Saturday, 27 July 2013

99 Names of Allah - Asma ul Husna - And the answer is: ALLAH!




Welcome to the new series: How to live by the Names of Allah!
Today we reveal the first Name we will memorize, understand and implement in our lives: ALLAH.

Our motives for studying the Names of Allah

Every week we will choose one of the Beautiful Names of Allah (glorified and exalted be He) to memorize and discuss its influence on our life.
Our goals of Memorizing & Understanding the 99 Names, one by one, each week:
  • To get closer to Allah (glorified and exalted be He) through this Name;
    To link every second of our life to the Most Beautiful Names of Allah (glorified and exalted be He);

  • To know Allah and consequently love Him, fear Him obey His orders and submit to His decree;

  • To understand the Names of Allah (glorified and exalted be He) with our heart;
    By knowing Allah (glorified and exalted be He) we will try to perfect all our deeds.
If we know Allah (glorified and exalted be He) we will know the purpose of our life!

The Meaning of the Name ‘Allah’

The word Allah means “the Being Who comprises all the attributes of perfection”, the Being Who possesses the best and the noblest qualities imaginable in the highest degree. This is supported by the Quran:

“His are the best (or most beautiful) names.” (17:110; 20:8; and 7:180)
Allah is a proper name, not derived from anything and the Al is inseparable from it. The word al-ilah (the god) is a different word.

The word Allah is unique and it is the Name which refers to the Being Himself as His personal name.
Amazing Facts about the Name ‘Allah’ :

-          The Name ‘Allah’ is the only Name of Allah, the rest are all Attributes!
-          The first and the last Word of the Adhan is ‘Allah’..
-          The first word of Salah is ‘Allah’..
-          In a typical Salah [namaz], the word that comes most is ‘Allah’..
-          The beginning of our life starts with ‘Allah’ (the adhan)..
-           and the end of our life should be..’la ilaha illa Allah’..!

Free welcome surprise!


To find out more amazing facts and a beautiful story about the Arabic Word ‘Allah’ sign up to our newsletter and receive a free welcome gift to this series.
So remember, the first Name we memorize, understand and live by is:
ALLAH!


99 Names of Allah - Asma ul Husna - And the Answer is . . . Al-Bari’!



About the Meaning

Allah calls Himself Al-Bari’ — The Originator— three times in the Quran. One of these times can be found in the last ayah of Surah al-Hashr. In this ayah al-Bari’ is mentioned in between al-Khaaliq (The Creator, The Maker and al-Musawwir (The Shaper, The Fashioner). All three of these Names are interrelated in meaning and deal with the aspects of Allaah subhanahu wa ta’alaa as Creator. All the rest is creation.
Scholars differ about the root word. Some say it is bari’a, which means to be free from or distant from something. Others say it is baree’a, which means creation. In the context of the Divine Names of Allah it means He is the Creator, the Originator, the One who gave the creatures distinct characteristics which would distinguish them from each other.


There Are No Test-tube Babies!

This Name should give us confidence in an era in which world scientists dazzle people with their discoveries and make “fantastic” claims to creation. For example, years ago there were huge headlines: The First Test Tube Baby!  The way they worded it, they made it sound as if they had mixed some ingredients in a test tube and produced a baby, when in fact all they had done was to insert a fertilised egg into a woman’s womb.

Our belief in Allah subhanahu wa ta’alaa as Originator puts our feet back on the ground. In fact, true specialists (including scientists) discover that the more they research, the more they find out they don’t know. They come to see that their knowledge is almost nothing compared to that of the Originator, the Bari’ and the Creator, the Khaaliq.

The Fly in the Quran

In Surah al Hajj, ayah 73, Allah al-Bari’ makes a parable: “O mankind! Here is an example for your understanding, so listen to it carefully. Those deities whom you call besides Allah, cannot create a single fly, even if they all combined their forces, rather, if a fly snatches away anything from them they cannot even get it back; how feebleminded are the suppliants and how powerless are those whom they supplicate!”

Allah ‘azza wajal has revealed certain knowledge to the Prophet salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and if he relates something in the field of science then we have to believe that what he has related is the truth. Allaah al-Bari’ is here challenging anybody, including these scientists, to make a fly. They can’t! A fly is a complete living being with a tiny yet comprehensive flight management, guidance, and surveillance system without turbines or propellers, a marvellous nano-technological design!


Are You Insane?

To Al-Bari’ belongs all knowledge of His Creation. If He says there’s a cure in a certain thing but scientists haven’t found that cure, does that mean there is no cure? All it proves is that they haven’t found it!

If a hundred years ago someone had said that in the venom of a cobra there was a cure for heart problems, what would people have said? Are you insane? This poison makes your heart stop beating, and now you say it cures heart diseases?

But in fact today in India and Bangladesh there are cobra farms where the snakes are milked for their venom which is then sent off to America to be used for heart patients. Allah is Al-Bari’! If He says there is a cure in a certain thing, but scientists haven’t found that cure, does that mean there is no cure? All it proves is that they haven’t found it! Scientists reject the Prophet salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam simply because they don’t have knowledge!*


How Can You Live by This Name?


1.      Have firm confidence in al-Bari’!

The effect of This Name on those who accept the Oneness of Allah ‘azza wajal in their lives is that it should restore their confidence in these times when modern science tries to divert us away from belief in a Creator. It is said that anyone who comes to know Who Al-Bari’ really is will dissociate himself from claiming to have anything to do with his own form or shape, fearing his Creator’s Might.

2. Disassociate yourself from the bad and seek refuge with the King.

It is said that Al-Bari’ is the One Who is never surprised by whatever events take place. It is also said that anyone who recognizes Him as al-Bari will try his best to dissociate himself from committing anything prohibitive, seeking refuge with the King, the Most Forgiving One.

3.  Know that everything besides Him is created.

The Messenger of Allaah salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: There is no obedience to the creation, in disobedience to the Creator. Obedience is only in what is good. [al-Bukharee] Be very honest with yourself and look at how many occasions in your life you’ve actually try to please the creation instead of pleasing al-Baree’. Then renew your intention (niyaa) to strive for the Pleasure of Allaah Al-Bari’ only.

4. Worship Al-Bari’ alone.

Allaah al-Bari’ is the Creator, which means all the rest is creation. And is it logical to worship creatures who were themselves created? No. That is why we worship the Creator only. And there is only One.

5. Do da’wah in the Light of this name!

Use your knowledge of this powerful name to do da’wah to those who do not believe in their Creator. The ayah in Surah al-Hajj (ayah 73) is an amazing example!

6. Ponder the creation of al-Bari’.

Look at the morning or evening sun.  Look at tiny insects, flies, plants, and flowers.  Study science and do so with the intention of pondering His creation.
Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem.

O Allah, Al-Bari’, make us confident in our belief in You as the Originator of everything and worship you alone; guide us to obey You, help us ponder Your creations and appreciate Your power and greatness, and makes us of those who carry the da’wah of Your Oneness to others in the best way, ameen!


99 Names of Allah - Asma ul Husna - And the Answer is . . . Al-Khaaliq


About the Meaning

Allah calls Himself Al-Khaaliq or al-Khallaaq (intensifaction)The Creator, or the Maker— eleven times in the Quran and the verb (khalaqa) appears many more times. He invents whatever the eyes can see, perfecting them by His bounties and goodness, bringing them into existence according to His will, desire and wisdom. He is The Creator, Who creates everything from nothing and creates all things with the knowledge of what will happen to them!

Al-Khaaliq is derived from khalq, creating or kha-la-qa, which means to create, to build, to make existent from nothing. To create also means to make a substance or an element existent, and after making it exist, to change it to some other being.

Khalq
refers to creating and giving measurement. Allah Al-Khaliq created the material and time present in the universe, gave matter its properties and set in motion its laws. He has total control over everything, manages all its affairs but is independent of all that He created. Allah alone, is the Creator and all the rest is “creation!” Human beings manipulate or reassemble— they don’t create.

An Example: The Chair

For example take the newest fashion model chair. It’s made of wood, some metal bits and fabric. The fabric, cotton, comes from plants, the metal from rocks and the wood from trees; all that people did is reassemble. Human beings manipulate that which already exists— we cannot and will never create anything!

The Product of Allah

Allah ‘azza wajal mentions in the Quran that He is ‘ahsaanul khaaliqeen’, the best of Creators. This is meant metaphorically— there are no other creators.
When we look at tawheed— our belief in the Oneness of Allah— we see two aspects: the unity of Allah and the unity of the creation. They are not mixed in any way. The creation is the product of Allah.


A Mind-blowing Argument

Most ayaat of the Quran are a reminder for those who believe in God, reminding them of Allah as Creator and how to praise Him and be thankful to Him. There are a few ayaat in which Allah presents the truth to atheists in an extremely powerful way. We should know these verses. They show us that belief in a Creator is logical.
You can find them in Surah At-Tur, ayah 35 and 36:

Or were they created by nothing, or were they the creators [of themselves]? Or did they create the heavens and the earth? Rather, they are not certain.  [Quran, 52:35-36]

The argument starts with Allah ‘azza wajal giving the atheists a first option. If they don’t believe in a creator then were they created from nothing? Nothing cannot produce something. So that’s the first option cancelled. Then Allah gives them a second option: Then, did you create yourself?  If you didn’t exist then you can’t do creating. Then Allah continues, did you create the heavens and the earth? Even if they claim ‘we created ourselves’ then did they create the vast heavens and earth? Indeed they are uncertain! Somebody had to create you. Then Allah leaves it there, with these 2 options, now you think yourself! That is the logic of belief in God.

How Can You Live by This Name?

1.      Strengthen your relationship with al-Khaaliq. If there is anything you desire, ask Him who creates everything. If you desire children ask only and only from Al-Khaaliq. There is no magic, evil eye, body chemistry, or any force on earth that can prevent what Allah Al-Khaaliq has destined to come into existence. Firawn tried his best to prevent Musa (alaihis salam) from coming into being and growing up to destroy his kingdom, but when Allah Al-Khaaliq decides to create something, none can thwart Him.

2. Don’t fear created things! When you take the fear of created things out of your heart, they will stop to have any influence over you. If you strengthen your relationship with Al-Khaaliq, He will suffice for your needs. Our problem is that we often try to please people, while angering Allah! For example when someone wants you to join in their conversation of  backbiting and to be ‘cool’ you do so, while you know this angers Allah.

3. Don’t call people “creator.”

In other languages, e.g., create in English, is also used in the senses of forming, producing, or making. However, referring to “creating”, we must not use it for people in the sense of making something existent from nothing.

4. Look at nature.

The sky, so beautiful and glorious, Allah al-Khaaliq said, then turn thy gaze again towards it. Don’t be content with just one look, look more times and see: Are thereanyflaws?

Pay Attention: A New Habit:


5. Make this dua when you look in the mirror!

According to a narration by `Ali ibn Abu Talib radiyallaahu ‘anhu, the Messenger of Allah salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam used to say the following whenever he looked in the mirror: Praise is due to Allah! Lord, just as You have made my form good, I implore You to make my manners, too, good.

Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem.
O Allah, Al-Khaaliq, lead us to unshakable belief in you as our Creator and never ascribe partners to you, guide us to please You, awaken us to reflect on the creation and make us of those who are good in form and good in manners, ameen!


99 Names of Allah - Asma ul Husna - And the Answer is . . . Al-Mutakabbir!



About the Meaning

Allah calls Himself Al-Mutakabbir— The Supreme, The Majestic— once in the Quran, in ayah 23 of Surah Al Hashr.  Al-Mutakabbir reveals His Greatness and power at every moment and in every incident!
Mutakabbir comes from the root kaf-baa-raa which points out to different meanings. The first main meaning is to be grea; to be great in size, rank or dignity. But also to be great in learning, most knowing. It as well points out to actively using rights, privileges, rank and attributes that are above and beyond the rights of everyone else. Only Allah is Al-Mutakabbir!
“Kibriya’” means greatness and sovereignty, and it encompasses the meanings of the perfection of one’s self and existence; nobody can be described as such except Allah. Allahu Akbar – Allah is the Greatest -  comes from the same root, as well as the Name of Allah, Al-Kabeer.
Al-Mutakabbir is the One Who possesses all greatness, who is above having any of the qualities of His creatures, who cannot be harmed by the oppressors among His creation, Whose greatness and pride are the supermost!

Allah Al-Mutakabbir Versus the ‘mutakabbir’ People

On many places in the Quran Allah ‘azza wajal describes people as ‘mutakabbireen’ (the arrogant). It refers to the fact they have arrogance in their hearts and actions towards Allah ‘azza wajal by disbelieving in His Signs. Further, they are arrogant to other people by looking down on them. Only Allaah is al-Mutakabbir, in a positive sense.

Allah is the Supreme to whom every oppressor,  tyrant or arrogant person on Earth must ultimately bow.

A lesson on how to battle pride!

What is the opposite of kibr (arrogance)? It is humility; the adornment of a believer.
Abu Hurayrah radiyallaahu ‘anhu narrated that the Prophet salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam: “…and no one will exercise humility for Allah’s sake, except that Allah will raise him up“. [Muslim]
Urwah ibn Zubair radiyallaahu ‘anhu said: ‘I saw Umar carrying a large leather water canteen on his shoulder. I said to him, ‘Oh Amir-ul-Mu’mineen, you shouldn’t be carrying that’. Umar replied by saying, ‘A delegation came to Medina and I saw their obedience to me, and some ‘nakwah’ entered into my heart and I wanted to destroy it’. We all know of the strong personality of Umar radiyallaahu ‘anhu  and  yet when a small amount of pride (nakwah) entered into his heart, he hurried in an attempt to destroy it before it destroyed him.

How Can You Live by This Name?

1. Be great by being humble!
The greatest strength that you can attain is to place your reliance in Allah ‘azza wajal and seek His support. The highest level of greatness you can attain is to show humility to your Lord. Allah al-Mutakabbir says in Surah Maidah ayah 54, which can be translated as:  “Oh you who believe, whoever of you should revert from his religion, Allah will bring forth a people He will love, and who will love Him, (who are) humble towards the believers, and powerful (I’zzah) against the disbelievers…

2. Respect others for the sake of Allah al-Mutakabbir

As a believers we should respect others, even though they may possess less knowledge, wealth, fame or status.  Some people even look down on people because they have a different skin colour! The Prophet salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Whoever possesses an atom’s weight of ‘kibr’ will not enter into the paradise “. Muslim

Abu Bakr radiyallaahu ‘anhu said: “Let not any Muslim belittle another Muslim, for the lowest of the Muslims is great in the Sight of Allah.

3. Remind yourself of al-Mutakabbir to battle arrogance

Allah ‘azza wajal is the Only True King and we are His Slaves. But He is also the Most Merciful to His Slaves. Let’s not forget this. It’s easy to fall into arrogance, thinking we ‘know’ better and transgressing the limits set by Allah al -Mutakabbir. So keep checking your heart for feelings of arrogance creeping in and deal with them straight away by reminding yourself of the Greatness of Allah.  Al-Hasan al-Basri said: “I wonder at the son of Adam! He uses his hand to wash himself from his waste once or twice a day, yet he seeks to compete with the All-Mighty?

4. Be humble to increase your knowledge

Abdullah ibn Mu’tazz radiyallahu ‘anhu said: ‘The humble student is the one who gets the most knowledge, just as the lowest places on earth collect the most water‘. So always be humble towards your teachers!

5. Ask al-Mutakabbir to protect you

Every day ask Allah al-Mutakabbir to save you from the evil of pride!
Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem.

O Allah, Al-Mutakabbir, guide our hearts and actions to humility, protect us from arrogance and looking down on others, and make us of those who are blessed to witnessYour Grandeur in Paradise, ameen!


99 Names of Allah - Asma ul Husna - And the Answer is . . . Al-Jabbaar!


About the Meaning

Allah calls Himself Al-Jabbaar— The Compeller, The Restorer— once in the Quran, in ayah 23 of Surah Al Hashr.  Whatever Al-Jabbaar wills will happen; however this Name also encompasses all the meanings of mercy, compassion and tenderness!
Jabbaar comes from the root jeem-baa-raa or jabr and is said to point out to three main meanings. The first is to compel and force someone to do something. The second meaning is that jabr stands for strong, great and tall. And the third meaning of jabr is to repair, to mend, to restore something. The word jabeerah is used for a splint, to help broken bones.
The Arabic word Al-Jabbaar has the structure of intensification. Jaabir means the one who compels or restores, Jabbaar means the Ultimate Compeller, The Complete Restorer.
Al-Jabbaar is the Compeller, whatever He wills is what happens. He is the One who is Exalted, High above His creation and He is the One who Reforms, the One who fixes the situation for His creation.  

Allah Al-Jabbaar Versus the ‘Jabbaar’ People

The word jabbaar occurs ten times in the Quran, but only once it is used for Allah ‘azza wajal. Nine times it refers to people, but in a negative sense. It refers to the fact they oppress others, are arrogant etc. ‘Jabr’ does not befit people, we are supposed to be ‘ebaad (slaves). Only Allaah is al-Jabbaar, in a positive sense.

The Mother of Musa ‘alayhi sallam

And the heart-sight of Musa’s mother became empty, (and) decidedly she indeed almost declared him, had We not braced her heart, that she might be of the believers. [Quran Surah Qasas, ayah 10]. Allah Al-Jabbaar mended her heart.
Most of us relate this Name to Allah al-Jabbaar punishing the tyrants and oppressors for their ‘dhulm’ (injustice). Unlike Allah’s name Al-Muntaqim (The Avenger), Allah’s name Al-Jabbar has two meanings: The Superb Comforter and The Superb Potentate.  He is comforting to the oppressed and firm with the unjust as He punishes them for their injustice.
Both Fir’awn and the mother of Musa ‘alayhi sallam will deal with Al-Jabbaar. He is the One Who solaces and comforts the oppressed and punishes the tyrants and arrogant! Yaa al-Jabbaar!

How Can You Live by This Name?
  • Seek refuge in the suberb comforter.
Al-Jabbaar has the same root as ‘Al-Jabeera’ which means the splint, used to set the broken bones. Similary Allah al-Jabbaar sets the broken hearts of those who turn to Him. For them He is the Suberb Comforter. So seek shelter in Him from all your distresses! Take this as a general rule in your life.
  • Be kind to the underprivileged.
Be compassionate and kind to the underprivileged so that you escape Allah’s avengement when they resort to the Superb Potentate. This Name has a special meaning for the heavy-hearted. Imagine when you face The Compeller on the Day of Judgement, where people are either oppressors or oppressed. Who will be more fearful?
  • Pay attention to the hearts of parents— don’t be jabbaar!
We are also jabbaar sometimes.  Jabbaar is not just a mighty tyrant ruler, it can be anyone who refuses to obey and harms or hurts other people and doesn’t listen to their authority. An example is not listening to your parents and hurting them by your words or actions. So our lesson is, don’t be jabbaar!
  • Mend someone’s heart so that Al-Jabbaar mends yours.
If you have oppressed someone, ask for their forgiveness. If you see someone suffering, try to talk to them and show them your care. Mend someone’s heart tomorrow so that Allah al-Jabbaar mends yours.
  • When you feel unable to reach your goals, ask Al-Jabbaar!
If you feel weak and think you cannot accomplish something and if youask Al-Jabbaar to fix your deficiencies. Ask Al-Jabbaar to transform your sins into good deeds and strive for the comfort of Al-Jabbaar.
Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem.

O Allah, Al-Jabbaar, mend our hearts, protect us from oppression and from being oppressive to others, and enable us to reach all our goals which are pleasing to You, ameen!