3
Significance of Iman in Allah
“He is Allah – the one; Allah is the self-sufficient. He has not given birth to anyone, nor He was given birth by anyone. And there is none equal to Him” (Quran 112:1-4).
“He is Allah: There is no god other than Him. He knows what is hidden, as well as what is visible. He is the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate. He is Allah: there is no god other than Him: The Sovereign, the Holy One, the All-Peace, the Granter of Security, Guardian over all, the Almighty, the Compeller, the All Great, He is far above anything they consider to be His partner. He is Allah, the Planner, Executer and Fashioner of Creation. For Him, the Most Beautiful Names. Everything in the heavens and Earth Glorifies Him. He is the Most Mighty, the Wisest.” (Quran 59:22-24)
- The most essential knowledge about Allah is the understanding of the concept of ‘Tawhid’ (God is only one). This is about His own status. Allah Himself says that he is above all in the universe. Moreover, none is equal to Him in power and strength. All in the heavens and Earth are His creations and subservient to Him. Therefore, He is the only one to be worshipped. There is no god other than Him. This position of Him is reflected not only in the Quran but also in all the previous Divine Books and Scriptures sent to the previous generations through their Prophets. The most fundamental Attribute of Allah is that He is one and absolutely alone without any partner. He has no family, son, daughter nor any other partner. Some of the generations tried to make Prophets His partner by calling them sons of God. Allah rejects that proposition in unequivocal terms. The Quran declares:
“The Jews call Uzair (a prophet) son of Allah and the Christians call Jesus (a prophet) the son of Allah. That is a saying from their mouths. They only imitate what the unbelievers of the old Days used to say. Allah’s curses are on them; how they are deluded away from the Truth!” (Quran 9:30).
- A believer in Islam has firm faith that the universe with everything in it, is not without any Creator. He believes in only one Creator, Who Creates, Sustains and Owns all that exists without any partner. He is the only one “Allah”, The Lord, The Creator of everything. He is The Sovereign and The Supreme Authority in Managing all affairs in the universe. He is the Only One Who deserves to be worshipped and obeyed in all affairs of life.
- “He is the Lord of Heavens and the Earth and all that is in between them. So, Worship Him and be patient in His Worship. Do you know of anyone equal in rank to Him?” (Quran 19:65)
- “To Allah belongs the kingdom of the Heavens and the Earth. He Creates whatever He wills.” (Quran 42:49)
- “Whatever is in the heaven and whatever is in the earth is glorifying Allah. He is the Sovereign; Praise is to Him and He has the Power over everything.” (Quran 64:1)
- “He rules all affairs from the heaven to the earth.” (Quran 32:5)
- “Allah Judges and no one has the power to reverse His Judgment.” (Quran 13:41)
The above concept of a Creator is not just a belief of a Muslim. Any sensible person cannot imagine that the whole Universe is operating without a creator. If a pilotless drone cannot hit a target without someone remotely controlling it , then how can the universe function without someone controlling it?
- Belief in Allah, Fear of Allah, Reliance on Allah and following the Rules of Allah are essential elements of Iman in Allah. These facts are stated in many verses of the Quran:
“Allah is the helper and protector of those who believe in Him” (Quran 2:257)
“Have trust in Allah, for Allah alone is sufficient as a Guardian” (Quran 33:3)
“Never give up hope of Allah’s Mercy, certainly no one despairs of Allah’s Mercy except the one who disbelieves” (Quran 12:87)
“O Mankind! Fear your Lord and be dutiful to Him” (Quran 22:1)
“Fear of Allah” directs the believers to be dutiful to Him, to do what He has asked to do and abstain from what He has ordered not to do. Crying in fear of Allah without obeying His orders and without being dutiful to Him is like a student who cries in fear of the consequences he will face for not completing his assignment but does not work to complete it.
Allah says:
“And put your trust in Allah. Certainly, Allah loves those who rely on Him. If Allah helps you, no power can overcome you and if He forsakes you, who is there, then after Him to help you?” (Quran 3:159-160)
“So, fear Allah and set things right among yourselves; obey Allah and His Messenger if you are a true believer. True believers are only those whose heart tremble with fear when Allah is mentioned to them, whose faith is increased when His Revelations are cited to them, who put their trust in their Lord, who establish prayer and spend (in our way) out of what we have given them… such people, indeed are the true believers, they have high ranks with their Lord and forgiveness for their sins and most generous provisions.” (Quran 8:1-4)
The above verses from the Quran have presented a picture of a true believer in Allah. This picture of a believer shows how peacefully he settles affairs with people in the society, how carefully he obeys Allah and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in every situation, how carefully he studies the Holy Quran, how he establishes prayer in the society and how he spends from his wealth for the cause of Allah. A believer is recognised by exhibiting these qualities. There are many other verses in the Holy Quran that explains the meaning of “Iman in Allah” in detail. One of the main characteristics of ‘Iman in Allah’ is to accept the way of life given by Him. Allah says: “Tell them plainly, the right way is shown by Allah” (Quran 2:120).
Believing in Allah means living on the way of life given by Allah. It does not make sense that someone believes in Allah but follows the way of life from anyone other than Him.
- A believer in Allah believes that everything done as per the Rules and Ideals of Allah and in the way of His Messenger (PBUH) has a reward in the world and in the life after death. Everything forbidden by Allah but done by him is punishable in the world and in the hereafter. His Rules and Ideals of His Messenger (PBUH) should be followed as a sign of faith in Him.This conscious Divine Faith inspires a believer to think before he does anything. He starts the work if it confirms the Rule of Allah and method of His Messenger (PBUH). If he finds this is unlawful, he stops. In this way, hope of reward and fear of punishment from Allah directs all activities of a believer towards satisfaction of Allah. Life with mandatory good deeds and free from evil actions of believers continue to contribute to peace and happiness.
- A believer in Allah believes that whatever he does, Allah is aware of it and watches it: “Allah sees whatever you do” (Quran 64:2)
This belief saves a believer from wrongdoing. If he intends to do anything wrong and approaches to do that, his faith reminds him that Allah will see what he is going to do. Immediately he stops and is saved from the effect of that evil action. This way, only the belief that “Allah sees whatever we do” can protect us from wrongdoing. There is no other effective means to stop crime than the ‘Fear of Allah’, which arises from knowing His punishment of hellfire for the crime.
From the references above, we understand that “Faith in Allah” means: “Obey the Law of Allah as demonstrated by His Messenger Muhammad (PBUH).”
To understand how “Iman in Allah” directs a believer to do good work and stop vice in real life, we are stating here an example from the time of the second Caliph, Omar (RA):
One-night, Caliph Omar (RA) went out to know about the condition of the people in secret. He heard a conversation between a mother and a daughter in a house. The mother was asking her daughter to mix water with milk for sale. The daughter replied to her mother that Caliph Omar (RA) would punish them, to which her mother said, “No one can see us and will ever know.” The daughter then told her: “I cannot find a place where Allah does not see me mixing water with milk and I cannot avoid His punishment.” Both the mother and the daughter abstained from the sin of mixing water with milk for sale only in fear of Allah. Therefore, we can conclude that the fear of Allah is more effective than fear of a government authority in stopping any crime. This is the meaning of Fear of Allah and the essence of Faith in Allah. Imagine how helpful such an Iman would be in reducing crime in the society!
The example is a practical demonstration of “Iman in Allah”. If believers are conscious and maintain the spirit of “Iman in Allah”, Muslim families, societies and countries will get the best of good moral from everyone. In addition, crime will reduce, and life will be safer, more enjoyable and peaceful for all.
- Believing in Allah without following his commandments does not have any meaning. This is like a soldier without following the orders of his superior. Everyone knows the fate of a soldier who does not obey the command of his superior.
Sometimes, it is observed that there are some people who believe in Allah, obey some of His rules and disobey His other rules. This is like a citizen who obeys some rules of the government and disobey other rules. No government accepts such behavior. It is the same with Allah, the Almighty. He does not accept Iman without obeying Him completely. Just faith in the heart and declaration by mouth without obeying His orders is not enough for claiming ‘Iman in Allah’. Allah says about these types of people, “There are some people who say, ‘we believe in Allah and the last day and whereas they do not believe at all’” (Quran 2:8).
- A believer in Allah believes that faith in Allah directs him to do good deeds. Good deeds will free him from sins and reward him with Paradise.Such conscious ‘Faith in Allah’ helps a believer devote him more and more in doing good deeds. More and more good deeds in the society brings purity, peace, prosperity, and happiness. Allah says: “Whoever has believed in Allah and has done good deeds, Allah shall shake off his sins and shall admit him into Gardens, underneath which rivers will be flowing to dwell therein forever. This is the Supreme Success” (Quran 64:9).
Success in the life of a believer is the faith that encourages him to do good deeds and keeps him away from sins and in return makes his way to Paradise easy. Good deeds ensure paradise after death. His success in this world is also no less. We see with our own eyes that more good deeds and less bad deeds in society equate to better living standards for all. Good deeds like helping the poor and sick, educating people, showing people the right path of life, planting trees, making roads and bridges, correction of human mistakes – all are highly rewarding. Such good deeds are not only beneficial for life after death but also beneficial in this world.
- Another important aspect of “Iman in Allah” is the remembrance of Allah. It is so important for purity of life that Allah made the ritual prayers 5 times a day obligatory for His remembrance. Allah says: “Indeed, I am Allah. There is no god except Me, so Worship Me and establish prayer for My remembrance” (Quran 20:14).
A believer makes it a habit to remember Allah always through the obligatory five daily prayers. This remembrance attaches his soul with Allah and influences all his activities. Influence of Allah on his thinking, planning and real-life activities bring good results in the performance of his work.
On the other hand, bad work by a person occurs only when he turns away from the remembrance of Allah. Remembrance of Allah and bad work cannot go together. At the time of doing something wrong, remembrance of Allah helps to keep away from wrongdoing. The devil only gets the opportunity to influence a believer to do wrong when he forgets Allah at work. Allah says:
“Whoever turns away blindly from the remembrance of the most Gracious (Allah), we appoint the devil upon him, who becomes his companion” (Quran 43:36).
The benefits of the remembrance of Allah may be explained by an example of a believer at work. While he is on duty at the office or at work in a factory, he performs his duty not only to satisfy his employer for salary, but also considers his duty as a part of his Divine Responsibility and Worship of Allah. He is sincere and dutiful because he remembers Allah while doing his duty and expects reward from Allah for doing his job in the best possible way. Thus, performance at his work gets better. He gets a better salary, bonus, benefits, etc. at work and expects reward from Allah in the afterlife as well for performing his duty in the spirit of worship.
- Sincere ‘Faith in Allah’ helps to avoid unlawful things and opens the door to paradise.
- Muhammad (PBUH) said: “The person who sincerely declares Allah is only one without any partner, he will enter in Paradise.’ The companions of the Prophet (PBUH) asked him, ‘O Messenger! What is the meaning of sincerity here?’ He replied, ‘When the declaration stops one from doing unlawful things, then this declaration is sincere.” (Kurtubi)
We have observed in verse 9, chapter 64 of the Quran, that faith in Allah leads to a good deed for supreme success and in the above-mentioned hadith we see that sincere faith stops unlawful actions. Doing good and stopping bad is an integral part of “Iman in Allah”. Thus, when “Iman in Allah” is in practice in its true spirit, then good work flourishes and crime, corruption, and unlawful activities are reduced in society.
- In summary ‘Iman in Allah’ means belief by heart and declaration by mouth that Allah is the only one, and always remembering and obey Him in all affairs of life. This type of Iman helps to build a virtuous society where welfare-oriented good work flourishes, and crime and unlawful activities reduces. This is how sincere ‘Iman in Allah’ helps to buld an honest, safe, peaceful, and ideal society. This is the picture of the society of sincere believers of Allah, who fear Him as He should be feared and obey His orders as loyal Muslims. Allah Commands such believers to live as true Muslim throughout their lives: “O believers! Fear Allah as He should be feared, and do not die except you become Muslim” (Quran 3:102).
The above discussion is based on the Quran and the Prophet’s (PBUH) hadith, which help a believer decide on what he needs to do to fulfill his ‘Iman in Allah’. This may be summarised as follows:
- Sincerely believe in and declare that Allah is the only Creator without partner. He is the only Authority to give the Code of Life for His Creation, ‘Human beings’.
- Obey Allah and follow only His way of life ‘Islam.’
- Do everything that Allah has ordered to do.
- Avoid whatever Allah has made unlawful.
- Do all work according to The Guidance from Allah in the Quran.
- Follow the method of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in every situation.
- Remember Allah always. Do not forget Allah while doing anything. Remembrance of Allah while carrying out any task helps to do that task with sincerity and devotion and saves one from wrongdoing. As a result, he gets better results and satisfaction at his task. Allah says:
“Faithful are those whose hearts are comforted by the remembrance of Allah. Surely, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find satisfaction” (Quran 13:28).
- Fear Allah in every situation to the extent that you feel that He sees what you are doing. This is the most effective way to ensure a virtuous life. Allah cautions the believers:
“Believers! Be afraid of Allah. A soul must see what it has done for the future. Be careful of Allah; surely Allah is aware of all that you do” (Quran 59:18).
Benefits from Iman in Allah are only available through the proper understanding about Allah, Spirit of Faith in Allah, and true obedience to Allah. This is the reason why almost one third of the Holy Quran discusses The Creator, Allah.
Unfortunately, due to the lack of study and the proper understanding of the Holy Quran, we see some Muslims are compromising their faith in Allah as their Lord (Rabb), whereas Iman directs us to accept Allah as the only Lord: “Our Lord! Surely, we have heard a preacher calling to the faith, saying, ‘Believe in your Lord’. So, we did believe” (Quran 3:193).
We should not forget that our soul made a declaration after its creation: “Our Lord is the one, who is the Lord of the heavens and the Earth. We will not invoke any other god than Him! It would be most improper thing if we do so” (Quran 18:14).
After the declaration, no one should obey those leaders who give orders in violation of the Holy Quran and the Prophet’s (PBUH) Sunnah. Still nowadays, we see ignorant leaders issuing laws and legislations without referring to the Quran and Sunnah. Ignorant Muslims also following these without trying for the correction of these leaders. About them Allah says: “They have made their scholars and monks as their lord beside Allah” (Quran 9:31).
According to a tradition, when Adi ibn Hatem, who was formerly a Christian, came before the Prophet (PBUH) to embrace Islam, he asked the Prophet (PBUH), “This verse accuses us of making our scholars and monks our God. What is its real meaning?” The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Is it not a fact that you accept as unlawful what they declare as unlawful and lawful what they declare lawful. Adi admitted that they did. The Prophet (PBUH) replied, “That amounts to making them god” (Tirmidhi, Imam Ahmed).
Those leaders, heads of states and scholars who set limits to the lawful and the unlawful without any authority of the Book of Allah, assume themselves to be at the rank of god. Those who acknowledge the authority of such leaders who make laws opposed to the Law of Allah, are taking them as their gods besides Allah. This type of action effectively invalidates the Iman of these leaders and their supporters.
Similarly, misconceptions about the “love of Allah” are also observed sometimes in some Muslims. Performing a few rituals without obeying the Order of Allah in everything, is often considered as enough to demonstrate love of Allah. Not only that, some Muslims do not even think that they need to obey the Order of Allah in all affairs of life. On their status of love for Allah, Abdullah Ibn Mubarak – a great scholar from early Muslims said:
“You disobey Allah, and yet you still claim to love Him. By Allah, such behavior is disgusting, by any standard! You would have obeyed Him had your love been true. The lover is always obedient to the beloved.”
The above discussions based on the Quran and hadith, demonstrates the true nature of Faith in Allah with respect to His attributes. Now we will discuss about the true nature of Faith in Allah, as reflected in His Noble Names.
There are ninety-nine Names of Allah. The Names of Allah are in fact His Attributes that illustrate His Qualities, Power, Strength, Ability, Justice and so on.
Allah says about His names:
“The Most Beautiful Names belong to Allah, so call Him by them, and leave the company of those who belie or deny His Names. They will be reciprocated for what they used to do.” (Quran 7:180)
“None has the right to be worshipped but He (Allah)! To Him belong the Best Names.” (Quran 20:8)
“He is Allah; The Creator, The Inventor of all things and The Bestower of forms. To Him belong the Best Names. All that is in the heavens and in the Earth Glorify Him. He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.” (Quran 59:24)
Abu Huraira (RA) reported the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Verily, there are ninety-nine names for Allah. He who enumerates them would get into Paradise” (Muslim 35:6476).
Allah has described Himself in the Holy Quran through His Names and Attributes. It is so detailed that almost one third of the Quran is dedicated for people to know their Creator. We can find Allah in every page of the Quran. Allah has revealed to us His ninety-nine names and they appear in many verses of the Holy Quran. Out of these names, only ‘Allah’ appears in Quran 2698 times. Each of Allah’s names has a meaning and exhibits an attribute of Allah which when understood and implemented enhances our understanding of this world and helps us build meaningful lives.
By accepting these Names and Attributes absolutely for Allah, a believer practically rejects those leaders who exercise authority as stipulate in the Names and Attributes of Allah.Faith in these Names and Attributes is not just for verbal recitation (zikr). Believers are encouraged to recite these names for the purpose of remembering, thinking and obeying Allah according to His Names and Attributes. Benefits from the recitation of these names can be achieved only by taking lessons from these names.
Let us discuss the influence of few of the Names of Allah as an example:
- “Al Malik” is one of the most beautiful Names of Allah. Al- Malik means ‘The Sovereign Lord’. By Faith in this name, a believer accepts that only Allah as Sovereign Power. Any individual, institution or Government that exercises Sovereign Power, virtually acts as Lord of the people. A believer does not accept this. He tries to stop leaders from introducing law and legislation outside the Laws of Allah in the Muslim land. Faith in this name directs a believer to obey the Law and Legislation of Allah only.
- Another example is the Name ‘Al Adl’ which means ‘The Just’. After accepting Allah is Just, there is no scope for a believer to abandon His Judiciary System and accept manmade judiciary systems. Faith in this name warrants a believer to be just in all affairs.
- We can take another example of the Name, ‘Al-Hakeem’, which means ‘The Wisest Judge’. Faith in this Name means accepting His Quran as the basis for a Legal System in Muslim nations because this is from The Wisest Judge, Allah.
- Divine Faith in the name ‘Al- Baser (The All Seeing)’ and ‘Ar-Raqeels (The Watchful One)’ should always keep us alert to obey the orders of Allah at every step of life as Allah is watching and seeing what we do. During any wrongdoing, any negligence to duty or disobedience to His order, a believer should be mindful that Allah is watching what he or she is doing. This gives an opportunity to avoid wrongdoing.
- Divine Faith in the Name ‘Ar-Rasheed (The Guide to the Right Path)’ reminds that the Right Path of Life is only from Allah. No other way of life is permitted for a believer to follow. Therefore, in all work, believers should follow the Guidance of Allah.
- Divine Faith in the Name “Al-Haadi” (The Provider of guidance) means a believer expects guidance from Allah alone. He does not accept any guidance from any other source that stands against the Guidance from Allah. Therefore, a believer cannot accept any guidance, order, advice, and suggestion which is against the Guidance from Allah (Quran).
Thus, each of the ninety-nine Names of Allah gives a Divine Message to the believers who should reflect on each of them and then apply the lesson from each name in their practical lives.
Below is a list of all the Noble Names of Allah with their respective meanings and a reference verse from the Quran for each name:
| # | Name(ch/vs) | Meaning | Explanation | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ar-Rahmaan (1:3) | The Beneficent | He who wills goodness and mercy for all His creatures | |
| 2 | Ar-Raheem (1:3) | The Merciful | He who acts with extreme kindness | |
| 3 | Al- Malik (59:23) | The Eternal Lord | The Sovereign Lord, Who Owns and Rules the universe with perfection. | |
| 4 | Al-Quddus (59:23) | The Most Sacred | One who is Most pure and free from any imperfection. | |
| 5 | As-Salam (59:23) | The Benefactor of Peace and Safety | Allah grants peace and security and taught mankind to do the same. | |
| 6 | Al-Mu’min (59:23) | The Infuser of Faith | Allah is the Guardian of Faith | |
| 7 | Al-Muhaymin (59:23) | The Preserver of Safety | One Who ensures well-being and protection | |
| 8 | Al Aziz (59:23) | The Almighty | Allah has full Power and Control over everything. | |
| 9 | Al-Jabbar (59:23) | All-Powerful | The One Who has power to compel to what He Wills. | |
| 10 | Al Mutakabbir (59:23) | The Supreme Great | The Perfection of Greatness is for Allah only. | |
| 11 | Al-Khaaliq (59:24) | The Creator | The One who brings everything from non-existence to existence | |
| 12 | Al Baari (59:24) | The Evolver | The Creator who has the Power to Make, Change and Turn the entities. | |
| 13 | Al-Musawwir (59:24) | The flawless
Designer, Shaper |
The One Who Designs, Creates and Makes everything perfect. | |
| 14 | Al-Ghaffaar (40:3) | The Great Forgiver | One who forgives the sins of His slaves again and again. | |
| 15 | Al-Qahhaar (39:4, 12:39, 14:48) | The Supreme Irresistible | The One who has perfect Power over everything. | |
| 16 | Al-Wahhab (39:4) | The Supreme Bestower | The One who Gives Generously without any return and without any limit. | |
| 17 | Ar-Razzaq (51:58) | The Total Provider | The One Who Provides everything needed without any limit. | |
| 18 | Al-Fattah (34:26) | The Opener | The One Who opens the doors to success. | |
| 19 | Al-Alim (2:32) | The All-Knowing | The One Who is the originator of all knowledge in all ages. | |
| 20 | Al-Qaabid (2:245) | The One Who
Withholds. |
Allah decides and withholds whatever He Wishes. | |
| 21 | Al-Baasit (2:245) | The Extender | Allah decides and enlarges anything as He wishes. | |
| 22 | Al-Khaafid (56:3, 95:5) | The Reducer | Allah lowers the status of whoever He wills. | |
| 23 | Ar-Rafi (6:83, 58:11) | The Elevator | Allah elevates the status of whoever He wills. | |
| 24 | Al-Mu’izz (3:26) | The Giver of Honour | Allah honours Whoever He wills. | |
| 25 | Al-Muzil
(3:26) |
The One Who Dishonour | Allah Humilates, whoever He wills. | |
| 26 | As-Sami’ (2:127, 256) | The All-
Hearer |
Allah hears everything by His Eternal hearing Power. | |
| 27 | Al-Baseer (4:58, 17:1) | The All- Seeing | Allah Sees all things by His Eternal Seeing power. | |
| 28 | Al-Hakam (6:114) | The Giver of Justice | Allah has given the Best Juduciary to mankind. | |
| 29 | Al-Adl (6:115) | The All-Just | Allah has given the most Just Judiciary system. | |
| 30 | Al-Lateef (6:103, 31:16) | The Most Gentle | The Kindness of Allah has no bounds. | |
| 31 | Al-Khabeer (13:9, 22:62) | The All-Aware One | Allah knows everything. | |
| 32 | Al-Haleem (2:235, 263) | The Most Forbearing | The One Who delays the punishment for those who deserve it and then might forgive them | |
| 33 | Al-Azeem (2:255, 26:4) | The Most Magnificent One | The Mighty One Who deserves all Glory. | |
| 34 | Al-Ghafoor
(2:173) |
The Great Forgiver | The All-Forgiving, the One who forgives a lot. | |
| 35 | Ash-Shakoor (35:30, 34) | The Acknowledging One | The One who gives a lot of reward for a little obedience. | |
| 36 | Al-Aliyy (4:34, 31:30) | The Most High | Allah is the highest in any attribute. | |
| 37 | Al-Kabeer (13:9, 22:62) | The Great One | The Greatest One whose status cannot be compared. | |
| 38 | Al-Hafiz (4:86) | The Guarding One | The One who protects whatever and whoever He wills to protect. | |
| 39 | Al-Muqeet (4:85) | The Sustainer | The One Who takes care of all with unlimited power. | |
| 40 | Al-Haseeb (4:6, 86) | The Reckoner | The One Who takes account of human beings for Judgement. | |
| 41 | Al-Jaleel (55:27, 78) | The Mighty | The One Who is attributed with Greatness of Power and Glory. | |
| 42 | Al-Kareem (27:40, 82:6) | The Bountiful One | The One Who is Most Generous and Gracious. His Generosity is for all. | |
| 43 | Ar-Raqeeb (4:1, 5:117) | The Watchful One | The One Who watches everything. | |
| 44 | Al-Mujeeb (2:186, 11:61) | The Responding One | The One Who responds to whoever asks for anything. | |
| 45 | Al-Waasi’ (2:115) | The All- Embracing | The One Who Encompasses everything with abundance. | |
| 46 | Al-Hakeem (2:32, 59:24) | The Wise One | Allah is the Wisest Judge, Who is correct in His actions. | |
| 47 | Al-Wadud (11:90) | The Loving One | Bounty of Allah to all is His infinite love. | |
| 48 | Al-Majeed (11:90) | The Most Glorious One | Allah is Most Glorious with perfect Power, Status, Compassion, Generosity, and Kindness. | |
| 49 | Al-Ba’ith (22:7) | The Infuser of New Life | The One Who resurrects people after death for reward or punishment. | |
| 50 | Ash-Shaheed (4:116, 22:17) | The All Observing Witness | The One Who observes everything for witness on the ‘Day of Judgement’. | |
| 51 | Al-Haqq (22:62) | The Truth | The One Who is right in all respects. | |
| 52 | Al-Wakeel (6:102) | The Universal Trustee | Allah is The Supreme Guardian of all creation. | |
| 53 | Al-Qawwi (22:40, 42:19) | The Supremely Strong | Allah is The One Whose strength is inexhaustible | |
| 54 | Al-Mateen (51:58) | The Firm One | The One with extreme Power and is firm in His Decision. | |
| 55 | Al-Waliyy (4:45, 42:28) | The Loving Defender | Allah is The Most Protecting Friend. | |
| 56 | Al-Hameed (22:64) | The Praiseworthy | The One who deserves to be praised. | |
| 57 | Al-Muhsee (19:94, 58:6) | The All-Appraiser | The One Who has full accounts of everyone for appraisal. | |
| 58 | Al-Mubdi (29:19, 27:64) | The Originator | The One Who is the Originator of all creation | |
| 59 | Al-Mueed (10:34, 27:64) | The Restorer | The Reproducer, the One who brings back the creatures after death | |
| 60 | Al-Muhyi (41:39) | The Maintainer of life | The One Who is the Creator and Maintainer of life | |
| 61 | Al-Mumeet (40:11, 53:44) | The Inflictor of Death | The Creator of Death, the One who makes the living die. | |
| 62 | Al-Hayyu (2:255) | The Eternally Living One | The One Who is Everliving. | |
| 63 | Al-Qayyoom (2:255) | The Self-Existing One | The One who always exists and will never end. | |
| 64 | Al-Waajid (38:44) | The One Who has everything in abundance. | Allah is Al-Wajd. He does not need nor lacks anything. | |
| 65 | Al-Maajid (11:73, 85:15) | The All-Noble One | The Glorious, Praiseworthy and Honourable. | |
| 66 | Al-Waahid (5:73, 9:31) | The Only One | The Absolute, the Unique, the One without any partner | |
| 67 | Al-Ahad (112:1) | The Sole One | Allah has always been and will forever remain alone | |
| 68 | As-Samad (112:2) | The Self-Sufficient | The One Who does not need anyone while all of His creatures need Him. | |
| 69 | Al-Qaadir (6:37, 77:23) | The Most Able One | Allah is All-Capable to do anything. | |
| 70 | Al-Muqtadir (54:55) | The All Authoritative One | The Most Powerful One, Who has Authority over everything. | |
| 71 | Al-Muqaddim (16:61, 17:34) | The Expediter | The One Who promotes and moves ahead what He wills. | |
| 72 | Al-Mu’akhkhir (71:4) | The Delayer | The One Who keeps on hold and delays what He wills. | |
| 73 | Al-Awwal (57:3) | The Very First One | The One Whose Existence is without a beginning. | |
| 74 | Al-Akhir (57:3) | The Infinite Last One | The Last, The One Whose Existence is without an end. | |
| 75 | Az-Zaahir (57:3) | Evident, The Manifest | The One Who can expose anything whenever He wills. | |
| 76 | Al-Baatin (57:3) | The Hidden | The One Who exists though unseen, but His Existence is obvious by logic. | |
| 77 | Al-Waali (4:45, 7:196) | The Holder of Supreme Authority | The Supreme Governor, The One who Owns and Manages everything. | |
| 78 | Al-Muta’ali (13:9) | The Most High in all attributes. | No creation canever reach close to the Attributes of Allah, The Creator. | |
| 79 | Al-Barr (52:28 ) | The Source of all goodness | Allah protects and supports for the goodness of all. He inspires His creation to do good. | |
| 80 | At-Tawwaab (49:12) | The Ever-Acceptor of Repentance | Allah forgives those who repent, correct themselves and return to Him after the mistake. | |
| 81 | Al-Muntaqim (14:47) | The Retaliator | The One Who victoriously prevails over His enemies and punishes them for their disobedience. | |
| 82 | Al-Afuww (4:99) | The Supreme Pardoner | The Forgiver, the One with wide forgiveness. | |
| 83 | Ar-Ra’oof (22:65) | The Most Kind | Allah bestows the utmost Mercy on the creation. | |
| 84 | Maalik-ul-Mulk (3:26) | Owner of all Sovereignty | The One Who is sole Owner and Sovereign Ruler of the universe. | |
| 85 | Zul-Jalaali-wal-Ikram (18:28, 55:27) | The Lord of Majesty and Honour | The Lord of Majesty and Bounty, The One who deserves to be Exalted and not denied. | |
| 86 | Al-Muqsit (3:18, 7:29) | The Just One | The Equitable, the One who is Just in His judgment. | |
| 87 | Al-Jaami’ (3:9) | The Assembler of Scattered Creations | The One who gathers mankind and Jinn for Judgement on the Day of Final Judgment. | |
| 88 | Al-Ghaniyyu (3:97, 39:7) | The Self-Sufficient One | The One Without need of anything from anyone. | |
| 89 | Al-Mughni (9:28) | The Bestower of Sufficiency | The One who satisfies the necessities of the creatures. | |
| 90 | Al-Maani’
(67:20) |
The Preventer | The One Who withholds His bounty from those who do not deserve. | |
| 91 | Ad-Daarr (6:17) | The Afflictor | The One Who causes harm to rebellious people. | |
| 92 | An-Naafi’ (30:37) | The Benefactor | The One Who grants blessings to all creation. | |
| 93 | An-Noor (24:35) | The Illuminator | The One Who Illuminates human souls with His Light of Guidance. | |
| 94 | Al-Haadi (22:54) | The Provider of Guidance | The One Who provides Guidance to mankind for their benefit. | |
| 95 | Al-Badi’ (2:117) | The Originator | The One Who created the creation and formed it without any preceding example. | |
| 96 | Al-Baaqi (11:116, 20:73) | The Everlasting | The One Who has always existed and will never cease. | |
| 97 | Al-Waaris (15:23) | The Eternal Inheritor | The One Who Inherits everything and to Whom all will return. | |
| 98 | Ar-Rasheed (2:256, 72:10) | The Guide to the Right Path | The One who Guides to the Right Path. | |
| 99 | As-Saboor (2:153, 3:200) | The Patient | The One Who is Most Patient, Steadfast and Enduring in any action. | |
| An example of a verse from the Quran for each name is stated under the column ‘name’ where ‘ch’ denotes ‘chapter’ and ‘vs’ denotes ‘verse’. | ||||
The above discussions based on the Quran and Hadith guides us to understand the Divine concepts about: ‘Who is Allah?’, ‘What are His Attributes?’, and ‘What are the duties needed to do for the sake of Iman in Allah?’. Life can only follow the path of ‘Iman in Allah’ after knowing Allah and understanding the duties assigned by Him.
Finally, we would like to conclude this chapter by a dialogue that Allah has presented in the Quran for the believers to understand, “Who their Lord is and what their duty is to Him?”:
“Pharaoh asked Moses, ‘Who is the Lord of you two?’ Moses replied, ‘Our Lord is the One Who has created everything and has given Guidance for everything” (Quran 20:49-50).
The above dialogue happened when Prophet Musa and his brother Haroon went to the tyrant ruler of Egypt, ‘Pharaoh’, to advise him by the Command of Allah.
God is The Creator of human beings. He has given ‘Islam’ as Guidance for leading life. Therefore, a believer in Allah should not only believe that Allah is his Creator but should also believe and follow His Guidance. The Quran reminds mankind about their original covenant with Allah after He created their Souls:
“When your Lord asked all the offsprings of Adam (at the stage of soul before birth), “Am I not your Lord?” All of them said: ‘Yes’ and bore witness to their testimony that on the Day of Resurrection they would not say, we were not aware of this (fact)” (Quran 7:172).
The above covenant implies our allegiance to the Creator, ‘Lord of the universe’, to comply with all His Commands, Instructions and Guidance, which He has stated in the Quran. He also stated what should be the response of mankind to His Commands: “We hear and obey” (Quran 5:7).
Therefore, we can conclude here, ‘Iman in Allah’ as understanding and obeying the ‘Command of Allah’.
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