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…

Al-Qahhar – the Ever Dominating, the Prevailer, the Subduer

The word Qahhar comes from the root letters qāf hā rā (ق ه ر) and it has the following classical Arabic connotations: - to overcome, conquer, - to overpower, master, - to dominate over, prevail, - to subdue, subjugate, - to compel against one’s wishes Allah is Al-Qahhar. He is the One Who prevails over all of creation. He…

Al-Ghaffar – the All-Forgiving

The word Ghaffar comes from the root letters ghayn fā rā (غ ف ر) and it has the following classical Arabic connotations: - to cover, veil, conceal, hide, - to pardon, to forgive, to set alright and, - to cover a thing to protect it from dirt. Allah is Al-Ghaffar. He is the One Who accepts repentance and veils…