The word Mu`min comes from the root â-m-n and has the following classical Arabic connotations:
– to be secure, safe, free from fear
– to be quiet, tranquil
– to grant protection, safeguard
– to be trusted, trustworthy
– to believe in
Al-Mu`min appears once in the Qur’an in Surah al-Hashr Ayah 23.
The word emaan often simply translated as faith or belief comes from the same root â-m-n and it means tasdeeq (تصديق) : affirmation. It is the opposite of taktheeb (تكذيب) : denial. When we have emaan in something, we affirm its truthfulness.
The word amin also comes from this same root â-m-n, and could be translated as in this we trust or in this we are free from fear. The Prophet sallAllahu `alayhi wa sallam was known as Amin even before Prophethood came to him. People used to deposit their valuables with him knowing that they will remain safe in his custody. [This deposit is known as amaanah in Arabic].
Another word that comes from the same root is aman which means safety, security and freedom from fear, precisely it means “peace”.
What is the connection between these meanings? When you have emaan, you are at aman [peace] in dunya and akhirah, and a person who has amaanah, people have emaan in him and people have aman from him.
Who gets the Aman of Allah? The one who has emaan and remains steadfast in doing good deeds. He will experience peace in his worldly trials as well as in the Hereafter.
Now let us study this name in detail.
Different Meanings of the Name: Al-Mu`min
The One Who Affirms and Believes in His Oneness
Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala affirms in Surah Aal Imran Ayah 18,
If Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala affirms His Own Oneness, what is expected of us? We must affirm His Tawheed and His existence, and believe in whatever He commands us to do. This belief is not limited to His Oneness and Existence, but everything in its entirety as communicated to us by our Prophet Muhammad sallAllahu `alayhi wa sallam.
The Fulfiller of Promises
One meaning of this name is: “the True One Who always fulfills His promise.”
In Surah Aal Imran Ayah 9, Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala says,
Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala provides His servants with their sustenance and wellbeing in this world. He forgives them their sins, and in the Hereafter, He rewards them for their good deeds. He is also the One Who fulfills the good expectations that His servants have of Him. He does not disappoint them. The Prophet sallAllahu `alayhi wa sallam relates that Allah says, “I am as My servant thinks of Me. So think of Me as you will.” [Saheeh Bukhari 7405, Muslim 2675]
The Giver of Tranquility
Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala bestows the blessings of security upon His servants in many ways. In Surah Quraysh He says,
He promises the believers who fear Him that He will exchange their fear for security. [Refer Surah an-Nur : 55] He will do the same for the believers in the Hereafter. He will placate their fears with His bountiful rewards and with His mercy they will enjoy Paradise with their hearts at peace. In Surah At-Tur Ayaat 26 and 27,
In Surah al-A`raf Ayah 49 He assures us that the denizens of Jannah will experience nothing of fear or grief. They will abide forever in a state of love and good expectations. This is an indication of their worth and their lofty status. He says,
Makkah has been described as the “Land of Security” due to the special status that it has. The game animals found in its precincts are not to be hunted. Its plants are not to be picked. Lost valuables which are found there are not to be picked up, except for the sake of person who is looking for them. In this way, security is extended to every human being, bird and beast.
Living by Allah’s Name Al-Mu`min
1. Follow what Al-Mu`min commands and you will receive His aman in this world and the next.
2. Believe with certainty that the promise of Allah Al-Mu`min will always come true. Whatever He commands is good for us and He will fulfill His promise. You have to have emaan in this. Strive to have the characteristics of the mu’mineen and fulfill your promises.
3. Ask Al-Mu’min for aman in difficult situations and He will put peace in your heart.
4. Return amaanaat. A believer is the one from whom people are safe with regards to their wealth and lives. Return the borrowed belongings and if you are guarding something that belongs to someone else guard it well. Your body too is an amaanah given to you by Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala, use it in the right way.
5. Spread peace. If you want the security and protection of Allah don’t wrong yourself, don’t wrong others, and don’t commit injustice against Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala.
O Al-Mu`min, adorn us with strong emaan, guide us to return all our amaanaat and grant us aman, in this world, in the grave and on the Day of Judgment, aameen.
[SOURCES: Wahiddudin.net, Tayyibaat, IslamToday.net, UnderstandQuran.com]
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As-Salaamu Alaikum! BARAK ALLAHU FEEK for all your efforts. May ALLAH SWT Reward you abundantly! I really love your posts on the DIVINE NAMES AND ATTRIBUTES. I would love to read what valuable wisdom you could impart with regards to all 99 Of The Revealed DIVINE NAMES please. JAZAKALLAH KHAIR. May ALLAH SWT REWARD you.