TAUGHT BY SHAYK RIAD OUARZAZI

Summary of Class Notes

&
Study Guide

An initial compilation by Sister Nadra from Qabeelat Ittihaad - May 2010

All that is good and correct is from Allah (subhanahu wa-ta‘ala) alone –
The compiler is solely responsible for any mistakes and errors.

Please email ngaralla@gmail.com with corrections or additions that need to be made.

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................................................................13
LIVING WITH THE NAMES OF ALLAH .............................................................................................................................13
What does it mean to know the names of Allah? ..............................................................................................13
Why are the names of Allah called Husna?.......................................................................................................13
LEARNING THE NAMES OF ALLAH IS A MEANS TO : ........................................................................................................13
1. INCREASING OUR FAITH .............................................................................................................................13
2. LEARNING ABOUT OUR CREATOR ...........................................................................................................13
3. LEARNING HOW TO WORSHIP HIM...........................................................................................................13
RULES & CONDITIONS WHICH DETERMINE THE NAMES OF ALLAH:............................................................14
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN A NAME AND AN ATTRIBUTE: .................................................................................14
LIVING WITH THE NAMES OF ALLAH PURIFIES OUR SOULS ..........................................................................................14
TRUE ENSLAVEMENT REVOLVES AROUND 3 PILLARS: ................................................................................................14
LOVE ....................................................................................................................................................................15
HOPE ...................................................................................................................................................................15
FEAR ....................................................................................................................................................................15
NAMES THAT MANIFEST ABSOLUTE PERFECTION...........................................................................................16

......................................................................................................................................................16
Allah......................................................................................................................................................................16

.........................................................................................................................................................17
The Deity ..............................................................................................................................................................17

...................................................................................................................................................17
The Lord ...............................................................................................................................................................17

........................................................................................................................................................18
The One ...............................................................................................................................................................18
Living with Al-Witr: ...............................................................................................................................................18

.................................................................................................................................................18
The One ...............................................................................................................................................................18

.................................................................................................................................................19
The One & Only ...................................................................................................................................................19

2
 ...........................................................................................................................................19
The Eternally Besought.......................................................................................................................................19
The Self-Sufficient ...............................................................................................................................................19

...............................................................................................................................................20
The Creator ..........................................................................................................................................................20

...............................................................................................................................................20
The Knowing Creator ..........................................................................................................................................20

.............................................................................................................................................20
The Evolver ..........................................................................................................................................................20
The Originator ......................................................................................................................................................20

.................................................................................................................................................20
The Fashioner of Forms......................................................................................................................................20
The Development of His Creations ....................................................................................................................21

...................................................................................................................................................22
The Ever-Living....................................................................................................................................................22

.............................................................................................................................................22
The Sustainer (of All Existence) .........................................................................................................................22
The Self-Existing..................................................................................................................................................22

................................................................................................................................................23
The Self-Sufficient, Free of All Needs ................................................................................................................23

........................................................................................................................................23
The Ultimate Inheritor..........................................................................................................................................23

................................................................................................................................................24
The Owner ...........................................................................................................................................................24
3
 ...................................................................................................................................................24
The Sovereign......................................................................................................................................................24
The King ...............................................................................................................................................................24

................................................................................................................................................24
The Absolute Sovereign......................................................................................................................................24
The Omnipotent King ..........................................................................................................................................24
How can we worship Allah with His names Al-Malik and Al-Maleek? .............................................................25

........................................................................................................................................26
The Patron ...........................................................................................................................................................26
The Master ...........................................................................................................................................................26

.............................................................................................................................................27
The Praiseworthy.................................................................................................................................................27

..........................................................................................................................................28
The Most High......................................................................................................................................................28

...................................................................................................................................................28
The Most High, The Exalted ...............................................................................................................................28

..............................................................................................................................................28
The Exalted, The Most Exalted ..........................................................................................................................28

.................................................................................................................................................29
The First ...............................................................................................................................................................29

.................................................................................................................................................29
The Last, The Ultimate ........................................................................................................................................29

.............................................................................................................................................29
The Ascendant, The Manifest.............................................................................................................................29

4
 ..............................................................................................................................................29
The Intimate, The Inner, The Inward..................................................................................................................29

...........................................................................................................................................30
The All-Embracing, The All-Encompassing .......................................................................................................30

..............................................................................................................................................31
The Expediter.......................................................................................................................................................31

..............................................................................................................................................31
The Delayer..........................................................................................................................................................31

...........................................................................................................................................31
The Glorified One ................................................................................................................................................31
NAMES THAT MANIFEST HIS SOVEREIGNTY ......................................................................................................32

..................................................................................................................................................32
The Most Great, The Exalted..............................................................................................................................32
The Most Magnificent ..........................................................................................................................................32

............................................................................................................................................33
The Mighty ...........................................................................................................................................................33
LIVING WITH AL-AZEEZ: ..............................................................................................................................................33

...........................................................................................................................................34
The Helper, The One who provides Victory.......................................................................................................34

.........................................................................................................................................34
The Superb Comforter ........................................................................................................................................34
The Restorer, The Irresistible .............................................................................................................................34
LIVING WITH AL-JABBAR: ............................................................................................................................................34

5
 ........................................................................................................................................35
The Most Great....................................................................................................................................................35

..........................................................................................................................................35
The Supremely Great ..........................................................................................................................................35
The Remedies of Arrogance:..............................................................................................................................36

...........................................................................................................................................36
The Most Glorious ...............................................................................................................................................36
LIVING WITH AL-MAJEED: ...........................................................................................................................................37

......................................................................................................................................37
The Supremely Strong ........................................................................................................................................37

...........................................................................................................................................37
The Possessor of Strength, The Firm ................................................................................................................37

...................................................................................................................................................38
The Ever-Dominating, The Conqueror ...............................................................................................................38

............................................................................................................................................38
The Subduer, The Superb Vanquisher, The Ever-Dominating ........................................................................38
LIVING WITH AL-QAHHAR: ...........................................................................................................................................39

.............................................................................................................................................39
The Supreme Judge ............................................................................................................................................39
The Arbitrator .......................................................................................................................................................39

....................................................................................................................................................40
The Truth, The Just and Correct ........................................................................................................................40
LIVING WITH AL-HAQQ : ...............................................................................................................................................40

6
 .............................................................................................................................................41
The Reckoner ......................................................................................................................................................41

.............................................................................................................................................41
The Protecting Friend..........................................................................................................................................41
The Nearby Guardian..........................................................................................................................................41
To Earn the Walaya from Allah, You Need:.......................................................................................................42
If Allah Becomes Your Walee: ............................................................................................................................42

.......................................................................................................................................43
The Ultimate Trustee ...........................................................................................................................................43
LIVE WITH AL-WAKEEL: ..............................................................................................................................................44

...........................................................................................................................................45
The All-Capable ...................................................................................................................................................45

..........................................................................................................................................46
The Most Able......................................................................................................................................................46

...........................................................................................................................................46
The All-Determining, The All-Powerful...............................................................................................................46

............................................................................................................................................47
The Knower..........................................................................................................................................................47

............................................................................................................................................47
The All-Knowing...................................................................................................................................................47

.......................................................................................................................................48
The All-Aware ......................................................................................................................................................48

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 .......................................................................................................................................48
The All-Wise.........................................................................................................................................................48
TWO TYPES OF WISDOM (HIKMA): ....................................................................................................................49

......................................................................................................................................50
The All-Watchful ..................................................................................................................................................50

............................................................................................................................................50
The Omniscient Witness, The Testifier ..............................................................................................................50

......................................................................................................................................50
The Safeguarder, The Ever-Watching ...............................................................................................................50
LIVING WITH AL-RAQEEB, AS-SHAHEED, AL-MUHAYMIN: ...........................................................................................51

..........................................................................................................................................52
The All-Hearing ....................................................................................................................................................52

...........................................................................................................................................53
The All-Seeing .....................................................................................................................................................53

.......................................................................................................................................54
The All-Encompassing ........................................................................................................................................54
The Preserver ......................................................................................................................................................54

............................................................................................................................................54
The Protector, The Guardian ..............................................................................................................................54

8
NAMES THAT MANIFEST ABSOLUTE BEAUTY....................................................................................................55

.........................................................................................................................................55
The Beautiful, The Graceful ................................................................................................................................55
LIVE WITH AL-JAMEEL:................................................................................................................................................55

.................................................................................................................................................56
The Most Holy, The All Perfect...........................................................................................................................56

................................................................................................................................................56
The Source of Peace, The Flawless ..................................................................................................................56

....................................................................................................................................................56
The Good .............................................................................................................................................................56
NAMES THAT TRIGGER LOVE OF ALLAH IN THE HEART .................................................................................57

.............................................................................................................................................57
The Bestower of Good ........................................................................................................................................57

...........................................................................................................................................57
The Supreme Doer of Good ...............................................................................................................................57

................................................................................................................................................58
The Bestower .......................................................................................................................................................58

..............................................................................................................................................58
The Most Kind, The Gentle .................................................................................................................................58

..............................................................................................................................................59
The All-Good ........................................................................................................................................................59

................................................................................................................................................59
The Most Welcoming...........................................................................................................................................59
The Most Affectionate .........................................................................................................................................59

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 ............................................................................................................................................60
The Superb Bestower..........................................................................................................................................60
LIVING WITH AL-WAHHAB: ..........................................................................................................................................60

..................................................................................................................................................61
The Most Beneficent ...........................................................................................................................................61

................................................................................................................................................61
The Most Merciful ................................................................................................................................................61
HOW TO REJOICE THE NAMES AR-RAHMAN AND AR-RAHEEM: ....................................................................................62
LIVING WITH AR-R AHMAN AND AR-RAHEEM:...............................................................................................................62

.............................................................................................................................................63
The Generous, The All-Laudable .......................................................................................................................63

.............................................................................................................................................63
The Ever-Most Generous....................................................................................................................................63
Imam Al-Qurtabi says:.........................................................................................................................................63
LIVING WITH AL-AKRAM AND AL-KAREEM: ..................................................................................................................64

...............................................................................................................................................64
The Withholder, The Restrainer, The Constrictor .............................................................................................64

..........................................................................................................................................65
The Expander, The Extender, The Releaser.....................................................................................................65

....................................................................................................................................65
The Superb Giver ................................................................................................................................................65

.........................................................................................................................................66
The Manifest, The Clear......................................................................................................................................66

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 .........................................................................................................................................67
The Ultimate Helper ............................................................................................................................................67

.........................................................................................................................................68
The Ultimate Modest ...........................................................................................................................................68
LIVING WITH AL-HAYIY:...............................................................................................................................................68

...........................................................................................................................................69
The Giver of Security, The Remover of Fear.....................................................................................................69

..........................................................................................................................................70
The Recognizer and Rewarder of Good ............................................................................................................70

........................................................................................................................................70
The Appreciative..................................................................................................................................................70
LIVING WITH ASH-SHAKIR AND ASH-SHAKUR: .............................................................................................................71

...................................................................................................................................................71
The Most Subtle...................................................................................................................................................71
LIVING WITH AL-LATEEF:.............................................................................................................................................72

...........................................................................................................................................72
The Most Gentle ..................................................................................................................................................72

..............................................................................................................................................73
The Most Forbearing, The Most Serene ............................................................................................................73

............................................................................................................................................73
The Most Affectionate, The Most Loving ...........................................................................................................73
LIVING WITH AL-WUDOOD:..........................................................................................................................................74

...........................................................................................................................................75
The Acceptor of Repentance, The Oft-Forgiver ................................................................................................75
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 ............................................................................................................................................77
The Forgiving, The Pardoner..............................................................................................................................77

.............................................................................................................................................77
The All-Forgiving..................................................................................................................................................77

..............................................................................................................................................78
The Effacer of Sins, Oft-Pardoning ....................................................................................................................78
LIVING WITH AL-TAWWAB, AL-GHAFOOR, AL-GHAFFAR: ............................................................................................78

................................................................................................................................................79
The Ultimate Nourisher, The Superb Sustainer ................................................................................................79

...............................................................................................................................................79
The Ultimate Provider..........................................................................................................................................79
LIVING WITH AR-R AZZAQ: ...........................................................................................................................................80

...............................................................................................................................................81
The Grantor of Success ......................................................................................................................................81
The Ultimate Opener, The Superb Arbiter .........................................................................................................81
LIVING WITH AL-FATTAH: ............................................................................................................................................81

........................................................................................................................................82
The Near, The Close ...........................................................................................................................................82
..............................................................................................................................................................................82

...........................................................................................................................................83
The Answerer of Prayers, The Supreme Responder........................................................................................83
THE ETIQUETTES AND CONDITIONS FOR AL-MUJEEB TO ANSWER YOUR DU’AA:...........................................................84

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 Introduction

Living with the Names of Allah

“Allah has 99 names—one hundred less one; whoever learns them shall enter paradise.”
[Bukhari, Muslim]

Allah gives us two main approaches through which we can know his names:
• Quran (81) & Sunnah (18)
• The Universe

There are no hadeeths that actually mention the names, they just make reference to the 99.

What does it mean to know the names of Allah?

• Believe in them
• Memorize them
• Understand their meaning
• Supplicate to Allah using them
• Act upon them

Why are the names of Allah called Husna?

• They refer to the divine essence, with attributes of perfection that exist in Him
• Allah has promised a beautiful reward for whoever memorizes them
• They are named after the noblest of all.
• Their knowledge is the most beautiful & beloved to Allah

Learning the names of Allah is a means to:

1. INCREASING OUR FAITH
Pillars of Faith in Allah (Iman b’Allah)
1. Belief in the Existence of Allah
2. Belief in the Lordship of Allah
3. Belief in His Divinity
4. Belief in His names and attributes

2. LEARNING ABOUT OUR CREATOR

• The more one knows about our Lord, the closer one gets to Him.
• Allah is unseen so the only way to know Him is through his names.

3. LEARNING HOW TO WORSHIP HIM

“The very first pillar that Allah Almighty has prescribed upon His servants is the knowledge of
His names and attributes, and once His servants know Him, they would truly worship Him.”
[Abu Qasim Al-Asbahani]

13
Rules & Conditions which determine the names of Allah:
1. Limit their number to what is contained in the Quran & Sunnah
2. It is not permissible to derive the names of Allah from His attributes & actions
o Example: Allah smiles, but their isn’t a name depicting “The Smiler”
o Example: Allah comes down to the Heavens, He’s is not “The Descender”
3. It is not permissible to call Allah by blameworthy and reprehensible names
o Example: Referring to Allah as “The Plotter”, “The Avenger” & so forth
4. Any name that can not be used for supplication is not a name of Allah
5. The attributes of His actions and the attributes of His names are not from the names of
Allah
6. Names that have the same meaning but different wording are not excluded from the
names of Allah
7. The validity of using the term ‘Abd’ (slave) together with the Names of Allah for names
of people
8. It is not permissible for the names of Allah to be less than 99
9. It is not permissible to exclude names which are used in annexation (idafah) from
Allah’s names if they have been mentioned in the Quran or Sunnah
o Example: Rubb Al-Alshamal wa Rubb Al-Sharooq
The Lord of the east & The Lord of the west is the same Lord.
10. Primary names (Al-Asma Al-Jamidah) are not from His names

Differences between a Name and an Attribute:

o Names of Allah refer to the Divine Essence
o Attributes of perfections exist in the Divine Essence

o Names cannot be derived from attributes

o Attributes may be derived from names

We affirm the names of Allah without:

1. Distorting (Tahreef)
2. Denying (Tateel)
3. Likening Allah to His creation (Tamtheel)
4. Discussing how (Takyeef)

Living with the Names of Allah Purifies our Souls

True Enslavement Revolves Around 3 Pillars:

o Love of Allah
o Hope of His Mercy
o Fear of His Punishment

These three pillars are embedded in the first 3 verses of Suraht Al-Fatiha (Um Al-Quran)

“He who worships Allah with hope only is a (murjee). He who worships Him in fear only is a
(kharijee). He who worships Allah in love only is a heretic (zindiq). But he who worships
Allah in fear, love, and hope is a true believer [upon tawheed].” [Ibn Rajab]

14
Murjees believe that sins do not affect faith. They worship Allah only with hope because they
believe that as along as one believes and testifies to Islam, they would enter Paradise
regardless of their actions.

As for the Khawaarij, they worship Allah in fear with extremism only because they hold that
anyone who commits major sins is a disbeliever and would therefore dwell in Hellfire forever.

The Zanaadiqah - heretics - are groups who have reduced the religion to just 'love' and so all
their talk and all their mystical practices are centered around developing more 'love'.

It is thus clear how imbalances in any of the three qualities of worship can lead to major
deviation and straying from the True Guidance. Therefore it is important for every Muslim to
inculcate all three things in his heart properly.

LOVE

Love of Allah is of 2 types:

o Mandatory Love
o Encouraged Love

The first thing that would help one earn the love of Allah is to know His names & attributes.
When we worship Allah, we have to make sure we have love for Allah in our heart.
It is not enough to say we love Allah, we have to submit to Him (swt).

HOPE

Linguistically, hope is “foreseeing good from the owner of good.”

In terms of worship, hope means thinking well of Allah, coupled with:
o Taking Action
o Seeking Repentance
o Feeling Regret

The qualities that strengthen our hope are:

o Knowledge that the mercy of Allah encompasses all
o Knowledge of His kindness and forgiveness
o Knowledge of His closeness

FEAR

Fear of Allah is a condition in the fulfillment of faith (Iman). Allah loves the God-conscious
believer.

The qualities that strengthen the fear of Allah in our hearts are:
o Knowledge of the greatness of His Divine Essence with attributes of perfection that
exist in Him
o Belief and understanding that His knowledge encompasses all
o Knowledge of the severe punishment reserved for his enemies.
15
 Names that Manifest Absolute Perfection

Allah
2, 698 occurrences in the Quran

He is the One and only deity, the One who is worshipped and the One who deserves to be
worshipped by the whole of His creation due to His perfect attributes.

The name of Allah is the greatest name and belongs exclusively to the creator & no one else.

Allah is the name inclusive of all the beautiful names and high characteristics and attributes.
You start anything and everything with the name of Allah and Allah will bless and protect.

"Allah! There is none worthy of worship but He, the Living, the Sustaining. Neither slumber
nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatsoever is in the heavens and the earth. Who is
there that can intercede with Him except with His Permission? He knows what happens to
them (His creatures) in this world and in the Hereafter. They will not encompass anything of
His Knowledge except that which He Wills. His Footstool extends over the heavens and the
earth and he feels no fatigue in guarding them. He is the Most High, the Most Great." (2:255)
---Ayat Al-Kursi (Greatest Ayah in the Quran)

How do we know Allah?

A Bedouin was asked “How do you know your Lord?”

He said “If you see the camel dung, you know that a camel has passed this way, and if you
see a footstep you know that a person passed this way, so the heaven with its stars and the
earth with its mountain, and the oceans with their high waves all point to the existence of the
All-Hearing, All-Seeing.”

If you want to know Allah, you have to look at the creation of Allah.

“…The people who will be most blessed by [prophet’s] intercession on the Day of
Resurrection are those who say ‘La ilaha ill Allah’ sincerely in their heart.” [Bukhari]

16
 The Deity
73 occurrences

There is a discrepancy regarding whether the name of Allah is derived from any root word—
Some say that it is derived from “Ilah”.

Al-Ilah means the One who is loved; the One who is worshipped out of love & veneration.

The Lord
129 occurrences

Ar-Rabb is the One who nurtures and sustains all of His servants through regulating their
affairs and granting all types of favors and blessings. More specifically He is the One Who
nurtures and sustains those close to Him (awliyaa) by correcting and purifying their hearts,
souls and manners. This is why supplications are frequently made with this Noble Name
because they seek this specific nurturing. (“Ya Rabbi…_”)

Al-Ilah indicates divinity, whereas, Ar-Rabb indicates lordship.

The 3 Kinds of Life

Hayah: Some people walk around in life like zombies, not taking care of what they have.
When they go to sleep, they leave their heart with those who are manipulating and abusing it.
No care for soul or body.

Hayat Al-Abdan: Some people take care of their bodies and forget to take care of their
souls. They live for ‘body image’ and their worldly desires.

Hayat Al-Farah: This is the life of happiness. Taking care of our bodies and souls brings us
closer to Allah (swt). We fast Ramadan so that we could have control over our desires. We
cannot do what our soul wants and we learn to control our bodies.

17
 The One
Hadeeth

The root of Al-Witr (w-t-r) means ‘to be one’. Witr could mean one or odd.

“Allah is Witr and He loves that which is witr.”

o 5 daily prayers
o Night prayer (witr-11)
o 7 Heavens & Earth
o 7 rotations around the kabaa
o 7 runs between Safa & Marwa
o Prophet loved to fast 3 days of every month

Living with Al-Witr:

Allah loves for us to be different…how do you want to be remembered when you die? What
really matters is what you have inside of you and what you can do for others. Embrace your
uniqueness.

The One
6 occurrences

The root of Al-Wahid (w-h-d) means ‘to be one, unique’. He is the One singled out in all
aspects of perfection such as nothing else shared with Him in these. He is the One source
from which all of creation springs forth. He has no partners.

We all need a partner (our spouse) but Allah does not need a partner.

18
 The One & Only
1 occurrence

The root of Al-Ahed (ε-h-d) means ‘to be the only one’. He is the One who has no second
that shares in the lordship, nor in His essence, nor in the attributes. There is no similitude-
none like Him.

The Ahed is the one to whom there is No One similar and No One equal.
If there were more than one God, there would be conflict—think of if you had 2 bosses.

The ayah repeats over & over in Surat Naml (59-65):

“Is there anyone other than Allah?”

Tawheed is to know and believe that the Creator is different from the creation.
Allah is One, not in numbers, rather in that there are no partners with Him.

Al-Ahed is the One who was not begotten and has never been beget.

This is the name that fuels the disbelievers the most. Suraht Al-Iklas= 1/3 of Quran

The Eternally Besought

The Self-Sufficient
1 occurrence

The root of As-Samad (s-m-d) means ‘to turn to, to need, to be sublime, everlasting.’
He is the One upon whom the whole creation relies on for all its needs & predicaments.
Everyone needs Him and He needs no one.

As-Samad is eternal. He is the One who is unaffected, unchanged & without any needs.

As-Samad means direction in Arabic, or “goal” as in the goal of the heart.

“Say: He is Allah, the One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, nor is
there to Him any equivalent.” [Al-Iklas 112:1-4]

19
 +

The Creator
8 occurrences

The root of Al-Khaliq (kh-l-q) means ‘to create something based on a pattern or model which
one has devised’. To create is to evoke something into being out of non-existence by an act
of the will. Al-Kahliq is the One who plans and determines how, when and where to create.
He is the One who creates something from nothing by addressing design as the first step.

++
The Knowing Creator
2 occurrences

Al-Khalaq is indicative of the extreme and intensifies the meaning.

The Evolver

The Originator
1 occurrence

The root of Al-Bari (b-r-ε) means ‘to create out of nothing’. To evolve is to exhibit or produce
by development. Evolution implies the process of production & development according to
the plan.

The Fashioner of Forms

1 occurrence

The root of Al-Musawwir (s-w-r) means ‘to form’. Fashioning emphasizes the act of
composing and giving form, shape and inherent qualities, thereby yielding the final product.
The Fashioner is the One who has given everything a special form and manner whereby it is
distinguished. He made everything correct, in its place, and shaped it in accordance with His
Wisdom.
20
 The Development of His Creations

Al-Khaliq Al-Bari Al-Musawwir

The Evolver
The Creator The Originator The Fashioner of Forms

Planning Stage for The Process of The Act of Composing-

Creating from Nothing Development Final Product

"He is Allah, the Creator, the Originator, the Bestower of forms. To Him belong the Most
Beautiful Names. All that is in the heavens and the earth glorify Him. He is the All-Mighty, the
All-Wise." (59:24)

“We have certainly created man in the best of stature.” (95:4)

O mankind! if you are in doubt concerning the Resurrection, then lo! We have created you
from dust, then from a drop of sperm, then from a clot, then from a little lump of flesh shapely
and shapeless, that We may make (it) clear for you. And We cause what We will to remain in
the wombs for an appointed time, and afterward We bring you forth as infants, then (give you
growth) that you attain your full strength. And among you there is he who dies (young), and
among you there is he who is brought back to the most abject time of life, so that, after
knowledge, he knows nothing. And you see the earth barren, but when We send down water
thereon, it quivers and swells and puts forth every lovely kind (of growth). (22:5)

21
 The Ever-Living
5 occurrences

The root of Al-Hayy (h-y-y) means ‘to be living’. He is the One who is undying and
everlasting. He calls all life into being and makes each living thing different and distinct.

“And put your trust in The Ever-Living who dies not, and glorify His Praises, and Sufficient is
He as the All-Knower of the sins of His slaves” (25:58)

The Sustainer (of All Existence)

The Self-Existing
3 occurrences

The root of Al-Qayuum (q-w-m) means ‘to stand up, to rise up, to ascend’. He is the One
who is free of any dependence on anything else for existence. He is the Sustainer of the
inhabitants of the heavens and the earth; the One Who regulates their affairs and provisions.

“Allâh! Lâ ilahâ illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the Ever Living, the
One Who sustains and protects all that exists.” (Al-Imran 3:2 & beginning of Al-Baqara 2:255)

The Living (Al-Hayy) includes all of the Attributes of His Self.

The Sustainer (Al-Qayuum) includes all the Attributes of His Actions.

Narrated by Anas Ibn Malik:

If some matter was troubling him, he would say “Ya Hayyu, Ya Qayuum! Bi Rahmatika
astagheeth. (O Ever-Living! O Sustainer! By Your Mercy, I seek Your help)”.

22
 The Self-Sufficient, Free of All Needs
15 occurrences

The root of Al-Ghanee (gh-n-y) means ‘to be rich, wealthy’. He is free of need, self-sufficient,
completely and unrestrictedly; deference is given to His perfection and the perfection of His
attributes. He is not in need of anyone, He transcends all needs.

Deference: polite respect, putting His interests first, submission to Him

“To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is on the earth. And verily, Allâh is Rich
(Free of all needs), the Praiseworthy (Al-Hameed).” (22:64)

The Messenger of Allah said in Hadeeth-

‘Allah said: ‘O My slaves, all of you are astray except those whom I have guided, so seek
guidance from Me and I shall guide you. O My slaves, all of you are hungry except those
whom I have fed, so seek food from Me and I shall feed you. O My slaves, all of you are
naked except those whom I have clothed, so seek clothing from Me and I shall clothe you . . .
O My slaves, if the first of you and the last of you, and the humans of you and the Jinn of you,
were all to stand together in one place and ask of Me, and I were to give everyone what he
requested, then that would not decrease what I possess, except what is decreased of the
Ocean when a needle is dipped into it. O My slaves, it is but your deeds that I account for you
and then recompense you for. So he who finds good, let him praise Allah, and he who finds
other than that, let him blame no one but himself.’

From the perfection of His wealth and generosity, He commands His slaves to call upon Him
and He promises them that He will respond to their supplications in everything that they
desire. He gives them from His bounty whatever they ask for and what they do not ask for.

The Ultimate Inheritor

If you live with the Hayy, you live with Al-Warith (the inheritor of all things). When you say
“inherit” it implies that someone will die. We will all die and Allah, the Ever-Lasting will inherit.
He is the heir. Everything is granted and everything is taken back. He gives when He wills
and He takes back what/when He wills.

23
 The Owner
Hadeeth

The root of As-Sayid (s-w-d) means “The Owner, The Master”. He is the sovereign of the
universe; all of creation is enslaved to Him. He is the One needed in an absolute sense. No
created being is independent of Him. He creates and sustains. If He did not create them,
they would not exist, and if He didn’t sustain them after creating them, they would not remain.

The Sovereign

The King
4 occurrences

The root of Al-Malik (m-l-k) is ‘to possess, to own exclusively’. He is King of all beings, the
One who is the owner and ruler of the world. He has supreme authority and everyone relies
on Him.

++

The Absolute Sovereign

The Omnipotent King

1 occurrence

Al-Maleek is indicative to the extreme emphasis in Al-Mulk (Sovereignty)

He possesses complete, unlimited, universal power and authority.

“The day they come forth, nothing will be hidden from Allah. To Whom belongs Sovereignty
this day? It is Allah's, the One, the Almighty.” (40:16)

“In a seat of honor near an Absolute Sovereign, Perfect in ability” (54:55)

24
 How can we worship Allah with His names Al-Malik and Al-Maleek?

Allah’s names are embedded in the below 3 verses:

o Rabb in-Nas (The Lord of the People)
o Melik in-Nas (The Sovereign of the People)
o Ilah in-Nas (The Deity of the People)

Why this order?

o Lordship is more generic than Divinity
o Lordship implies Sovereignty and Sovereignty implies Divinity.
o He created them with His Lordship, subdued them with His Sovereignty and enslaved
them with his Divinity.

o Rabb—Our Lord created us, so first we have to believe in the Lordship of Allah.
o Melik—Then we accept that Allah is the Ruler and Owner of all existence.
o Ilah—We worship Allah, the one Deity.

The One who directs all of the affairs to do with creation, command and recompense, To Him
belongs the whole of creation, all of it is subservient, owned & in continuous need of Him.

Everything belongs to Allah. Whatever we possess belong to Him—they are just in our care
(with Amana) even children. It’s all in His hands.

SUPPLICATION OF NEED:

“Oh Allah, you are the King and there is no God but You. You are my Lord and I am Your
slave. I have wronged myself, and have acknowledged my sins, so forgive all my sins, for no
one forgives sins except You.”

SUPPLICATION OF WORSHIP:

“Our Lord descends to the lowest heaven every night after the first third of the night and He
says, ‘I am the King, I am the King. Who will call upon Me, that I may answer him? Who will
ask of Me, that I may give him? Who will ask Me for forgiveness that I may forgive him?”

The Prophet said, “Ask the forgiveness of Allah and repent from your sins, I ask his
forgiveness but 100 times a day”.

25
 The Patron

The Master
3 occurrences

The root of Al-Mowla (m-w-l) means ‘the Master’. In Arabic, the term Mowla can be used for
the master, the beloved, the follower, the neighbor, the cousin, the slave. Allah is the
Mowla—the Patron, Supporter, and the Protector of the believers.

“But if they turn away, then know that Allah is your protector (Mowla). Excellent is the
Protector and Excellent is the Helper (Naseer). (8:40)

And strive for Allâh as you ought to. He has chosen you and has not laid upon you in religion
any hardship. It is the religion of your father Abraham. It is He (Allâh) Who has named you
Muslims both before and in this (Qur'ân), that the Messenger may be a witness over you and
you be witness over mankind! So establish prayer, give Zakât and hold fast to Allâh. He is
your Patron (Maula), what an Excellent Patron (Maula) and what an Excellent Helper! (22:78)
_____________________

Allah favors some and doesn’t favor others. He creates and selects. For example, He has
created the heavens, but he favors the 7th sky to be next to the throne. Allah created all the
angels but he favors a few—Jibreal, for example.
Allah created all prophets, yet He favors Muhammad (pbuh).
Allah created all the nations and favors the Muslim nation.

Allah gives you just what you need. Maybe you think you need more, but Allah knows exactly
what you need. Maybe if you had more, you wouldn’t be where you are today (in regards to
iman) so be thankful for what Allah has given, which is always just enough. Alhamdullilah.

26
 The Praiseworthy
17 occurrences

The root of Al-Hameed (h-m-d) means ‘to praise, to speak well of’. Allah is worthy of all
thankful praise. He is the One and Only who truly deserves all praise, honor and adoration.

“O mankind, you are needy of Allah and Allah is the Most Wealthy, the Praiseworthy.” (35:15)

Ibn Al-Qayyim mentioned that Allah is praiseworthy from two aspects:

o All His creations praise Him for their existence, sustenance & blessings.
Allah is the one who created them and sustains them, He bestows upon them apparent and
hidden bounties, religious and worldly bounties. He averts from them vengeance and
adversities. Whatever bounty the servant may have is from Allah. None wards off evils except
He. Therefore, he deserves from them that they praise and glorify Him at all times.

o He is praised for His beautiful names and attributes.

Unto Him belongs every perfect characteristic and from these characteristics, His are the
most perfect and the most great. Thus, every attribute of His Attributes deserves the most
perfect praise and exaltation. Therefore, how about all of His Attributes combined?

Unto Him belongs the praise due to his self, His attributes and His actions. This is because
His actions rotate between actions of blessing and goodness, and action of justice and
wisdom. To Him belongs praise because of His creating, His legislation and the laws of
recompense in the beginning (this life) and the end (the hereafter). The classifying of His
praise cannot be encompassed by the intellects, or calculated by the pens.

“Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds” (1st ayah in the Quran)

Al-Hamdullilah puts weight in your scale.

When you think of any blessing from Allah, remember Al-Hameed. Praise Allah for all the
small and big blessings He has given you--from the air we breathe to the water we drink to
the ability to sleep, stand, think, walk, sit, urinate, etc. Being a Muslim is a blessing!
We have SO many, uncountable blessings from Allah—seen and unseen.

Live with Al-Hameed. Praise Al-Hameed. Glorify Him!

Thank Him inwardly and outwardly. Use the favors He has blessed you with to guide others.
And Remember: Thank Allah for giving us the opportunity to thank Him.

If you choose not to live with Al-Hameed, he could take it back. The worst is when Allah
takes the sweetness of what you do away so that when you pray or do anything, you don’t
feel anything. So concentrate on what you do have rather than what you don’t & Praise Allah.
27
 The Most High
8 occurrences

The root of Al-Ali (a-l-l) means ‘to be high’. He is the One Who is above and exceeds all
others. He is the Most High, above whom there is nothing higher. He is higher than any
imperfection.

“And He feels no Fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the
Most Great.” (2:225) Ayat Al-Kursi

The Most High, The Exalted

2 occurrences

The root of Al-A’la (u-l-w) means ‘to be elevated’.

“Exalt the name of your Lord, the Most Exalted.” (87:1) Surat Al-A’la

The Exalted, The Most Exalted

1 occurrence

Al-Muta’al:
To Him belongs highness in all of its aspects, Highness of His Essence, Highness of His
Attributes and esteem, Highness of Strength and Power. He is the One who has risen over
His Throne and the One who has encompassed the dominion. He is the One in whom all the
attributes of greatness, grandness, magnificence and beauty find perfection and fulfillment.

He is “Knower of the unseen and the seen, the Grand, the Most High (Or Exalted).” (13:9)

Al-Ali, Al-A’la, Al-Muta’al: All of the meanings of Highness that are affirmed for Allah in
every aspect. He is lofty in His essence because He is above all creation. He has ascended
over the throne, which means that He rose and elevated (over it). He has loftiness in His
ability, His strength and His power. This refers to His Exalted attributes and their greatness.
The attributes of the creation cannot compare to Him.

28
 The First
1 occurrence

The root of Al-Awwal (a-w-l) means ‘to be first, to be before’. He is the first, the beginning,
the foremost; the One who existed before all creation. Nothing is before Him.

The Last, The Ultimate

1 occurrence

The root of Al-Akhir (ε-kh-r) means ‘to be last, final, ultimate’. He is the last; the One who
remains after all of creation has passed away. Nothing is after Him.

Al-Awwal and Al-Akhir are complementary.

The Ascendant, The Manifest

1 occurrence

The root of Al-Dhahir (dh-h-r) means ‘to be visible, manifest, obvious, distinct’. He is the
One who manifested all of creation and who is manifest in all of creation; the One whose
essence and attributes are shown throughout all of creation. Nothing is above him.

The Intimate, The Inner, The Inward

1 occurrence

The root of Al-Batin (b-t-n) means ‘to be concealed, inner’. He is the One who is veiled from
our sensory perception; the One who is unseen, yet whose existence and essence are made
known through signs. Nothing is nearer than Him. Al-Dhahir and Al-Batin are opposites.

29
“He is the First & the Last, the Ascendant & the Intimate, and He is of all things, Knowing.”
(57:3)

The Prophet (pbuh) explained this verse in a succinct, clear way while addressing his Lord:

“You are Al-Awwal, there was none before You. You are Al-Akhir, there will be none after
You. You are Al-Dhahir, there is nothing above You. You are Al-Batin, there is nothing closer
than You. (Muslim 4/2084)

His name, the First (Al-Awwal), proves that everything besides Him occurs and exists after
its non-existence. The servant (of Allah) is obligated to observe the bounty of his Lord for
every blessing, whether religious or worldly. This is because the cause and effect are from
Him, The Exalted.

His name, the Last (Al-Akhir), proves that He is the final goal, and the Eternal, who is
turned to by (all) of creation with their deification, hope, fear and all of their requests.

His name, the Most High (Al-Dhahir), alludes to the greatness of His attributes. It also
implies insignificance of everything when compared to His greatness.

His name, the Most Near (Al-Batin), alludes to His awareness of the secret and hidden
matters. He is cognizant of the concealed, and fine intricacies of things. Likewise this name
alludes to His perfect nearness, and closeness to His creatures.

However, His being the Most High and the Most Near is not contradictory because there is
nothing like Allah in any of (His) characteristics.

The All-Embracing, The All-Encompassing

8 occurrences

The root of Al-Wasi3 (w-s-) means ‘to be sufficient in capacity or size, to comprehend,
embrace’. He is the One whose expansive essence holds and embraces all of creation; the
One whose power, knowledge, mercy and generosity are boundless. He is vast in goodness
and nobility.

The likeness of those who spend their wealth in Allah's way is as the likeness of a grain
which grows seven ears, in every ear a hundred grains. Allah increases manifold to whom He
will. Allah is All-Embracing, All-Knowing. (2:261)

30
 The Expediter
Hadeeth

The root of Al-Muqaddim (q-d-m) is ‘to bring forward’. He is the One who gives precedence
to whatever has to be given precedence with regards to rulings and the order of things.

The are 2 types of Taqdeem:

o Taqdeem Al-Kouni: Universal Expediting
o Taqdeem Ash-Shar’ee: Preference in Status

The Delayer
Hadeeth

Al-Mu’akhir expedites and delays as He wills. There’s a hikmah behind what he does.

Ibn `Abbâs relates that the Prophet (pbuh) used to say when he stood for the night prayer:

“O Allah! Yours is the praise. You are the sustainer of the Heavens and the Earth and all that they
contain. And Yours is the praise. Yours is the dominion of the heavens and the Earth and all that they
contain. And Yours is the praise. You are the light of the heavens and the Earth and all that they
contain. And Yours is the praise. You are the king of the heavens and the Earth. And Yours is the
praise. You are the Truth. Your promise is true. The meeting with You is true. Your word is true.
Paradise is true and the Fire is true. The prophets are true. Muhammad (peace be upon him) is true.
The Hour is true. O Allah! To You I have surrendered. In You I believe. Upon You I rely. To You I
repent. With you I present my argument. To you I appeal for judgment. So forgive me what preceded
and what will follow, and what I have concealed and what I have revealed. You are the one who
brings forward and the one who postpones. There is no god beside You.” [Bukhârî & Muslim]

The Glorified One

Hadeeth

The root of As-Subbooh means ‘to glorify’. He is above all that is not befitting to Him and He
is above all the shortcomings and (imperfect) qualities, which are inherent in His creation.

The Prophet (pbuh) used to say, when bowing and prostrating: “Subbooh Quddoos Rubb Al-
mala’ikah wal-ruh” [Glorified, Holy, Lord of the angels & the spirit (e.g. Jibreal)]. This is also
what the 8 angels that carry Allah’s throne say.

31
 Names that Manifest His Sovereignty

The Most Great, The Exalted

The Most Magnificent

6 occurrences

The root of Al-Atheem ( -z-m) is ‘to be large, vast, huge, great in rank, importance or dignity,
powerful, imposing’. Al-Atheem is the greatest, mightiest, grandest, and above all; the One
who is of perfect and absolute greatness.

“To Him belongs whatever is in the Heavens and whatever is in the Earth, and He is the Most
High, the Most Great.” (42:4)

The Prophet (pbuh) said that Allah said: “Might is My garment, and pride is My cloak;
whoever seeks to compete with Me concerning them, I will punish Him.” [Bukhari]

This image represents the size of the
planets in comparison to each other.
We must be pretty significant to live on
such a large planet, right?
Now contemplate how insignificant we
really are compared to the size of the
sun and the magnitude of Allah (swt).
But wait…At this scale, our sun is just 1
pixel. Antares is the 15th brightest star
in our sky. It is more than 1000 light
years away! Feeling pretty small and
insignificant yet?

"Allah the Exalted says: And he feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them, and He is
the Most High, the Most Magnificent.” (2:225)

Al-Atheem is the most perfect of this perfection, and the most magnificent of it, and the most
extensive of it. He has all encompassing knowledge, and authoritative power. He is the
ultimate greatness and magnificence. From His magnificence is that the heavens and the
earth are in the Palm of the Most Beneficent, smaller than a mustard seed.

" No just estimate have they made of Allâh such as is due to Him. On the Day of Resurrection
the whole earth will be grasped by His hand and the heavens will be rolled up in His Right
Hand. Glory to He! High is He above all that they associate as partners with Him!” (39:67)

He deserves that His servants should magnify Him in their hearts, on their tongues, and with
their limbs. They should do this by exerting their energies in learning about Him, loving Him,
submitting to Him, showing humility to Him, and fearing Him. They should make their tongues
praise Him, and make limbs perform thanks and worship of Him.
32
 The Mighty
95 occurrences

The root of Al-Azeez (‘-zz) means ‘to be mighty, potent, strong, powerful’. He is the One
whose dignity, majesty, and power are unique, precious and unattainable by mankind; the
One who has complete mastery over all of creation . This name of Allah expresses that He
will always triumph and that He can never be refuted, for only He has true power.

Al-Azeez has 4 meanings:

o He who has no peer or equal. Nothing resembles Him.
o The One who is always victorious and never defeated.
o The One who reinforces you and supplies you with power and strength in order to
make you victorious.
o The One who refuses for His worshippers to be humiliated.

Al-Azeez is usually accompanied by one of the four following beautiful names of Allah:
o The Ever-Wise (Al-Hakeem) mentioned 47 times, showing that Allah’s (swt) Might is
based on wisdom.
o The Ever-Merciful (Al-Raheem) mentioned 14 times, showing that His Might is also
based on mercy.
o The Ever-Powerful (Al-Qhawee) showing His Might is based on power.
o The All-Knowing (Al-Aleem) showing His Might is based on knowledge.
**Allah’s might is grounded in wisdom, mercy, power & knowledge. It’s not just Him being mighty.

“Whosoever seeks might (glory & power)― to Allah belongs all might (glory & power)” (35:10)

“Blessed is He in Whose Hand is the dominion, and He is Able to do all things. Who has
created death and life, that He may test which of you is best in deed. And He is the All-
Mighty, the Oft-Forgiving” (67:1-2)

Living with Al-Azeez:

o Do not accept humiliation or oppression (Allah does not allow such abuse)
o Help Islam and Muslims gain might—Be proud of being a Muslim
o Humble yourself before Allah
o Do not oppress or transgress one another, yet stand up for your values
o When you see something that is wrong—talk, take action, write!
o Stand up for your rights
o Be confident
o Know when to speak and when silence is better
o Living with Al-Azeez is good da’wah

Example of acting with I’zah—the story of Mua'tasim who came to stand up for a woman.

33
 The Helper, The One who provides Victory

The root of Al-Naseer (n-s-r) means ‘to assist and make victorious’. As Allah promises,
victory belongs only to those who believe in our Lord and struggle to attain His good pleasure
and consent.

The entire Battle of Badr was planned by Al-Naseer. From the rain, to the dream, to the
help He sent….He brought victory to the believers as He did in the battle of the trench.

Allâh has full knowledge of your enemies, and Allâh is sufficient as a Protector, and Allâh is
sufficient as a Helper. (4:45)

The Superb Comforter

The Restorer, The Irresistible

The root of Al-Jabbar (j-b-r) means ‘to mend, to restore something to sound’. In Arabic,
Jabeera is the splint which is used to set broken bones. Doctors may be able to mend a
broken arm, but Allah is the Only One who mends hearts. Al-Jabbar is the One who mends
broken hearts and comforts every time. He is offering His services to us for free!

The name Al-Jabbar is full of love and mercy. Al-Jabbar is the One who irresistibly restores
all creation to soundness and sufficiency; the One who compels each and every thing
according to divine will, yet is never compelled. Al-Jabbar is compelling over dejected hearts,
to the one who is weak & helpless, to the one who resorts to Him and seeks refuge with him.

Al-Jabbar has 3 meanings:

o The One who solaces and comforts the oppressed
o The Superb Vanquisher (Al-Qahhar) to severely punish the tyrants and oppressors
o He is the Most High (Al-Ali)

Imagine when you face the Compeller, the Superb Comforter on the day of judgment, where
people are either oppressors or oppressed. Who will be more fearful?

Living with Al-Jabbar:

o Supplicate Him to comfort and mend your heart
o If you have oppressed someone, ask them for forgiveness
o Mend someone’s heart today, Allah shall mend yours on the day of judgment
34
 +

The Most Great

6 occurrences

The root of Al-Kabeer (k-b-r) means ‘to be great in size, vast, formidable’. Al-Kabeer is the
One whose greatness is beyond measure; the One whose nature is Greatness. The phrase
“Allahu Akbar” comes from the same root (as does Al-Mutakabbir) and means Allah is the
Greatest.

That (is so) because Allah, He is the True, and that which they invoke beside Him is the
False, and because Allah, He is the Sublime, the Great. (31:30) & (23:62)

++

The Supremely Great

1 occurrence

The root of Al-Mutakabbir (k-b-r) means ‘to be great in rank, dignity, nobility, majesty’. Al-
Mutakabbir is the One who is above any evil, defect and deficiency due to His greatness.
The One who has rights, privileges and attributes, which others do not have.

"He is Allah, other than whom none has the right to be worshipped. The King, the Holy, The
One free from defects, the Giver of Security, the Ever-Watcher, the All-Mighty, the
Compeller, the Supreme. Glory be to Allah! (High is He) Above all that they associate as
partners with Him." (59:23)

Whosoever seeks to compete with Allah, Allah will destroy Him.

Be proud of yourself, but not to the extent that you boast and show arrogance.

35
Arrogance is of several types:
o To consider oneself to be better than someone else or to regard others as relatively
degraded & then to express this either through actions or speech
o To reject the truth when you recognize it as such
o When a person admires himself for his beauty or the fineness of his clothes

These should not be confused with self-respect, which is a requirement in Deen.

The Remedies of Arrogance:

o Remember you are just a human—express gratitude to Allah for whatever He has
blessed you with and recognize that you have not bestowed anything upon yourself.
o Whatever you have is from Allah and if He wishes, He may take it away in an instant.
o Qiyam Al-Layl will help you get rid of arrogance—Allah will soften your heart
o And Remember: “On the Day of Resurrection the arrogant will be gathered like ants in
the form of men.” (Hadith Tirmidhi)

Pride kills the Faith. No matter what you achieve, you are still too weak.

The Most Glorious

The root of Al-Majeed (m-j-d) means ‘to be glorious, dignified, majestic, noble, honorable’.
Al-Majeed is the One who is glorious, dignified, majestic, bountiful and exceedingly generous.
He is described with the attributes of glory, greatness and magnificence. He is glorified and
magnified in the hearts of His close ones.

This Majd (glory) is the greatness of the attributes and their extent. Thus, every description of
His attributes shows the magnificence of His status. There is not any deficiency in any of His
attributes nor any shortcomings.

Allah’s glory manifests itself in every corner of the universe. All people recognize Allah’s
Highness, even those who deny Him or say: “We disbelieve” are well aware of His power and
glory, for they witness His creation all around them. However, due to their arrogance, they do
not believe.

Owner of the throne, the Glorious. (85:15)

In the Tahiyyat, we end with:

“Innaka Al-Hameed, Al-Majeed” (You are the Praiseworthy, The Most Glorious)

36
Living with Al-Majeed:

o Recognize that Allah’s names and attributes reach the limits of absolute glory.
o If you love someone, and you don’t praise him, you don’t really love him.
If you praise someone, and you don’t really love him, then you’re not really praising him.
So, you have to love and praise Allah.

“La ilaha ila Allah” leads you to his divinity “Allahu Ahkbar” signifies his glory.
You have to know him, to love him, to worship him fully.

The Supremely Strong

The root of Al-Qawee (q-w-y) means ‘to be strong, vigorous, potent’. Al-Qawee is the One
whose strength is supreme; the One who possesses unlimited strength and endurance; the
One whose vigor and strength prevail over all of creation.

That was because there came to them their Messengers with clear evidences, (proofs and
signs) but they disbelieved (in them). So Allâh seized them (with punishment). Verily, He is
All-Strong, Severe in punishment. (40:22)

The Possessor of Strength, The Firm

The root of Al-Mateen (m-t-n) means ‘to be strong, solid, firm, hard’. Al-Mateen is the most
steadfast and solid; the one whose strength produces certitude; the One who can easily
overcome anything through supreme firmness and strength of determination.

Verily, Allâh is the All-Provider, The Firm Possessor of Strength. (51:58)

The strong believer is more beloved to Allah than the weak one.
When you exercise you feel stronger & more active to worship Allah.
Make your intention for working out to strengthen your abada & be a better slave to Allah.

37
 The Ever-Dominating, The Conqueror

The root of Al-Qahir (q-h-r) means ‘to overcome, conquer’. He is the Vanquisher without
being unfair—on the contrary, He is wise and knowledgeable.

And He is the subjugator over His servants. And He is the Wise, Acquainted [with all]. (6:18)

The Subduer, The Superb Vanquisher, The Ever-Dominating

The root of Al-Qahhar (q-h-r) means ‘to control, dominate, overpower’. The Superb
Vanquisher dominates everything in His kingdom. Everything submits and surrenders to
Him. Al-Qahhar will prevail! Al-Qahhar is more intensive than Al-Qahir.

“On the Day when the earth will be changed to another earth and so will the heavens, and
they (all creatures) will appear before Allah, the One, the Subduer." (14:48)

Examples of His Vanquishing (Al-Qahr):

o Heavens & Earth
o Sun & Moon
o Day & Night
o Sinners & Evil-Doers (unjust nations)
o Death

“Then He rose over towards the heaven when it was smoke, and said to it and to the earth:
‘Come both of you willingly or by compulsion.’ They both said: ‘We come, willingly.’ (41:11)

Point to Remember: Either we submit to the will of Allah or He will make us submit.

Stories of Ibrahim:
o The fire didn’t burn Ibrahim because it is Allah’s creation & Allah did not will it to burn him.
o Ismael wanted his father to submit to Al-Qahhar. Through this steadfast submission, they
strengthened their faith. Yet, the knife did not cut Ismael because Allah did not will it.
Lessons:
o Our core existence is to submit to Allah.
o You will not get harmed or benefited without the will of Allah.
38
Living with Al-Qahhar:
• Be apprehensive & submissive to Allah. Your apprehension shall help you abandon sins.
• Do not be an oppressor. (Allah does not like oppressors)
• Do not subject anyone to cruelty or be the source of their troubles & worries.
• Vanquish the Shaytan through your obedience to Al-Qahhar.
• Don’t be TOO confident and self-assured—Remember the Titanic:
o The one who built it said it was “unsinkable, undestroyable”—Allah proved that it was
what it was. He is the only Al-Qahhar.

This name shows you the power of Allah. That He, for example, is able to create a tsunami
out of a calm and beautiful sea. He may compel your tongue to say the kalimah with ease,
or cripple it.

The Supreme Judge

The Arbitrator
Hadeeth

The root of Al-Hakam (h-k-m) means ‘to pass judgment, to decide, pass a verdict’. Al-
Hakam is the One who judges between His servants in this life and the life of the Hereafter
with His justice and fairness. He is the judge in His regulation and decree; the One who
makes the final decision of the nature of all matters; the One who arbitrates all disputes.

“Say: "Indeed I (Muhammad) am on a clear Sign from my Lord, but you deny Him. What you
would see hastened is not in my power. The decision is only for Allah: He declares the truth
and He is the best of Judges." (6:57)

“And follow what is revealed to you [O Muhammad], and be patient until Allah will judge. And
He is the best of judges.” (10:109)

Hani Ibn Yazid said that the Prophet (pbuh) said:

“Allah is the Supreme Judge and to Him belong all rulings.”
(classified Sahih by Sheikh Al-Albani)

39
 The Truth, The Just and Correct

The root of Al-Haqq (h-qq) means ‘to be genuine, authentic, real, sound, substantial’. Al-
Haqq is the One whose existence is undeniable. He is the Truth in His essence and
attributes. Allah is the Truth and what they supplicate to other than Him is falsehood.

“That is because Allah is the Truth, and that what they call upon other than Him is falsehood,
and because Allah is the Most High, the Grand.” (31:30)

Stories of Haqq:
Omar ibn Al-Khattab and the son of the Egyptian king
Omar ibn Abdul-Aziz

There is a difference between truth and justice; justice is to give everyone their rights.
Therefore, justice is applying the vale of truth in the universe.

Nine things that will guide you to the truth:

o Knowledge that Allah is the Truth
o His promise is true. For Hadeeth in its entirety
o The meeting with Him is true. (see under Al-Muakhir)
o His word is true.
o Paradise is true
o Hell-Fire is true.
o The prophets are true.
o Muhammad (peace be upon him) is true.
o The Hour is true.

Living with Al-Haqq:

 Don’t stay quiet when the truth needs to be said
 Tell the truth even if it’s not what the other wants to hear
 Tell the truth even if it goes against you
 Remember Al-Ameen (He was truthful even before prophethood)
 Share the message of Islam without worrying about what the other would say or think
 Don’t try to be something you are not
 Practice what you preach
 Model the truth for your kids and for others
 Live by Islam, not by culture
Allah elevated us with Islam, so choose to live with Al-Haqq.
If you choose to live with something else, Allah will disgrace us.

Live with the truth and Die with the truth.

Dieing with the truth means dieing with “La ilaha ila Allah” on your tongue.
40
 The Reckoner

The root of Al-Haseeb (h-s-b) means ‘to number, calculate, give without measure’. He is the
One who is All-Knowing of His servants and sufficient for those who put their trust in Him; the
One who gives what is sufficient and necessary in every situation. He is the One who takes
account of all actions and reckons them; the measurer and accountant of every deed.

Those who convey the Message of Allâh and fear Him, and fear none but Allâh. And
Sufficient is Allâh as a Reckoner. (33:39)

O Prophet, Allâh is Sufficient for you and for the believers who follow you. (8:64)

The Protecting Friend

The Nearby Guardian

The root of Al-Walee (w-l-y) means ‘to be near, close, nearby, defend, guard’. Al-Walee
emphasizes the aspects of Lordship, ownership and mastery of the One who is also friend
and helper.

Al-Walee emphasizes the nearness and loving, protective, guarding and helping aspects of
the One who is also the Lord and Master.

"My Lord! You have given me [something] of sovereignty, and taught me of the interpretation
of dreams - Creator of the heavens and the earth! You are my Protector in this world and in
the Hereafter. Cause me to die as a Muslim and join me with the righteous." (Yusuf 12:101)

Allâh is the Ally of those who believe. He brings them out from darkness into light. For those
who disbelieve, their allies are Tâghût [false deities & leaders], they bring them out from light
into darkness. Those are the dwellers of the Fire, and they will abide therein forever. (2:257)

41
To Earn the Walaya from Allah, You Need:
• Firm belief in Allah
• Adherence to the prayers
• Voluntary prayers (Nawafil)
• Help the Needy
• Have Taqwa (like walking in a field of thorns—always check spot before you step—
Halal or Haram?)

If Allah Becomes Your Walee:

o You shall have no fear nor grief
o The angels will serve as your protectors in this world and in the hereafter
o He will enlighten your life
o He will make you victorious

Example of Al-Walee taking care of Yusuf:

1. A caravan with thirsty travelers go to drink from the well and found Yusuf (Allah saved
him)
2. Yusuf is taken to Egypt to be taken care of by the minister of Egypt who Allah made
childless for this purpose
3. When Yusuf was in jail, Allah made the king see a very odd dream so that he needed
Yusuf to interpret the dream

If you take care of people, Allah will take care of you.

Abu Bakr was a great example of this. One example is when Abu Bakr took care of an old
woman he did not know—he even used to grind her food and feed her.

If you take the eman of AbuBakr on a scale and the Eman of the entire Ummah on the other
side of the scale, Abu Bakr will outweigh the Eman of the Ummah.

More examples of Allah taking care of others as Al-Walee

o Hadeeth Al-Khashaba (Wood)—the story of the man who put His trust in Allah in order
to pay back a loan.
o When Allah took care of Ibrahim in the fire by being “cool and peaceful.”
o Allah took care of Yaqoub when he brought back his vision and brought Yusuf back to
him.
o Allah took care of Ismael by nurturing him and his mother with the water of zamzam
and He saved him from the sacrifice.
o Allah took care of Musa when he got kicked out of Egypt as a maskeen and came
back as a prophet.
o Allah took care of Muhammad when he got kicked out and he came back fatih.
o Oases Al-Qurani from Yemen—the prophet said that his duaas are answered, for he
sacrificed the opportunity to see the face of the prophet & become a sahabi, in order to
stay with his sick mom and take care of her.

42
 The Ultimate Trustee

The root of Al-Wakeel (w-k-l) means ‘to appoint or entrust for the care of management of
something’. It also means to rely upon, confide in, leap upon, submit to’. Al-Wakeel is the
One and Only who can be entrusted with the management and resolution of all affairs. He is
the One who may be trusted to do better for us than we can do for ourselves.

“[He is] the Lord of the East and the West; there is no deity except Him, so take Him as
Disposer of [your] affairs”. (73:9)

“Those to whom hypocrites said, ’Indeed, the people have gathered against you, so fear
them.’ But it [merely] increased them in faith, and they said ‘Sufficient for us is Allah, and [He
is] the best Disposer of affairs.’” (3:173)

[Hadeeth by Tirmidhi] Ana sib Malik said: “The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said:
“Whoever says ‘Bismillah, tawwakaltu ‘ala Allah, la hawla wa la quwata ila Billah’ (In the
name of Allah, I put my trust in Allah, and there is no power and no strength except with
Allah), it will be said to him “You are taken care of and protected,” and the Shaytan will leave
him alone.”

The Hijra contains the best lessons of Al-Wakeel—The prophet took some precautions
and put his trust in Allah:
1. He put Ali in his bed.
2. He hired someone to get him out.
3. He traveled with the company of Abu Bakr.
4. The Shepard covered the traces of the prophet.
5. Asma was bringing in food for them.

The point?! The prophet took ALL the means—but he put his trust in Al-Wakeel.

Story of Kernel Sanders—KFC—after 1,009 No’s He got one YES!

Again, The point of the story is not to put your trust in the “chicken recipe”, but rather put your
trust in Allah no matter what you set out to do. Never give up on Al-Wakeel.

Don’t leave your camel untied. Tie it and put your trust in Allah.

43
Live with Al-Wakeel:
Whosoever trusts Allah, Allah (swt) will find a way out for him. Al-Wakeel will provide him with
rizk that he never thought of. The key is taqwa. There are people who are afraid of failure
because they do not put their trust in Al-Wakeel.

Use the means to get better, but do not put your trust in the means. Put your trust in Allah.
For example, Allah brings cures, but take Tylenol as the means to the cure—you don’t trust in
Tylenol, you trust that Allah will make you better. When you go to the doctor, you don’t put
your trust in the doctor (the means), you put your trust in the Lord of the means—Al-Wakeel.

Be proactive and don’t give up. Al-Wakeel asks you to take action! Don’t sit home and do
nothing and expect Allah to give you something. Do something!

Don’t fail the test! If Allah loves someone, then he tests him. These tests are a blessing.
They are an opportunity to show Allah that you have chosen to live with Al-Wakeel. If you are
not tested, there is something wrong with your eman. A Muslim must go through trials in
order to cleanse oneself from sins.

If you live with Al-Wakeel, you could be with those that enter Jennah with no punishment.
70,000 will enter jennah without any account. The Prophet (pbuh) said “I asked Allah for
more, so Allah answered for every one of those 70,000—there will be another 70,000”

44
 On the measure of Fa’il
+

The All-Capable

The root of Al-Qadir (q-d-r) means ‘to decree, to ordain, to decide a matter’. Al-Qader plans,
evaluates and decrees. He is perfect in ability.

Al-Qadr is the 6th pillar of Iman. Every person has the ability to make choices between good
and evil—free will (Muqayyar), however the ability to choose does not go out of the decree
of Allah (Musayyar). Allah knows whether you will have success or failure—However, Allah
did not choose that for you—he just knew the choices you were going to make.

THE ASPECTS AND LEVELS OF THE DOCTRINE OF AL-QADAR (DECREE):

1st level is the knowledge

o The belief that the knowledge of Allah encompasses all things.
“…Allah has comprehends all things in His knowledge.” (65:12)
nd
2 level is the writing (the protected scrolls—it’s all written)
o The decree of all affairs before the creation of the Universe
• The very 1st thing Allah created was the pen, then the pen asked “what shall I
write?” Allah says “Write the affairs of everything that will happen until
Judgment Day.”
o The decree of success and failure
• Allah appoints an Angel in the womb of the mother—one of the things written is
whether this person will be blessed or doomed. (from Hadeeth)
o The decree of aging
• Hadeeth: ?
o The decree of yearly affairs
• On the night of the Qadr, every precise matter is made distinct (44:3-4)
o The decree of the daily affairs
• Every day Allah is engaged in daily affairs
o The decree of the daily affairs is embedded in the decree of the yearly affairs
3rd level is the creation
• Allah created every being and what he/she does (37: 96)
th
4 level is the will
• Don’t ever say you will do something tomorrow (18:23) without saying “Insha’Allah”

“Say: ‘He has power to send calamities on you, from above and below, or to bewilder you
with dissension, giving you a taste of mutual vengeance― each from the other.’ See how We
explain the Signs in various ways that they may understand.” (6:65)

45
 On the measure of Fa’eel
++
The Most Able

The root of Al-Qadeer (q-d-r) means ‘to be rendered able, capable’. He is the One Who has
complete and perfect power and ability; the One Who, when He wills a thing to be, he merely
says 'Be!' and it is. By His power and ability he turns the hearts and directs them to
whatsoever He Wills and Desires.

By His Power:
o He brought everything into existence
o He arranges all the affairs
o He fashioned and perfected the creation
o He brings to life and causes to die
o He will resurrect the servants for their recompense- rewarding the one who did good
with His good and the one who worked evil with His Hellfire

For each has a goal toward which they turn. So strive together towards all that is good.
Wheresoever you may be, Allâh will bring you together (on the Day of Resurrection). Truly,
Allâh has power to do all things. (2:148)

On the measure of Mufta’il

+++

The All-Determining, The All-Powerful

The root of Al-Muqtader (q-d-r) means ‘to measure something, know the measure of
something’. Muqtader is an intensive form of the root q-d-r. Al-Muqtader is the One whose
supreme power determines and delivers the suitable measure of all things; the One whose
decisions always prevail; the One who has the power to decide the outcomes of all matters.

And put forward to them the example of the life of this world, it is like the water (rain) which
We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it, and becomes
fresh and green. But (later) it becomes dry and broken pieces, which the winds scatter. And
Allâh prevails over all things. (18:45)

46
 +

The Knower

The root of Al-A’lim (‘a-l-m) means ‘knowledgeable’. His knowledge is absolute and
thorough. He know everything. His knowledge encompasses the world above and below.
There is nothing even the weight of a speck of dust in the heavens or earth, or even smaller
than that or larger, that escapes Him. No place or time escapes His knowledge.

“Fighting is enjoined upon you and you dislike it. But it is possible that you dislike a thing
which is good for you, and that you love a thing which is bad for you. But Allah knows and
you know not.” (2:216)

Even if we think something is good for us and we strive for it, maybe we will not get it
because Allah knows more about whether it is best for us. He will provide when we are ready.
Meanwhile, do istiqara and put your trust in Allah.

++

The All-Knowing

The root of Al-A’leem (‘a-l-m) means ‘to have knowledge, be cognizant, be certain’. Al-
A’leem comprehends everything. He is intuitively aware of all things, even before they
happen. He is the One who knows with certainty; the One whose knowledge of the past,
present and future is deeply rooted and complete in every respect.

He knows what was and what will be in the future, which has no end, He knows what does
not exist and how it would be if it did exist. He knows the conditions of all people since the
time of His creating them and after He causes them to die and after He brings them to life
again. His knowledge encompasses all of their deeds, both the good and the evil.

Al-A’lim & Al-A’leem denote knowing with certainty, especially intuitive knowing, omniscience.
Al-Khabeer denotes an understanding of the inner qualities, secrets & true reality.

47
 The All-Aware

Al-Khabeer is the One Whose Knowledge encompasses all the outward and hidden matters,
the open and secret, all those things that must necessarily occur, all those things that are
impossible to occur and all things that can possibly occur and what would unfold if they did
occur.

Al-Khabeer is a different knowing –it’s an understanding of your inner qualities. Allah has the
keys to the unknown. He knows your plans and intentions even before you do something or
decide not to do it.

"Verily Allah! With Him (Alone) is the knowledge of the Hour, he sends down the rain and
knows what is in the wombs. No person knows what he will earn tomorrow and no person
knows in what land he will die. Indeed Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware." (31:34)

The All-Wise

The root of Al-Hakeem (h-k-m/hikmah) means ‘to be wise’. Al-Hakeem is the One to whom
belongs the highest wisdom; the One who is All-Wise in His creation and command; who
perfected everything He created. He has perfect wisdom and perfect judgment among his
creatures.

Thus, the Most-wise is He who has vast knowledge and understanding of the beginning of all
matters and their ending. He is vast in His praise, perfect in His power and abundant in His
mercy. He is the One who puts things in their (proper) places and settles them in their
suitable position according to His creation and His command. He cannot be questioned
(concerning what He does) and He cannot be criticized regarding His Wisdom.

"and Who is better than Allah in judgment for a people who have firm faith?" (5:50)

48
TWO TYPES OF WISDOM (HIKMA):
1. Wisdom concerning His creation
• He created all of the creatures with the best organization and He arranged them in
the most perfect arrangement.
• No one sees in His creation any mistake, deficiency or shortcoming.
• Example: He gave every creation a created form that is suitable for it. Our ears,
eyes, mouth, etc. are all in the right place.

2. Wisdom in His legislation and command

• He legislates the laws, reveals the scriptures and sends the messengers so that
the slaves may know Him and worship Him. This is Hikmah.
• Example: The knowledge behind the salah (50 for 5)
• Also, Allah does not command anything except that it is entirely beneficial. He also
does not prohibit anything except that it is entirely harmful or mostly harmful.

Whoever is blessed with hikmah (wisdom), is blessed with a lot of good.

What is the hikmah that Allah created the heavens and the Earth in 6 days (not in 1)?
(from the Book: Jama’ Ahkam Al-Quran)
o To teach us to show kindness and patience for everything.
o He wanted to create something each day to show His power to the Angels.
o He took time to prepare things for Adam and his offspring before He even created
Adam to emphasize Adam’s high status to the Angels.
o Allah has decreed a course for everything.
o Doing things in a short time is more indicative of wisdom and power rather than doing
something spontaneously.
o It took step-by-step so the disbelievers don’t say it is an accident—it cannot be an
accident if it took 6 days.

IF YOU WANT TO ENJOIN GOOD, THERE ARE 3 TYPES OF ILM YOU NEED:
1. You need to know the knowledge of dawaa
You have to understand what you’re calling for—what’s haram and what’s halal
2. The knowledge of the person you’re calling—Who? What are the beliefs?
3. The knowledge of the way you do dawaa’ (the How)

49
 The All-Watchful

The root of Ar-Raqeeb (r-q-b) means ‘to look, watch, to be vigilant’. Ar-Raqeeb watches all
things. He is the One who is the ever-vigilant witness; the One who observes all thoughts,
deeds and feelings. He sees what is hidden in the hearts and charges every soul for what it
earned.

The Omniscient Witness, The Testifier

The root of Ash-Shaheed (sh-h-d) means ‘to bear witness, to offer testimony’. Ash-Shaheed
is the One who directly and ever-presently observes everything in creation and is aware of
everything. Ash-Shaheed hears every voice in existence - the loud and quiet. He sees
everything in existence - the insignificant and significant, the small and large. He is the One
Who will testify for or against His servants for what they did.

The Safeguarder, The Ever-Watching

The root of Al-Muhaymin (h-y-m-n) means ‘to watch over, to oversee’. Al-Muhaymin is the
One Who sees all the hidden matters, all that the hearts keep concealed; the One Whose
Knowledge encompasses everything. He is ever-watchful.

There are three methods of watchfulness:

1. Allah
2. The Angels
3. The person’s consciousness

“There is no private conversation three but that He is the fourth of them.” (58:7)

50
“And with Him are the keys of the unseen, none knows them but He. And He knows what is
on the land and in the sea; not a leaf falls, but he knows it. There is not a grain in the
darkness of the earth nor anything fresh or dry, but is written in a Clear Record.” (6:59)

"It is He Who sent His Messenger with the guidance and the Religion of Truth that He makes
it prevail over all religions. And sufficient is Allah as a Witness." (48:28)

If we could only live with these names (Ar-Raqeeb, Ash-Shaheed, Al-Muhaymin) we would
know Allah is watching us and that is all we need to know. He is the All-Watchful and The
Witness (testifier) and the Safeguarder.

Teach yourself these names, teach your children these names—if we all know and live with
them, we would not need any law enforcement. Every one would know and follow the rules.

Story: There was a little girl whose mother insisted they add water to milk they were selling,
but the little girl refused remembering that Omar ib Al-Khatab had taught them that Allah is
watchful over them and although the people may not know, Allah knows!

The Angels are watching what we do as well and are writing it down.

If you were going to do a good deed, but you didn’t—it’s still written down as a good deed.
If you were going to do a good deed and you did it—It is written as 10 or more good deeds.
If you were going to do a bad deed, but you didn’t—it is written down as a good deed.
If you were going to do a bad deed, and you did it—there is a waiting period… If you don’t
repent, it is written as a bad deed. Yet, if you repent, it is written as a good deed x 10

Living with Al-Raqeeb, As-Shaheed, Al-Muhaymin:

o Don’t live your life as a hypocrite.
o Be more vigilant in prayers and in life.
o Do more secretive good deeds.
o Be God-conscious and God-fearing
o If we live with these names, all the others will fall in place, because these names
encompass so many others. Allah is watching over you!
o Know that Allah knows what’s in your heart so make duaa to cleanse your heart and
think twice about you do.
o Have respect for yourself and others
o If you do something wrong, fix it right away so that it does not get recorded. Rectify the
error and repent!

51
 The All-Hearing

The root of As-Samee’ (s-m-‘) means ‘to hear, to listen’. As-Samee’ is the One whose
hearing and attention comprehends everything. He is the One who pays attention to every
supplication and invocation; the One who listens to every voice.

The All-Hearing is the One whose hearing encompasses all that can be heard. He hears
everything in the world that makes sound, whether it be high or low. It makes no difference
whether the sound is made secretly or openly. All of the languages are not hidden from Him.
The close (sound), the far, the secret and the open, they are all the same (i.e. heard) to Him.

"It is the same (to Him) whether any of you conceals his speech or declares it openly,
whether he be hidden by night or goes forth freely by day.” (13:10)

Hearing is comprised of 3 meanings:

1. Hearing of the Voices
2. Understanding
3. Acceptance

When we say “Samee’a Allah la-men Hamida” when getting up from ruku’ we are hoping that
Allah hears, understands and accepts our duaa.

Story Examples:
Sufwan and Omair were both angry after they lost the battle of Badr and were plotting against
the Prophet (pbuh). Omair said if it wasn’t for his family, he would kill the prophet. Sufwan
told him go ahead and he will take care of Omair’s family like his own. This discussion
occurred in the middle of the night when no single person was around to see or hear them.
Omair then headed to where the prophet was in order to kill him. Now, Omar ibn Al-Katab
(rAa) could read the faces of people and he knew Omair was up to something—when the
prophet called him out, he denied the plot until the prophet revealed to him that Allah heard
him and Sufwan plotting against him and right on the spot Omair made the shahada for he
knew that no one else could have heard except the “All-Hearing”. Subhan Allah!

Khola bint Tha’laba went to the Prophet to complain about her husband. Although Aisha
(raa) tried to listen in, she could not hear some of what was said. Allah revealed an ayah
about the conversation because Allah hears everything:
“Indeed Allah has heard the statement of her that disputes with you (O Muhammad)
concerning her husband, and complains to Allah. And Allah hears the argument between you
both. Verily, Allah is All-Hearer, All Seeing.” (58:1)

“And if there comes to you a whisper from the Shaytan, then seek refuge in Allah. Indeed,
He is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.” (41:36)
52
 The All-Seeing

The root of Al-Baseer (b-s-r) means ‘to see, behold, notice’. Al-Baseer is the One whose
insight sees all things clearly, both the apparent and the hidden; the One who sees and
understands all that has past before and all that will happen. He has insight into all things
and perceives every detail.

"Neither your relatives nor your children will benefit you on the Day of Resurrection. He will
judge between you and Allah is the All-Seer of what you do." (60:3)

He is the One whose sight encompasses all invisible things in every part of the heavens and
the earth even the most hidden thing in existence. Therefore, He sees and hears the
footstep of the black ant, on a silent rock, on a dark night. He sees the individual veins of the
ant, the bee, the mosquitoes and whatever is even smaller than that. Glory be unto Him!
Intellects are bewildered due to His Greatness! He even sees the treachery of the eyes, the
flipping of the eyelids and the movements of the heart.

“(Allah) knows of (the tricks) that deceive with the eyes, and all that hearts conceal.” (40:19)

Allah often combines the mentioning of these attributes of hearing and seeing. Both the
hearing and seeing (of Allah) encompass all of that which is related to the apparent, as well
as the hidden.

“Those who dispute about the Signs of Allah without any authority bestowed on them― there
is nothing in their breasts but (the quest of) greatness, which they shall never attain to: seek
refuge, then, in Allah: it is He Who is All-Hearing, All-Seeing (40:56)

Ibnul Qayyim defines the degrees of Al-Baseerah (insight) as follows:

o Al-Baseerah in His names and attributes
o Al-Baseerah in His legislations and order
o Al-Baseerah in His promises and warnings

53
 The All-Encompassing

The root of Al-Muheet (a-ha-ta) means ‘to cover, to encompass’. Al-Muheet is the One who
has knowledge of everything and has power over everything. His mercy encompasses
everything and He is dominant over everything.

"If good befalls you it grieves them but if some evil overtakes you they rejoice at it. But if you
remain patient and become of the God-fearing, not the least harm will their cunning do to you.
Allah Encompasses what they do." (3:120)

"And be not like those who come out of their homes boastfully, to be seen of men, and hinder
from the Path of Allah. Allah is encompassing all that they do." (8:47)

Al-Samee’ is the one whose hearing and attention comprehends everything.

Al-Baseer is the one who has insight and perceives all details.
Al-Muheet is the one who has knowledge of everything.

The Preserver

The root of Al-Hafidh (h-f-dh) means ‘to preserve’. He is the One whose power preserves
the heavens and the earth; the One who is the guardian and preserver of all the worlds.

The Protector, The Guardian

The root of Al-Hafeedh means ‘to guard, to protect’. Al-Hafeedh is the One who protects and
preserves all from perishing; the One who is vigilantly guarding every detail of all that has
been created; the One who protects His friends from falling into sins and destructive matters.

“Be mindful of Allah and He will protect you. Be mindful of Allah, and you will find Him in front
of you.” [Hadeeth Tirmidhi]

54
 Names that Manifest Absolute Beauty

The Beautiful, The Graceful

The root of Al-Jameel (j-ma-l) means ‘beauty’. Allah is beautiful in His divine essence,
names, actions and attributes.

A believer gets close to the Compassionate with compassion; he gets close to the Beautiful
with beauty; further, he gets closer to the Gentle with kindness; and a believer gets close to
the Most Justly with equity.

The prophet (pbuh) said “Allah, the Exalted, is beautiful and He loves beauty. Arrogance
is ridiculing, rejecting the Truth, and despising people”. [Reported by Bukhari]

If Allah has blessed you with wealth, then buy something nice to wear. Do not wear old,
tattered clothes. “Show the generous blessings that He has given you.”

Beauty can be categorized as:

o Commendable
o Blameworthy

BEAUTY IS NOT LIMITED TO PHYSICAL APPEARANCE.

It is the beauty of manners (akhlaq).
Some of the beautiful manners mentioned in the Quran are:
o Beautiful patience
o Beautiful forgiveness

It’s recommended that a man marry a women for her:

o Beauty
o Wealth
o Lineage
o Faith
If you pick faith, you will have the whole package

Live with Al-Jameel:

o Beautify your actions and moral conducts
o Beautify your tongues by speaking the truth
o Beautify your faculties with obedience
o Beautify your bodies by showing Allah’s blessings upon us
o Beautify your clothing by keeping them pure and clean

55
 The Most Holy, The All Perfect

The root of Al-Qudoos (q-d-s) means ‘to be clean, pure, far from impurity or imperfection’.
He is the One who is far from and untouched by worldly imperfections or faults. Al-Qudoos is
far removed from anything resembling Him.

The Source of Peace, The Flawless

The root of As-Salam (s-l-m) means ‘to be peaceful, quiet, free from faults, complete and
whole’. He is the One who is perfect, whole, prosperous, and content. He is the One who is
the source of all peace, wholeness and safety.

“As-Salam is similar in meaning to Al-Qudoos in that they both negate any form of
imperfection, while at the same time include unlimited perfection in every way. This is due to
the fact when deficiency has been removed, then all that remains is perfection’’. (Sheikh As-Sa’adi)

He is Allah, than Whom there is no other God, the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One, Peace, the
Keeper of Faith, the Guardian, the Majestic, the Compeller, the Superb. Glorified be Allah
from all that they ascribe as partner (unto Him). (59:23)

The Good
(Hadeeth)

The root of At-Tayyeb (t-b) means ‘to purify’. He is the Good and only accepts that which is
good and pure; He is above having any faults or shortcomings.

The Prophet (pbuh) said: “O people, Allah is good and does not accept anything but that
which is good.” [narrated by Abu Huraira and reported by Muslim]

Bad statements are for bad people (or bad women for bad men) and bad people for bad
statements (or bad men for bad women). Good statements are for good people (or good
women for good men) and good people for good statements (or good men for good women),
such (good people) are innocent of (every) bad statement which they say, for them is
forgiveness, and generous provision (rizqun karîm--i.e. Paradise). (24:26)

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 Names that Trigger Love of Allah in the Heart
All these names are close in meaning, and all of them point to describing Allah with mercy,
generosity, and kindness. The believers have been specifically singled out for this and they
are granted a goodly and the best portion of His mercy.

The Bestower of Good

Hadeeth

The root of Al-Jawwad (j-u-d) means ‘to give liberally and freely’. Al-Jawwad gives freely
and endlessly, without expectation of any return.

“Allah is the Bestower of Good and He loves generosity.”

(Narrated by Abu Talha & Ibn Abbass, classified as Sahih by Sheikh Al-Albani in Sahih Al-Jami’)

The Supreme Doer of Good

Hadeeth

The root of Al-Muhsin (h-s-n/ihsan) means “to beautify something, to give generously’. To
Him belongs the absolute goodness.

“Do good as Allah has been good to you”. (28:77)

“Allah is the Supreme Doer of Good and He loves kindness.”

(Narrated by Shaddad Ibn A’ous and reported by Sheikh Al-Albani in Shahih Al-Jaami’)

One needs to be a Muhsin (Doer of Good) in 3 things:

o Dealing with Allah
o Dealing with one’s self
o Dealing with people

There are 4 elements of exclusive Ihsan:

o Guidance to His religion
o Easiness to adhere to His commands
o Steadfastness
o Granting of Paradise

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 The Bestower
Hadeeth

The root of Al-Mannan (m-n/m-e-nn-a) means ‘to confer favors’. Al-Mannan bestows and
confers His favors on His slaves. He is the One Who bestows grace and gives freely and
profusely. It is He who gave life, the ability to think, speak and shape to the creation. He
bestows provision, health, security and internal and external favors and most importantly He
bestowed guidance to Islam and Eman.

--Allah la-ila ila ent Al-Mannaan, Badee’us samaawaati wal-ard Dhul Jalaali wal ikraam--
“O Allah there is no God but You, the Bestower, the Originator of the Heavens and the Earth,
the Possessor of majesty and honor.” (Attirmidhi Hadeeth)

Bestowing favors (Al-Mennah) is of two kinds:

o By action (Praiseworthy)
o By word (Blameworthy)

The Most Kind, The Gentle

The root of Ar-Ra’uf (r-a’-f) means ‘to be kind, gentle, compassionate’. Ar-Ra’uf bestows
boundless clemency, tenderness and affection.

The term Ar-Ra’uf indicates tender affection and is regarded as the utmost mercy and
compassion, the ultimate limit of Ar-Raheem. The meaning is similar to Ar-Raheem but
focuses attention on the utmost tenderness, kindness and affection which accompanies the
outpouring of mercy and compassion.

“See you not that Allâh has subjected to you (mankind) all that is on the earth, and the ships
that sail through the sea by His Command? He withholds the heaven from falling on the earth
except by His Leave. Verily, Allâh is, for mankind, full of Kindness, Most Merciful.” (22:65)

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 +

The All-Good

The root of Al-Berr means ‘to be beneficent, to bestow bountiful gifts’. Al-Berr is the One
who bountifully bestows the gifts of tolerance, gentleness, goodness and kindness; the One
who is merciful and compassionate.

"Verily, We used to invoke Him (Alone and none else) before. Verily, He is Al-Barr (the Most
Subtle, Kind, Courteous, and Generous), the Most Merciful." (52:28)

More intensive than

Al-Barr
++
The Most Welcoming

The Most Affectionate

The root of Al-Hafiy (h-f-y/hafawa) is ‘to greatly welcome’. Al-Hafiy is the intensive form in
being All-Good, the most generous.

Ibrâhim (Abraham) said: "Peace be on you! I will ask Forgiveness of my Lord for you. Verily!
He is unto me, Ever Most Gracious. (19:47)

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 The Superb Bestower

The root of Al-Wahhab (w-h-b/hibah) means ‘to give for no compensation’. Al-Wahhab
continually bestows gifts, favors, and blessings upon all of creation. He bestows precious,
unconditional gifts upon His worshippers without demanding anything in return, and without
them having done anything prior to the bestowal. He bestows upon them, out of love and
affection for them. Someone who bestows once is a bestower, but He who bestows over and
over again is “The Superb Bestower”.

Or have they the treasures of the Mercy of your Lord, the All-Mighty, the Real Bestower? 38:9

There’s a difference between Ar-Razzaq (The Provider) & Al-Wahhab (The Superb Bestower)
o Ar-Razzaq: Provides regular sustenance which is based on your sai’y (work & effort)
o Al-Wahhab: Bestows upon chosen worshippers, unexpected gifts for which they have
not worked.

“It is He who made the earth tame for you—so walk among its slopes and eat of His
provision—and to Him is the resurrection.”

Examples of gifts from the Superb Bestower, Al-Wahhab:

o Unplanned Umrah
o Unplanned Hajj
o Your children
o Your spouse

Living with Al-Wahhab:

 Be more aware of the things we take for granted and be more thankful for those
unplanned, unexpected gifts from Allah.
o Peacefulness of sleep
o Our children
o The tranquility in our hearts
o Clean air and water
o Knowledge of the deen
o Looking at every trial as a gift
 Strive to be eligible to receive Allah’s gifts—Be thankful, the more one praises the
more one gets.

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 The Most Beneficent

The root of Ar-Rahman (r-h-m/rahma) means ‘to have tenderness, gentleness, kindness’.
The root r-h-m also indicates ‘womb’, meaning that which provides protection and
nourishment, and that from which all of creation is brought into being. Al-Rahman continually
showers all of creation with blessings and prosperity without any disparity. He is the most
kind, loving and merciful.

Say "Who can keep you safe by night and by day from (the Wrath of Allah) Most Gracious?"
Yet they turn away from the mention of their Lord. (21:42)

The Most Merciful

The root of Ar-Raheem (rahma) means ‘to have mercy, to have pity’. Ar-Raheem grants
even more grace and greater rewards in response to our good actions and high thoughts.
Ar-Raheem has mercy on the merciful.

He it is Who sends blessings on you, as do His angels, that He may bring you out from the
depths of Darkness into Light: and He is Full of Mercy to the Believers. (33:43)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There are mainly two types of Rahma (mercy):
o Specific rahmah
o Generic rahmah

“And My Mercy embraces all things. That (Mercy) I shall ordain for those who do right and
practice regular charity and believe in Our Signs” (7:156)

Allah wrote a decree before He created the universe (saying): “My mercy prevails over My
wrath—and it is written with Him above the Throne.” (Bukhari)

When Allah comes down at the last third of the night with rahmah—He says he will answer
duaas made at that time.

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“Ar-Rahman is the One who gives when supplicated. Ar-Raheem is the One who
becomes furious when not supplicated.” (Abdullah Ibnul Mubarak)

There are 3 interpretations with regard to the difference between Ar-Rahman & Ar-Raheem:

Ar-Rahman Ar-Raheem
1 His mercy embraces all mankind. His mercy overwhelms the
believers in the Hereafter.
2 The Only name that equates the name of Allah & the
only name that a surah in the Quran was named after.

3 Ar-Rahman is an indication of an attribute of His Bestows his mercy to whomever

Divine Essence. He wishes from His servants.

You can say someone is Raheem, but Rahman is only designated for Allah.

How to rejoice the names Ar-Rahman and Ar-Raheem:

 The creation of Adam
Allah has created Adam of the best creations and has honored the children of Adam.
 Allah created 100 units of Rahmah
Allah has created over 100 kinds of mercy and we are only living off of one mercy and 99 are
stored to be used on the Day of Judgment. Whoever does not have mercy upon others, Allah
will not have mercy on them.
 We shall enter Jennah with the Rahmah of Allah
Allah will tell the Angels: Go get anyone who has a atom of Iman in their heart out of Hellfire
and bring them to Jenna. The Angels will ask: how will we know if they have Iman? We can’t
see it. Allah will respond: You will know them by the marks of Salah on their foreheads.
This indicates that even people who pray will be in Hellfire for their deeds to be cleansed.

The Effects of Allah’s mercy in the Universe:

 The alternations of days and nights
 Basic elements needed for survival such as rain
 Planting the seeds of love in the hearts of the parents toward their children

Living with Ar-Rahman and Ar-Raheem:

 Never despair
 Have mercy on mankind
 Strengthen your kinship ties
 Be dutiful to our parents

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 +

The Generous, The All-Laudable

The root of Al-Kareem (k-r-m) means ‘to be generous’.

Al-Kareem has two main meanings:

o Generic meaning
o Exclusive meaning

“O man! What has made you careless about your Lord, the Most Generous?” (82:6)

Solomon said “…And whoever is ungrateful, (he is ungrateful only for the loss of his own
self). Certainly! my Lord is Rich (Free of all wants), Bountiful." (27:40)

++

The Ever-Most Generous

Al-Akram is indicative to the name Al-Kareem.

Allah is absolute, bountiful, and the most generous.

Read! In the Name of your Lord, Who has created (all that exists). He has created man from
a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood). Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous, Who
has taught (the writing) by the pen. He has taught man that which he knew not. (96:1-5)

Imam Al-Qurtabi says:

o Al-Akram depicts Allah’s Divine Essence
o Al-Kareem depicts Allah’s actions

These names will help you define who you are and really understand your value and your
importance so that you don’t underestimate yourself or degrade yourself.

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“And indeed We have honored the Children of Adam…and have preferred them above many
of those whom We have created with a marked preferment.” (17:70)

“We have certainly created man in the best of stature” (95:4)

Allah has honored man in many ways:

o Molding
o Breathed into man of His Spirit
o Commanding the angels to prostrate to Adam
o Made man from clay and water (the purest needs on earth)
o Made man His successor (caliphate) on earth
o Made the angels his guardian in life and servants in the Hereafter

Living with Al-Akram and Al-Kareem:

o Build your self-respect (do not humiliate yourself)
o Don’t degrade others
o Honor people and Allah will honor you
o Cease immediately from the sins that are degrading you
o Do not indulge in haram
o Remember how Allah elevated and honored us

The Withholder, The Restrainer, The Constrictor

The root of Al-Qabid (q-b-d) means ‘to take in hand, to have absolute ownership of
something’. He is the One whose wisdom causes withholding, either physically or spiritually;
the One whose wisdom decides when to withhold something, or make something scarce; the
One whose hand collects all souls at the time of death.

“Allah is the One who withholds, bestows and sets values. I hope that I will not meet Allah
with anyone demanding restitution from me for any wrongdoing I may have done to him with
regard to his blood or his wealth.” (Reported by Tirmidhi, Imam Ahmad, Ibn Majah)

"And they made not a just estimate of Allah such as is due to Him. On the Day of
Resurrection His Hand will grasp the whole of the earth and the heavens will be rolled up in
His Right Hand. Glorified be He, High is He above all that they associate as partners with
Him!" (39:67)

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 The Expander, The Extender, The Releaser

The root of Al-Basit (b-s-t) means ‘to grant abundance, to expand, to enlarge’. He is the
One who makes ample and plentiful all that is needed; the One who makes the way wide and
open; the One who stretches out a helping hand to mankind.

"Who will lend to Allah a goodly loan so that He may multiply it for him many times? And it is
Allah Who takes and increases (your provisions) and unto Him you shall return." (2:245)

The Superb Giver

The root of Al-Mu’tee (a’-t-a) means ‘to give’. He is the One who gives and amplifies all in
abundance.

The Prophet (pbuh) said: “If Allah wants to do good to a person, He gives him understanding
of the religion, and Allah is the Superb Giver” (Reported by Bukhari and Muslim)

The Prophet (pbuh) used to say at the end of each salah (before salam):
“There is no God but Allah alone, with no partner or associate. His is the sovereignty and to
Him be praise, and He is able to do all things. O Allah, none can withhold what you give and
none can give what You withhold, and no wealth or majesty can benefit anyone for from You
is all wealth and majesty.” (Reported by Bukhari and Muslim)

There is none who can prevent what He gives and none who can give what He prevents.
Every thing that can bring goodness or benefit is sought and desired from Him. He is the One
Who gives to whomsoever He Wills and prevents from Whosoever He Wills, all of this in
accordance to His Wisdom and Mercy.

Al-Mu’tee gives in abundance. This is different from Al-Wahab because Al-Wahab gives gifts
that are unexpected.

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 The Manifest, The Clear

The root of Al-Mubeen (a-ba-n/al-bayyinah) means ‘to clarify, to give ultimate evidence’.

This is a verbal noun indicating making something clear or manifest either by action or word.
Allah is the One who makes things clear to His slaves by guiding them to the guided path and
making clear to them the deeds by which they will deserve reward or punishment. He makes
clear all which they bring forth. Allah has make clear the paths to guidance as well as those
to misguidance. He sent the Messengers and scriptures to people for this reason.

On that Day Allâh will pay them the recompense of their deeds in full, and they will know that
Allâh, He is the Manifest Truth. (24:25)

Thus does Allâh makes clear His Signs (proofs, evidences, verses) to you that you may give
thought. (2:266)

"Verily those who would conceal the clear proofs, evidences and the guidance which We
have sent down after we have made it clear to the people in the Book, they are the ones
cursed by Allah and cursed by the cursers. (2:159)

This very harsh threat is made to those who would conceal that which the Messengers
brought of clear proofs and its correct aims and guidance and benefit to the hearts.

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 The Ultimate Healer
Hadeeth

The root of Ash-Shafee is (sh-fa’) meaning ‘to cure’. Only Allah can remove an illness, for
He is the One who created it. He is The Healer of all diseases.

“O Allah, Lord of mankind, the One Who relieves hardship, grant healing, for there is no
healer but You, a healing that leaves no trace of sickness.” (reported by Bukhari and Muslim)

There are two types of Shifa (cures):

o Shifa of the hearts and souls
o Shifa of the bodies

O mankind! There has come to you a good advice from your Lord (i.e. the Qur'an), and a
healing for that (ignorance, doubt, hypocrisy and differences,) which is in your breasts, - a
guidance and a mercy (explaining lawful and unlawful things) for the believers. (10:57)

“We send down (stage by stage) in the Qur'an that which is a healing and a mercy for the
believers: to the unjust it causes nothing but loss after loss.” (17:82)

Othman ibn Abi’l-Aas complained to the Prophet of Allah (pbuh) about some pain that he had
felt in his body since he became Muslim. The Prophet said to him: “Put your hand on the part
of your body that hurts and say: ‘Bismillah’ three times, then say seven times: ‘ A’udhu bi
’izzat-illah wa qudratihi min sharri ma ajid wa uhadhir (I seek refuge in Allah and His Power
from the evil of what I find and fear)’ (Reported by Muslim and Tirmidhi)

The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Allah has sent down the disease and the cure, and has made for
every disease a cure. So treat sickness, but do not use anything haram.” (Abu Dawud)

And your Lord inspired the bees, saying: "Take your habitations in the mountains and in
the trees and in what they construct. "Then, eat of all fruits, and follow the ways of your Lord
made easy (for you)." There comes forth from their bellies, a drink of varying color wherein is
healing for men. Verily, in this is indeed a sign for people who think. (16:69)

Honey is concentrated with essential nutrients and is a natural cure used to promote energy
and healing. SubhanAllah! Another one of the Prophet’s favorite natural healers is dates.
Dates were the food that Allah provided for Mary after she gave birth to Prophet Jesus under
the palm tree. It’s been said that 7 dates every morning keeps the Jinn away. A Muslim
home should never go without dates or honey.

67
 The Ultimate Modest

Al-Hayiy comes from h-y-a meaning ‘to be shy, modest, chaste’. His modesty is based on
kindness, goodness, generosity and majesty. By His mercy, generosity, perfection and
forbearance, Allah is too modest to expose His slaves or carry out His punishment on them.
He is too modest to reject anyone who stretches forth his hand to Him, and He loves people
who are modest.

“Verily Allah is Al-Hayiy. He is shy to let His slave return empty-handed if he outstretches his
hands to Him.” (reported by Tirmidhi & classified Sahih by Sheikh Al-Albani)

“He is the Modest who does not expose His slave even though he audaciously commits sin.
But He covers him, for He is the Concealer, the One Who forgives.” (Ibnul-Qayyim)

The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Faith has seventy-odd branches and haya’ (modesty) is one of the
branches of faith.” (narrated by Abu Hurayrah and reported by Bukhari and Muslim)

There are two types of modesty:

o Modesty built through natural inclination
o Modesty built through our eman

Modesty is the crown for a muslimah which is why we ought to come back to Al-Hayiy

“Whoever diminishes their modesty, their fear of Allah will diminish and whoever’s fear of
Allah diminishes, their heart will die.”

“If you feel no shame, then do as you wish.” (Bukhari)

Aisha and Uthman were known for their modesty.

We acquire modesty by:

o Realization of Iman
o Adherence to the prayers (salah gets rid of all evil)
o Companying of the righteous

Living with Al-Hayiy:

 Acquire modesty
 Friends are a mirror on to you, so choose your friends meticulously)
 Be vigilant
 Speaking modestly does not contradict self-confidence
 Lessen your words but make them rich

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 The Giver of Security, The Remover of Fear

The root of Al-Mu’min (a-m-n) means ‘to be secure, safe, to grant protection’. He is the One
who faithfully bestows the gifts of peace, safety and security.

"He is Allah, other than whom none has the right to be worshipped. The King, the Holy, The
One free from defects, the Giver of Security, the Ever-Watcher, the All-Mighty, the Compeller,
the Supreme. Glory be to Allah! (High is He) Above all that they associate as partners with
Him." (59:23)

This name has two meanings:

o Trust and Belief (Attasdeeq)
o Security (ex. Surat Quraish)

(He) Who has fed them against hunger, and gave them security against fear. (106:4)

Allah has preserved and secured Islam (and the Quran). He has promised that victory will be
to the pious Muslims.

The day that there is no one left on Earth to say “La ilaha ila Allah”, will be the end of the
world and Judgment Day will follow.

We need Al-Mu’min to guard us, even though he tests and tries us. Every trial is a means of
purifying our sins. When we meet Allah, he wants to see us sinless.

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 +

The Recognizer and Rewarder of Good

The root of Ash-Shakir (sh-k-r) means ‘to be grateful’. Ash-Shakir acknowledges and
bountifully rewards all acts of goodness, thankfulness and praise. He is the One Who
recognizes and rewards those who give thanks to Him and remembers the one who
remembers Him. Whosoever seeks to get close to Him by doing any righteous action, Allah
draws close to Him by a greater degree.

And whoever does good voluntarily, then verily, Allâh is All-Recognizer, All-Knower. (2:158)

++

The Appreciative

The root of Ash-Shakur (sh-k-r) means ‘to offer thanks’. Ash-Shakur is most thankful for
righteousness and bestows great rewards for good deeds. He is the One who gratefully
gives large rewards, even for a small amount of good work. The Appreciative is the One who
appreciates your deeds, however small they are and doubles the rewards for you in this world
and in the hereafter.

Ash-Shakur is more indicative than Ash-Shakir.

If you lend Allâh a goodly loan, He will multiply it for you, and will forgive you. And Allâh is
Most Appreciative, Most Forbearing. (64:17)

And whoever earns a good righteous deed, We shall give him an increase of good in respect
thereof. Verily, Allâh is Forgiving, Most Appreciative. (42:23)

Some names that occur with The Appreciative are:

o The Praiseworthy (Al-Hameed)
o The Ever-Forgiving (Al-Ghafoor)
o The All-Knowing (Al-Aleem)

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Hamd (Praise) has higher status than Shukr (Appreciation). Praise is from you to Allah,
Shukr is from Allah to you.

Thank people but Praise Allah. Whoever does not thank people, does not thank Allah.

4 Levels of Dealing with Calamity:

• Curse
• Show patience
• Be Content (no complaints)
• Be Thankful (Praise Allah—Allah loves you)

Ok to be sad (that can’t be controlled) but you shouldn’t curse, show anger or ask: Why me?

The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Allah has decreed hasanat (good deeds) and sayi’at (bad
deeds), then He explained that-
Whoever intends to do a good deed then doesn’t do it, Allah writes it as one complete hasana
If he intends to do it then does it, Allah will write it as between 10 and 700 hasanat or more.
Whoever intends to do a bad deed then doesn’t do it, Allah writes it as one complete hasana.
If he intends to do it then does it, Allah will write it as one sayi’ah. (Bukhari)

The Ultimate gift from Ash-Shakur is AL-JANNAH!

A caller will call out—i.e. to the people of Paradise—“You will be healthy and never fall sick;
you will live and never die; you will stay young and never grow old; you will feel joy and never
feel sorrow. (Reported by Muslim)

Living with Ash-Shakir and Ash-Shakur:

Give and help others
Perform more good deeds
Cultivate sincerity

The Most Subtle

The root of Al-Lateef (l-t-f) means ‘to be elegant, gentle, courteous’. Al-Lateef is most subtle
and gracious. His nature is gentle, affectionate, courteous and refined. He is kind to His
believing servants guiding them to that which would benefit them and aid them via means
that they are not aware, this by His Kindness and Beneficence. He is the One whose
knowledge encompasses all the secret and hidden matters. It also carries the meaning of Al-
Khabeer and Ar-Ra'oof.

Allâh is very Gracious and Kind to His slaves. He gives provisions to whom He wills. And
He is the All-Strong, the All-Mighty. (42:19)

71
Al-Lateef has two meanings:
>The All Knowing (Al-Khabeer)
> Kindness and Gentleness (Ar-Ra’oof)

These names indicate that Allah is not only compassionate to the believers, but He is more
than patient; He is lenient with us, cautious, gentle and affectionate. Glory Be to Allah (swt).

"No vision can grasp Him, but His Grasp is over all vision. He is the Most Subtle, the Well-
Acquainted." (6:103)

Living with Al-Lateef:

Be kind to all creations (people, plants, and animals)
Take care not to hurt the feelings of others
Show compassion towards the believers
Seek to benefit those around us by saying and doing good

The Most Gentle

(Hadeeth)

The root of Ar-Rafeeq (r-f-q) means ‘to be gentle’. Allah (swt) is gentle in His actions. He
created all creation gradually, bit by bit, according to His wisdom and gentleness despite the
fact that He was capable of creating it all at one time and in a moment.

Allah the Mighty and Majestic sends nourishing rain upon His slaves in times of hardship and
adversity. He feeds the hungry and provides clothing for them. He lifts their hardship from
them. Whosoever sincerely seeks His relief is provided.

The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Oh Aishah, Allah is gentle and loves gentleness (kindness). He
confers upon kindness that which he does not confer upon severity and does not confer upon
anything else besides it (kindness). [Narrated by Aishah and reported by Muslim]

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 The Most Forbearing, The Most Serene

The root of Al-Haleem (h-l-m) means ‘to be forbearing, lenient, forgiving’. Al-Haleem is the
One who is kind, gracious and serene in all situations; the One Who bestows favors, both
outward and inward, lavishly to His creation despite their many acts of disobedience and
transgression; the One who is calm and deliberate, never hasty, even with the rebellious and
wrongdoers. He gives them time (respite) and an opportunity to repent.

Hilm is the patience that arises form the sense of deep serenity, lenience, and calm
deliberation. He is gentle upon those that disobey him and in censuring them so that perhaps
they may repent.

And know that Allah knows what is in your souls, so fear Him, and know that Allah is Oft-
Forgiving, Most Forbearing. (2:235)

Kind words and forgiveness are better than charity followed by injury. And Allâh is Rich (Free
of all Needs) and He is Most-Forbearing. (2:263)

The Most Affectionate, The Most Loving

The root of Al-Wudood (w-d-d) means ‘to love, to be affectionate’. Al-Wudood is the source
of all love and loving-kindness. He loves His Prophet and Messengers and those who follow
them and they in turn love Him.

“And He is Oft-Forgiving, the Affectionate, Honorable Owner of the throne.” (85:14-15)

Wud in Arabic is more than love. It is pure love with no envy. It is even more than
unconditional love—it is the most affectionate and purest of love.

Affection is more comprehensive than love. Love is inner feelings, yet affection is the
translation of these feelings into actions and behaviors.
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"And ask forgiveness of your Lord and turn unto Him in repentance. Verily, my Lord is Most
Merciful, Most Affectionate." (11:90)

There are 2 types of Wud (Affection):

General Wud for the universe like His creation of night for people to rest
• Allah wants us to enjoy his affection—the roses (even though we don’t need or eat
them), sleep (to rest), etc.
Specific Wud: His love and affection towards the believers and the righteous
• The prophet was crying one day so Allah (swt) sent Jibreal to ask him why he was
crying and Muhammad (pbuh) replied that he was crying for his ummah. Allah
(swt) then replied that he would please Muhammad (pbuh) and his Ummah. All
Muhammad wanted was his Ummah to be saved and protected. This is wud.

The prophet loved us before he ever even met us, so we need to love others for Allah’s sake.

When Allah loves a slave, He says to Jibreal, “ I love so-and-so, so love him.” so Jibreal loves
him and then calls out to the people of the heaven, “Allah loves so-and-so, so love him,” and
the people of heaven love him, and then acceptance is placed in the Earth for him.
(Narrated by Abu Hurayrah and reported by Bukhari and Muslim)

Whosoever shows enmity to someone devoted to Me, I shall be at war with him. My servant
draws not near to Me with anything more loved by Me than the religious duties I have
enjoined upon him, and My servant continues to draw near to Me with supererogatory works
so that I shall love him. When I love him I am his hearing with which he sees, his hand with
which he strikes and his foot with which he walks. Were he to ask (something) of Me, I would
surely give it to him, and were he to ask Me for refuge, I would surely grant him it.
(Narrated by Abu Hurayrah and reported by Bukhari)

“Indeed those who believe and do righteous deeds-the Most Merciful will appoint for them
affection.” (19:96)

Living with Al-Wudood:

Love Allah with all your heart
Get close to Allah and invoke him
Be kind to your spouse, children, family and all mankind
Love one another for the sake of Allah
Clear any impurities in your heart
Always have good intentions for other people
Learn love from a child—notice how they display their affection regardless
Forgive. Forgive. Forgive.

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 The Acceptor of Repentance, The Oft-Forgiver

The root of At-Tawwab (t-w-b) means ‘to return, to repent, to be restored’. At-Tawwab
beckons for our return. He is the One who repeatedly turns mankind toward repentance; the
One who forgives those who return to goodness; the One who restores to grace those who
repent. He is continuously turning (in forgiveness) to those that turn to Him (in repentance).

“Do they not know that it is Allah who accepts repentance from His servants and receives
charities and that it is Allah who is the Acceptor of repentance, the Merciful?” (9:104)

“The Forgiver of sin, the Acceptor of repentance…” (40:3)

Tawbah (repentance) is not only meant for sinners:

“And turn to Allah in repentance, all of you, O believers, that you may succeed.” (24:31)

“And those who do not invoke another deity along with Allâh, nor kill a soul as Allâh has
forbidden, except for just cause, nor commit illegal sexual intercourse - and whoever does
this shall receive the punishment. The torment will be doubled to him on the Day of
Resurrection, and he will abide therein in disgrace; Except those who repent, believe and
do righteous deeds, for those, Allâh will change their sins into good deeds, and Allâh is
Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (25:68-70)

The Prophet (pbuh) said: ‘Allah spreads out His Hand at night to accept the repentance of
those who did wrong during the day, and He spreads out His Hand during the day to accept
the repentance of those who did wrong during the night. (This will continue) until the sun rises
from the west.’ (Reported by Muslim)

“Then He turned to them so they can repent” (9:118)

The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Allah rejoices more over the repentance of His slave than any
one of you if he is on his camel in a desolate land, then it runs away from him and on it is his
food and drink, and he despairs of finding it, so he goes to a tree and lies down in its shade,
having despaired of finding his camel, then while he is like that, it suddenly appears in front of
him and he takes hold of its reins and says, because of his intense joy, ‘O Allah, You are my
slave and I am your lord,’ making this mistake because of the intensity of his joy.”
(Reported by Muslim)

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At-Tawwab is of two kinds:
Allah bestows the repentance in the heart of his servants
The acceptance of the repentance from His servants once they repent

Except those who repent and do righteous deeds, and openly declare (the truth which they
concealed) These, I will accept their repentance. And I am the Acceptor of repentance, the
Most Merciful. (2:160)

The Prophet (pbuh) said that Allah said: “My slave commits sin, then he says, ‘O Allah,
forgive me my sin.’ Then Allah says, ‘My slave has committed a sin, but he knows that he has
a Lord who forgives sin and takes away sin so I forgive my slave.’ Then he commits sin
again and says ‘O Allah, forgive me my sin.’ Then Allah says, ‘My slave has committed a sin,
but he knows that he has a Lord who forgives sin and takes away sin so I forgive my slave.’
Then he commits sin again and says ‘O Allah, forgive me my sin.’ Then Allah says, ‘My slave
has committed a sin, but he knows that he has a Lord who forgives sin and takes away sin so
I forgive my slave.’” (Reported by Bukhari and Muslim)

If you want to make Allah happy… Repent! Repent! Repent!

“It is He who created me, and it is He who guides me, and it is He who feeds me and gives
me drink. And when I am ill, it is He who cures me. And who will cause me to die and then
bring me to life. And who I aspire that He will forgive me my sin on the Day of Recompense.”
(26:78-82)

We should be repenting to Allah all the time. Allah becomes extremely happy when we
repent to him. He loves to hear his slave make duaa to him—He may hold off in fulfilling the
duaa in order to hear his slave repent.

“So glorify the Praises of your Lord, and ask His Forgiveness. Verily, He is the One Who
accepts the repentance and Who forgives.” (110:3)

When you repent, Al-Ghafoor and Al-Ghaffar will forgive you for your day to day sins and for
your grave sins, respectfully.

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 +
The Forgiving, The Pardoner

The root of Al-Ghafoor (gh-f-r) means ‘to pardon, to veil, to conceal’. Al-Ghafoor accepts
repentance and pardons sins and faults. He is the One who veils and forgives our faults and
sins such that they are not seen by anyone else, not even the angels.

“Indeed, Allah is Pardoning and Forgiving” (22:60)

++

The All-Forgiving

The root of Al-Ghaffar (gh-f-r) means ‘to pardon, to cover, to forgive’. Al-Ghaffar accepts
repentance and veils or forgives our faults and sins, time and time again. He is the One who
sets us free from the guilt and shame of our sins and faults, such that we may discover inner
harmony & peace.

“And verily, I am indeed forgiving to him who repents, believes (in My Oneness, and
associates none in worship with Me) and does righteous good deeds, and then remains
constant in doing them, (till his death).” (20:82)

'Ask forgiveness from your Lord; Verily, He is Oft-Forgiving’ (71:10)

The names Ghafoor and Ghaffar have 3 main meanings:

1. Allah conceals His servants’ shameful deeds in his life
2. Allah wouldn’t expose His pious servants’ shameful deeds in the Hereafter
3. Allah would protect His righteous servants from Hellfire on the Day of Judgment

“Indeed, Allah does not forgive association with Him, but He forgives what is less than that
for whom He wills.” (4:48)

People are generally of 3 types when committing sins:

o Wrongdoers (Dhaalim)
o Unjust (Dhaloom)
o Transgressors (Musrif)

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 +++

The Effacer of Sins, Oft-Pardoning

The root of Al-Afuw (a-f-w) means ‘to efface, to remove, to forgive’. Al-Afuw is the One who
blots out and leaves no trace of any sin or fault; the One who removes and obliterates all
traces of wrong actions.

Al-Afuw is more intensive and comprehensive than Al-Ghaffar.

Al-Afuw has two basic meanings:

Giving willingly without being asked
Eradicating/wiping out of the sins

Whether you (mankind) disclose (by thanks) a good deed (done to you by someone), or
conceal it, or pardon an evil, … verily, Allâh is Ever Oft-Pardoning, All-Powerful. (4:149)

And remember We appointed 40 nights for Moses and in his absence you took the calf (for
worship) and you did grievous wrong. Even then We pardoned you so that there was a
chance for you to be grateful. (2:52)

Al-Ghaffar and Al-Ghafoor forgives sins but the sins are still there. You may still be asked
about them but you won’t be accountable for them. However, Al-Afuw obliterates sins
altogether so that there is no trace of them.

The Prophet (pbuh) told Aisha to say on Laylat Al-Qadr: “Allahuma innaka afuwwn tuhibb al-
afwa, Fa’fu anee.” (O Allah, You are forgiving and You love forgiveness, so forgive me)

Living with Al-Tawwab, Al-Ghafoor, Al-Ghaffar:

Forgive everyone before you go to sleep—Allah forgives those that forgive others.
Don’t hold any animosity in your heart
Don’t hold grudges

To Live with Al-Afuw, one key thing is needed:

Learn to efface people’s sins and Al-Afuw shall efface yours.

If you live with Al-Afuw, He shall:

Efface the trace of your sins
Become pleased and satisfied with you
Give you without you even having to ask
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 The Ultimate Nourisher, The Superb Sustainer

The root of Al-Muqeet (q-u-t) means ‘to feed, to nourish, to supply’. Al-Muqeet has the ability
to nourish all of creation. He is the One who maintains all that exists and oversees all things;
the One who guards and preserves.

“Allah is Able to do everything." (4:85)

“Al-Muqeet is the Sustainer; He is taking care of all living beings. And when He causes parts
of them to die over time, He compensates for that. At every moment He gives them what
they need to survive, until He wills to put an end to their life—then He withholds what keeps
them alive, and so they die.” (Sharh Al-Asma’ Al-Husna by Dr. Al-Sagher)

The Ultimate Provider

The root of Al-Razzaq (r-z-q) means ‘to receive something beneficial, to be supplied with a
means of subsistence’. Ar-Razzaq creates all means of nourishment and subsistence. He is
the One who is the giver of all things beneficial, both physical and spiritual; the One who
provides everything that is needed and causes the means of subsistence to come; the One
who bestows all means of support and growth, for the body, the mind, and the spiritual life.

"I created man and jinn only that they may worship Me. I seek not any provisions from them
nor do I ask that they feed Me. Indeed Allah is the Provider, Owner of Power - the Most
Strong." (51: 56-58)

There’s a difference between Ar-Razzaq & Ar-Raziq

(although Ar-Raziq isn’t mentioned in the Quran):

--Ar-Razziq is the One who gives some and withholds from others
--Ar-Razzaq is the One who gives to everyone

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And no living creature is there on earth but its sustenance depends on Allâh. And He
knows its dwelling place and its deposit (in the uterus, grave). All is in a Clear Book (Al-Lauh
Al-Mahfûz - the Book of Decrees with Allâh). (11:6)

Worship is the sustenance to the soul.

Allah’s provisions (rizk) for His servants is of two types:

• Generic: Meant for all creatures including the Jinn and the Angels
• Exclusive: Also divided into two types—
o Provision of the hearts with knowledge and faith (iman)
o Provision of the bodies with lawful (halal) sustenance

“It is Allah Who has created you: further He has provided for your sustenance; then He will
cause you to die; and again He will give you life (Day of Resurrection).” (30:40)

The Prophet (pbuh) said: “The Holy Spirit (Jibreal) has inspired to me that no soul will die
until it has completed its appointed term and received its provision in full, so fear Allah and do
not be desperate in seeking provision, and no one of you should be tempted to seek
provision by means of committing sin if it is slow in coming to him, for that which is with Allah
can only be attained by obeying Him.”
(Reported by Abu Nu’aym in Al-Hilya, classified as Sahih by Sheikh Al-Albany)

There are many types of Rizk:

• Your soul
• Air
• Sun
• Days and Nights
• Your Children
• Sisterhood, Motherhood, Fatherhood & Brotherhood are all rizk from Allah
• Ar-Razzaq provides for us, we are just the means (by going to work)

Whosoever seeks forgiveness, Allah will alleviate their anxiety and distress—Say “Astagfir
Allah” (Quran and Dhikr can help), then go see a doctor if needed.

Living with Ar-Razzaq:

• Acquire piety
• Beware of unlawful provisions
• Endeavor towards seeking halal provisions
• Actively seek forgiveness
• Have Self-Esteem

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 The Grantor of Success

The Ultimate Opener, The Superb Arbiter

The root of Al-Fattah (f-t-h) means ‘to open, to unlock, to make victorious’. Al-Fattah is the
judge and revealer. He is the One who opens what is closed and is the judge of what shall
be opened; the One who lifts veils and who opens the hearts. Al-Fattah unties knots and
softens that which was hardened. He gives victory and opens the door to success.

Al-Fattah opens the eyes of those who are truthful and sincere by His Kindness. He opens
their hearts so that they can know Him, love Him and repent to Him. He opens the doors of
mercy and sustenance for His servants and provides them the means of attaining both the
good in this life and the Hereafter.

Say: "Our Lord will assemble us all together (on the Day of Resurrection), then He will judge
between us with truth. And He is the Just (Trustworthy), All-Knowing Judge." (34:26)

Al-Fattah has 3 meanings:

• The One who alleviates distress and resolves all difficulties
• The One who grants success
• The One who arbitrates with justice between opponents

“Our Lord! Judge between us and our people in truth, for You are the Best of those who
give judgment." (7:89)

“And with Him are the keys of all that is hidden, none knows them but He.” (6:59)

What should we know about Al-Fattah?

• Al-Fattah wants you to work diligently and whole-heartedly
• Al-Fattah sends solutions when you least expect them
• The simplest things could be led to solutions
• Al-Fattah sends solutions that exceed your expectations

Living with Al-Fattah:

• Approach Al-Fattah with humbleness
• Never despair the mercy of Allah
• Alleviate other’s problems and Allah will alleviate yours
• Help others for Allah to open doors for you

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 The Near, The Close

The root of Al-Qareeb (q-r-b) means ‘to be close’. He is exalted and is close to everybody.

“He brought you forth from the earth and settled you therein, then ask forgiveness of Him and
turn to Him in repentance. Certainly, my Lord is Near (to all by His Knowledge),
Responsive." (11:61)

His closeness is of two types:

1. The general closeness, which means His being close to everyone with respect to His
knowledge, awareness, seeing, witnessing and encompassing.
2. The precise closeness is specific to His worshippers: those who ask of Him and
those who love Him. The reality of this type of closeness cannot be comprehended; all
we can see is its resulting effects. i.e. His kindness to His servants, His care of them
and His making them to be firm upon the straight path.

“And when My slaves ask you (O Muhammad SAW) concerning Me, then (answer them),
I am indeed near (to them by My Knowledge). I respond to the invocations of the supplicant
when he calls on Me (without any mediator or intercessor)” (2:186)

“And indeed We have created man, and We know what his ownself whispers to him. And We
are nearer to him than his jugular vein (by Our Knowledge).” (50:16)

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 The Answerer of Prayers, The Supreme Responder

The root of Al-Mujeeb means ‘to answer, to accept, to respond’. Al-Mujeeb answers prayers
and responds to needs. He is the One who penetrates through every obstacle in order to
respond; the One who responds to an invitation.

From the consequences of this closeness is His answering those who supplicate to Him and
His granting them the ability to be repentant. He is the One Who answers, in a general sense,
those who supplicate to Him whomsoever they may be and wherever they may be and
whatever condition they may be in, as He has promised them. He is the One Who answers,
in a specific sense, those who love Him, those who imitate and follow His Sharee`ah. He is
also the One Who answers the one in dire need and those who have given up all hope of
being answered and therefore their connection to Him has been strengthened in terms of
love, hope and fear.

“And your Lord said: “Invoke Me, I will respond to your invocation.” (40:60)

REGARDING HOW ALLAH (SWT) RESPONDS TO DU’AA:

Umar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) used to say: “I am not worried whether
Allah will respond, but I am worried about whether I will be able to make du’aa, because if I
am helped to du’aa, then the response will come with it.”

The Prophet (pbuh) said: “There is no Muslim who says a du’aa in which there is no sin or
severing of family ties, but Allah will give him one of three things: either He will hasten to
answer his prayer, or He will store it up for him in the Hereafter, or He will divert an equivalent
evil from him.” They said: “Then we will say a lot of du’aa!” He said: “Allah can give more
than that.” (Reported by Imam Ahmad ad classified Sahih by Sheikh Al-Albani)

The Prophet (pbuh) said that Allah A-zzawajjal said: “O My slaves, all of you are astray
except those whom I guide, so ask Me for guidance, and I will guide you. O My slaves, all of
you are hungry except those whom I feed, so ask me for food and I will feed you. O My
slaves, all of you are naked except those whom I clothe, so ask Me for clothing and I will
clothe you. O My slaves, if the first of you and the last of you, your humans and your jinn,
were to stand on a single plain and ask of Me and I were to give each what he asked for, that
would not cause any loss to Me greater than what is lost when a needle is dipped into the
sea.” (Reported by Muslim)

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Allah’s Answering is divided in two types:
o General answering (l’Jaabah ‘Aammah)
o Specific and exclusive answering (I’Jaabah Khaassah)

The etiquettes and conditions for Al-Mujeeb to answer your du’aa:

o Make wudhu
o Raise your hands (when you are by yourself)
o Face the Qiblah (you’ll have a better signal with Allah)
o Praise and Glorify Allah (don’t just go into what you need)
o Invoke Allah with his names and attributes

Best times to make Duaa:

1. Last 3rd of the night
2. An hour every night (one hour throughout the night but we don’t know which)
3. The middle of the night
4. Between Adhan and Iqamah
5. In Prostration (Sujood)
6. After Salah (specific duaa from the Prophet).
It is not sunnah to designate this time for making regular personal duaa
7. During rainfall
8. One hour in the day of Jumaa (Unknown, however, may be between Asr & Maghrib)
9. After wudhu (you pray 2 rakas and make duaa)
10. When you drink ZamZam water
11. When you suddenly wake up in the middle of the night - Bukhari
Start with “La ilaha ila Allah wahdahu la shareeka lah …)
12. When you sleep in wudhu and wake up in the middle in the night to make du’aa
13. When you say “La ilaha ila ant inee kuntu min al thalimeen” – followed by a duaa
14. When you go visit the sick and you make duaa for the sick and for yourself
15. Make duaa with Allah’s greatest name (may be “al-Hayee al-Qayyum”)
16. A duaa for a brother/sister in their absence
17. Duaa in Arafat
18. Ramadan (every night—one unknown hour)
19. At the time when you are hit by a calamity or hardship
20. The duaa of the one who has been oppressed
21. The duaa of the father or mother to a daughter or son
22. The duaa of the traveler
23. The duaa of the one who is fasting (make it before breaking your fast)
24. A just leader who makes a duaa
25. The duaa of the righteous son to his father or mother
26. The duaa in a gathering where Allah’s name is mentioned

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