We are now in the holy month of Muharram, which is reflected in its name. The first of the holy months, also known as "the month of Allah" by the Prophet (SAW). You would undoubtedly say "yes" if someone asked you if you loved Allah (SWT), but how many of us have actually taken the time to research Him, consider His names, and consider the scope of His qualities?
Join us as we consider 10 of His Beautiful Names to ring in this distinguished season. This is an opportunity to learn more about the significance of these names and to get to know Him better. We will also be attempting to replicate as much of these qualities as we can in our daily lives throughout these holy days.
1. Ar‑Rahman (The Most Merciful)
The name Ar-Rahman is frequently mentioned in the Qur'an because Allah is known for his mercy. His mercy is the source of everything we have, will have, and will be given in the future. The benevolence of our Creator, how it comes before His wrath, and the blessings He bestows upon us are constantly brought to our attention in the Qur'an.
Only the degree of mercy that exists in this world and that has been extended to us by other people can be understood. The bond between a mother and her kid is the one that best exemplifies kindness for us, but Allah's kindness surpasses that tenfold. Given that our comprehension of such a quality is finite and ultimately limited, it might be challenging to understand such mercy.
“Verily, on the day Allah created the heavens and the earth, He created one hundred parts of mercy. Each part can fill what is between the heavens and the earth. He made one part of mercy for the earth, from which a mother has compassion for her child, animals and birds have compassion for each other. On the Day of Resurrection, He will perfect this mercy.” (Muslim)
By showing mercy to His creation, we should strive to emulate His lovely qualities. It is crucial for us to work hard to soften our hearts and show mercy to others around us if we want to be among those who are shown mercy on the day of judgment.
Within this supplication, you can call upon Him, using His divine name:
“O Lord! Reliever of worry, Remover of anxiety, Responder to the call of those under duress, the Merciful and the Mercy Giver in this world and in the Hereafter. It is You Who will have mercy on me in the way that frees me from seeking mercy from anyone beside You.” (al-Hakim).
2. Al-Mu’min (The One Who Gives Security)
Only Allah can provide our hearts safety and inner serenity by instilling trust in us and illuminating the path that leads to Him. We should be convinced that He is the only one who can provide us peace and security in this life as well as the next. Having this conviction prevents us from falling prey to doubt and superstition.
“He is Allah, other than whom none has the right to be worshipped. The King, the Holy, as-Salam, the Giver of Security, the Ever Watcher, the Almighty, the Compeller, the Supreme. Glory be to Allah! [High is He] above all that they associate as partners with Him.” (Surah al-Hashr 59:23)
By remembering His name and abiding by the conviction that only He is worthy of our devotion and adoration, we should live in a way that promotes peace and tranquillity. Even though Allah grants His people in this life contentment and serenity, there are moments when we are put to the test. In those circumstances, we should maintain our resolve in the knowledge that He is the Greatest of Planners and that the security and tranquillity of the afterlife are indelible.
“Truly the Muttaqun (the pious) will be amidst Gardens and water-springs (Paradise). (It will be said to them): “Enter there in peace and security!” And We shall remove from their breasts any deep feeling of bitterness (that they may have). (So they will be like) brothers facing each other on thrones. No sense of fatigue shall touch them, nor shall they (ever) be asked to leave it.” (Surah al-Hijr [15]:45-48)
3. Al- Razzaq (The Bestower Of All Provisions)
It is impossible to comprehend the extent of what Allah bestows upon all living beings. He sustains all living and inanimate things across all of time and space. He alone bestows and sustains the blessings we regrettably take for granted without giving them a second thought, such as the eyes you are reading with, the clothing you are wearing, the family you care for, and even each and every breath you take.
Dawud (as) said, “O Lord, show me the hidden blessings upon me.” Allah Almighty said, “O Dawud, breathe,” so Dawud (as) took a breath. Allah said, “Who counts these blessings in each day and night?” (al-Qurtubi)
He provides for both believers and non-believers, even to those who mock and ridicule Him, such is His mercy.
“And there is no creature on earth but that upon Allah is its provision, and He knows its place of dwelling and place of storage1 All is in a clear register.” (Qur’an 11:8)
By being content with the things we have been given, we can live up to this name. We are constantly looking for something larger and better, and while there is nothing wrong with aiming for success, we should be careful to avoid being unthankful for the blessings we have already received.
This does not imply that you can relax and wait for things to fall into place because you think that if it was written for you, it will. With the understanding that if something is meant for you, it will come, and you will be grateful; if it isn't, perhaps it wasn't good for you, you should continue to work hard and serve people around you.
“If something is meant to go elsewhere, it will never come your way, but if it is yours by destiny, from it you cannot flee.” ― Umar Ibn Al-Khattab
4. Al-Hakam (The Judge, The Giver of Justice)
In every circumstance, Allah is the one and only real Judge who administers justice. He is the one whose decisions are definitive in all cases, whose decrees are never overturned, and who arbitrates all conflicts.
“Our Lord will bring us together; then He will judge between us in truth. And He is the Knowing Judge.” [Quran, 34:26]
The only moral standard we should try to uphold is that of the Qur'an and Sunnah. We should use the principles of Islam as our guide in this endeavor. We can find solace in this moniker because it means that justice will undoubtedly be served by Al-Hakam if individuals act unjustly.
5. Al-Qayyum (The Self Subsisting)
Despite the fact that all living things are transient, this magnificent moniker highlights His Eternal Being. He sustains everything in existence and is the Sustainer of all of creation. He is fully independent of any of His creation and has existed and will continue to exist as the Ever-Living.
“God! There is no god but He, the Living, the Self-Subsisting, Eternal.” (Qur’an 2:255).
All that is in existence is sustained, safeguarded, overseen, provided for, watched over, and managed by Allah. In the same manner, He appreciates believers who help a fellow believer in need and those who provide comfort to someone who are struggling. In this way, He assures those who provide a helping hand to others in this world of a great recompense and relief in the afterlife.
This name conjures up the grace of Qiyam al-Layl, the voluntary nighttime prayer in which we seek the protection and care of Allah in our day-to-day affairs. It is also one of Allah's most revered names, and He answers our prayers with it:
The Prophet (saw) said: ‘Do you know what he has supplicated with?’ They said: “Allah (swt)) and His Messenger know best.” He said: ‘By the One in Whose Hand is my soul, he called upon Allah by His Greatest Name, which, if He is called by it, He responds, and if He is asked by it, He gives.’ (Al-Nasa’i)
The Prophet (saw) directed his daughter Fatima (ra) to recite this supplication:
“O the Ever-Living One, the Self-Subsisting One, I invoke Your Mercy. Do not leave to myself even for the twinkling of an eye.” (Al-Tirmidhi)
We too should strive to make our tongues moist with it as part of our morning and evening supplications.
6. Al-Wadud (The Affectionate)
Compared to the term "hub," which just means "to love," "al-wudd" means "to love through expression, through the act of giving." Allah shows us His love in countless ways, including through His benevolence, His bounty, and the creation of the cosmos and all in it. “Seek forgiveness from your Lord, then turn towards Him in repentance. Surely, my Lord is very Merciful, Most Loving.” (Hud 11:90)'
He is the One who shows affection to His servants as well as receiving it from them; He is both beloved by them and the One who loves them. Al-Wadud is the one, in the words of al-Ghazali, "Who loves good for all of creation, and treats them in the best manner, and commends."
If we were to take a moment to appreciate our blessings—our own existence, the world around us, the sun and moon that function without fail—we would realize how fortunate we are. His love for us is demonstrated by them.
We can make an effort to worship and live in a way that pleases Allah in order to return His love for us. In these days, take some time to think about all the good things He has done for you, all the bad things He has protected you from, and all the ways He continues to show His love for you.
7. Al – Ba’ith (The Sender)
Allah sends His Messengers, His Scriptures, provisions and favours to all of mankind.
“And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, [saying], “Worship Allah and avoid ṭāghūt.”1 And among them were those whom Allah guided, and among them were those upon whom error was [deservedly] decreed. So proceed [i.e., travel] through the earth and observe how was the end of the deniers.” (Quran 16:36)
The presence of our beloved Prophet (saw), the greatest of all Messengers, is without a doubt one of the greatest bounties that has been sent down. He set an example for us, and we should strive to be like him. We should research the Prophet's (saw) life and model our own actions after his. We should seek to convey Allah's word, call people to follow Him, forbid evil, and promote kindness in the world as His servants.
8. Al-Matin (The Firm Possessor of Strength)
Allah is the Most Strong and does not experience tiredness; His power is steadfast, and constant. He does not depend on anyone or anything for his strength.
“Indeed, it is Allah who is the [continual] Provider, the firm possessor of strength.” (Quran 51:58)
As Christians, we should firmly believe that our Lord has the power to instantly alter our circumstances. He is the one who can provide health and illness, as well as elevate and degrade. Calling on Him will give us strength, but we must always remember our frailty and show humility before Allah, the one All-Strong.
9. Al-Qarib (The Near)
Allah is All-Hearing, All-Seeing and Ever Responsive. He knows what you are thinking, feeling and seeing.
“And indeed We have created man, and We know whatever thoughts his inner self develops, and We are closer to him than (his) jugular vein.” (Quran 50:16).
As believers, we should feel reassured that our Lord is near watching over us and protecting us. At times when you are feeling broken, unable to turn to anyone for help then know that He is waiting for you to call out to Him.
Allah tells the Prophet (saw) in the Qur’an: “O Muhammad, when my servants ask you about Me, tell that I am quite near; I hear and answer the call of the caller whenever he calls Me.” (Qur’an 2:186)
There is a special closeness reserved for those who do good deeds and strive to please Him. We should aim to be among those by increasing in our good deeds, and staying away from that which is forbidden.
“And the forerunners, the forerunners – those are the ones brought near [to Allah] in the Gardens of Pleasure.” [Qur’an, 56, 10-12]
10. Al-Muhyi (The One Who Gives Life)
The Quran repeatedly emphasizes that only Allah has the power to bring about life and death. He decides when to decree death and when to permit creation to continue. On the Day of Judgment, He shall raise us up to give an account of our conduct.
“Indeed, He who has given it life is the Giver of Life to the dead. Indeed, He is over all things competent.” [Quran, 41:39]
“So observe the effects of the mercy of Allah – how He gives life to the earth after its lifelessness.” [Quran, 30:50]
We are given a body covered in muscle, flesh, and veins; an angel is then dispatched to earth to breathe the spirit into us. Our body then grows and ages miraculously. Human complexity is a creative marvel that serves as a reminder of God's power.
When we are revived and held accountable on the Day of Judgement, we should fervently pray to Allah that we would be among those with whom He is pleased.
Only 10 of Allah's 99 Names have been briefly examined. We sincerely hope that reading it has been useful and instructive for you, but it doesn't have to end there.
Even if the majority of us have read and memorized Allah's 99 names, there is still room for improvement. Try to take some time to thoroughly research each name. Think about these and get to know your Lord. Make it a point to pass a particular amount of times each day. Make an effort to include them in your prayers. You can do it with your loved ones to spend time together while doing something constructive.
The Prophet (saw) said: “Allah has 99 names. Whoever memorizes and embraces (ihsa) these qualities will enter heaven.” (Bukhari).
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