His favours to us, without asking for anything in return which may benefit Him.
From Sūrah al-Fātiḥah 1: 1
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THE TRUE KING
ALLAH alone is the true King and we, being His subjects, are obliged to abide by His commands. This alone may prove our loyalty to Him. There have been kings in the world. But it is common knowledge that even great kings rule for a brief period of time and over a small part of the world. Allah’s Kingship is total and encompasses all that is in the universe.
From Sūrah Ṭā Hā 20: 114
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THE HOLY
THE divine name brings out Allah’s perfection as He is free from any blemish. Being the servants of the Holiest One, we should try our best to cleanse ourselves by doing good, and keeping away from sin and evil. This may help us attain righteousness to a degree. The Prophet Muḥammad’s fondness for this divine name is reflected in this prayer formula which he used to recite after witr (odd numbered) Prayer:
Glory be to the King, the Holy! Glory be to the King, the Holy! Glory be to the King, the Holy! Blessed be the Holy One, the Lord of angels and the spirit.
(Muslim, Kitāb al-Salāh)
From Sūrah al-Ḥashir 59: 23
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THE ALL PEACE
Allah is the source of all peace and security. Moreover, He loves peace and order. This is evident from the Islamic norm of salutation: “Assalāmu ‘Alaykum” (peace be on you). The Prophet Muḥammad’s devotion to this divine name figures in this supplication which he used to recite at the conclusion of every Prayer:
O Lord! You are All Peace and all peace is only from You. Blessed be You, full of majesty and splendour.
(Abū Dāwūd, Bāb al-Duʿā’)
From Sūrah al-Ḥashr 59: 23
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THE ONE WHO GIVES SECURITY
BY bestowing faith upon us and by showing the way leading to Him, Allah provides our souls with security and inner peace. This saves us from stumbling into the darkness of superstition, disbelief and unbelief. As thanksgiving for this immense favour we should strengthen our faith which will accrue to us peace and security. Moreover, we should lead life in a way which is characterized by peace and tranquility. The remembrance of His excellent name is in our own interest, in that it keeps our inner being and our social fabric intact and safe against disorder and chaos.
From Sūrah al-Ḥashr 59: 23
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THE OVERSEER
IT goes without saying that we exist and survive because of Allah’s care and protection. Again, it is He Who has granted us safety and security. Being the perfect Overseer, He will recompense everyone in the Afterlife with complete justice.
From Sūrah al-Ḥashr 59: 23
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THE MOST MIGHTY
NOT only is Allah Most Mighty, He also exercises His unchallenged power with utmost kindness, justice and forgiveness. Those of us whom Allah has blessed with some authority should strive to imbue the above traits. Moreover, since Allah alone enjoys all power and might, we must turn only to Him for all help. Only He can rescue man and meet all of his needs, in that He enjoys absolute power and can execute all that He wills.
From Sūrah al-Baqarah 2: 129
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THE OVERPOWERING
ALLAH, the Overpowering One, salvages us in our crisis and comforts and consoles us in our loss and sorrow. Moreover, it is He Who enables us to see and follow the straight way which will accrue success to us in this world and the next. In recognition of the truth embodied in this divine name, the Prophet (peace be upon him) recited this supplication:
Glory be to Allah Who owns all kingdom, dominion, glory, greatness and splendour.
(Al-Ṭabarānī, al-Muʿjam)
From Sūrah al-Ḥashr 59: 23
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ALL GREAT
ALLAH is All Great, for He excels over all and transcends everything. In view of His greatness, which is manifest around us, we must surrender ourselves wholly to Him and lead our lives marked by modesty and humility. We should realize our total subservience to Him and treat all of His creatures with love and affection.
From Sūrah al-Ḥashr 59: 23
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