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asma-al-husna · 2 days

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

The Creator, the Maker, the Planner

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

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

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

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

The product of Allah

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

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

A mind-blowing argument

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

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

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

How Can You Live by This Name?

1. Strengthen your relationship with al-Khaaliq.

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

2. Don’t fear created things.

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

3. Don’t call people “creator.”

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

4. Look at nature.

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

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

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asma-al-husna · 3 days

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

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

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

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

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

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

Allah Al-Mutakabbir versus the arrogant

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

A lesson on how to battle pride

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

How Can You Live by This Name?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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asma-al-husna · 6 days

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

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

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

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

Three types of jabr

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

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

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

How can you live by this name?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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asma-al-husna · 6 days

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

The Powerful, Noble, Invincible, and Incomparable

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

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

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

A beautiful poem about Al-‘Azeez

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

A powerful and wise combination

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

How can you live by this name?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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asma-al-husna · 8 days

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

The Overseer, Protector and Guardian

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

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

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

The Quran is called ‘muhaymin’

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

How can you live by this name?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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asma-al-husna · 9 days

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

The Bestower of Faith and Security, the Faithful

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

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

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

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

Who receives the aman of Allah?

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

How can you live by this name?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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asma-al-husna · 9 days

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

The Bestower of Peace, the Perfection

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

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

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

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

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

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

How can you live by this name?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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asma-al-husna · 10 days

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

The Most Pure, the All-Perfect

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

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

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

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

Subhanallah and alhamdulillah

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

How can you live by this name?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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asma-al-husna · 12 days

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

The King, the Ruler, the Owner of Dominion

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

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

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

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

A breathtaking scene with the King

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

How can you live by this name?

1. Stay within the limits of Al-Malik.

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

2. Don’t use the name Al-Malik.

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

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

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

4. Ask Al-Malik.

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

5. Be just.

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

6. Humble yourself in heart and body.

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

7. Praise Al-Malik.

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

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

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asma-al-husna · 15 days

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

The Most Compassionate, the Bestower of Mercy

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

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

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

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

The merciful of the creation

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

Being kind to others is a blessing

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

How can you live by this name?

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

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

2. Strive for taqwa.

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

3. Pray four units of prayer before ‘asr.

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

4. Listen to the Quran attentively.

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

5. Turn to Ar-Raheem.

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

6. Ask Ar-Raheem for compassion.

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

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

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asma-al-husna · 19 days

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

The Most Gracious, Most Lovingly Beneficent

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

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

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

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

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

The mercy of Allah

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

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

How can you live by this name?

1. Never despair.

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

2.Be merciful to others.

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

3.Keep family ties.

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

4. Be good to your parents.

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

5. Recognize mercy and be grateful.

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

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

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

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asma-al-husna · 20 days

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

The Good Doer, the Supreme Doer of Good

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

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

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

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

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

Islam, emaan, and ihsaan

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

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

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

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

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

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

How can you live by this name?

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

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

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

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

Make it your mission to find out what the Quran says about what are good deeds and what their reward is, so you can apply them and become of the muhsineen inshaa’Allah!  3. Realize that Allah’s ways are excellent. Allah is the only true Mushin. He is perfect in His Names, attributes, and actions. Truly realize that everything Allah ‘azza wa jall gives and takes from you, is for your own good, and let this inspire you to complain less and start being more content. Allah’s ihsaan is general with the whole creation; He created you in a perfect way without being asked and His ihsaan is specific. He rewards the good doers with the place of ultimate good: His Paradise!

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

5. Study the names of Allah.

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

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asma-al-husna · 21 days

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

The Shy One, the one of perfect modesty

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

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

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

Modesty: a blessing from Allah

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

Five virtues of modesty

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

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

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

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

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

How can you live by this name?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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asma-al-husna · 23 days

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Allah calls Himself Kafeel— Guarantor, Surety— once in the Quran. Al-Kafeel is the only one able to protect the interests of the whole creation. He is the guarantor of all oaths, and He guarantees all material and spiritual provisions according to His wisdom. He is the best surety in the affairs of all!

The Guarantor, Surety, Responsible, and Witness

Kafeel comes from the root kaaf-faa-laam, which points to three main meanings. The first meaning is to guarantee, to be surety and witness, and the second is to take charge of. The third main meaning is be entrusted with the care of something.

This root appears 10 times in the Quran in five derived forms. Examples of these forms include yakfulu (“takes charge [of]”), kiflun (“a portion”) and al-khifli (“Dhul Kifl”).

Linguistically the kafeel of someone else is the person who takes someone under his or her care and takes responsibility for that person.

Al-Kafeel is the one and only creator, who takes ultimate responsibility for the complete creation, taking care of all affairs, fulfilling His oaths, and witnessing all oaths made by others!

Al-Kafeel Himself says: . . . And fulfill the covenant of Allah when you have taken it, [O believers], and do not break oaths after their confirmation while you have made Allah, over you, a witness. Indeed, Allah knows what you do. [Quran, 16:91]

Allah is sufficient as guarantor

Summarized from Imam Al-Bukhaari in his saheeh there is a story of a man from the children of Israel who asked another to borrow thousand dinars. The second man asked, Do you have a witness (for this transaction)? The first man replied, I have no witness except Allah. The other then asked, Do you have a guarantor? The man said, I have no guarantor except Allah. The second man said, Allah is ever all-sufficient as a Disposer of affairs.

He then gave him the money; they parted and agreed on a place and time to pay back the loan. When the man wanted to pay back the money at the set time he could find no boat to reach the other man who lived across the river. He said, O’ Allah, he asked me for a witness and I found no one but you; he asked me for a guarantor, and I found no one but you. O’ Allah, make this letter reach him.

He placed the money with a letter in a hollowed out piece of wood and hurled it into the river. By the permission of Allah it floated forward according to a guided course.

The lender went to the shore in keeping with the appointment. He waited for a little while, and when the other man did not come, he said to him, Why don’t I at least take some firewood for my family? He passed by the piece of wood and took it home. Finding that it was hallow, he broke it open and found the money with the letter.

Allah ‘azza wa jall is truly the best guarantor and disposer of affairs and in Him should we trust: And in Allah should the believers put their trust. [Quran, 3: 122]

How Can You Live By This Name?

1. Fulfil your covenant with Al-Kafeel. Allah ‘azza wa jall says: and fulfill (your obligations to) My Covenant (with you) so that I fulfill (My obligations to) your covenant (with Me). [Quran, 2:40] If you fulfil your covenant with Allah ‘azza wa jall, you fulfil the obligations you have towards Him and you worship Him as He instructed you to in the Quran and through the sunnah; this is your way to gain admittance to Paradise! Ibn Jareer said: His covenant with them is that if they do that, He will admit them to Paradise. [See: al-‘Ahd wal Mithaaq fil Qur’an al-Kareem, Prof. Dr. Naasir Sulaymaan al-‘Umar]

2. Take your promises seriously. Don’t worry, I’ll do that for your tomorrow! I’ll give it back to you next week! So easily we make promises and set agreements regarding big and small matters, but do we realize it is a commandment of Al-Kafeel Himself and obligatory to fulfil them?

Fulfilling your promises brings you enormous rewards, such as the love of Allah ‘azza wa jall! Yes, whoever fulfils his pledge and fears Allah much; verily, then Allah loves those who are the pious. [Quran, 3:76] Keep yourself in check with the following hadeeth. The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: Whoever breaks the covenant of a Muslim, upon him be the curse of Allah, the angels and all the people, and Allah will not accept any obligatory or voluntary act of worship from him. [al-Bukhaari, Muslim]

3. Put your trust in Al-Kafeel. Allah ‘azza wa jall says: And put your trust in Allah if you are believers indeed. [Quran, 8:23] Let your faith in the promise of Allah increase so that you will call upon Him from your heart. Do whatever you can, but then learn to entrust your affairs to Him, knowing He will take care of you better than anyone or anything else. Allah says: Invoke Me, I will respond to your [invocation]. [Quran 40: 60] Train yourself to turn each worry and distress into a supplication!

4. Beware of these four characteristics. Be inspired by this beautiful name to take your responsibilities to the best of your abilities! The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: There are four characteristics, whoever has them all is a pure hypocrite: when he speaks he lies, when he makes a promise he breaks it, when he makes a covenant he betrays it, and when he disputes he resorts to obscene speech. Whoever has one of them has one of the characteristics of hypocrisy, until he gives it up. [Al-Bukhaari, Muslim]

Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem.

O Allah, Al-Kafeel, we know that You are the best guarantor. Make us of those who fulfil our covenant with You and guide us to worship You in a way pleasing to You so You will admit us to Your Paradise. Bless us with truthfulness in speech and actions, aid us to keep our covenants with others and protect us from being guilty of betrayal and being betrayed by others. Ameen!

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asma-al-husna · 25 days

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Allah’s name Ash-Shaafee— The One who cures, the Healer— is not mentioned in the Quran, but occurs in a narration of the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Ash-Shaafee is the only one who can cure and heal any disease or ailment. His healing is perfect according to His wisdom and He is the source from which all cures come!

The One Who Cures, the Healer

Shaafee comes from the root sheen-faa-yaa which points to two main meanings. The first main meaning is to cure and heal and the second to satisfy.

This root appears six times in the Quran in two derived forms. Examples of these forms are wa yashfi (“and will heal”) and shifaa’un (“a healing”).

Linguistically, shifaa is used to indicate the cure or healing of a disease or ailment. For example different goods or practises, such as honey, black seed and cupping therapy, as well as the Quran itself are described to be or contain shifaa. Only Allah is Ash-Shaafee, the Ultimate Healer and the Source of all cures!

The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: Take away the disease, O the Lord of the people. Cure him as You are the One who cures. There is no cure but Yours, a cure that leaves no disease. [Al-Bukhaari] Medical treatment and reliance on Allah

The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: Allah has sent down the disease and the cure, and has made for every disease the cure. So treat sickness, but do not use anything haram. [Abu Dawood] Also a Bedouin said: O Messenger of Allaah, should we not treat sickness? He said: Treat sickness, for Allah has not created any disease except He has also created the cure, except for one disease. They said, O Messenger of Allah, what is it? He said: Old age. [At-Tirmidhee]

As believers seeking medical treatment does not contradict our reliance on Allah ‘azza wa jall (tawakkul), just as warding off hunger, thirst, heat and cold does not contradict your trust in Allah.

Along with strong reliance on Allah that He will bring you benefit in both worlds and will protect you, it is essential to take the appropriate means which Allah ‘azza wa jall has set in order for us to achieve results. Not using these means and tools is contrary to the concept of tawakkul. [paraphrased from Zaad al-Ma’aad, 4/15, Ibn ul Qayyim]

How Can You Live by This Name?

1. Believe Allah is the only Healer. Realize that Allah is the One who heals whomsoever He wills and He decrees sickness and death for whomsoever He wills. He says: And if Allah touches you with harm, none can remove it but He, and if He touches you with good, then He is Able to do all things [Quran, 6:17] The Prophet Ibraheem ‘alayhi sallam used this beautiful fact as a powerful tool of da’wah: And when I am ill, it is He who cures me. [Quran, 26:80] It is part of your belief to know and live by the fact Allah is the only One who can heal every disease of your body, mind and heart, by whichever means He deems suitable. So trust in Him first and foremost, and then make use of the lawful treatments He made available for you through medical and other sciences. However, never attribute healing to medicines or other means and always to Ash-Shaafee only. Don’t forget to say say bismillah when you take any medicine

2. Live by the Quran. Included in the guidance for mankind to define the path to eternal success, the Quran is a cure and healing for all types of diseases and problems. Ash-Shafee clearly told us that the words of the Quran are a shifaa (healing);however it is upon you to believe in them and live by them. Allah says: And We send down of the Quran that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe… [Quran, 17:82]

3. Apply the cures of the Quran & sunnah. One example of treatment from the Quran and sunnah is ruqyah which refers to the recitation of Quran, seeking of refuge, remembrance and supplications that are used as a means of treating sicknesses and other problems. Ruqyah is of two types: ruqyah ash shar’eeya (permissible) and ruqyah ash shirkiyah (impermissible). Ruqyah ash shar’eeya – treatment as prescribed in the Quran and sunnah- must be with the speech of Allah (Quran) and His names and attributes, it must be in the Arabic language, or what is known to be its meaning in other languages and you must believe that ruqyah has no benefit by itself, but the benefits are from Allah.

Scholars have stated that ruqyah is one of the greatest remedies that the believer should use regularly. The greatest of ruqyah are surah Al-Faatihah, surah Al-Falaq and surah An-Naas, which can be used as general physical healing, cure and protection for the evil eye and sehr (magic) as well as psychological and spiritual diseases.*

‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said: In his last illness, the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to blow breath (into his cupped hands) and recite Al-Mu‘awwidhatayn (Surahs Al-Falaq and An-Naas) and then wipe over his body. But when his illness aggravated, I used to recite them over him and pass his own hand over his body for its blessing. [Al-Bukhaari, Muslim]  4. Visit the sick. Visiting the sick (‘iyaadah in Arabic) is a communal obligation as mentioned in Majmoo‘ Fataawa wa Rasaa’il Ibn ‘Uthaymeen. However, the rewards for doing so are enormous. The Prophet said: There is no Muslim who visits a (sick) Muslim early in the morning but seventy thousand angels send blessings upon him until evening comes, and if he visits him in the evening, seventy thousand angels send blessings upon him until morning comes, and he will have a garden in Paradise. [At-Tirmidhee, saheeh] The beauty in Islam is that we should not only visit the sick we know, but also those we don’t know, as we are doing it for the sake of Allah and His reward. Form a group in your community of those who visit the sick, and teach children the reward. Revive the sunnah by saying these supplications: 1. لا بأْسَ طَهـورٌ إِنْ شـاءَ الله – La ba’s, tuhoor in sha Allaah (No worry, it is a purification, if Allah wills). [Al-Bukhaaree] 2. Ask for the person to be healed three times: The Prophet visited Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqaas and said: ‘O Allah, heal Sa’d,’ three times. [Al-Bukhaaree, Muslim] 3. Place your right hand on the sick person and say, as the Prophet did:

‎أَذْهِبِ الْبَأْسَ رَبَّ النَّاسِ وَاشْفِ أَنْتَ الشَّافِي لَا شِفَاءَ إِلَّا شِفَاؤُكَ شِفَاءٌ لَا يُغَادِرُ سَقَمَاً Adhhib al-ba’s Rabb an-naas, wa’shfi anta ash-Shaafi, laa shifaa’a illaa shifaa’uka shifaa’an laa yughaadir saqaman (Take away the pain, O Lord of mankind, and grant healing, for You are the Healer, and there is no healing but Your healing that leaves no trace of sickness). [Muslim] O Allah, Ash-Shaafee, we know that You are the only Curer and Healer. Adorn us with strong belief in You as source of all cures, bless us with tawakkul and lead us to whatever means and treatments are best for us in times of illnesses. Guide us in benefiting optimally from the Quran as healing and bless us with knowledge and application of the treatments You prescribed. Make us of those who visit the sick and gain Your enormous rewards, ameen!

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asma-al-husna · 27 days

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Allah’s name As-Sitteer— The Coverer, the One who conceals— is not mentioned in the Quran, but occurs in a narration of the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. As-Sitteer is the one who covers and conceals according to His wisdom. He is the One who can conceal the biggest of sins, faults, and shortcomings whenever and for whomever He likes!

The Coverer, the One who Conceals

Sitteer comes from the root seen-taa-raa which points to two main meanings. The first main meaning is to conceal, hide, or cover. The second main meaning is to prevent or to keep away.

This root appears three times in the Quran in three derived forms. Examples of these forms are tastatiroona (“covering yourselves”), sitran (“any shelter”), and mastooran (“hidden”).

Linguistically, sitr refers to the concept of concealing something. Sitteer is the emphasised form of the root, which points out to an intense quality and quantity of the root concept. It indicates extreme concealment. As-Sitteer is the only one who can conceal a great deal for His slaves and covers them from disgrace and shields them from Hellfire.

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

The forbearance and covering of Allah

Allah’s name As-Sitteer is related in meaning to Al-Haleem, the Forebearing. Imagine a humanity sinning openly against Him while highly dependent on Him, who would not even be able to move one limb in disobedience to their Lord if He did not give them the ability.

Then see how Allah ‘azza wa jall, who is completelty independent from the whole creation, is forebearing and covers His slaves out of His generosity and reluctance to disgrace them. He overlooks, covers, and conceals time and time again even though acts of disobedience rise up to Him continuously.

Yet He calls mankind to a beautiful and simple act; the repentance of the slave is between that slave and Allah ‘azza wa jall and Him only, and is concealed from the people.

How can you live by this name?

1. Keep your sins to yourself.

How many people actually boast about their bad deeds, the bad places they visited, and the bad people whose company they shared? The Messenger of Allah salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: My entire nation is safe, except al-mujahirin (those who boast of their sins). Among the mujaharah is that a man commits an (evil) act, and wakes up in the morning while Allah has kept his (sin) a secret, he says: O so-and-so! Last night I did this and that. He goes to sleep while Allah has kept his (sin) a secret but he wakes up in the morning and uncovers what Allah has kept a secret! [Al-Bukhari] So keep your sins a secret and repent to As-Sitteer.

Be inspired by this advice of Umar ibn Al-Khattaab radiyallahu ‘anhu: Abdullah Ibn Masoud radiyallahu ‘anhu related that a man came to the Prophet and said: O Messenger of Allah! I have mingled with a woman in the far side of al-Medina, and I fulfilled my desire short of actually having sexual intercourse with her. So, here am I, judge me according to what you decide. Umar ibn al-Khattaab then said: Allah had kept your secret, why did not you keep your secret? [Muslim]

And Allah says: Verily those who like that (the crime) of illegal sexual intercourse should be propagated among those who believe, they will have a painful torment in this world and in the Hereafter. [Quran, 24:19]

2. Don’t expose others’ faults.

Apart from covering your own sins, you should also keep away from exposing the sins of others when they did not commit their sins openly. How many people are eager to seek out and expose the sins and bad deeds of others, sometimes just to make themselves look better? A beautiful formula from the sunnah is: cover the faults of a Muslim and Allah ‘azza wa jall will cover you in this life and the next!

The Prophet sallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: He, who relieves a hardship of this world for a believer, Allah will relieve (from him) a hardship of the Day of Resurrection; he who makes easy an indebted person, Allah will make it easy for him in the world and the Hereafter; he who covers a Muslim (meaning his mistakes and shortcomings), Allah will cover him in the world and the Hereafter … [Muslim]

3. Call on As-Sitteer.

There’s a beautiful supplication from the sunnah in which the verb of satara is used. Part of the morning and evening adhkaar (remembrance) is that the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam used to supplicate:

– اللّهُـمَّ إِنِّـي أسْـأَلُـكَ العَـفْوَ وَالعـافِـيةَ في الدُّنْـيا وَالآخِـرَة ، اللّهُـمَّ إِنِّـي أسْـأَلُـكَ العَـفْوَ وَالعـافِـيةَ في ديني وَدُنْـيايَ وَأهْـلي وَمالـي ، اللّهُـمَّ اسْتُـرْ عـوْراتي وَآمِـنْ رَوْعاتـي ، اللّهُـمَّ احْفَظْـني مِن بَـينِ يَدَيَّ وَمِن خَلْفـي وَعَن يَمـيني وَعَن شِمـالي ، وَمِن فَوْقـي ، وَأَعـوذُ بِعَظَمَـتِكَ أَن أُغْـتالَ مِن تَحْتـي .

O Allah, I ask You for pardon and well-being in this life and the next. O Allah, I ask You for pardon and well-being in my religious and worldly affairs, and my family and my wealth. O Allah, veil my weaknesses (Allahumma-stur ‘awraatee) and set at ease my dismay. O Allah, preserve me from the front and from behind and on my right and on my left and from above, and I take refuge with You lest I be swallowed up by the earth. [Ibn Maajah, saheeh]

Memorize this comprehensive dua’, make it part of your daily routine, and get immensely rewarded for invoking As-Sitteer and reviving a sunnah of the Prophet salallahu ’alayhi wa sallam!

O Allah, As-Sitteer, we know that You conceal and cover us continuously. Aid us in keeping our misdeeds secret and cover us from disgrace in this world and the next. Make us of those who do not expose nor seek out the faults of others and shield us against the Fire so we can enter Your paradise safely, ameen!

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asma-al-husna · 29 days

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Allah’s name Al-Jameel— The Most Beautiful— is not mentioned in the Quran, but occurs in a narration of the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Al-Jameel is the one who is the most beautiful and the source of all beauty to be found in creation. He is perfect and most beautiful in His essence, attributes, and actions!

The Most Beautiful, the Source of Beauty

Jameel comes from the root jeem-meem-laam which points to three main meanings. The first main meaning is to be beautiful, gracious, and good, and the second main meaning is to be all at once. The third main meaning refers to a camel.

This root appears 11 times in the Quran in five derived forms. Examples of these forms are al-jamalu (“the camel”), jumlatan (“all at once”) and jameelan (“good, gracious”).

Linguistically, jameel is used to indicate something or someone who or which possesses attributes of beauty, in either their appearance, character or actions. Jameel can therefore be used for a human being, for example hiya jameelah – she is beautiful.

Human beings can look good, but their inner attributes may not be beautiful at all. Others might not look beautiful, but display beauty in their actions and good deeds. Only Allah is Al-Jameel, most beautiful in essence, names, and attributes and actions. And only He is the true source of all the beauty of the creation!

The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: Allah is beautiful and He loves beauty. [Muslim]

The beauty of Allah

Human beings are naturally attracted by beauty and we look for it in people and objects. All the beauty of this world is nothing compared to the beauty of the Creator Himself, and the beauty of others all comes from Him and His power alone. Let’s look at three ways in which the beauty of Allah is demonstrated.

Firstly. jamaal az-zaat, Allah Himself is beauty. Al-Jameel covers Himself with a veil and the creation is incapable to perceive the beauty and light of His appearance. The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: His is a veil of light. If He were to remove it, the glory of His countenance would ignite everything of Creation as He looks upon it. [Muslim]

The greatest of delights of the Hereafter is that the successful believers will be able to see His beauty. Al-Jameel says: That day will faces be resplendent, looking to their Lord. [Quran, 79: 22-23] In fact, for the people of the Hellfire their very inability to see Allah ‘azza wa jall even increases their suffering and torment.

Secondly, jamaal as-sifaat, all Allah’s names and attributes are perfect and beautiful. Al-Jameel says: Allah’s are the most beautiful names, so invoke Him by them. [Quran, 7: 180]

Thirdly, jamaal al af’al, Allah ‘azza wa jall has utmost beauty in all His actions. All His actions testify of His perfectly timed and proportioned mercy, justice, wisdom, protection etc. Al-Jameel says: Perfected is the Word of your Lord in truth and justice. [Quran, 6:115]

How Can You Live by This Name?

1. Take care of your appearance.

Someone once approached the Prophet and asked: What if someone likes that his clothing and his shoes are beautiful? The Prophet replied: Allah loves to see the affects of His grace upon His servant.[At-Tirmidhee] Al-Jameel provided us with clothes and adornments and He loves to see the external beauty of His slaves, because they reflect His blessings on them. However in looking after our appearance and belongings, we should never be extravagant!

There is a commendable and a blameworthy type of beauty in outward appearance. You can make any act of beautifying yourself as an act of worship if you do it for the sake of Allah. Examples of beautifying yourself for the sake of Allah are: dressing beautifully in prayer, to (privately) please your spouse or actually concealing your beauty, by wearing the proper hijaab and by observing cleanliness. Then there is beautification for the sake of this world, for power, pride or showing off, which is blameworthy. Go for the commendable to gain rewards!

2. Strive for inner beauty.

The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was not only beautiful in his looks but also in his character and manners. An example of inner beauty is being grateful to Al-Jameel for His blessings and beautifying your deeds by seeking His pleasure only with them. Allah says: O Children of Adam! We have bestowed raiment upon you to cover yourselves (screen your private parts, etc.) and as an adornment, and the raiment of righteousness, that is better. [Quran, 7:26]

Spend more time on beautifying yourself on the inside rather than only beautifying your outside, for example by purifying your heart of diseases like jealousy, ill-feelings, showing off, and hypocrisy. This will also have an effect on your outside appearance! Beautify your tongue with the truth and beautify your limbs and actions with obedience to Al-Jameel.

3. Beware of the trial of beauty.

The Prophet Yusuf ‘alayhi sallam was given half of all human beauty [Muslim], and beauty can be a trial for us from Al-Jameel. Does it make you arrogant or do you realize it is only temporary and you are grateful for it to Al-Jameel, without letting it get in the way of your worship? When you see something or someone beautiful, always remember the source of this beauty is Allah. You can say tabaarakAllah– this is also a means to prevent the works of the evil eye.

4. Never praise excessively.

Mention of a man was made to the Prophet sallallahu ’alayhi wa sallam and someone praised him whereupon he sallallahu ’alayhi wa sallam said: Woe be to you! You have broken the neck of your friend! He repeated this several times and added: If one of you has to praise his friend at all, he should say: I reckon him to be such and such and Allah knows him well, if you think him to be so-and-so, you will be accountable to Allah because no one can testify the purity of others against Allah. [Al-Bukhaari, Muslim].

This hadith teaches us that if you have to praise someone at all, say: “In my opinion he or she is such and such, if you really think as you say as it is only Allah ‘azza wa jall who thoroughly knows the person.”

5. Be motivated by Allah’s beauty.

Your faith in Allah’s beauty will increase your connection with Him; just imagine how beautiful Allah must be. Be bedazzled by a beautiful sunset as a blessing from Him and let it increase your love and longing for Him, but always remind yourself that nothing in this world can weigh up to gazing at His countenance in Paradise. So strive for your Hereafter by doing good deeds and fight shaytan by remembering Al-Jameel consistently, as he wants to keep you away from the beauty of Jannah!

O Allah, Al-Jameel, we know that You are the most Beautiful. Adorn us with inner and outer beauty. Make us never forget that You are the source of all beauty and let us be grateful for all Your blessings. Enable us to gaze at Your beauty and make us of those who will become more and more beautiful with each day in Paradise, ameen!

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