Call Upon Allah Using His Name Al-Hai Al-Qayyoom

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful Tafseer Aal-Imran Ayaat 2 – 3 Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala mentions two of His Greatest Names: Al-Hai and Al-Qayyoom. The word Hai [حَي] is from the root Ha-ya-ya meaning hayyat or life. He is the Ever-Living. Unlike the creation, the Creator never dies and…

Understanding Ayat Al-Kursi

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful Part 1 | Part 2 Al-Baqarah Ayah 255 (Part 3) – Understanding Ayat Al-Kursi The sixth sentence: يَعْلَمُ مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَهُمْ “He knows what happens to them (His creatures) in this world, and what will happen to them in the Hereafter,” this…

Ash-Shakoor [the Most Appreciative], Al-Ghafoor [the Forgiving]

The word Shakoor comes from the root letters sheen kāf rā (ش ك ر) and it has the following classical Arabic connotations: - to praise or commend for a benefit or benefits, - to acknowledge beneficence, - to offer thanks, acknowledgment - to be thankful, grateful - to produce, supply, give forth bountifully Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala is…

Al-Haleem – the Forbearing

The word Haleem comes from the root ha-laam-meem which has the following classical Arabic connotations: - to be forbearing, mild, lenient, clement - to be forgiving, gentle, deliberate - to be leisurely in manner, not hasty - to be calm, serene - to manage one's temper - to exhibit moderation The name is mentioned in…

Don’t Say I Have a Big Problem—Say I Have a Big God: Al-Kabeer

I was in high school reviewing for exams when I received a text message from my aunt. The text message read, “When you have a problem, don’t ever say ‘O God, I have a big problem.’ Rather say, ‘HEY problem! I have a big God!’ and everything will be ok.” Allah’s Name al-Kabeer (the Most…

As-Sami’ [the All-Hearing], Al-Baseer [the All-Seeing]

The word Sami’ comes from the seen meem ʿayn (س م ع) and has the following classical Arabic connotations: - to hear, to listen - to accept, to receive, to be told - to pay attention to, pay regard to - to understand the meaning Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala hears all sounds. He hears everything we say,…

Al-Khaafidh [the Abaser], Ar-Raafi’ [the Exalter]

Al-Khaafidh (the Abaser) comes from the root kh-f-dh. It was used to refer to the camel when he lowers his head. When referring to Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala, Ibn Atheer said, “It is He who lowers the oppressors and humiliates them.” Al-Khaafid is the one who brings down tyrants and humiliates the arrogant Pharaohs. He humiliates…

Al-Qabid [the Withholder], Al-Basit [the Extender]

Al-Qabid (the Withholder) and Al-Basit (the Extender) are two inseparable Attributes of Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala. The two names are inseparable in the sense that it is not permissible to mention either one without the other. This is because if you say Allah is Al-Qabid (the Withholder), it would mean that you describe Him as being niggardly or miserly;…

Al-Hakeem – The All Wise

The word Hakeem comes from the root letters ḥā kāf meem and it has the following classical Arabic connotations: - to prevent or restrain from wrongdoing or corruption, - to be wise, knowing the true nature of things, - to pass judgment, to decide, pass a verdict One is knowing, and the other is acting with this knowledge.…

Al-`Aleem – the All-Knowing

The word ‘Aleem comes from the root letters’ayn lām meem and it has the following classical Arabic connotations: - to have knowledge, be cognizant, be certain, - to be aware, thoroughly informed, - to have firmly rooted knowledge of the minute particulars, - to act according to knowledge Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala is Al-‘Aleem – the All-Knowing. He…