflow,whereintheywillabideforever,AllahbeingpleasedwiththemandtheywithHim.ThatisforwhoeverhasfearedhisLord.}

(Qur’an98:8)

{That is because they followed what angered Allah and disliked [what earns] His pleasure, so Herenderedworthlesstheirdeeds.}

(Qur’an47:28)

{CertainlywasAllahpleasedwiththebelieverswhentheypledgedallegiancetoyou,[OMuhammad],under the tree, and He knew what was in their hearts, so He sent down tranquillity upon them andrewardedthemwithanimminentconquest}

(Qur’an48:18)

NarrationsoftheProphetMuhammad(bpuh):

‘Â’ishah(MayAllahbepleasedwithher)reported:

«Allah’sMessenger(bpuh)said:HewholovestomeetAllah(theExalted),Allahlovestomeethim,andhewhodislikestomeetAllah,Allahdislikestomeethim.

I(‘Â’ishah)said:Allah’sMessenger,asfarasthefeelingofaversionagainstdeathisconcerned,weallhavethisfeeling.

Thereuponhe(thenobleProphet[SA])said:Itisnotthat(whichyouconstrue),butthatwhenabeliever(at the timeofdeath) isgiven theglad tidingsof themercyofAllah,Hispleasure,andofparadise,he

loves tomeetAllah, andAllah also loves tomeet him.When an unbeliever is given the news of thetormentat thehandofAllah,andhardshiptobeimposedbyHim,hedislikes tomeetAllah,andAllahalsodislikestomeethim.»(Muslim)

Anas(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)relatedthattheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)said,describinghisintercessionontheDayofResurrection:

«...Sotheywillcometome,andIshallsetforthtoaskpermissiontocometomyLord,andpermissionwillbegiven,andwhenIshallseemyLordIshallprostratemyself.HewillleavemethusforsuchtimeasitpleasesHim...»(Bukhari,Muslim,at-TirmidhiandIbnMâjah)

Tafseer

IbnKatheercommented,“He[Allah]likesthis[gratitude]foryouandHewillincreaseHisfavourupon

you.”178 He also noted, “The condition of Him being pleased with them [the believers] is more

illustriousthanalloftheeverlastingdelightsthattheywillbegiven[inparadise].”179

Significance

ThebelievershopetobeamongthosewithwhomAllah(theExalted)ispleased,sotheystrivetofollowHiscommandsandtostayawayfromHisprohibitions.

29.SendsRevelation

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{And recite, [OMuhammad], what has been revealed to you of the Book of your Lord. There is nochangerofHiswords,andneverwillyoufindinotherthanHimarefuge.}

(Qur’an18:27)

{AndthisisaBookwhichWehavesentdown,blessedandconfirmingwhatwasbeforeit,thatyoumaywarntheMotherofCities[Makkah]andthosearoundit.ThosewhobelieveintheHereafterbelieveinit,andtheyaremaintainingtheirprayers.}

(Qur’an6:92)

{Andthis[Qur’an]isaBookWehaverevealed[whichis]blessed,sofollowitandfearAllahthatyoumayreceivemercy.}

(Qur’an6:155)

{IfWehadsentdown thisQur’anuponamountain,youwouldhaveseenithumbledandcomingapartfromfearofAllah.AndtheseexamplesWepresenttothepeoplethatperhapstheywillgivethought.}

(Qur’an59:21)

{AndwhenWesubstituteaverseinplaceofaverse-andAllahismostknowingofwhatHesendsdown- they say:You, [OMuhammad], arebut an inventor [of lies].Butmostof themdonotknow.Say, [OMuhammad]:ThePureSpirit[Gabriel]hasbroughtitdownfromyourLordintruthtomakefirmthosewhobelieveandasguidanceandgoodtidingstotheMuslims.AndWecertainlyknowthattheysay:Itisonlyahumanbeingwhoteacheshim[theProphet(bpuh)].Thetongueoftheonetheyrefertoisforeign,andthis[recitation,theQur’an]is[in]aclearArabiclanguage.}

(Qur’an16:101-103)

{[Itis]arevelationfromtheLordoftheworlds.}(Qur’an56:80)

Tafseer

IbnKatheerexplained,regardingtherevelation,“HehasmadeitaguideandgoodnewstotheMuslims

who believe in Allah and His Messengers.”180 He also mentioned, regarding the revelation of theQur’an:

Allah encouragesHis servants to followHisBook (theQur’an) and orders them to understand it,adheretoitandcalltoit.Healsodescribesitasbeingblessed,forthosewhofollowandimplement

itinthislifeandtheHereafter,becauseitistheFirmRopeofAllah.181

Significance

ThisisagreatblessingtohumankindthatAllah(theExalted)hasnotleftusinconfusion.Rather,Hesentrevelation to guide us to the straight path, the path that leads to paradise. This is an example of thewonderfulmercyofAllah.ThebelieverstakeheedofthisguidanceandfollowtheQur’anandtheSunnahoftheMessengerofAllah(bpuh).

Supplication

AbuHurayrah (MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narrated that theProphetofAllah (bpuh)wouldpray,whenheretiredtobed:

«OAllah!Lordofthesevenheavens,Lordoftheearth,andLordoftheMagnificentThrone!CleaverofGrainandDateSeeds!RevealeroftheTorahandtheGospelandtheQur’an!IseekrefugeinYoufromtheevilofeveryevildoerwhomYouaretoseizebytheforelock.OAllah,YouaretheFirst;nothinghascomebeforeYou.Youare theLast;nothingmaycomeafterYou.Youare theOutward; there isnothingaboveYou.YouaretheInward;thereisnothingnearerthanYou.Removeourdebtsfromusandenrichusagainstpoverty.»(Muslim,AbuDâwood,at-TirmidhiandIbnMâjah)

ItisnarratedontheauthorityofIbnAbu‘Awfa:

«TheMessenger ofAllah (bpuh) cursed the tribes (who hadmarched uponMadinahwith a combinedforceintheyear5H)andsaid:OAllah,RevealeroftheBook,swiftin(taking)account,putthetribestorout.OLord,defeatthemandshakethem.»(Muslim)

30.AcceptsIntercession

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{Allah – there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence. NeitherdrowsinessovertakesHimnorsleep.ToHimbelongswhateverisintheheavensandwhateverisontheearth.Whois it thatcan intercedewithHimexceptbyHispermission?Heknowswhat is [presently]before themandwhatwillbeafter them,and theyencompassnot a thingofHisknowledgeexcept forwhatHewills.HisKursiextendsover theheavensand theearth,and theirpreservation tiresHimnot.AndHeistheMostHigh,theMostGreat.}

(Qur’an2:255)

{AndintercessiondoesnotbenefitwithHimexceptforonewhomHepermits. [Andthosewait]until,whenterrorisremovedfromtheirhearts,theywillsay[tooneanother]:WhathasyourLordsaid?Theywillsay:Thetruth.AndHeistheMostHigh,theGrand.}

(Qur’an34:23)

{Heknowswhatis[presently]beforethemandwhatwillbeafterthem,andtheycannotintercedeexceptonbehalfofonewhomHeapproves.Andthey,fromfearofHim,areapprehensive.}

(Qur’an21:28)

{Andhowmanyangels thereare in theheavenswhose intercessionwillnotavailatallexcept [only]afterAllahhaspermitted[it]towhomHewillsandapproves.}

(Qur’an53:26)

NarrationsoftheProphetMuhammad(bpuh):

Anas(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthattheProphet(bpuh)said:

«The believers will gather together on the Day of Resurrection and will say: Should we not ask(someone)tointercedeforuswithourLord?

SotheywillcometoAdamandwillsay:Youarethefatherofhumankind.Allah(theExalted)createdyouwithHishandandHemadeHisangelsbowdowntoyouandHetaughtyouthenamesofeverything,sointercedeforuswithyourLordsothatHemaygiveusrelieffromthisplacewhereweare.

He(Adam)willsay:Iamnotinaposition(todothat).

Hewillmention hiswrongdoing andwill feel ashamed andwill say:Go toNoah, for he is the firstmessengerthatAllahsenttotheinhabitantsoftheearth.

Sotheywillcometohim,andhe(Noah)willsay:Iamnotinaposition(todothat).

HewillmentionhishavingrequestedsomethingofhisLordaboutwhichhehadnotknowledge,andhewillfeelashamedandwillsay:Gototheclosefriend(khaleel)oftheMerciful(Abraham).

Sotheywillcometohimandhe(Abraham)willsay:Iamnotinaposition(todothat).GotoMoses,aservanttowhomAllahspokeandtowhomHegavetheTorah.

Sotheywillcometohimandhe(Moses)willsay:Iamnotinaposition(todothat).

Hewillmentionthetakingofalifeotherthan(inrecompense)foralife(taken),andhewillfeelashamedinthesightofhisLordandwillsay:GotoJesus,Allah’sservantandmessenger,Allah’swordandspirit.

Sotheywillcometohimandhe(Jesus)willsay:Iamnotinaposition(todothat).GotoMuhammad(bpuh),aservanttowhomAllahhasforgivenallhiswrongdoing,pastandfuture.

Sotheywillcometome,andIshallsetforthtoaskpermissiontocometomyLord,andpermissionwillbegiven,andwhenIshallseemyLordIshallprostratemyself.HewillleavemethusforsuchtimeasitpleasesHim,thenitwillbesaid(tome):Raiseyourhead.Askanditwillbegranted.Speakanditwillbeheard.Intercedeandyourintercessionwillbeaccepted.

So I shall raise my head and praise Him with a form of praise that He will teach me. Then I shallintercedeandHewillsetmealimit(astothenumberofpeople),andsoIshallobtaintheiradmissionintoparadise.ThenIshall return toHim,andwhenIshallseemyLord(Ishallbowdown)asbefore.Then I shall intercede andhewill setme a limit (as to the number of people). So I shall obtain theiradmissionintoparadise.ThenIshallreturnforathirdtime,thenafourth,andIshallsay:ThereremaininhellfireonlythosewhomtheQur’anhasconfinedandwhomustbethereforeternity.»(Bukhari,Muslim,at-TirmidhiandIbnMâjah)

AbuDardâ’relatedthattheProphet(bpuh)said:

«The intercession of amartyrwill be accepted for seventymembers of his family.» (a sound hadithrecordedbyAbuDâwood)

«‘Abdullâhibn‘Abbâs(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)reportedthathissondiedinQudaydor‘Usfan.HetoldKuraybtoseehowmanypeoplehadgatheredthereforhisfuneral.

He(Kurayb)said:SoIwentoutandIinformedhimaboutthepeoplewhohadgatheredthere.

He(Ibn‘Abbâs)said:Doyouthinktherearefortyofthem?

He(Kurayb)said:Yes.

Ibn‘Abbâs(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)thensaidtothem:Bringhim(thedeadbody)out,forIhaveheardAllah’sMessenger (bpuh) saying: If anyMuslimdies and fortymenwho associate nothingwithAllah stand over his prayer (they offer prayer over him),Allahwill accept them as intercessors forhim.»(Muslim)

AbuUmâmahsaidthatheheardAllah’sMessenger(bpuh)say:

«RecitetheQur’an,forontheDayofResurrectionitwillcomeasanintercessorforthosewhoreciteit.Recitethetwobrightones,Sooratal-BaqarahandSooratÂl‘Imrân,forontheDayofResurrection,theywillcomeas twocloudsor twoshades,or twoflocksofbirds inranks,pleadingfor thosewhorecitethem.ReciteSooratal-Baqarah,fortotakerecoursetoitisablessingandtogiveitupisacauseofgrief,andthemagicianscannotconfrontit.»(Muslim)

Tafseer

No one can intercede with Allah (the Exalted) except by His permission. Ibn Katheer explained,“BecauseofHismight,majesty,andpride,noonewoulddaretointercedewithHiminanymatter,except

afterbeinggrantedHispermissiontointercede.”182Healsocommented:

IfthisisthecasewiththeangelswhoareclosetoHim[intercessionprofitsthemnotexceptforwhomHe permits – 34:23], how can you…hope forAllah to grant you the intercession of the idols andrivalsyouworshipwithHimwithouthavingHispermissionoranydivinelegislationpermittingyouto worship them? Rather, Allah has forbidden idol worshipping by the tongues of all of His

MessengersandHerevealedthisprohibitioninallofHisbooks.183

Significance

Knowledge of Allah’s intercession is vital to the understanding of the correct worship of Allah (theExalted).ItisnotallowabletoseekintercessionfromonewhodoesnothavetheabilitytointercedewithAllah.IntercessionisonlyallowedafterAllah’spermissionisgranted,andwehavenotbeengrantedthatpermission in this life. The intercession that has been allowed is on the Day of Resurrection for theprophets, the angels, the martyrs, and those with whom Allah is pleased and to whom He givespermission. We hope to receive the intercession of the Prophet Muhammad (bpuh) on the Day ofResurrection;butinthislife,weseekhelpdirectlyfromAllah(theExalted).

31.Rewards

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{Gardens of perpetual residence, which they will enter, beneath which rivers flow. They will havethereinwhatevertheywish.ThusdoesAllahrewardtherighteous}

(Qur’an16:31)

{Butas for thosewhobelievedanddid righteousdeeds,Hewillgive them in full theirrewards, andAllahdoesnotlikethewrongdoers.}

(Qur’an3:57)

{Exceptforthosewhobelieveanddorighteousdeeds.Forthemisarewarduninterrupted.}(Qur’an84:25)

{ThatHemayrewardthosewhohavebelievedanddonerighteousdeedsoutofHisbounty.Indeed,Hedoesnotlikethedisbelievers.}

(Qur’an30:45)

{Andthosewhobelieveanddorighteousdeeds-Wewillsurelyremovefromthemtheirmisdeedsandwillsurelyrewardthemaccordingtothebestofwhattheyusedtodo.}

(Qur’an29:7)

NarrationsoftheProphetMuhammad(bpuh):

AbuHurayrah(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthattheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)said:

«ByHiminWhosehandsmysoulis,thesmellcomingoutfromthemouthofafastingpersonisbetterinthesightofAllahthanthesmellofmusk.

(Allah(theExalted)saysaboutthefastingperson):Hehaslefthisfood,drinkanddesiresforMysake.ThefastisforMe,soIwillreward(thefastingperson)forit,andtherewardofgooddeedsismultipliedtentimes.»(BukhariandMâlik)

AbuHurayrah(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)alsonarratedthatAllah’sMessenger(bpuh)said:

«Whoeversays:ThereisnoneworthyofworshipotherthanAllah,theOne,havingnopartnerwithHim.SovereigntybelongstoHimandallthepraiseisduetoHim,andHeisAll-Powerful–onehundredtimeseverydaywillgetthesamerewardasgivenformanumittingtenslaves,andonehundredgooddeedswillbewritten in his account, and one hundred sinswill be deducted fromhis or her account, and it (thissaying)willbeashieldforhimorherfromSatanonthatdayuntilnight.Noonebringsanythingmoreexcellent than this, except one who has done more than this (who utters these words more than onehundredtimesanddoesmoregoodacts)andwhoutters:HallowedbeAllah,andallpraiseisduetoHim–onehundredtimesaday,hisorhersinsareobliterated,eveniftheyareequaltotheextentofthefoamoftheocean.»(Bukhari)

Tafseer

Allah (theExalted) rewards thosewhodogooddeedswithvictory andblessings in this life andwithparadiseintheHereafter.Allahmentionsregardingparadise:

{Circulated among themwill be plates and vessels of gold.And therein iswhatever souls desire and[what]delightstheeyes,andyouwillabidethereineternally.}

(Qur’an43:71)

This is thegreat rewardof thosewho fear theirLordandworshipHim to thebestof theirability.Allah(theExalted)rewardstherighteousfortheirgooddeeds;onegooddeedbyaMuslimisrewardedfortenoruptosevenhundred,asmuchasAllahwills.

Ibn ‘Abbâs (MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)said that theProphet (bpuh) said, speakingabouthisLord(theExalted):

«Allahordered(theappointedangelsoveryou)thatthegoodandthebaddeedsbewritten,andHethenshowedhow(towrite). If somebody intends todoagooddeedandhedoesnotdo it, thenAllahwillwriteforhimafullgooddeed(inhisaccountwithHim);andifheintendstodoagooddeedandactuallydoes it, thenAllahwillwrite for him (in his account)withHim (itsreward equal) from ten to sevenhundredtimestomanymoretimes:andifsomebodyintendedtodoabaddeedandhedoesnotdoit,thenAllahwillwriteafullgooddeed(inhisaccount)withHim,andifheintendedtodoit(abaddeed)andactuallydidit,thenAllahwillwriteonebaddeed(inhisaccount).»(Bukhari)

Significance

TheamountthatAllah(theExalted)rewardsforagooddeedisanincrediblygenerousamount;itshowshow merciful Allah is and how much He loves good deeds. It is from Allah’s utmost mercy andbeneficencethatevenintendingtodoabaddeed,andthenrefrainingfromactuallydoingit,isrewardedasonegooddeed.When thebelievers seeopportunities todogooddeeds, they take them, seeking thegreat reward of paradise in theHereafter. The thought of paradise, and its pleasures that last forever,inspiresthebelieverstostrivetopleaseAllah(theExalted).

32.Saves,Rescues

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{And[recall]whenWesavedyou[meaningyourforefathers]fromthepeopleofPharaoh,whoafflictedyouwiththeworsttorment,slaughteringyour[newborn]sonsandkeepingyourfemalesalive.Andinthatwas a great trial from your Lord. And [recall] whenWe parted the sea for you and saved you anddrownedthepeopleofPharaohwhileyouwerelookingon.}

(Qur’an2:49-50)

{Say: It isAllahwhosavesyou from it and fromeverydistress; thenyou [still] associateotherswithHim.}

(Qur’an6:64)

{Andwhenthey[thoseadvised]forgotthatbywhichtheyhadbeenreminded,Wesaved thosewhohadforbiddenevilandseizedthosewhowronged,withawretchedpunishment,becausetheyweredefiantlydisobeying.}

(Qur’an7:165)

{AndwhenOurcommandcame,WesavedHoodandthosewhobelievedwithhim,bymercyfromUs;andWesavedthemfromaharshpunishment.}

(Qur’an11:58)

NarrationoftheProphetMuhammad(bpuh):

AbuQatâdah(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)saidthatheheardAllah’sMessenger(bpuh)say:

«HewhowouldloveforAllah(theExalted)tosavehimfromthe tormentsof theDayofResurrectionshouldgiverespitetotheinsolventorremit(hisdebt).»(Muslim)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)istheonlyOneWhohasthepowertosaveorrescuepeopleintimesofdistressorinlife-threateningsituations.Manytimes,Hesavedprophetsandotherbelieversfromthepunishment thatHeinflictedupondisbelieving,disobedientpeople.ExamplesofthesearetheprophetMoses(pbuh)andtheChildrenofIsrael,Hood(pbuh)andthepeopleof‘Âd,Ṣâliḥ(pbuh)andthepeopleofThamood,andLot(pbuh)andthepeopleofSodomandGomorrah.

Significance

People often turn to Allah at times when their life is threatened, but at other times, they disbelieve;however,Allah(theExalted)shouldbeinvokedandworshippedalways,inallcircumstances,goodandbad.

33.DoesnotBurdenUsbeyondOurCapacity

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{Allahdoesnotchargeasoulexcept[withthatwithin]itscapacity.Itwillhave[theconsequenceof]

what[good]ithasgained,anditwillbear[theconsequenceof]what[evil]ithasearned.OurLord,donotimposeblameuponusifwehaveforgottenorerred.OurLord,andlaynotuponusaburdenlikethatwhichYoulaiduponthosebeforeus.OurLord,andburdenusnotwiththatwhichwehavenoabilitytobear.Andpardonus;andforgiveus;andhavemercyuponus.Youareourprotector,sogiveusvictoryoverthedisbelievingpeople.}

(Qur’an2:286)

{Letamanofwealthspendfromhiswealth,andhewhoseprovisionisrestricted-lethimspendfromwhatAllahhasgivenhim.Allahdoesnotchargeasoulexcept[accordingto]whatHehasgivenit.Allahwillbringabout,afterhardship,ease[relief].}

(Qur’an65:7)

Tafseer

Allah’skindness andcompassion aredemonstrated through this attribute.Hedoesnot expect a soul toperformbeyonditscapability.HeisgenerousandkindtowardsHiscreation,notburdeninganyonewithexcessivetrialsoutsideoftheirscope.Eventhroughgreattrialsoflifethatmayseemdaunting,trialsthatbringtheservantofAllah(theExalted)tohisorherknees,somehowtheservantperseveres.Eachoneofushashisorherownwayofdealingwithdifficulties;itmaybecryingeveryday,withdrawing,orleaningon a friend.These are someways inwhich a person handles trials fromAllah, but the bestmeans ofdealingwithtrialsisthroughpatienceandprayer.Allah(theExalted)knowshowmucheachoneofuscanhandleanddoesnotgiveusmore thanwecanbear.This isoutofHisgreatmercy.Thebestmeansofdealingwithtrialsisthroughpatienceandprayer.

Significance

Knowledge of this attribute of Allah’s gives the believers strength, bothmental and physical, to bearwhateversituationsoccurintheirlives.Theyarereassuredthatwhendifficultiestakeplace,Allah(theExalted)knowsthattheycanhandlethem,andthisreassuresthemregardingthefutureaswell.

34.GivesSignsandSendsMiracles

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{Hesaid:MyLord,makeformeasign.Hesaid:Yoursignisthatyouwillnot[beableto]speaktothepeopleforthreedaysexceptbygesture.AndrememberyourLordmuchandexalt[Himwithpraise]intheeveningandthemorning.}

(Qur’an3:41)

{AndOmypeople,thisistheshe-camelofAllah-[sheis]toyouasign.SoletherfeeduponAllah’s

earthanddonottouchherwithharm,oryouwillbetakenbyanimpendingpunishment.}(Qur’an11:64)

{Or have you thought that the companions of the cave and the inscription were, among Our signs, awonder?}

(Qur’an18:9)

{ThatWemayshowyou[some]ofOurgreatersigns}(Qur’an20:23)

{TheHourhascomenear,andthemoonhassplit[intwo].Andiftheyseeasign[amiracle],theyturnawayandsay:Passingmagic.}

(Qur’an54:1-2)

NarrationoftheProphetMuhammad(bpuh):

AnasibnMâlik(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)reported:

«ThepeopleofMakkahaskedtheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)toshowthemamiracle,soheshowedthemthemoonsplitintotwohalves,betweenwhichtheysaw(Mount)Ḥirâ’.»(Muslim)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)isabletodowhateverHewills;HissignsandmiraclesareanexampleofthisandofHisgreatpower.Theverycreationoftheheavensandtheearth,theorbitingoftheplanetsandthemoon,andthealternationofthenightanddayareamongHisgreatsignsthatindicateHisimmenseabilityandmight.

Significance

The sending of signs andmiracles byAllah (the Exalted) is a strengthening factor for the faith of thebelievers. Itmakes it easy to believe inAllah andHisMight and Power. Signs prove the veracity ofIslam,andtheheartsofthebelieversarestrengthenedthroughthem.

35.SendsdownTranquillity(Sakeenah)

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{ThenAllah sent downHis tranquillity upon HisMessenger and upon the believers and sent downsoldiers[angels]whomyoudidnotseeandpunishedthosewhodisbelieved.Andthatistherecompenseofthedisbelievers.}

(Qur’an9:26)

{Ifyoudonotaidhim[theProphet(bpuh)]-Allahhasalreadyaidedhimwhenthosewhodisbelievedhaddrivenhimout[ofMakkah]asoneoftwo,whentheywereinthecaveandhesaidtohiscompanion:Donotgrieve; indeedAllahiswithus.AndAllahsentdownHistranquillityuponhimandsupportedhimwithsoldiers[angels]youdidnotseeandmadethewordofthosewhodisbelievedthelowest,whilethewordofAllah-thatisthehighest.AndAllahisExaltedinMightandWise.}(Qur’an9:40){CertainlyAllahwaspleasedwith thebelieverswhen theypledgedallegiance toyou[OMuhammad],under the tree, and He knewwhat was in their hearts, soHe sent down tranquillity upon them andrewardedthemwithanimminentconquest}

(Qur’an48:18)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)sendsdowntranquillity,calmness,andreassuranceintotheheartsofthosewhomHechooses.

Significance

BelieverssupplicatetoAllahtosenddownHistranquillityonthemwhentheyaredistressedorduringtrials.TheyseekcalmnessandpeaceintheirheartsandarereassuredwiththeknowledgethatAllah(theExalted) isable tobringpeaceand tranquillity to them.Thisknowledgealone isenough tomake theirheartssoftenandrelax.

ControlstheEarth

ThisgroupofattributesdealswithAllah’sability,power,andcontrolovertheearth–fromitscreationtoitsdailyactivities.

Significance

TheseattributesillustratethegenerosityofAllah(theExalted)inspreadingtheearthforourabode.Thebelievers thankAllahfor theearthanditscontents: itswater, landandplants.Theseattributesgivethebelieversastrongreasontoputtheir trust inAllah.TheyaresubduedbyAllah’sgreatpowertodoallthingsandbyHismercyinsendingtherainandcreatinganearthfullofpastures,mountains,arablelandandwaterways.Allah(theExalted)hascreatedabeautifulandproductiveplanet forourhome,andassuch,itisourdutytonotonlythankAllahforHisblessings,butalsototakecareofthisearth,sofuturegenerationscanbenefitaswell.

36.SendsRain

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{[He]whomadeforyoutheearthabed[spreadout]andtheskyaceilingandsentdownfromthesky,rainandbroughtforththerebyfruitsasprovisionforyou.SodonotattributetoAllahequalswhileyouknow[thatthereisnothingsimilartoHim].}

(Qur’an2:22)

{Indeed,inthecreationoftheheavensandtheearth,andthealternationofthenightandtheday,andthe[great]shipswhichsailthroughtheseawiththatwhichbenefitspeople,andwhatAllahhassentdownfrom theheavens of rain, giving life thereby to the earth after its lifelessness and dispersing thereinevery[kindof]movingcreature,and[His]directingofthewindsandthecloudscontrolledbetweentheheavenandeartharesignsforapeoplewhousereason.}

(Qur’an2:164)

{AnditisHewhosendsdownrainfromthesky,andWeproducetherebythegrowthofallthings...}(Qur’an6:99)

{DoyounotseethatAllahsendsdownrainfromtheskyandmakesitflowassprings[andrivers]intheearth…}

(Qur’an39:21)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)sendsrainasablessingandasaprovisionforHiscreatures.Therainisareliefandameansofsurvival.ItisamercyfromAllahthatHebringslifetothedeadvegetationthroughHissendingofrain.IbnKatheermentionedregardingtherain:

HenceAllahcausedthevarioustypesofvegetationandfruitstogrowasameansofsustenanceforpeopleandtheircattle…Whoeverpondersoverthethingsthatexist,thehigherandlowercreatures,theirvariousshapes,colours,behavior,benefitsandecologicalroles,thenhewillrealizetheability,

wisdom,knowledge,perfectionandmajestyoftheirCreator.184

Therainandtheresultingplants,theanimals,theearthanditsriversandmountains,andtheskiesalltestifytotheexistenceoftheCreatorofthemall,Allah(theExalted).OnceaBedouinwasaskedabouttheevidenceofAllah’sexistence,andheresponded:

AllpraiseisduetoAllah!Thecamel’sdungtestifiestotheexistenceofthecamel,andtrackstestifytothefactthatsomeonewaswalking.Askythatholdsthegiantstars,alandthathasfairwaysanda

seathathaswaves,doesnotallofthistestifythattheMostKind,MostKnowledgeableexists?185

37.Spreads

VersefromtheQur’an:

{AndafterthatHespreadtheearth.Heextractedfromititswateranditspasture,andthemountainsHesetfirmly.}

(Qur’an79:30-32)

Tafseer

The action of spreading includes not only spreading the earth, but also drawing thewater from it andcausingtheplantstogrowandflourishintheirmanykinds,colours,andshapes.

DispleasureofAllah(theExalted)

This group of attributes deals with Allah (the Exalted) becoming displeased, and His resultingpunishment.

38.Dislikes

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{And if they had intended to go forth, theywould have prepared for it [some] preparation.ButAllahdisliked their being sent, soHe kept themback, and theywere told:Remain [behind]with thosewhoremain.}

(Qur’an9:46)

{Ifyoudisbelieve-indeed,AllahisFreefromneedofyou.AndHedoesnotapproveforHisservantsdisbelief...}

(Qur’an39:7)

NarrationsoftheProphetMuhammad(bpuh):

AbuHurayrah(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)reportedthatAllah’sMessenger(bpuh)said:

«WhenAllah (the Exalted) loves a servant, He calls Gabriel and says: Verily, I love so-and-so; youshouldalsolovehim.

ThenGabrielbegins to lovehim,andhemakesanannouncement in theheavensaying:Allahlovesso-and-so,soyoualsolovehim.

Sotheinhabitantsof theheaven(theangels)alsobeginto lovehim,andthenthereishonourconferreduponhimintheearth.

WhenAllahisangrywithanyservant,HecallsGabrielandsays:Iamangrywithso-and-so,soyoualsobecomeangrywithhim.

ThenGabriel also becomes angry, and hemakes an announcement to the inhabitants of heaven:VerilyAllahisangrywithso-and-so,soyoualsobecomeangrywithhim.

Thus they also become angry with him. Then he becomes the object of wrath on the earth as well.»(Muslim)

AbuHurayrah(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)alsonarratedthatAllah’sMessenger(bpuh)said:

«Allah(theExalted)said:IwilldeclarewaragainsthimwhoshowshostilitytoapiousworshipperofMine.ThemostbelovedthingswithwhichMyslavecomesnearertoMearewhatIhaveenjoineduponhim, and My slave keeps on coming closer to Me through performing extra deeds (besides what isobligatory)untilI lovehim.Ibecomehissenseofhearingwithwhichhehears,hissenseofsightwithwhichhesees,hishandwithwhichhegrips,andhislegwithwhichhewalks.IfheasksMe,Iwillgivehim,andifheasksMyprotection,Iwillprotecthim.IdonothesitatetodoanythingasIhesitatetotakethesoulofthebeliever,forhehatesdeath,andIhatetodisappointhim.»(Bukhari)

‘Â’ishah(MayAllahbepleasedwithher)reported:

«Allah’sMessenger (bpuh) said: Hewho loves tomeetAllah, Allah loves tomeet him, and hewhodislikestomeetAllah,Allahdislikestomeethim.

I(‘Â’ishah)said:Allah’sMessenger,asfarasthefeelingofaversionagainstdeathisconcerned,weallhavethisfeeling.

Thereuponhe(thenobleProphet)said:Itisnotthat(whichyouconstrue),butthatwhenabeliever(atthetimeofdeath)isgiventhegladtidingsofthemercyofAllah,Hispleasure,andofparadise,helovestomeetAllah,andAllahalsolovestomeethim.WhenanunbelieverisgiventhenewsofthetormentatthehandofAllah,andhardshiptobeimposedbyHim,hedislikestomeetAllah,andAllahalsodislikes tomeethim.»(Muslim)

Tafseer

Thereareanumberof things thatAllah (theExalted)dislikes, includingdisbelief anddisobedience toHim.HealsodislikesdisappointingHisbelievingservants.

Significance

With this knowledge thatAllah dislikes disbelief,Muslims fear causingAllah (theExalted) to dislikethem,fortheyknowthatifAllahdislikesthem,theywillnotbesuccessfulinthenextlife.Therefore,theystrive their utmost to please Allah (the Exalted), by obeying His commands, staying away from His

prohibitions,andsupplicatingandprayingtoHimalone.

39.Anger

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{…And they were covered with humiliation and poverty and returned with anger from Allah [uponthem]. That was because they [repeatedly] disbelieved in the signs of Allah and killed the prophetswithoutright.Thatwasbecausetheydisobeyedandwere[habitually]transgressing.}

(Qur’an2:61)

{And[that]Hemaypunishthehypocritemenandhypocritewomen,andthepolytheistmenandpolytheistwomen-thosewhoassumeaboutAllahanassumptionofevilnature.Uponthemisamisfortuneofevilnature;andAllahhasbecomeangrywiththemandhascursedthemandpreparedforthemhell,andevilitisasadestination.}

(Qur’an48:6)

{Whoeverdisbelievesin[denies]Allahafterhisbelief...exceptforonewhoisforced[torenouncehisreligion]whilehisheartissecureinfaith.Butthosewho[willingly]opentheirbreaststodisbelief,uponthemiswrathfromAllah,andforthemisagreatpunishment.}

(Qur’an16:106)

NarrationoftheProphetMuhammad(bpuh):

AbuHurayrah(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthattheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)said:

«WhenAllah(theExalted)decreed thecreation,HepledgedHimselfbywriting inHisbook,which islaiddownwithHim:MymercyprevailsoverMywrath.»(Bukhari,Muslim,an-Nasâ’iandIbnMâjah)

Tafseer

Allah’sangerisuponthosewhodisbelieveandthosewhoarehypocrites.TheywillnothaveanyshareinHismercyinthenextlife.IbnKatheercommented:

AllahtellsusthatHeisangrywiththemwhowillinglydisbelieveinHimafterclearlybelievinginHim,whoopen theirhearts todisbelief findingpeace in that,because theyunderstood the faithyetthey still turned away from it. They will suffer severe punishment in the Hereafter, because theypreferredthislifetotheHereafter,andtheyleftthefaithforthesakeofthisworldandAllahdidnotguidetheirheartsandhelpthemtostandfirminthetruereligion.Heputasealontheirheartssothattheywouldnotbeabletounderstandwhatisbeneficialforthem,andHesealedtheirearsandeyessothattheywouldnotbenefitfromthem.Theirfacultiesdidnothelpthematall,sotheyareunawareof

whatisgoingtohappentothem.186

Significance

The believers shudder with fear of angering Allah (the Exalted). They want nothing to do with thepunishmentinthenextlife,sotheyaremotivated,throughawarenessofAllah’sanger,toworshipAllah(theExalted)aloneandobeyHim.

40.Curses

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{Indeed,thosewhodisbelieveanddiewhiletheyaredisbelievers-uponthemwillbethecurseofAllahandoftheangelsandthepeople,alltogether}

(Qur’an2:161)

{Andindeed,uponyouisMycurseuntiltheDayofRecompense.}(Qur’an38:78)

{Indeed,thosewhoconcealwhatWesentdownofclearproofsandguidanceafterWemadeitclearforthepeopleintheScripture-thosearecursedbyAllahandcursedbythosewhocurse}

(Qur’an2:159)

{Allah has promised the hypocrite men and hypocrite women and the disbelievers the fire of hell,whereintheywillabideeternally.Itissufficientforthem.AndAllahhascursedthem,andforthemisanenduringpunishment.}

(Qur’an9:68)

NarrationsoftheProphetMuhammad(bpuh):

‘Abdullâhibn‘Umar(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthatAllah’sMessenger(bpuh)said:

«Donotenter(theplaces)ofthesepeoplewhereAllah’spunishmenthadfallenunlessyoudosoweeping.Ifyoudonotweep,donotenter(theplacesofthesepeople),becauseAllah’scurseandpunishmentthatfelluponthemmayfalluponyou.»(Bukhari)

Anas(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthattheProphet(bpuh)said:

«Madinah is a sanctuary from that place to that. Its trees should not be cut, and no heresy should beinnovatednoranysinshouldbecommittedinit,andwhoeverinnovatesinitanheresyorcommitssins(baddeeds),thenhewillincurthecurseofAllah,theangelsandallthepeople.»(Bukhari)

Tafseer

IbnKatheerexplainedthatwhenAllah(theExalted)hascursedsomeoneitmeansthat“Heexpelledand

banishedthem[fromHismercy].”187

Significance

ThebelieverstakeheedtonotdoanythingthatwillincurthecurseofAllahuponthem.TheytrembleatthethoughtofbeingdeprivedofAllah’smercy;therefore,theyobeyAllah(theExalted)andworshipHimalone.

41.Punishes

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{That is because they opposed Allah and His Messenger. And whoever opposes Allah and HisMessenger-indeed,Allahissevereinpenalty.}

(Qur’an8:13)

{Andfeara trialwhichwillnotstrike thosewhohavewrongedamongyouexclusively,andknowthatAllahissevereinpenalty.}

(Qur’an8:25)

{[Theirsis]likethecustomofthepeopleofPharaohandofthosebeforethem.TheydisbelievedinthesignsofAllah,soAllahseizedthemfortheirsins.Indeed,AllahisPowerfulandsevereinpenalty.}

(Qur’an8:52)

{Then Allah sent down His tranquillity upon His Messenger and upon the believers and sent downsoldiers[angels]whomyoudidnotseeandpunishedthosewhodisbelieved.Andthatistherecompenseofthedisbelievers.}

(Qur’an9:26)

{And[thereare]othersdeferreduntilthecommandofAllah-whetherHewillpunish themorwhetherHewillforgivethem.AndAllahisKnowingandWise.}

(Qur’an9:106)

{Whoever isguided isonlyguidedfor [thebenefitof]hissoul.Andwhoevererrsonlyerrsagainst it.Andnobearerofburdenswillbeartheburdenofanother.AndneverwouldWepunishuntilWesentamessenger.}

(Qur’an17:15)

NarrationsoftheProphetMuhammad(bpuh):

AbuHurayrah(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthattheProphet(bpuh)said:

«ParadiseandhellquarrelledinthepresenceoftheirLord.

Paradisesaid:OLord!Whatiswrongwithmethatonlythepoorandhumblepeopleenterme?

Hellsaid:Ihavebeenfavouredwiththearrogantpeople.

So Allah (the Exalted) said to paradise: You are my mercy, —and He said to hell: You are mypunishment,whichIinflictuponwhomIwish,andIshallfillbothofyou.»(Bukhari)

AbuHurayrah(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)alsosaidthatheheardtheProphet(bpuh)say:

«Apersoncommitsasinandthensays:OmyLord!Ihavesinned,pleaseforgiveme!

SoHisLordsays:MyslavehasacknowledgedthathehasaLordwhoforgivessinsandpunishesforit;Ithereforehaveforgivenmyslave(hissins).

Heremainswithoutcommittinganysinforawhileandthenagaincommitsanothersinandsays:OmyLord,Ihavecommittedanothersin,pleaseforgiveme.

Allah(theExalted)says:MyslavehasacknowledgedthathehasaLordwhoforgivessinsandpunishesforit;Ithereforehaveforgivenmyslave(hissin).

Thenheremainswithoutcommittinganyothersinforawhileandthencommitsanothersin(forthethirdtime)andsays:OmyLord,Ihavecommittedanothersin;pleaseforgiveme.

Allah says:My slave has acknowledged that he has a LordWho forgives sins and punishes for it; IthereforehaveforgivenMyslave(hissin).Hecandowhateverhelikes.»(BukhariandMuslim)

Tafseer

Allah (the Exalted) punishes the disbelievers in the next life with hell. EvenMuslims may taste thepunishmentofthehellfire,butanyonewhohaseventheslightestamountoffaithinAllahwillbetakenoutofhellandbroughtintoparadise.Allah(theExalted)ismostjustinHispunishment,andHeknowswhatisinthehearts.IbnKatheermentioned,regardingAllah:

HewillcrushwhoeverdefiesanddisobeysHim.NothingeverescapesAllah’sgraspnorcananything

everstandagainstHisanger.BlessedandexaltedHeis,thereisnotruedeityorLordexceptHim.188

Allah(theExalted)alsopunishespeopleinthislifewithafflictionsandsuffering.Forexample,HepunishedthepeopleofPharaohwhodisbelieved,andHeafflictedtormentontheChildrenofIsrael.Allah(theExalted)says:

{AndWecertainlyseized thepeopleofPharaohwithyearsof famineandadeficiency inproduce thatperhapstheywouldbereminded.}

(Qur’an7:130)

Significance

Thefact thatAllahpunishes thosewhodisbelieveanddisobeyHimpacifies thebelieversandsubduesthem. They fear Allah’s punishment and seek to please Allah (the Exalted) with their deeds. Theysupplicate toAllah every day to save them from the punishment of hellfire and the punishment of thegrave.

Supplication

AbuHurayrah(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthattheProphet(bpuh)said:

«Whoeverrecitesatdaybreak:

{Allah - there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence. NeitherdrowsinessovertakesHimnorsleep.ToHimbelongswhateverisintheheavensandwhateverisontheearth.Who is it that can intercedewithHimexcept byHispermission?Heknowswhat is [presently]before themandwhatwillbeafter them,and theyencompassnot a thingofHisknowledgeexcept forwhatHewills.HisKursiextendsover theheavensand theearth,and theirpreservation tiresHimnot.AndHeistheMostHigh,theMostGreat.}(Qur’an2:255)–

shall remain insafetybyvirtueof theseversesuntil sunset;andwhoever recites theseversesat sunsetshallremaininsafetybyvirtuethereofuntildaybreak.»(Bukhari)

42.Mocks

VersefromtheQur’an:

{Andwhentheymeetthosewhobelieve,theysay:Webelieve.Butwhentheyarealonewiththeirevilones,theysay:Indeed,wearewithyou;wewereonlymocking.[But]Allahmocks themandprolongsthemintheirtransgression[while]theywanderblindly.}

(Qur’an2:14-15)

Tafseer

Allah’s mocking of the hypocrites comprises His exhibiting to them His rules in this life, and Hissafeguardingof themand theirpossessions.Becauseof theirhypocrisy though,He ispreparing,all thewhile,apunishmentforthemintheHereafter.ItisnotoneofAllah’scharacteristicsthatHedeceivesor

mocksbywayofjesting;instead,HemocksbywayofretributionandpunishmentforthosewhopretendtobebelieversbutwhoholdmaliceandhatredintheirheartsfortheMuslims.Allah’smockingisajustpunishmentfortheirdeeds.

Significance

ThisisasternwarningtothehypocritesthattheyarenotfoolingAllahwiththeirhypocrisy,andthattheywillbe taken toaccountandpunishedseverely.Thebelievers fearhypocrisyandavoid it at all costs.Theydonotwanttofallunderthatcategoryofpeople;therefore,theymakesurethattheirintentionsarepurelyforthesakeofAllah(theExalted)inalloftheiractions.

Allah’sMovement

ThisgroupofattributesdealswiththemovementsofAllah(theExalted).

Tafseer

HowAllah(theExalted)doesthesethingsisunknowntous,butweknowthatHedoesdothem,andwedonotdelveinto‘how’Hedoesthem.WebelieveinthemandsaythatHedoestheminawaybefittingHisMajesty.

Significance

The believers do not bother themselves with ‘how’ Allah (the Exalted) establishes Himself over,descends, comes, or grasps. Rather, they strive to be awake in the last third of the night whenAllahdescends,sothatAllah(theExalted)mayanswertheirsupplications.TheystrivetopleaseAllah,sothatwhenAllahcomesontheDayofJudgement,theirjudgmentwillbefavourable.TheyareawedbyAllah’spower and majesty. Allah (the Exalted) alone is worthy of being worshipped, and He deserves oursubmissiontoHim.

43.EstablishesHimself(Istawâ)

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{Indeed, your Lord is Allah,who created the heavens and the earth in six days and then establishedHimselfabovetheThrone,arrangingthematter[ofHiscreation].ThereisnointercessorexceptafterHispermission.ThatisAllah,yourLord,soworshipHim.Thenwillyounotremember?}

(Qur’an10:3)

{TheMostMerciful[whois]abovetheThroneestablished.}(Qur’an20:5)

{It isAllahwho erected the heavenswithout pillars that you [can] see; thenHe establishedHimselfabovetheThroneandmadesubjectthesunandthemoon,eachrunning[itscourse]foraspecifiedterm.Hearranges[each]matter;Hedetailsthesignsthatyoumay,ofthemeetingwithyourLord,becertain.}

(Qur’an13:2)

{Hewhocreated theheavensand theearthandwhat isbetween theminsixdaysand thenestablishedHimself above the Throne - the Most Merciful, so ask about Him one well informed [the Prophet(bpuh)].}

(Qur’an25:59)

{It isAllahwhocreated theheavensand theearthandwhatever isbetween them in sixdays; thenHeestablishedHimselfabove theThrone.YouhavenotbesidesHimanyprotectororany intercessor;sowillyounotbereminded?}

(Qur’an32:4)

{ItisHewhocreatedtheheavensandearthinsixdaysandthenestablishedHimselfabovetheThrone.Heknowswhatpenetratesintotheearthandwhatemergesfromitandwhatdescendsfromtheheavenandwhatascendstherein;andHeiswithyouwhereveryouare.AndAllah,ofwhatyoudo,isSeeing.}

(Qur’an57:4)

44.Descends

NarrationsoftheProphetMuhammad(bpuh):

TheProphet(bpuh)said:

«Allah(theExalted)descendseachnight to the firstheaven.»(asoundhadith recordedbyAḥmadandAbuDâwood)

AbuHurayrah(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthattheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)said:

«OurLord,theBlessedandtheExalted,descendseverynighttothelowestheavenwhenone-thirdofthelatterpartofthenightisleft,andsays:WhosupplicatesMesothatImayanswerhim?WhoasksMesothat Imaygive tohim?WhoasksMe forgiveness so that Imay forgivehim?» (Bukhari,Muslim,AbuDâwood,at-TirmidhiandMâlik)

45.Comes

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{No!Whentheearthhasbeenlevelled-poundedandcrushed,andyourLordhascomeandtheangels,rankuponrank.Andbrought[withinview],thatDay,ishell-thatDay,thehumanwillremember,buthow

[whatgood]tohimwillbetheremembrance?}(Qur’an89:21-23){DotheyawaitbutthatAllahshouldcometothemincoversofcloudsandtheangels[aswell]andthematteris[then]decided?AndtoAllah[all]mattersarereturned.}

(Qur’an2:210)

46.Grasps,Holds

VersefromtheQur’an:

{Indeed,Allahholds theheavensandtheearth, lest theycease.Andif theyshouldcease,noonecouldholdthem[inplace]afterHim.Indeed,HeisForbearingandForgiving}

(Qur’an35:41)

NarrationoftheProphetMuhammad(bpuh):

Ibn‘Umar(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthatAllah’sMessenger(bpuh)said:

«OntheDayofResurrection,Allah(theExalted)willgraspthewholeEarthwithHishand,andalltheheavensinHisright(hand),andthenHewillsay:IamtheSovereign.»(Bukhari)

Tafseer

AccordingtoIbnKatheer’stafseer:

AllahtellsusofHismightypower,bywhichtheheavensandtheearthstandbyHiscommand,andtheforcesthatHehasplacedbetweenthemtoholdthem…Noonecanmakethemstayandpreservethem

exceptHim.189

Laws

ThisgroupofattributesrelatestoAllah’slaws.

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)commandsgoodandforbidsevil.Allthathasbeenordainedforusisgoodforus,andallthathasbeenforbiddenisbadforus.IbnKatheercommented:

AllahtellsusthatHecommandsHisservanttobejust,i.e.fairandmoderate,andthatHeencourageskindnessandgoodtreatment…HecommandswhatHecommandsyouofgoodandHeforbidswhatHe

forbidsyouofevil.190

Likewise, everything that occurs does so according to the command of Allah (the Exalted). Hecommandstheangelstotakecareoftasksintheheavensandtheearth,andtheyobeyHim.

Significance

This is one aspect in which the believers need to ascertain knowledge of Islam, of what Allah hascommanded and ofwhatHe has forbidden. Thatway, they can followAllah’s laws and hope for therewardwithAllah(theExalted)forobeyingHim.

47.Commands

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{So to that [religion of Allah] invite, [O Muhammad], and remain on a right course as you arecommandedanddonotfollowtheirinclinationsbutsay:IhavebelievedinwhatAllahhasrevealedoftheQur’an,andIhavebeencommandedtodojusticeamongyou.AllahisourLordandyourLord.Forusareourdeeds,andforyouyourdeeds.Thereisno[needfor]argumentbetweenusandyou.Allahwillbringustogether,andtoHimisthe[final]destination.}

(Qur’an42:15)

{And [recall]whenMoses said tohispeople: Indeed,Allahcommands you to slaughter a cow.Theysaid:Doyoutakeusinridicule?Hesaid:IseekrefugeinAllahfrombeingamongtheignorant.}

(Qur’an2:67)

{Indeed,Allahcommandsyoutorendertruststowhomtheyaredueandwhenyoujudgebetweenpeopleto judge with justice. Excellent is that which Allah instructs you. Indeed, Allah is ever Hearing andSeeing.}

(Qur’an4:58)

{[Allah]said:WhatpreventedyoufromprostratingwhenIcommandedyouto?[Satan]said:Iambetterthanhim.Youcreatedmefromfireandcreatedhimfromclay.}

(Qur’an7:12)

NarrationoftheProphetMuhammad(bpuh):

AnasibnMâlik(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narrated:

«WhenevertheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)performedablution,hetookahandfulofwaterand,puttingitunderhischin,madeitgothroughhisbeard,saying:ThusdidmyLordcommandme.»(asoundhadithrecordedbyAbuDâwood)

48.Forbids

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{Say:Come,IwillrecitewhatyourLordhasprohibited toyou.[Hecommands]thatyounotassociateanythingwithHim,andtoparents,goodtreatment,anddonotkillyourchildrenoutofpoverty;Wewillprovide for you and them.And do not approach immoralities -what is apparent of them andwhat isconcealed.AnddonotkillthesoulwhichAllahhasforbidden[tobekilled]exceptby[legal]right.ThishasHeinstructedyou,thatyoumayusereason.}

(Qur’an6:151)

{Say:MyLordhasonlyforbiddenimmoralities-whatisapparentofthemandwhatisconcealed-andsin,andoppressionwithoutright,andthatyouassociatewithAllahthatforwhichHehasnotsentdownauthority,andthatyousayaboutAllahthatwhichyoudonotknow.}

(Qur’an7:33)

{Anddonotkill the soul [person]whichAllahhas forbidden, exceptby right.Andwhoever iskilledunjustly -Wehavegivenhis heir authority, but let himnot exceed limits in [thematter of] taking life.Indeed,hehasbeensupported[bythelaw].}(Qur’an17:33)

NarrationsoftheProphetMuhammad(bpuh):

«‘Abdullâh ibn ‘Umar (MayAllah be pleasedwith him) narrated that he found ‘Umar ibn al-Khaṭṭâb(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)inagroupofpeople,andhewasswearingbyhisfather.

SoAllah’sMessenger(bpuh)calledthem,saying:Verily!Allahforbidsyoutoswearbyyourfathers.Ifonehastotakeanoath,heshouldswearbyAllahorotherwisekeepquiet.»(Bukhari)

«AbuUmâmahrelatedthattheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)said:WhoevercutsofftherightofaMuslimbyhisoath,Allah(theExalted)forbidshimthegardenandobligesthefireforhim.

Theyasked:Evenifitissomethinginsignificant,MessengerofAllah?

Hereplied:Evenifitisatooth-stick,evenifitisatooth-stick.»(Muslim)

OtherAttributes

49.Plans

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{Andthey[thedisbelievers]planned,butAllahplanned.AndAllahisthebestofplanners.}(Qur’an3:54)

{And[remember,OMuhammad],whenthosewhodisbelievedplottedagainstyoutorestrainyouorkillyouorevictyou[fromMakkah].Buttheyplan,andAllahplans.AndAllahisthebestofplanners.}

(Qur’an8:30)

{AndwhenWegivethepeopleatasteofmercyafteradversityhastouchedthem,atoncetheyconspireagainstOurverses.Say:Allahisswifterinstrategy.Indeed,Ourmessengers[angels]recordthatwhichyouconspire.}

(Qur’an10:21)

{Indeed,theyareplanningaplan,butIamplanningaplan.}(Qur’an86:15-16)

{AndIwillgivethemtime.Indeed,Myplanisfirm.}(Qur’an7:183)

Tafseer

WhenthedisbelieversplottedagainstJesus(pbuh)tokillhim,Allah(theExalted)plannedaswell;HetookJesusuptohimself,whilethedisbelieverskilledanothermaninstead.Whenthedisbelieversplottedagainst Muhammad (bpuh) to kill him, Allah planned as well; He guided Muhammad (bpuh) out ofMakkah to the safety ofMadinah.Allah (theExalted) is always theBest of Planners, and no one canoutsmartHim.Anything thedisbelievers try todo to stop the spreadof Islam,AllahcounterswithHisplans; everything occurs according toAllah’s ultimate plan.He has complete power and control overeverything.AllthedeedsofthedisbelieversagainsttheprophetsandtheworshipofAllaharerecorded,andAllah(theExalted)willrecompensethemaccordingly.

Significance

ThebelieversareawedbythegreatnessandastutenessofAllah,andtheyputtheirtrustinHimandinHisultimateplan.ThebelieversknowthateverythingthathappensisasAllah(theExalted)hasplanned,sothey findsatisfactionandacceptanceofevents.Theyareheartenedwith theknowledge thatAllahwillroutthedisbelieversasHewills,andthatHeistheBestofPlanners.

50.Raises(Râfi‘)

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{Thosemessengers-someofthemWecausedtoexceedothers.AmongthemwerethosetowhomAllah

spoke,andHeraisedsomeofthemindegree.AndWegaveJesus,theSonofMary,clearproofs,andWesupportedhimwiththePureSpirit[Gabriel]…}

(Qur’an2:253)

{And that was Our [conclusive] argument whichWe gave Abraham against his people.We raise bydegreeswhomWewill.Indeed,yourLordisWiseandKnowing.}

(Qur’an6:83)

{AnditisHewhohasmadeyousuccessorsupontheearthandhasraisedsomeofyouaboveothersindegrees [of rank] that Hemay try you through what He has given you. Indeed, your Lord is swift inpenalty;butindeed,HeisForgivingandMerciful.}

(Qur’an6:165)

{Rather,AllahraisedhimtoHimself.AndeverisAllahExaltedinMightandWise}(Qur’an4:158)

{It isAllahwho erected the heavenswithout pillars that you [can] see; thenHe establishedHimselfabovetheThroneandmadesubjectthesunandthemoon,eachrunning[itscourse]foraspecifiedterm.Hearranges[each]matter;Hedetailsthesignsthatyoumay,ofthemeetingwithyourLord,becertain.}

(Qur’an13:2)

{Are you a more difficult creation or is the heaven? Allah constructed it. He raised its ceiling andproportionedit.}

(Qur’an79:27-28)

{AndtheheavenHeraisedandimposedthebalance}(Qur’an55:7)

Tafseer

Allah (theExalted) raises indegrees someoverothers inpower,prestige, richness,orgoodqualities.UltimatelyonlyAllahknowswhoisthebestandmostrighteousbecauseHeknowswhatisinthehearts.

RegardingAllah(theExalted)raisingtheheavens,IbnKatheercommented:

AllahmentionsHisperfectabilityand infiniteauthority, since it isHeWhohas raised theheavenswithout pillars byHis permission andorder.He, byHis leave, order andpower, has elevated the

heavenshighabovetheearth,distantandfarawayfromreach.191

Significance

Allah’spowerandabilityareexhibitedinthisattribute,anditshowsHisgreatnessandworthinesstobe

worshipped.ThebelieverssubmittoAllah,andtheyarethankfultoAllah(theExalted)fortheplaceinlifethatHehasgiventhem.

51.Laughs

NarrationsoftheProphetMuhammad(bpuh):

It has been reported on the authority of Abu Hurayrah (May Allah be pleased with him) that theMessengerofAllah(bpuh)said:

«Allah (the Exalted) laughs at two men, one of whom has killed the other: both of them will enterparadise.

They(theCompanions)said:How,OMessengerofAllah?

Hesaid:Oneisslain(inthewayofAllah)andentersparadise.ThenAllahforgivestheotherandguideshimtoIslam;thenhefightsinthewayofAllahanddiesamartyr.»(Bukhari)

«TheProphet (bpuh) said:OurLord laughs at howHis servants lose hope even though relief is veryclosetothem.

Onhearingthis,he(bpuh)wasaskedbyAbuRuzayn:DoestheLordlaugh?

TheProphet(bpuh)replied:Yes.

AbuRuzaynthensaid:Surelythen,goodthingswillneverstopreachingusfromaLordwholaughs.»(areliablehadithrecordedbyAḥmadandaṭ-Ṭayâlisi)

Tafseer

ThisattributeshowsAllah’sgenerosity,forgiveness,andkindness.Inexplanationofthefirsthadith,themanwhowaskilledwasarighteousman,andhewasrewardedwithparadiseforhisbeliefinAllah(theExalted)andhis righteousness.Themanwhokilledhimwasanon-Muslimat the time,but later inhislife,heacceptedtruebeliefinAllah(theExalted);hediedabelieverandwasrewardedwithparadise.

Significance

ThebelieversarefilledwithloveofAllah(theExalted)forHiskindnessandconsideration.TheyhopeforAllah’smercyandstrivetoberighteoustoearnaplaceinparadise.

52.Speech

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{Say: If the seawere ink for [writing] thewords ofmyLord, the seawould be exhausted before thewordsofmyLordwereexhausted,evenifWebroughtthelikeofitasasupplement.}

(Qur’an18:109)

{AndthewordofyourLordhasbeenfulfilledintruthandinjustice.NonecanalterHiswords,andHeistheHearing,theKnowing.}

(Qur’an6:115)

{And [Wesent]messengers aboutwhomWehave related [their stories] toyoubeforeandmessengersaboutwhomWehavenotrelatedtoyou.AndAllahspoketoMoseswith[direct]speech.}

(Qur’an4:164)

{Allah - there is no deity except Him. He will surely assemble you for [account on] the Day ofResurrection,aboutwhichthereisnodoubt.AndwhoismoretruthfulthanAllahinstatement.}

(Qur’an4:87)

{And[bewaretheDay]whenAllahwillsay:OJesus,SonofMary,didyousaytothepeople:TakemeandmymotherasdeitiesbesidesAllah?}

(Qur’an5:116)

{Andifanyoneofthepolytheistsseeksyourprotection,thengranthimprotectionsothathemayhearthewordsofAllah[theQur’an].Thendeliverhimtohisplaceofsafety.Thatisbecausetheyareapeoplewhodonotknow.}

(Qur’an9:6)

NarrationsoftheProphetMuhammad(bpuh):

OntheauthorityofAbuHurayrah(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim),whosaidthattheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)said:

«Allah(theExalted)willsayontheDayofResurrection:WherearethosewholovedeachotherthroughMyglory?TodayIwillshadetheminMyshadeon thedaywhenthere isnoshadeexceptMyshade.»(BukhariandMâlik)

‘AdiibnḤâtimrelatedthattheProphet(bpuh)said:

«TherewillbenoneamongyoubuthisLordwillspeaktohim,andtherewillbenointerpreterbetweenthemnorascreentoscreenHim.»(Bukhari)

AbuHurayrah(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthattheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)related:

«Allah(theExalted)says:Iamsoself-sufficientthatIaminnoneedofhavinganassociate.Thushewhodoesanactionforsomeoneelse’ssakeaswellasMinewillhave thatactionrenouncedbyMetohim

whomheassociatedwithMe.»(MuslimandIbnMâjah)

AbuHurayrah(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)alsonarratedthattheAllah’sMessenger(bpuh)said:

«Allah(theExalted)says:Ihavenothingtogivebutparadiseasarewardtomybelievingslave,who,ifIcausehisdearfriend(orrelative)todie,remainspatient(andhopesforAllah’sreward).»(Bukhari)

Tafseer

Allah (the Exalted) speaks the truth, and there is no doubt about this fact. Some of His words arepreservedforusintheGloriousQur’an.HehasspokentosomeofHisprophetsdirectly,andontheDayofResurrection,Allah(theExalted)willspeakasHewillstothecreation.Heisjust,wise,andtruthfulinHisspeech.

AllahsaysthatevenifthoseoceanswereinkfortheWordsofAllah,andallthetreeswerepens,thepenswouldbebrokenandthewateroftheseawouldrundry,andtheWordsofAllahwouldremain,fornothingcanoutlastthem.FornoonecancomprehendthegreatnessofAllahorpraiseHimasHedeservestobepraised,excepttheOneWhopraisesHimself.OurLordisasHesaysHeisandHeis

beyondwhatwecansay.192

Significance

TheQur’an is the speech of Allah (the Exalted) and a source of guidance for humankind. Allah (theExalted)says:

{Andindeed,itisguidanceandmercyforthebelievers.}(Qur’an27:77)

Thebelievers takeheedofwhat theyreadintheQur’anandtaketimeeachdaytoreadsomeof it.TheyaremovedbythewordsofAllah(theExalted)andarefilledwithfaithinHim.

53.PresentsExamples

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{Indeed,Allahisnottimidtopresentanexample-thatofamosquitoorwhatissmallerthanit…}(Qur’an2:26)

{TheexampleofthosewhospendtheirwealthinthewayofAllahislikeaseed[ofgrain]whichgrowssevenspikes;ineachspikeisahundredgrains.AndAllahmultiplies[Hisreward]forwhomHewills.AndAllahisall-EncompassingandKnowing.}

(Qur’an2:261)

{Have you not considered howAllahpresents an example, [making] a goodword like a good tree,whose root is firmly fixed and its branches [high] in the sky? It produces its fruit all the time, bypermissionofitsLord.Allahpresentsexamplesforthepeoplethatperhapstheywillbereminded,andtheexample of a badword is like a bad tree, uprooted from the surface of the earth, not having anystability.}

(Qur’an14:24-26)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)makesparablesandexamplesofanythingthatHewills,whetherthematterisminuteor large. He is not shy to set forth parables, andHe teaches humankind through this beautiful speechtechnique.

Mujâhidcommented:

Thebelieversbelieve in theseparables,whether they involve largemattersor small,because they

knowthattheyarethetruthfromtheirLord,andAllahguidesthebelieversbytheseparables.193

Significance

Parables demonstrate very clearly certain issues that Allah (the Exalted) chooses to illustrate withexamples.Thebelieversare strengthened in their faithby theseexamples.They recognize theeloquentmannerinwhichAllahspeaksandareimpressed,awed,andinvigoratedwithfaithwhentheyhearsuchparables.

54.DoesWhatHeWills

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{Say:OAllah,OwnerofSovereignty,YougivesovereigntytowhomYouwillandYoutakesovereigntyawayfromwhomYouwill.YouhonourwhomYouwillandYouhumblewhomYouwill.InYourhandis[all]good.Indeed,Youareoverallthingscompetent.}

(Qur’an3:26)

{Indeed,[OMuhammad],youdonotguidewhomyoulike,butAllahguideswhomHewills.AndHeismostknowingofthe[rightly]guided.}

(Qur’an28:56)

{Allah – there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence. NeitherdrowsinessovertakesHimnorsleep.ToHimbelongswhateverisintheheavensandwhateverisontheearth.Who is it that can intercedewithHimexcept byHis permission?Heknowswhat is [presently]

before themandwhatwillbeafter them,and theyencompassnot a thingofHisknowledgeexcept forwhatHewills.HisKursiextendsover theheavensand theearth,and theirpreservation tiresHimnot.AndHeistheMostHigh,theMostGreat.}

(Qur’an2:255)

NarrationsoftheProphetMuhammad(bpuh):

Anas(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthatAllah’sMessenger(bpuh)said:

«WheneveranyoneofyouinvokesAllah(theExalted)forsomething,heshouldbefirminhisasking,andheshouldnotsay:IfYouwish,giveme...–fornonecancompelAllahtodosomethingagainstHiswill.»(Bukhari)

ItisnarratedbyAbuQatâdah:

«Whenthepeoplesleptsolatethattheydidnotofferthe(morning)prayer,theProphet(bpuh)said:Allahcaptured your souls (made you sleep) when Hewilled, and returned them (to your bodies) when Hewilled.

Sothepeoplegotup,wenttoanswerthecallofnatureandperformedablution,untilthesunhadrisenandithadbecomewhite,thenProphet(bpuh)gotupandofferedtheprayer.»(Bukhari)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)decideswhatHewillsconcerningHiscreation,andHedoeswhatHewills.NonecandecideforHim,andnonecanovercomeHiswill.AllthatexistsandallthatoccursarearesultofAllah’swillandplan.

Significance

Sometimesbelievers should relaxandaccept situations in their livesoverwhich theyhavenocontrol,because ultimately Allah (the Exalted) will do what He wills and make occur what He wills. Allahknowsbestaboutoursituations,soacceptingwhatHewillscanbringpeacetotheheart.

55.CausesDeath

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{HowcanyoudisbelieveinAllahwhenyouwerelifelessandHebroughtyoutolife;thenHewillcauseyoutodie,thenHewillbringyou[back]tolife,andthentoHimyouwillbereturned.}

(Qur’an2:28)

{Oyouwhohavebelieved,donotbelikethosewhodisbelievedandsaidabouttheirbrotherswhentheytravelledthroughthelandorwentouttofight:Iftheyhadbeenwithus,theywouldnothavediedorhavebeenkilled.SoAllahmakesthat[misconception]aregretwithintheirhearts.AnditisAllahwhogiveslifeandcausesdeath,andAllahisSeeingofwhatyoudo.}

(Qur’an3:156)

{ThereisnodeityexceptHim;Hegiveslifeandcausesdeath.[Heis]yourLordandtheLordofyourfirstforefathers.}

(Qur’an44:8)

{Say: Allah causes you to live, then causesyou to die; then He will assemble you for the Day ofResurrection,aboutwhichthereisnodoubt,butmostofthepeopledonotknow.}

(Qur’an45:26)

NarrationoftheProphetMuhammad(bpuh):

ItwasnarratedbyUsâmah(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim):

«OncewhileIwaswiththeProphet(bpuh)andSa‘d,UbayyibnKa‘bandMu‘âdhwerealsosittingwithhim,therecametohimamessengerfromoneofhisdaughters,tellinghimthatherchildwasonthevergeofdeath.

TheProphet(bpuh)toldthemessengertotellher:ItisforAllahwhatHetakes,anditisforAllahwhatHe gives, and everything has its fixed time (limit). So (she should) be patient and look for Allah’sreward.»(Bukhari)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)notonlygiveslife,butHealsocausesdeath.Heisincompletecontrolofaperson’slifespan and how andwhen he or shewill die.Allah takes back untoHimselfwhomsoeverHewills,whenever He wills. Ibn ‘Abbâs (May Allah be pleased with him) commented, “You did not existbeforehand.YouwerenothinguntilAllahcreatedyou;Hewillbringdeathtoyouandthenbringyouback

tolifeduringResurrection.”194

IbnKatheerexplainedthat:

thecreationisunderAllah’spower,andthedecisionisHisAlone.Noonelivesordiesexceptby

Allah’sleave,andnoone’slifeisincreasesordecreasedexceptbyHisdecree.195

Significance

Everyonewillexperiencedeath;thereisnoescapingit.Thereforethebelieverspreparethemselvesfor

theinevitabilityofdeathandthemeetingwithAllah(theExalted)ontheJudgementDay.

Theheartsof thebelieversaresoftenedwhenalovedonedies,with theknowledgethatAllah(theExalted)istheOneWhogivesdeath,accordingtoHiswillandwisdom.Theygrieve,whilehopingthattheirlovedoneswillmeetAllahandreceiveparadise.TheyunderstandthatalllifeanddeathareinthehandsofAllah(theExalted).Allahsays:

{Anditisnot[possible]foronetodieexceptbypermissionofAllahatadecreedetermined.}(Qur’an3:145)

56.Tests

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{[He]whocreateddeathandlifetotestyou[asto]whichofyouisbestindeed-andHeistheExaltedinMight,theForgiving}

(Qur’an67:2)

{…[Itwas]sothatAllahmighttestwhatisinyourbreastsandpurifywhatisinyourhearts.AndAllahisKnowingofthatwithinthebreasts.}

(Qur’an3:154)

{…HadAllahwilled,Hewouldhavemadeyouonenation[unitedinreligion],but[Heintended]totestyouinwhatHehasgivenyou;soraceto[allthatis]good.ToAllahisyourreturnalltogether,andHewill[then]informyouconcerningthatoverwhichyouusedtodiffer.}

(Qur’an5:48)

{…AndifAllahhadwilled,Hecouldhavetakenvengeanceuponthem[Himself],but[Heorderedarmedstruggle]totestsomeofyoubymeansofothers…}

(Qur’an47:4)

{AndWewillsurelytestyouuntilWemakeevidentthosewhostriveamongyou[forthecauseofAllah]andthepatient,andWewilltestyouraffairs.}

(Qur’an47:31)

Tafseer

Allah (the Exalted) tests people with His commands and prohibitions. Ibn Katheer mentioned: “He[Allah]testsyouwithwhateverbefellyou,todistinguishgoodfromevilandthedeedsandstatementsof

thebelieversfromthoseofthehypocrites.”196Beingtestedisnotthesameasapunishmentinthislife;instead,itisanhonourfromAllah(theExalted).HehaspromisedthebelieversthatHewillblessthem

andrewardthemwiththemostbeautifulparadiseinthenextlife,duetotheirpatiencewiththeteststhatHegivesthem.

Significance

Keeping inmind that the difficulties of life are a test fromAllah (the Exalted) helps believers to bepatientwiththem.TheynevergiveupfaithinAllahforfearoffailingthetest;rathertheybecomestrongerintheirfaith,inordertocomethroughthetrialsvictorious.

57.Separates

VersefromtheQur’an:

{Havethosewhodisbelievednotconsideredthattheheavensandtheearthwereajoinedentity,andWeseparatedthemandmadefromwatereverylivingthing?Thenwilltheynotbelieve?}

(Qur’an21:30)

Tafseer

AccordingtoIbnKatheer:

HereAllahtellsofHisperfectmightandpowerinHiscreationandsubjugationofallthings.ThosewhodenyHisDivinenatureandworshipothersinsteadofHim,dotheynotrealizethatAllahistheOne Who is Independent in His powers of creation and is running the affairs of all things withabsolutepower?SohowcanitbeappropriatetoworshipanythingelsebesideHimortoassociateothersinworshipwithHim?Dotheynotseethattheheavensandtheearthwerejoinedtogether,i.e.inthebeginningtheywereallonepiece,attachedtooneanotherandpiledupontopofoneanother,thenHeseparatedthemfromoneanother,andmadetheheavenssevenandtheearthseven,placingthe

airbetweentheearthandthelowestheaven.197

Significance

This is an example ofAllah’s amazing power.His lordship and divinity aremade clear byHis greatpowerofcreationandhowHebrought theheavensandearthintoexistence,howHecleavedthemandfashioned them. This is a great proof that Allah (the Exalted) is indeed the Creator and Lord of theuniverse,andthusitisacountertotheclaimsofatheism.ItisconsistentwiththeBigBangTheorythatisacceptedtoday(that theoriginsoftheuniversewereinonemassofsmoke,andthateverything–stars,earth,moon,planets and the like–was formed from thismass), andhowcould thishavebeenknownduring the timeof theProphetMuhammad (bpuh),when ithasonlybeendiscoveredby scientistsveryrecently? Only Allah (the Exalted) could have revealed such knowledge to the Prophet Muhammad

(bpuh),provingtheveracityofIslamandtheQur’an.

58.TheCompanion(Aṣ-Ṣâḥib)

NarrationoftheProphetMuhammad(bpuh):

«Ibn‘Umar(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)reportedthatwheneverAllah’sMessenger(bpuh)mountedhiscamelwhilesettingoutona journey,hemade thissupplicationfor travel:Allah is theMostGreat.AllahistheMostGreat.AllahistheMostGreat.GloryistoHimWhohasprovidedthisforusthoughwecouldneverhavehaditbyourefforts.Surely,untoourLordwearereturning.OAllah,weaskYouonthis our journey for goodness and piety, and forworks that are pleasing toYou.OAllah, lighten thisjourneyforusandmakeitsdistanceeasyforus.OAllah,YouareourCompanionontheroadandtheSuccessor in Whose care we leave our family. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from this journey’shardships, and from thewicked sights in store and from findingour family andproperty inmisfortuneuponreturning.

Uponreturning,thesamesupplicationisrecitedwiththefollowingaddition:WereturnrepentanttoourLord,worshippingourLord,andpraisingourLord.»(Muslim)

Tafseer

Allah(theExalted)istheOneWhowatchesoverus,sees,hearsandhasknowledgeofallofouraffairs.TosaythatHeistheCompaniononthejourneymeansthatAllah(theExalted)iswithusalways,throughHisknowledgeandsight,andHewillprotectusasHewills.

Significance

It iscomfortingtoknowthatAllahistheCompanion.Notonlydothebelieversfeelsafe,buttheyalsotakecaretodogooddeeds,knowingthatAllah(theExalted)iswatching.

Supplication

Asmentionedinthehadithabove.

59.TheSuccessor(Al-Khaleefah)

NarrationsoftheProphetMuhammad(bpuh):

«Ibn‘Umar(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)reportedthatwheneverAllah’sMessenger(bpuh)mountedhiscamelwhilesettingoutona journey,hemade thissupplicationfor travel:Allah is theMostGreat.

AllahistheMostGreat.AllahistheMostGreat.GloryistoHimWhohasprovidedthisforusthoughwecouldneverhavehaditbyourefforts.Surely,untoourLordwearereturning.OAllah,weaskYouonthis our journey for goodness and piety, and forworks that are pleasing toYou.OAllah, lighten thisjourneyforusandmake itsdistanceeasyforus.OAllah,YouareourCompanionon theroadand theSuccessor in Whose care we leave our family. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from this journey’shardships, and from thewicked sights in store and from findingour family andproperty inmisfortuneuponreturning.

Uponreturning,thesamesupplicationisrecitedwiththefollowingaddition:WereturnrepentanttoourLord,worshippingourLord,andpraisingourLord.»(Muslim)

Supplicationwhenclosingtheeyesofthedeceased:

«UmmSalamah(MayAllahbepleasedwithher)reported:TheMessengerofAllah(bpuh)cametoAbuSalamah(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)ashedied.Hiseyeswereopen.He(bpuh)closedthemandthensaid:Whenthesoulistakenaway,thesightfollowsit.

Someofthepeopleofhisfamilyweptandwailed,sohesaid:Donotsupplicateforyourselvesanythingbutgood,forangelssayAmeentowhatyousay.

Hethensaid:OAllah,forgiveAbuSalamah,raisehisdegreeamongthosewhoarerightlyguided,granthimasuccessorinhisdescendantswhoremain.Forgiveusandhim,OLordoftheUniverse,andmakehisgravespacious,andgranthimlightinit.»(Muslim)

Tafseer

IbnKatheerexplained:

A successor: one who succeeds another due to the latter’s absence or death. This is the correctmeaning of the word Khaleefah; thus, it is incorrect to believe that Adam is the Khaleefah(vicegerent, as is commonly translated) ofAllah on earth becauseAllah is never absent, andwillnever die. This supplication proves the correct understanding of this term and shows that Allah

succeedsusandguardswhomweleavebehindwhenwedieorareabsent.198

ThemisconceptionthatAdamistheKhaleefahofAllah(theExalted)isbasedonthefollowingverseoftheQur’an:

{…Indeed,Iwillmakeupontheearthasuccessiveauthority[Khaleefah]...}(Qur’an2:30)

IbnKatheerexplainedthisverseas

...meaningpeoplereproducinggenerationaftergeneration,centuryaftercentury…ItappearsthatAllah

wasnotreferringtoAdamspecificallyasKhalifah,otherwiseHewouldnothaveallowedtheangels’statement, “WillYouplace therein thosewhowillmakemischief therein and shedblood?” [2:30]The angels meant that this type of creature [human beings] usually commits the atrocities they

mentioned.199

So human beings are successors to one another, generation after generation. This is confirmed byAllah’sstatement:

{AnditisHewhohasmadeyousuccessors[khalâ’if:pluralofkhaleefah]upontheearth.}(Qur’an6:165)

Humanbeingsaresuccessors tooneanotherwhomAllah(theExalted)puton theearth.Ultimately,Allah(theExalted)isTheSuccessortoeverything;HeistheonlyOneWhodoesnotdie,andHeinheritsallthatweleavebehind.ToHimisallpraise.

Significance

Thebelievers are reassured, knowing that their familieswill beunder thewatchful eyesofAllah (theExalted) after their death. Knowledge of this attribute also discourages attachment to the life of thisworld,sinceonlythedeedswillgowithapersonwhenheorshedies.AllofthebelongingswillbeleftanddisposedofaccordingtothewillofAllah(theExalted).

Supplication

Asmentionedinthehadithabove.

60.Promises

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{Satanthreatensyouwithpovertyandordersyouto immorality,whileAllahpromisesyouforgivenessfromHimandbounty.AndAllahisall-EncompassingandKnowing.}

(Qur’an2:268)

{AndNoah called to his Lord and said:My Lord, indeedmy son is ofmy family; and indeed, Yourpromiseistrue;andYouarethemostjustofjudges!}

(Qur’an11:45)

{AndthecompanionsofparadisewillcallouttothecompanionsoftheFire:WehavealreadyfoundwhatourLordpromisedus tobe true.HaveyoufoundwhatyourLordpromised tobe true?Theywillsay:Yes.Thenanannouncerwillannounceamongthem:ThecurseofAllahshallbeuponthewrongdoers.}

(Qur’an7:44)

{AndSatanwillsaywhenthematterhasbeenconcluded:Indeed,Allahhadpromisedyouthepromiseoftruth.AndIpromisedyou,butIbetrayedyou.ButIhadnoauthorityoveryouexceptthatIinvitedyou,andyourespondedtome.Sodonotblameme;butblameyourselves.Icannotbecalledtoyouraid,norcanyou be called to my aid. Indeed, I deny your association of me [with Allah] before. Indeed, for thewrongdoersisapainfulpunishment.}

(Qur’an14:22)

NarrationoftheProphetMuhammad(bpuh):

Ibn‘Abbâs(MayAllahbepleasedwithhim)narratedthatwhentheProphet(bpuh)gotupatnighttooffertahajjudprayer,heusedtosay:

«OAllah!Allthepraisesareforyou.YouaretheHolderoftheheavensandtheearthandwhateverisinthem.AllthepraisesareforYou;Youhavethepossessionoftheheavensandtheearthandwhateverisinthem.AllthepraisesareforYou;YouaretheLightoftheheavensandtheearth.AllthepraisesareforYou;YouaretheSovereignoftheheavensandtheearth.AllthepraisesareforYou;YouaretheTruth,andYourPromiseisthetruth,andtomeetYouistrue.YourWordisthetruth,andparadiseistrue,andhellistrue,andalltheprophets(peacebeuponthem)aretrue.Muhammad(bpuh)istrue,andtheDayofResurrection is true.OAllah! I surrender (mywill) toYou. I believe inYou and depend onYou andrepenttoYou.WithYourhelp,Iargue(withmyopponents,thenon-believers),andItakeYouasajudge(to judge between us). Please forgive me my previous and future sins and whatever I concealed orrevealed.YouaretheExpediterandtheDeferrer.Thereisnonetobeworshippedbutyou.»(Bukhari)

Tafseer

Allah’spromiseistrue,andHe(theExalted)fulfilsHispromise.Hehaspromisedparadisetothosewhobelieve and do righteous deeds, and He has promised hell to those who disbelieve. Ibn KatheercommentedaboutAllah’spromisethatitis“bythewordsofHisMessengersthatifyoufollowthem,you

willgainsafetyanddeliverance.”200

Significance

Given that the promise of Allah (the Exalted) will always be true, the hearts of the believers areoverwhelmed with love and longing for their Lord. Just for following Allah’s laws, they have beenpromisedparadise.Conversely,fordisbelievinginAllah,Allah(theExalted)haspromisedtheFireasanabodeinthenextlife.ThismotivatesthebelieverstostrivetopleaseAllahsothattheywillreceivetherewardthatAllahpromises—paradise.

Supplication

Asmentionedinthehadithabove.

61.Gathers

VersesfromtheQur’an:

{…IndeedAllahwillgatherthehypocritesanddisbelieversinhellalltogether}(Qur’an4:140)

{OurLord,surelyYouwillgatherthepeopleforaDayaboutwhichthereisnodoubt.Indeed,AllahdoesnotfailinHispromise.}

(Qur’an3:9)

Tafseer

Allah (the Exalted) is the One Who will gather His creation on the Day of Resurrection and judgebetween them.Theywill thenberewardedorpunishedaccording to theirdeeds.Asfor thehypocritesanddisbelievers:

...just as thehypocritesparticipate in theKufrofdisbelievers,Allahwill join themall together toresideintheFireforeternity,dwellingintorment,punishment,enchained,restrainedandindrinking

boilingwater.201

Application

Knowing thatAllah (theExalted) is theOneWhowillGather instils fearofAllah in theheartsof thebelievers.TheyrecognizetheseriousnessoftheDayofJudgementandarefearfulofreceivingpunishmentthen.However,theyalsohopeforagoodreward,therewardofparadise,onthatDay.TheyhopethatontheDaywhenAllahgathershumankindtogether,thattheywillbeofthosewhowillreceivetheshadeofAllah’s throne.AbuHurayrah (MayAllah be pleasedwith him) narrated that theMessenger ofAllah(bpuh)said:

«Seven(people)willbeshadedbyAllah(theExalted)byHisshadeontheDayofResurrection,whentherewillbenoshadeexceptHisshade.(Theywillbe)ajustruler,ayoungmanwhohasbeenbroughtupin theworshipofAllah;amanwho remembersAllah in seclusion,andhiseyesare then floodedwithtears;amanwhoseheartisattachedtomosques(whooffershiscompulsorycongregationalprayersinthemosque);twomenwholoveeachotherforthesakeofAllah,amanwhoiscalledbyacharmingladyofnoblebirthtocommitillegalsexualintercoursewithher,andhesays:IamafraidofAllah;and(finally)amanwhogives in charity so secretly that his left handdoes not knowwhat his right handhas given.»

(Bukhari)

The believers pray to Allah (the Exalted) every day that they will be saved from being gatheredtogetherwiththedisbelieversandthrowninhell.

{Sodirectyourface[yourself]towardthereligion,incliningtotruth.[Adhereto]thefiṭrahofAllahuponwhichHehascreated[all]people.NochangeshouldtherebeinthecreationofAllah.Thatisthecorrectreligion,butmostpeopledonotknow.}

(Qur’an30:30)

Notes

1Ibn‘Abdal-Wahhab,ThreeEssaysonTawheed(NorthAmericanTrustPublications,1979),12.

2Unlessotherwisenoted,alltranslationsofthemeaningsoftheQur’anareadaptedfromSaheehInternational,TheQur’an:ArabicTextwithCorrespondingEnglishMeanings.

3Ibnal-‘Arabi,Aḥkâmal-Qur’an,2:993.Citedinal-Ashqar,TheNamesandAttributesofAllah.

4ÂyatisaverseintheQur’an,andKursi,accordingtotheexegesisofthisversebyaṭ-Ṭabarâni,refersto“Allah’sfootstool”thatisatthebaseofHisthrone.

5Thistranslationofthemeaningofthisverse(andsomeotherversesasindicatedthroughoutthebook)isadaptedfromal-HilaliandKhan,InterpretationoftheMeaningsoftheNobleQur’anintheEnglishLanguage.

6Al-HilaliandKhan,InterpretationoftheMeaningsoftheNobleQur’an

7IbnTaymiyah,Al-‘Uboodiyah:TheEssayofWorship(ElizabethN.J.:DaarAl-Hadeeth,1987),p.xxi

8IbnTaymiyahop.cit.,pp.2-3

9Al-Ashqarop.cit.,1999,p.26

10Al-Ashqarop.cit.,p.28

11As-Sa‘di,Allamah‘Abdal-Rahman,AnExplanationofMuhammadibn‘Abdal-Wahhab’sKitabAl-Tawhid(Birmingham:Al-Hidayah,2003),199-200

12al-Qarni,‘Âidhibn‘Abdullâh,Don’tBeSad,Riyadh:InternationalIslamicPublishingHouse,2003,p.83

13Al-HilaliandKhan,InterpretationoftheMeaningsoftheNobleQur’an

14Al-Ashqar,1999,p.45

15Al-Ashqar,1999,p.40

16Ibid.

17Ibid.

18Al-Ashqar,1999,p.41

19Ibn‘Abdal-Wahhabop.cit,p.25

20Al-HilaliandKhan,InterpretationoftheMeaningsoftheNobleQur’an

21TheAmericanHeritageDictionaryoftheEnglishLanguage,FourthEdition,(HoughtonMifflin,2000)

22Al-HilaliandKhan,InterpretationoftheMeaningsoftheNobleQur’an

23Al-Ashqar,1999,p.157

24Al-Ashqar,1999,p.167

25Al-Ashqar,1999,p.179

26Al-HilaliandKhan,InterpretationoftheMeaningsoftheNobleQur’an

27Al-HilaliandKhan,InterpretationoftheMeaningsoftheNobleQur’an

28al-Uthaymeen,MuhammadibnṢâliḥ,TawheedoftheNamesandAttributes,translatedbyAbdurRahmanAl-Rawahi,unpublished

29Zarabozo,JamaalAl-Din,HeCametoTeachYouYourReligion(Boulder:Al-Basheer,1997),p.140

30Al-HilaliandKhan,InterpretationoftheMeaningsoftheNobleQur’an

31IbnAbiḤâtim

32Al-Ashqar,op.cit.,pp.228-231

33Al-Sa‘di,pp.199-200.

34al-Mâliki,ad-Daynoor,Al-Mujâlasahwa Jawâhir al-‘Ilm.The editor of the book,Mash-hurḤasanSalmân, classified it as a reliablenarration.(Editor)

35Muslim,IbnMâjahandat-Tirmidhi

36Ibn‘Abdal-Wahhab,Muhammad,KitabAl-Tawheed(Jeddah:JeddahDa‘wahandGuidanceCenter),p.89

37 ‘Abd al-Wahhab op. cit.,KitabAl-Tawheed. Ibn Taymiyah recorded this anecdote inAṣ-Ṣârim al-Maslool ‘alâMan Shatama ar-Rasool,vol.1,p.31,butheneitherauthenticateditnorreferenceditssource.(Editor)

38ThelateShaykh‘Abdul-‘AzeezibnBâzwasthemuftiofSaudiArabia.(Editor)

39Al-Ashqarop.cit.,pp.63-64

40See:Al-Ashqar,TheNamesandAttributesofAllahandal-‘Uthaymeen,MuhammadṢâliḥ,Al-Qawâ’idAl-MuthlâfeeṢifâtAllahwaAsmâ’al-Ḥusnâ(Riyadh:MaktabahAl-Ḥaramayn,1407H)

41Al-HilaliandKhan,InterpretationoftheMeaningsoftheNobleQur’an

42Al-Tabari,MuhammadIbnJarir,TheCommentaryontheQuran,Englishtrans.,vol.1(OxfordUniversityPress,1987),pp.54-55

43MuhammadNasibAr-Rifa’i,TafsirIbnKathir,(Al-FirdousLtd,London,1996),p.21

44Abd-Allah,A.“SomeNamesofAllaah”,MSAWest,http://www.msawest.net/islam/fundamentals/tawheed/namesofallaah.html(accessedAugust10,2009)

45Al-AlbâniauthenticateditinṢaḥeeḥal-Jâmi‘aṣ-Ṣagheer,hadithno.4591.

46DhihârreferstoapracticefoundinArabiabeforeIslam,whereamanwouldsaytohiswife,“Youarelikethebackofmymothertome,”andthenrefrainfromhavingmaritalrelationswithher.

47Abd-Allahop.cit.,“SomeNamesofAllaah”

48TheNightofPoweristhenightinthemonthofRamadanwhentheQuranwasfirstrevealedtotheProphetMuhammad(bpuh).Itisaspecialnightofblessingsandforgiveness.

49Al-HilaliandKhan,InterpretationoftheMeaningsoftheNobleQur’an

50Al-Mubarakpuri,ShaykhSafiur-Rahman,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.10(Riyadh:Darussalam,2000),634

51Al-HilaliandKhan,InterpretationoftheMeaningsoftheNobleQur’an

52Al-HilaliandKhan,InterpretationoftheMeaningsoftheNobleQur’an

53ThistranslationofthemeaningistakenfromMuhammadMarmadukePickthall,TheGloriousQur’an(Istanbul:ÇagriYayinlari,1996)

54Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.9,p.462

55Abd-Allahop.cit.,“SomeNamesofAllaah”

56Abd-Allahop.cit.,“SomeNamesofAllaah”

57Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.5,pp.242-243,245

58Abd-Allahop.cit.,“SomeNamesofAllaah”

59Pickthall,TheGloriousQur’an

60Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.9,p.580

61Al-HilaliandKhan,InterpretationoftheMeaningsoftheNobleQur’an

62Pickthall,TheGloriousQur’an

63Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.9,p.462

64Al-Qahtaani,FortificationoftheMuslimthroughRemembranceandSupplicationfromtheQur’aanandtheSunnah(Jeddah:DarAl-Khair),p.140

65Al-Qahtaaniop.cit.,p.462

66Pickthall,TheGloriousQur’an

67Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.9,p.462

68Al-Qahtaani,p.140

69Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.9,p.462

70Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.8,p.119

71Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.8,p.440

72AbuAmeenahBilalPhilips,TafseerSoorahAl-Hujuraat(Riyadh:TawheedPublications,1990),p.136

73Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.1,p.531

74Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.2,p.57

75Abd-Allahop.cit.,“SomeNamesofAllaah”

76Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.6,p.269

77Al-HilaliandKhan,InterpretationoftheMeaningsoftheNobleQur’an

78Abd-Allahop.cit.,“SomeNamesofAllaah”

79Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.6,p.604

80Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.5,p.308

81Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.7,pp.594-5

82op.cit.,vol.6,p.528

83op.cit.,vol.6,p.607

84Alltranslationsofthemeaningsinthissection(Al-Ḥaseeb)aretakenfromAl-HilaliandKhan,InterpretationoftheMeaningsoftheNobleQur’an.

85Abd-Allahop.cit.,“SomeNamesofAllaah”

86Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.2,p.382

87Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.8,p.498

88FromFortressoftheMuslim,no.209:“Al-Albânigradedit‘reliable’inṢaḥeeḥIbnMâjah2/21andṢaḥeeḥat-at-Tirmidhi3/152.”

89Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.9,p.579

90Abd-Allahop.cit.,“SomeNamesofAllaah”

91AliTamimi,TawheedoftheProphetsandMessengers,(unpublishedtranscribedlecture),p.14

92Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.6,p.608

93Al-HilaliandKhan,InterpretationoftheMeaningsoftheNobleQur’an

94Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.9,p.580

95Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.8,p.226

96Al-HilaliandKhan,InterpretationoftheMeaningsoftheNobleQur’an

97Al-HilaliandKhan,InterpretationoftheMeaningsoftheNobleQur’an

98Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.10,p.88

99Al-HilaliandKhan,InterpretationoftheMeaningsoftheNobleQur’an

100Al-HilaliandKhan,InterpretationoftheMeaningsoftheNobleQur’an

101Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.9,p.578

102Al-HilaliandKhan,InterpretationoftheMeaningsoftheNobleQur’an

103Abd-Allahop.cit.,“SomeNamesofAllaah”

104Abd-Allahop.cit.,“SomeNamesofAllaah”

105Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.9,p.579

106Al-HilaliandKhan,InterpretationoftheMeaningsoftheNobleQur’an

107Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.2,p.533

108Tamimi,TawheedoftheProphetsandMessengers,p.16

109Abd-Allahop.cit.,“SomeNamesofAllaah”

110Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.9,p.580

111Abd-Allahop.cit.,“SomeNamesofAllaah”

112Abd-Allahop.cit.,“SomeNamesofAllaah”

113Abd-Allahop.cit.,“SomeNamesofAllaah”

114Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.7,p.83-84

115Alltranslationsofthemeaningsinthissection(Al-Qadeer)areadaptedfromAl-HilaliandKhan,InterpretationoftheMeaningsoftheNobleQur’an.

116Ar-Rifa’i,TafsirIbnKathir,p.61

117FromFortressoftheMuslim#209:“Al-Albânigradedit‘reliable’inṢaḥeeḥIbnMâjah2/21andṢaḥeeḥat-at-Tirmidhi3/152.”

118Thetranslationof themeaningsforbothversesinthissection(Al-Qâhir)areadaptedfromAl-HilaliandKhan,Interpretationof theMeaningsoftheNobleQur’an.

119Alltranslationsofthemeaningsinthissection(Al-Qawiyy)areadaptedfromAl-HilaliandKhan,InterpretationoftheMeaningsoftheNobleQur’an.

120Al-Quddoosisoftentranslatedas‘TheHoly’

121Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.9,p.578

122Al-HilaliandKhan,InterpretationoftheMeaningsoftheNobleQur’an

123Al-HilaliandKhan,InterpretationoftheMeaningsoftheNobleQur’an

124Al-Tabari,TheCommentaryontheQur’an(Englishtrans.),vol.1,p.64

125Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.1,p.73

126Thetranslationsofthemeaningsinthissection(Ar-RaḥeemandAr-Raḥmân)areadaptedfromAl-HilaliandKhan,InterpretationoftheMeaningsoftheNobleQur’an.

127Ar-Rifa’i,TafseerIbnKathir,pp.23-4

128Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.2,p.145

129Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.9,p.472

130Abd-Allahop.cit.,“SomeNamesofAllaah”

131Al-Sa’di,AnExplanationofMuhammadibn‘Abdal-Wahhab’sKitabal-Tawhid,234

132Al-HilaliandKhan,InterpretationoftheMeaningsoftheNobleQur’an

133Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.10,p.634

134Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.10,p.628

135Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.1,p.452

136Abd-Allahop.cit.,“SomeNamesofAllaah”

137Al-Tabariop.cit.,p.265

138Philips,TafseerSoorahal-Hujuraat,p.107

139Philipsop.cit.,pp.107-8

140Al-HilaliandKhan,InterpretationoftheMeaningsoftheNobleQur’an

141Pickthall,TheGloriousQur’an

142Tamimiop.cit.,p.13;italicsinoriginal

143Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.8,p.313

144Abd-Allahop.cit.,“SomeNamesofAllaah”

145FromFortressoftheMuslim#209:“Al-Albânigradedit‘reliable’inṢaḥeeḥIbnMâjah2/21andṢaḥeeḥat-at-Tirmidhi3/152.”

146BukhariandMuslim

147Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.2,p.34

148Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.5,p.390

149Abd-Allahop.cit.,“SomeNamesofAllaah”

150Abd-Allahop.cit.,“SomeNamesofAllaah”;italicsinoriginal

151Abd-Allahop.cit.,“SomeNamesofAllaah”

152al-Albâni,Ṣaḥeeḥal-Jâmi‘aṣ-Ṣagheervol.2,p.108,hadithno.1752

153Abd-Allahop.cit.,“SomeNamesofAllaah”

154al-Albâniop.cit.,vol.2,p.129,hadithno.1819

155Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.1,p.122

156Al-Tabari,op.cit.

157al-Albâniop.cit.,vol.2,p.108,hadithno.1752

158Al-Ashqar,TheNamesandAttributesofAllah,pp.124-5

159Al-HilaliandKhan,InterpretationoftheMeaningsoftheNobleQur’an

160Al-HilaliandKhan,InterpretationoftheMeaningsoftheNobleQur’an

161Al-Hasan,Ali,“TheAttributesofAllah”,AlJumuahmagazine,vol.7,No.9

162Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.2,pp.25-26

163Al-HilaliandKhan,InterpretationoftheMeaningsoftheNobleQur’an

164Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.8,p.326

165Tamimi,op.cit.

166Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.6,p.349

167Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.4,p.464

168Al-HilaliandKhan,InterpretationoftheMeaningsoftheNobleQur’an

169Al-HilaliandKhan,InterpretationoftheMeaningsoftheNobleQur’an

170Al-HilaliandKhan,InterpretationoftheMeaningsoftheNobleQur’an

171ReportedinAsh-Shari‘ah;al-Albânimentionsthatitisauthentic

172Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.9,pp.407-408

173Al-HilaliandKhan,InterpretationoftheMeaningsoftheNobleQur’an

174Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.8,p.301

175Al-HilaliandKhan,InterpretationoftheMeaningsoftheNobleQur’an

176FatâwâIbnTaymiyah,vol.5,pp.54-55

177Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.6,p.702

178Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.8,p.364

179Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.10,p.554

180Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.5,p.527

181Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.3,p.525

182Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.8,p.86

183Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.9,p.324

184Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.1,pp.151&155

185ar-Râzi,vol.2.p.91

186Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.5,p.529

187Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.4,p.465

188Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.4,p.275

189Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.8,pp.160-161

190Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.5,pp.512&514

191Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.5,p.231

192Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.6,p.222

193Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.1,p.173

194Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.1,p.178

195Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.2,p.302

196Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.2,p.299

197Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.6,p.440

198Al-Qahtâni,FortificationoftheMuslim,pp.179-180

199Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.1,pp.182-183

200Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.5,p.336

201Al-Mubarakpuri,TafsirIbnKathir,vol.2,p.613

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IndexoftheNamesofAllah(theExalted)byTransliteration

Transliteration No. EnglishTranslation ArabicNameAllah 1 HeWhoDeservestobeWorshipped ����Al-‘Adheem 2 TheMostGreat ���������Al-‘Afuww 3 ThePardoning ��������Al-Aḥad 4 TheOne �������Al-Âkhir 5 TheLast ��������Al-Akram 6 TheMostGenerous ����������Al-A‘lâ 7 TheMostHigh �����������Al-‘Aleem 8 TheKnowing ���������Al-‘Âlim 9 TheKnower ��� �� ����Al-‘Aliyy 10 TheMostHigh ���������Al-Awwal 11 TheFirst ���������Al-‘Azeez 12 TheExaltedinMight ���������Al-Badee’ 13 TheOriginator ���������Al-Bâri’ 14 TheInventor,theCreator ���������Al-Barr 15 TheMostCourteousandGenerous �������Al-Baṣeer 16 TheSeeing ���������Al-Bâsiṭ 96 TheMunificent �������Al-Bâṭin 17 TheInward ���������Ad-Dayân 97 TheJudge ��������Adh-Dhâhir 18 TheOutward ��� �� �����Fâliqul-Ḥabbiwan-Nawâ

19 TheCleaverofGrainandDateSeeds

������ ��������������

Al-Fâṭir 20 TheCreator ���������Al-Fattâḥ 21 TheJudge ����������Al-Ghaffâr 22 ThePerpetualForgiver � �� ��������Al-Ghâfir 23 TheForgiver ���������Al-Ghafoor 24 TheForgiving �������Al-Ghaniyy 25 TheFreeofNeed ���������

Al-Hâdi 26 TheGuide ���������Al-Ḥafiyy 27 TheEverGracious ���������Al-Ḥafeedh 28 TheGuardian ���������Al-Ḥâfidh 29 TheGuardian ��� �� �����Al-Ḥakam 30 TheJudge ��������Al-Ḥakeem 31 TheWise ���������Al-Ḥaleem 32 TheForbearing ���������Al-Ḥameed 33 ThePraiseworthy ���������Al-Hannân 98 TheCompassionate ���������Al-Ḥaqq 34 TheTruth �������Al-Ḥaseeb 35 TheReckoner ����������Al-Ḥayee 99 TheModest ������Al-Ḥayy 36 TheEver-Living �������Al-Ilâh 37 TheGod � �� �������Al-Jabbâr 38 TheCompeller ����������Al-Jameel 100 TheBeautiful �������Al-Jawâd 101 TheMagnanimous �������Al-Kabeer 39 TheGrand ���������Al-Kafeel 40 TheWitness,theGuarantor ��������Al-Kareem 41 TheGenerous ���������Al-Khabeer 42 TheAcquaintedwithallThings ���������Al-Khâliq 43 TheCreator ��� �� �����Al-Khallâq 44 TheCreator � �� ��������Al-Laṭeef 45 TheMostSubtleandKind ���������Al-Majeed 46 TheGlorious ���������Al-Maleek 47 TheSovereign ���������Al-Malik 48 TheSovereign ��������Al-Mâlik 49 TheSovereign,TheOwner ���� �� �����Al-Mannân 102 TheBenefactor ��������Al-Mateen 50 TheMostStrong ���������Al-Maulâ 51 TheProtector �����������Al-Mu’akhkhir 103 TheDeferrer ���������Al-Mubeen 52 TheManifest ���������Al-Muhaymin 53 TheOverseer ������������Al-Muḥeeṭ 54 TheEncompassing ����������Al-Muhsin 104 TheCharitable ���������Al-Muḥyee 55 TheGiverofLife ���������Al-Mujeeb 56 TheResponsive ��������Al-Mu’min 57 TheBestowerofFaith ����������Al-Munshi’ 58 TheProducer ��������Al-Muqaddim 105 TheExpediter ����������

Muqallibul-Quloob 106 TheOneWhoTurnsHearts ������ �����Al-Muqeet 59 TheAll-Able ���������Al-Muqtadir 60 ThePerfectinAbility �����������Al-Muṣawwir 61 TheFashioner �����������Al-Mus‘ir 107 ThePrice-Setter �������Al-Musta‘ân 62 TheOneWhoseHelpisSought �������������Al-Muta‘âl 63 TheExalted �����������Al-Mutakabbir 64 TheSuperior �������������Al-Mu‘ṭee 108 TheGiver ���������An-Naṣeer 65 TheHelper ���������An-Noor 66 TheLight ��������Al-Qâbiḍ 109 TheConstrictor �������Al-Qadeer 67 TheAll-Powerful ��������Al-Qâdir 68 TheAble ���������Al-Qahhâr 69 ThePrevailing ����������Al-Qâhir 70 TheIrresistible ���������Al-Qareeb 71 TheNear ��������Al-Qawiyy 72 TheAll-Strong ��������Al-Qayyoom 73 TheSustainerofallExistence ����������Al-Quddoos 74 ThePure ����������Ar-Rabb 75 TheLord ������Ar-Rafeeq 110 TheGentle ��������Ar-Raḥeem 76 TheMostMerciful ���������Ar-Raḥmân 77 TheMostGracious � �� ���������Ar-Ra’oof 78 TheKind ���������Ar-Raqeeb 79 TheObserver ���������Ar-Razzâq 80 TheProvider ����������Aṣ-Ṣâdiq 81 TheTruthful ��� �� �����As-Salâm 82 TheSourceofPeaceandPerfection � �� �������Aṣ-Ṣamad 83 TheSelf-SufficientMaster ��������As-Samee‘ 84 TheHearing ���������As-Sateer 111 TheOneWhoVeils ��������As-Sayyid 112 TheMaster ���������Ash-Shâfy 113 TheOneWhoCures ��������Ash-Shaheed 85 TheWitness ���������Ash-Shâkir 86 TheAppreciative ���������Ash-Shakoor 87 TheAppreciative ���������As-Subbooḥ 114 ThePerfect ����������At-Tawwâb 88 TheAcceptingofRepentance ����������Aṭ-Ṭayyib 115 TheGood ���������Al-Wadood 89 TheMostLoving ���������

Al-Wahhâb 90 TheBestower ����������Al-Wâḥid 91 TheOne ���������Al-Wakeel 92 TheDisposerofAffairs ���������Al-Waliyy 93 TheProtector,theAlly ���������Al-Wârith 94 TheInheritor ���������Al-Wâsi‘ 95 TheAll-Encompassing ��������Al-Witr 116 TheSingle �������

IndexoftheNamesofAllah(theExalted)byEnglishTranslationofName

EnglishTranslation Transliteration No. ArabicNameTheAble Al-Qâdir 68 ���������TheAcceptingofRepentance At-Tawwâb 88 ����������TheAll-Able Al-Muqeet 59 ���������TheAll-Encompassing Al-Wâsi‘ 95 ��������TheAll-Powerful Al-Qadeer 67 ��������TheAll-Strong Al-Qawiyy 72 ��������TheAcquaintedwithallThings Al-Khabeer 42 ���������TheAppreciative Ash-Shâkir 86 ���������TheAppreciative Ash-Shakoor 87 �����������TheBeautiful Al-Jameel 100 �������TheBenefactor Al-Mannân 102 ��������TheBestowerofFaith Al-Mu’min 57 ����������TheCharitable Al-Muhsin 104 ���������TheCleaverofGrainandDateSeeds

Fâliqul-Ḥabbiwan-Nawâ

19 ������ ��������������

TheCompassionate Al-Hannân 98 ���������TheCompeller Al-Jabbâr 38 ����������TheConstrictor Al-Qâbiḍ 109 �������TheCreator Al-Fâṭir 20 ���������TheCreator Al-Khâliq 43 ��� �� �����TheCreator Al-Khallâq 44 � �� ��������TheDeferrer Al-Mu’akhkhir 103 ���������TheEncompassing Al-Muḥeeṭ 54 ����������TheEverGracious Al-Ḥafiyy 27 ���������TheEver-Living Al-Ḥayy 36 �������TheExalted Al-Muta‘âl 63 �����������TheExpediter Al-Muqaddim 105 ����������TheFashioner Al-Muṣawwir 61 �����������

TheFirst Al-Awwal 11 ���������TheForbearing Al-Ḥaleem 32 ���������TheForgiver Al-Ghâfir 23 ���������TheForgiving Al-Ghafoor 24 �������TheFreeofNeed Al-Ghaniyy 25 ���������TheGenerous Al-Kareem 41 ���������TheGentle Ar-Rafeeq 110 ��������TheGiver Al-Mu‘ṭee 108 ���������TheGiverofLife Al-Muḥyee 55 ���������TheGlorious Al-Majeed 46 ���������TheGod Al-Ilâh 37 � �� �������TheGood Aṭ-Ṭayyib 115 ���������TheGrand Al-Kabeer 39 ���������TheGuardian Al-Ḥafeedh 28 ���������TheGuardian Al-Ḥâfidh 29 ��� �� �����TheGuide Al-Hâdi 26 ����������HeWhoDeservestobeWorshipped Allah 1 ����TheHearing As-Samee‘ 84 ���������TheHelper An-Naṣeer 65 ���������TheInventor,theCreator Al-Bâri’ 14 ���������TheInward Al-Bâṭin 17 ���������TheIrresistible Al-Qâhir 70 ���������TheJudge Ad-Dayân 97 ��������TheJudge Al-Fattâḥ 21 ����������TheJudge Al-Ḥakam 30 ��������TheKind Ar-Ra’oof 78 ���������TheKnowing Al-‘Aleem 8 ���������TheKnower Al-‘Âlim 9 ��� �� ����TheLast Al-Âkhir 5 �������TheLight An-Noor 66 ��������TheLord Ar-Rabb 75 ������TheMagnanimous Al-Jawâd 101 �������TheManifest Al-Mubeen 52 ���������TheMaster As-Sayyid 112 ���������TheModest Al-Ḥayee 99 ������TheMostCourteousandGenerous Al-Barr 15 �������TheMostGenerous Al-Akram 6 ����������TheMostGracious Ar-Raḥmân 77 � �� ���������TheMostGreat Al-‘Adheem 2 ���������TheMostHigh Al-A‘lâ 7 �����������TheMostHigh Al-‘Aliyy 10 ���������

TheMostMerciful Ar-Raḥeem 76 ���������TheMostStrong Al-Mateen 50 ���������TheMostSubtleandKind Al-Laṭeef 45 ���������TheMunificent Al-Bâsiṭ 96 �������TheNear Al-Qareeb 71 ��������TheObserver Ar-Raqeeb 79 ���������TheOne Al-Aḥad 4 �������TheOne Al-Wâḥid 91 ���������TheOneWhoCures Ash-Shâfy 113 ��������TheOneWhoTurnsHearts Al-Muqâllibul-Quloob 106 ������ �������TheOneWhoVeils As-Sateer 111 ��������TheOneWhoseHelpisSought Al-Musta‘ân 62 �������������TheOriginator Al-Badee‘ 13 ���������TheOutward Adh-Dhâhir 18 ��� �� �����TheOverseer Al-Muhaymin 53 ������������ThePardoning Al-‘Afuww 3 ��������ThePerfect As-Subbooḥ 114 ����������ThePerfectinAbility Al-Muqtadir 60 �����������ThePerpetualForgiver Al-Ghaffâr 22 � �� ��������ThePraiseworthy Al-Ḥameed 33 ���������ThePrevailing Al-Qahhâr 69 ����������ThePrice-Setter Al-Mus‘ir 107 �������TheProvider Ar-Razzâq 80 ����������ThePure Al-Quddoos 74 ����������TheProducer Al-Munshi’ 58 ��������TheProtector Al-Maulâ 51 �����������TheReckoner Al-Ḥaseeb 35 ����������TheResponsive Al-Mujeeb 56 ��������TheSeeing Al-Baṣeer 16 ���������TheSourceofPeaceandPerfection As-Salâm 82 � �� �������TheSovereign Al-Maleek 47 ���������TheSovereign Al-Malik 48 ��������TheSovereign,TheOwner Al-Mâlik 49 ���� �� �����TheSuperior Al-Mutakabbir 64 �������������TheTruth Al-Ḥaqq 34 �������TheTruthful Aṣ-Ṣâdiq 81 ��� �� �����TheWise Al-Ḥakeem 31 ���������TheWitness Ash-Shaheed 85 ���������TheWitness,theGuarantor Al-Kafeel 40 ��������

IndexoftheAttributesofAllah(theExalted)

Attribute No.AcceptsIntercession 30Anger 39BestofBestowers(Khayrul-Mu‘ṭeen) 25BestofCreators(Aḥsanul-Khâliqeen) 24BestofInheritors(Khayrul-Wâritheen) 21BestofProviders(Khayrur-Râziqeen) 22BestofThoseWhoGiveDecision(Khayrul-Fâtiḥeen) 20BesttoAccommodate(Khayrul-Munzileen) 26CausesDeath 55Comes 45Commands 47Companion,The(Aṣ-Ṣâḥib) 58Curses 40Descends 44Dislikes 38DoesnotBurdenUsBeyondOurCapacity 33DoesNotDie 4DoesNotDoThingswithoutPurpose 6DoesNotForget 7DoesNotGiveBirth,WasnotBorn 1DoesNotNeedSustenance 8DoesNotSleeporBecomeDrowsy 3DoesWhatHeWills 54Eminence,Honour(‘Izzah) 16EstablishesHimself(Istawâ) 43Eyes 11Face 9Feet 13Fingers 12Forbids 48

Gathers 61GivesSigns 34Grasps,Holds 46hands 10Jealousy,SenseofHonour(Gheerah) 17Laughs 51Likes,IsPleased 28Mocks 42MostJustofJudges(Aḥkamul-Ḥâkimeen) 19MostMercifuloftheMerciful(Arḥamur-Râḥimeen) 23NoWearinessTouchesHim(theExalted) 5NothingEqualorComparabletoHim(theExalted) 2OwnerofMajestyandHonour(Thil-Jalâliwal-Ikrâm) 15PatienceandForbearance 27Plans 49PresentsExamples 53Promises 60Punishes 41Raises(Râfi’) 50Rewards 31Saves 32SendsRain 36SendsRevelation 29SendsDownTranquility(Sakeenah) 35Separates 57Shin 14Speech 52Spreads 37Successor,The(Al-Khaleefah) 59Tests 56Throne(‘Arsh)andChair(Kursi) 18

GlossaryofIslamicTerms*

adhân ���� thecalltoprayer

alḥamdulillâh ��������

allpraiseisforAllah

Allâhuakbar ��������

AllahistheGreatest

âmeen ���� OAllah,acceptourinvocation;amen

as-salâmu‘alaykum

�����������

agreeting,whichmeans‘peace’

astaghfirAllâh

����������

IseekAllah’sForgiveness

bismillâh ���� ��� inthenameofAllah

Dajjâl �������� theantichrist(anti-Christ);inIslamicteachings,heisafalseMessiahwhowilldeceive the people and cause harm to humankind until he is killed by Jesus(pbuh)

Hadith(ḥadeeth)

���� thecollected statementsandactionsofProphetMuhammad (bpuh) thatwiththeQur’anformthebasisofIslamiclaw

hadith(ḥadeeth)

���� a statement or action of Prophet Muhammad (bpuh) that was rememberedandrecordedbyhisCompanionsandfollowers

hadithqudsi ��������

‘sacred hadith’: a hadith communicated to Prophet Muhammad (bpuh) byAllah,butthatisnotpartoftheQur’an

ḥayâ’ ������ modesty,bashfulness,shyness,moralconscienceandself–respect

hijab(ḥijâb) ���� veilordainedbyAllahforbelievingwomen

inshallah(inshâ’Allah)

��� ������

Godwilling

jinn ��� non-human,rationalbeingscreatedbyAllah,oftenreferredtoas‘demons’

khaleel ���� averyclosefriend

lâilâhaillâAllâh

��� ������ ���

thereisnoneworthyofworshipotherthanAllah

qadr ����� divinepredestination;destiny;power;exactmeasure

salâm ������ peace;thegreetingofpeace

shirk ����� associatingpartnerswithAllah

soorahorsoorat

���� chapteroftheQur’an

subḥânAllâh ���������

glorybetoAllah

Sunnah ������ thepracticeandcollectedsayingsofProphetMuhammad(bpuh)thattogetherwiththeQur’anformsthebasisofIslamiclaw

tafseer ����� exegesis: commentary, or explanation of the meanings (usu. of Qur’anicverses)

tawḥeed ������� theOneness ofAllah: thatHe alone deserves to beworshipped and thatHehasnopartners

witr ��� lit. an odd number: a single unit of supererogatory prayer, to be prayed anytimeaftertheevening(‘ishâ’)prayerandbeforethecallforthedawnprayer

*TheArabicwordsaretransliteratedaccordingtotheconventionsoftheTransliterationChartfoundinthisbook.Ifawordhasbecomepartof the English language (i.e., is found in a dictionary of Standard English), that spelling is used in this book and appears first in thisGlossary,withthetransliteratedforminbracketsafterit.