We know that Allah has many beautiful names and attributes, and some of us even memorize His 99 names in order to attain paradise. In reality, how much do we know about God’s names, and how do they affect our lives?
Just memorizing a bunch of words is no use if they don’t really have any impact in our lives. So let us look at some of Allah’s beautiful names and how they influence us if we really grasp their meaning.
1. Ar-Rafeeq – The Gentle
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said to his beloved wife Aisha:
Allah is gentle and He loves gentleness. He rewards for gentleness what is not granted for harshness and He does not reward anything else like it. (Muslim)
Oftentimes we become so zealous with regards to our Islam that we become downright harsh with others whom we deem as going astray. That is not at all the way of the Prophet. He was always gentle in calling others to the truth. He was gentle even with a Bedouin who urinated in his masjid.
Remembering Ar-Rafeeq will have the effect of making us gentle and kind to others all the time, hoping that Allah will deal with us gently and not harshly despite our sins.
2. Ar-Raqeeb – The Ever Watchful
O mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from one soul and created from it its mate and dispersed from both of them many men and women. And fear Allah, through whom you ask one another, and the wombs. Indeed Allah is ever, over you, an Observer. (4:1)
Remembering Ar-Raqeeb will instill in us the fear of Allah. We will become aware of Allah and the fact that He is watching whatever we’re doing, making us abandon doing things that displease Him.
3. Al-Malik
Say, “O Allah , Owner of Sovereignty, You give sovereignty to whom You will and You take sovereignty away from whom You will. You honor whom You will and You humble whom You will. In Your hand is [all] good. Indeed, You are over all things competent. (3:26)
Remembering Al-Malik will make us aware of the fact that our belongings don’t really belong to us. It will prevent us from being a ‘my’ person – my room, my car, my house, my clothes etc. It will prevent us from being over possessive and greedy, and instill in us a generous, open personality.
To Him belongs what is in the heavens and what is on the earth. And indeed, Allah is the Free of need, the Praiseworthy. (22:64)
4. Ar-Rahman
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
A servant has failed and lost if Allah has not placed mercy in his heart toward people. (Tareekh Dimashq, graded Hasan by Suyuti)
Also:
Be merciful to others and you will receive mercy. Forgive others and Allah will forgive you. Woe to the ears that catch words. Woe to those who persistently commit wrong while they know. (Ahmad)
Remembering Ar Rahman will make us patient, content, happy and hopeful despite troubles in our lives. We will know that no matter what happens, Allah is there protecting us all the time just like a baby is protected inside its mother’s womb (called rahm in Arabic).
It will also make us merciful towards others, hoping that Allah will show mercy to us.
5. Al-Mutakabbir
In a hadith Qudsi (the Prophet paraphrasing Allah), Allah said:
Pride is My cloak and greatness is My garment, so whoever competes with Me regarding these two will be thrown into the Hellfire. (Abu Dawud)
Allah is Al-Mutakabbir. He is the only one to whom greatness belongs. Therefore, he calls the arrogant people mutakabbir in the Quran:
So enter the gates of Hell to abide eternally therein, and how wretched is the residence of the arrogant. (16:29)
Anyone else who claims kibriya’ is in reality trying to compete with Allah, which is impossible to accomplish ever. Therefore, remembering Al-Mutakabbir reminds us of our lowliness and humbleness in front of Allah.
It also reminds us that all human beings are the same in status. No one is greater or smaller than any other human being. We are all equal, except in taqwa.
When I first heard about a religion called Islam, I had never heard of a Prophet named Muhammad.
I had never even heard of any man named Muhammad for that matter.
It might have been due to the fact that growing up, I was pretty sheltered.
Or it could’ve had something to do with the fact that the first time I heard of Islam was in 1998. A time before mass anti-Muslim propaganda. A time before 9/11. And a time when most Americans didn’t even know what a Muslim was.
That has all changed. And in a post-9/11 world, there has been much written and speculated about the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the US and the Western world at large.
However, much of the information about the Prophet of Islam that has been written, spoken about and even drawn has been for the purpose of demonetization or illegitimizing him.
When I was first introduced to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), it was in a religion class in college. I took the class specifically to learn about Islam, as it was the only class that even came close to it, monotheistic world religions. The class spent half the semester learning about Christianity, half about Judaism, and 1 week on Islam.
The theological lessons of the class portrayed Christianity and Judaism in unemotional and factual ways, but the weeklong discussion on Islam turned out to be a discussion on politics instead about the tenants of the faith. The Prophet was mentioned a few times, but only in passing.
I felt frustrated and deeply suspicious about why no one would or ever had discussed a major world religion with me.
My roommate took the class with me and felt the same disappointment and frustration I had. She was more proactive than I and set out to find out just what was going on with this religion called Islam. She did just that and shortly thereafter converted. As she learned about her new faith, she shared all the knowledge she was gathering with me.
Through her, I came to know that Muslims believe in all the same Prophets of Judaism and Christianity and one more – the last Prophet who came to all mankind with the same message as all the Prophets before him. This man was Muhammad.
He Was Honest
As I learned more about the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), I learned that he was known as Al-Sadiq (the Truthful) and Al-Amin (the Faithful) among all that knew him—even his enemies.
When the Qaiser of Rome received a letter from Muhammad (peace be upon him) inviting the Qaiser to Islam, he asked Abu Sufyan about Muhammad. Abu Sufyan, who at the time was a staunch opponent of Muhammad’s message, said:
“Muhammad is nobly born; is honest and truthful, and has never broken a pledge. He enjoins his followers to worship none but One God and to pray to Him alone. He preaches kindness, piety and tolerance towards all and his followers are on the increase.”
Not only did his message (the message of all the Prophets) resonate with me, I was impressed with this man who was so honest that even his enemies called him the honest and the truthful.
He Was Protective
I learned that Muhammad (peace be upon him) lost his father before he was born and his mother at an early age, an experience that left a lasting impression on him.
Having been vulnerable at an early age, he advocated for the good treatment of those who are vulnerable in society. He would attend to the needs of the indigent and the widowed, took care of the orphans, and recommend others to do the same.
The Prophet said:
The one who looks after and works for a widow and for a poor person is like a warrior fighting for Allah’s cause. (Al-Bukhari)
The best house among the Muslims is one where an orphan is well treated, and the worst house among the Muslims is one where an orphan is badly treated. (Ibn Majah)
In a time where many people only look out for themselves, reading about a man who was deeply concerned about those who were in need had a great affect on me.
He Was Just
The more I learned about the Prophet called Muhammad, the more I came to know what it was to be respectable.
Muhammad was an advocate for blind justice. He said:
Assist your Muslim brother, whether he be an oppressor or oppressed.
And when a companion of the Prophet asked:
“But how shall we do it when he is an oppressor?”
Prophet Muhammad replied:
Assisting an oppressor by forbidding and withholding him from oppression. (Al-Bukhari)
In a world where people take sides based on family, race, and or religion, regardless of what is right and wrong, here was a man who told people to be loyal to justice first. To me this was revolutionary – an answer to bigotry, racism, sectarianism and so much more.
He Was Honorable
I became attached to this man who treated women with dignity and told his followers to do the same.
I learned that he never lifted a hand against a woman. He never lost his temper with a woman. He sought advice from women and advocated for women’s rights and their good treatment.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) told his followers:
“Accept my advice in the matter of doing good to women.” (Muslim)
In a society where most men think going to strip clubs is an acceptable pastime, where harassment and the use of vulgar language against women is par for the course, I was very taken aback by this man’s example and exhortation to his brethren to be kind and respectful to women.
He Was Patient
I started to want to be like Muhammad (peace be upon him) and be around those who wanted the same. His saying: “The strong person is not the good wrestler. Rather, the strong person is the one who controls himself when he is angry”, was an inspiration to me.
In a culture that glorifies violence in television, video games, and movies; and in a world where domestic violence is a blight of society, I had never heard of a man who claimed self-control is true strength.
I came to know and love this man I had never met. Through learning about the Prophet Muhammad’s behavior, teachings, compassion, strength, and mercy; I learned how amazing a human being could be. I learned what it means to love and respect someone I would never meet in this life.
Non-Muslims Views
Even many non-Muslims who truly study his life, cannot help but respect the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). One such non-Muslim, Annie Besant, a late 19th. and early 20th. century British women’s rights activist, writer, orator and supporter of Irish and Indian self-rule, wrote:
“It is impossible for anyone who studies the life and character of the great prophet of Arabia (meaning Prophet Muhammad), who knows how he taught and how he lived, to feel anything but reverence for that mighty prophet, one of the great messengers of the supreme.
And although in what I put to you, I shall say many things which may be familiar to many, yet I myself feel whenever I re-read them, a new way of admiration, a new sense of reverence for that mighty Arabian teacher.”
All who truly research how he lived, taught, and lead; love him. And the more one knows about him, the more love and respect they have for the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (peace be upon him).
The most excellent Names belong to God. Use them to call on Him; and keep away from those who abuse them– they will be revenged for what they do. (Quran 7:180)
In our communication with God, it is crucial to call on Him by the names that He has given Himself. God chose His names and He instructed us to use them to call His attention to our needs and desires.
Using His names when we worship and supplicate to is a characteristic that God admires. When we use His names correctly, we are pondering both His nature and His Magnificence.
The name we are discussing here is Al Adheem, the Magnificent.
Al Adheem (sometimes written as Al Azim, Al Azeem) – The Magnificent
God is the Magnificent. His name, Al Adheem, is one of the names that denotes His Greatness. Al Kabir, the One whose essence is Great; and Al Mutakabbir, the One who actively uses His Great rights, privileges and attributes.
This name comprises of all the attributes of magnificence, greatness, and majesty. Thus, God is great, tremendous, the possessor of total power, and the one who possesses all sovereignty, strength, and grandeur.
The Magnificent is the owner of all power, might, and strength; and everything else by comparison is small and insignificant.
Adheem comes from the Arabic root “Ayn, Dha, Mim”; it has many meanings including to be magnificent, great, large, vast, huge, enormous, and tremendous. Also, imposing, powerful, superior, and above any imperfection.
The Magnificent is the One whose greatness cannot be grasped or fully understood. It is far above the limit of understanding of the human being.
Linguistically, Adheem derives from the noun idham, which covers greatness, magnanimity, and honor. For example, it can be used in yu’adheem (honor); adheemun (great); and ‘itheeman (bones, specifically the strength of bone).
Heavy on the Scales
We use the word Al Adheem, the Magnificent, every time we bow down in our prayers. God invites us to contemplate His Greatness and His Strength in every prayer.
When we say ‘Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem’, we are submitting to His greatness and strength; we acknowledge His vast superiority, while also testifying to His grandeur. It is a small word that will be heavy on the scales of Judgement.
Prophet Muhammad said:
There are two statements that are light on the tongue and easy to remember, yet they are heavy on the Scales and dear to the Most Merciful. SubhanAllahu wa bihamdih, and SubhanAllahu Adheem. Glory and Praise to Allah, and Glory be to Allah, the Greatest, the Magnificent. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
There is a verse that is sometimes referred to as the greatest verse in the Quran; and it known as Ayat ul Kursi, the verse of the footstool. It is Chapter two, The Cow, verse 255. This verse, that is known to have many benefits, finishes with the sentence:
And he is the Most High and the Most Great. (Wa Huwa-l Aliyul Adheem).
Prophet Muhammad said:
Everything has its magnificence, and the magnificence of the Quran is chapter Two. In it is the greatest verse in the Quran: Ayat ul Kursi. (At-Tirmidhi)
Uses of This Name of God
Pondering the Magnificence of God reminds us to call on Him by the names He has made knowable and accessible to us. The name, the Magnificent, should not be used solely in our prayers; it can be used to call for the type of help that requires strength and might.
The names of God should also be used to praise and glorify God. This way, we demonstrate and strengthen our connection to Him.
When using God’s names with knowledge and understanding, we begin to realize that perfection and greatness are attributes that belong to God alone. If we encounter these attributes in the world, they are only a reflection of God. For instance, the magnificent mountains are only in our world for us to enjoy because God gave us a tiny glimpse of His magnificence.
If we describe a person as great, we do so because God, the source of greatness, is reflected in the greatness we see in some human beings. The greatness of the most learned scholar is not comparable to the greatness of God or the greatness of His knowledge.
Therefore, nobody or anything should be worshiped or glorified except God. He is the One who deserves all praise and all thanks. God’s names should be used to exalt and elevate Him. And Quran reminds us of this frequently, and it prompts us to remember His Magnificence.
And exalt the name of your Lord, the Most Great (Al Adheem, the Magnificent). (Quran, 56:74)
To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth; and He is the Most High, the Most Great. (Al Adheem, the Magnificent). (Quran, 42:4)
God is the Most Magnificent; and when we praise Him, we acknowledge all the aspects of magnificence and greatness. He is the One who is of the greatest importance; He is the most revered; and He is the quintessential expression of, and source of all greatness and magnificence. The greatness and magnificence we see in the world originates and flows from Him. God, Al Adheem, the Magnificent.
Note – Names Related to Al Adheem
Al Kabir
Al Kabir, the One whose essence is the greatest. Kabir comes from the Arabic root “Kaaf, Ba, Ra”. It means to be great in rank, nobility, and great in size. It can also mean to be great in age, learning, or knowledge, and to have rights above all others.
Al Mutakabbir
Al-Mutakabbir is the One who possesses and uses Greatness. He is above being harmed. He is too great to be deficient in anything or in need for anyone or anything. And He is the One Who is above having the characteristics of His creatures.
God has all the attributes of greatness, perfection, and glory.
A small phrase in the Quran that is so beautiful and so commonly overlooked:
No doubt, Allah loves those who repent over and over and over again. (Quran 2:222)
Just a little bit of perspective: Somebody could have done me really bad, they’ve said things that really hurt my feelings. And I can’t get it out of my head; every time I see that, I’m reminded of the thing that they said. And it’s going to take a while before that scar is healed.
Maybe once it gets healed, it’s possible for me to befriend this person again, or at least be civil with this person again; maybe it’s really hard for me to even sit in the same room with that person… But now I got myself to be able to do that, I can actually communicate with this person or be in their presence again.
But to ask me to love them? It’s really hard.
Maybe in some crazy case, I can get myself to forget everything and find love for them again, is it going to be the same love that I used to have before?
Probably not. But maybe it’s some kind of love. I’ll imagine that this person hurts me again and then hurts me again and again… It’s not even possible for me to continuously forgive this person.
One scar hasn’t even healed, the next one is opened up, and the next one’s open up… I can’t keep doing this; it’s impossible for me.
The Absolute Love of Allah
And now put this in perspective: We do wrong by Allah. He asks us to do something, that’s actually in our own favor, we neglect Him, we disobey Him, we disregard Him. And we don’t do it once, we do it over and over and over again. And yet Allah is so massive in His love, and so incredibly infinite in His mercy.
Why do you repent over and over again? Because you mess up over and over again.
Allah doesn’t say He accepts the repentance even though they keep coming back over and over again; He says:
He loves those who repent over and over again.
Subhanallah! No one else is capable of that. That’s only Allah.
May Allah make us of those whom He loves. And may Allah make us of people who genuinely make tawbah (repentance) to Him over and over and over again.
