#asmaalhusna

Allah calls Himself Al-Hafeedh— The All-Preserver, The All-Heedful, The All-Protecting— on three occasions in the Quran. He is the One Who created and preserves the worlds and what they contain. Al-Hafeedh is heedful of all we do and He protects us from things we do not even realize, giving believers many opportunities to earn His special protection!

The Ultimate Preserver, Guardian, and Protector

Hafeedh and Haafidh come from the root haa-faa-dhaa, which points out to three main meanings. The first meaning is guarding, protecting, retaining and taking care of. The second main meaning of this root is to prevent from perishing or becoming lost and the third is to be watchful, mindful, attentive, and vigilant.

This root appears 44 times in the Quran in eight derived forms. Examples of these forms are haafidheen(“guardians”), mahfoodh (“guarded, protected”), and wahaafidh’naahaa (“and We have protected it”).

Linguistically, haafidh is used for someone who memorized the Quran. Al-Hafeedh is the Ultimate Preserver, Guardian and Protector of the whole creation.

Al-Hafeedh Himself says: “. . . and you will not harm Him at all. Indeed my Lord is, over all things, Guardian. [Quran 11:57] . . . We might make evident who believes in the Hereafter from who is thereof in doubt. And your Lord, over all things, is Guardian. [Quran 34:21]

Knowledge, preservation, and recompense

Allah ‘azza wajall negated forgetfulness on Himself; He will protect and guard knowledge and never forget it. Musa ‘alayhi sallam testified to this fact, saying: The knowledge thereof is with my Lord, in a Record. My Lord is neither unaware nor He forgets. [Quran 20:52]

We should know that haafidh is made of three aspects; first knowledge (‘ilm), then preservation (hifdh) and then recompense (hisaab). For example, removing a small piece of dirt from the floor so it wouldn’t make someone slip. Even though no one saw it, you need to be sure Allah knows about it, then you should be sure He will preserve it (hifdh) and finally you should be certain that Al-Hafeedh will recompense you for it.

This goes for anything anyone does for Allah’s Sake! Therefore there’s a relation between the beautiful names Al-‘Aleem (the All-Knowing), Al-Hafeedh (The All-Preserving) and Ash-Shakoor (The Appreciative).

How Can We Live By This Name?

1. Be motivated by Al-Hafeedh.

Al-Hafeedh is heedful of everything you do by His knowledge, He orders His angels to record everything you do. Even the smallest deeds, like coming to an Islamic lecture, sitting nicely, and making notes— Al-Hafeedh will preserve and appreciate it. When you know this you will really be a slave of Allah ‘azza wa jall and not of people.

2. Fear Al-Hafeedh.

He is also Al-Hafeedh when you do bad actions. Remember even with your “very small” wrong deed He sees, preserves, and will recompense you for it unless you repent. For example in prayer you need presence of the heart; khushoo means presence of the heart (hudoor al qalb) plus understanding (fahm).

Maybe in only one rukoo you remember Allah and the rest of the time your heart is distracted or heedless. Allah is hafeedh and He even knows you only remembered Him in rukoo’; then He will keep this remembrance in rukoo’ for you and will reward you according to this. Depending on whether your deed was good or bad al-Hafeedh will reward you or punish you, so this name gives you both hope (rajaa) and fear (al-khawf or khashiyah).

3. Remember people.

One of the sifaat ul mu’mineen – attributes of the believers— is being mindful and attentive to others. Maybe you met someone once and you lent her your pen and she remembers that so many years later, you would feel happy. The best example of this quality of remembering is the Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, who never forgot Khadeejah radiyallaahu ‘anha.

4. Memorize the Quran.

Work hard to be of those who preserve His Book, the Quran, by memorizing it. When memorizing His Book call upon Al-Hafeedh and ask Him to preserve and keep it in your mind.

5. Purify your heart.

For example you talk bad about someone just because you dislike them. Al-Hafeedh will never forget what you did; this knowledge will be preserved with Him and maybe after a period of time you will be put in the same situation where you are innocent and yet someone accuses you wrongly or says something untrue about you. When this happens it is for you to recall and repent for what you did to someone else. Al-Hafeedh is giving it as a test to nurture you because He has this knowledge preserved whereas maybe you forgot or saw it as insignificant.

6. Strive for the special protection of Al-Hafeedh.

Aboo Tayyib At-Tabaree , an early scholar, was about hundred years old and he was physically strong like the young man. Once after an exhausting journey, Aboo Tayyib At-Tabaree jumped off the boat on the land. People were amazed. He said: When I was a young man, I preserved these bodily limbs from the disobedience of Allah and Allah preserved them for me in my old age. [Ibn Rajab]

To receive the special protection of Al-Hafeedh in your religion and your worldy affairs, the Prophet said: Guard Allah (His commands) and He will guard and protect you. [Ahmad, At-Tirmidhee]

7. Be thankful to Al-Hafeedh.

Al-Hafeedh preserves your body in an amazing way; only imagine if your blood would freely flow into your brain. Be thankful to Al-Hafeedh for the way He preserves you and protects you in ways you don’t even realize.

8. Reflect on your environment and increase your awe for Al-Hafeedh.

Look around you and be amazed by the way Al-Hafeedh is able to preserve even the biggest creations. It is He Who preserved the sky from falling on us. We come up with ways by His leave to preserve even the food in fridges and by salt so we can use it longer, as well as the money in the bank. Allah is Al-Hafeedh and He guides humans for a means to even preserve food, health, and wealth.

9. Repent to Al-Hafeedh.

This name should shake you even more than the name Al-‘Aleem, because Al-Hafeedh not only implies that He knows everything, He even remembers the smallest things. You need the forgiveness of Al-Hafeedh, so another important impact of this name is that it will make you not delay but hasten to repent.

The poem explores the name Al-Muqeet, one of Allāh's names, featured in the book 'Calming Echoes.'💜

This book is available online through various reputable platforms and can also be purchased in print on demand within Bahrain.💜

From the book Calming Echoes, page 44. 🤍🕊️

Allah calls Himself Al-Mu’min— The Giver of tranquillity, The Source of faith— on one occasion in the Quran. He is the One who bestows the gifts of peace, security, and faith. Al-Mu’min removes fear, affirms His oneness, and is the Most Faithful!

The Bestower of Faith and Security, the Faithful

Mu’min comes from the root hamza-meem-noon, which points to four main meanings. The first main meaning is to be secure, safe, and free from fear, and the second is to be quiet and tranquil. The third main meaning is to grant protection and to safeguard, the fourth is to be trustworthy, and the fifth main meaning is to believe in.

This root appears 879 times in the Quran in 17 derived forms. Examples of these forms are amintum (“do you feel secure”), aamanoo (“believed”), al-amaanaati (“the trusts”), ameenun (“trustworthy”), al-imaani (“the faith”), and al-mu’mineena (“the believers”).

Linguistically mu’min points out to three concepts. One is emaan, which is to affirm something, and the opposite of it is to deny something. Al Mu’min is the One who affirms and believes His oneness. Allah Himself bears witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Him. [Quran, 3:18]

The other concept is that of aman, which means security, safety, and freedom from fear. The word amaanah (translated as “a trust”) comes from the same root. Al-Mu’min is the One who affirms and believes His oneness; He is the One who gives security and removes the opposite— which is fear— and is the best keeper of amaanaat, the One who is most faithful.

Al-Mu’min Himself says: He is Allah , other than whom there is no deity, the Sovereign, the Pure, The Perfection, the Bestower of Faith. [Quran, 59:23]

Who receives the aman of Allah?

The ones who have emaan— belief in Allah ‘azza wa jall— and who act accordingly are the ones who will receive Allah’s aman (security) in this world and the Hereafter. In this world they will experience a sense of serenity and peace of heart during hardship as well as during the terror of the Last Day.

Those who are steadfast (istaqaamah) will have aman in this world, at death, in the grave and on the Day of Judgement. Al-Mu’min says: Indeed, those who say: ‘Our Lord is Allah,’ and then they remain firm (upon that statement), on them the angels will descend (saying): ‘Fear not, nor grieve! But receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised!’ [Quran, 41:30]

How can you live by this name?

1. Believe in Allah and His messengers.

Have emaan, which is your belief in Allah combined with action in following His commands and staying away from His prohibitions, and you will receive His aman (security) in this world and the next. Whoever brings a good deed will have better than it (ie, a better reward) and they will be, on that day, at peace during the terror. [Quran, 27:89] So read the Quran often, give sadaqah, and focus on your prayers so Al-Mu’min will give you safety on the Day of Judgement.

2. Believe in the promises of Al-Mu’min.

The people of Paradise will say: All praise and thanks is only for Allah, the One who fulfilled His promise to us. [Quran, 39:74] Believe that the promise of Al-Mu’min will always come true. For example His promise is that sadaqah will not decrease wealth, so trust in this fact and fulfil your promises to your best ability.

3. Ask Al-Mu’min for aman in difficult situations.

Al-Mu’min is the only source of aman so ask Him only to grant you safety, as the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said to Abu Bakr radiyallahu ‘anhu: Be not afraid, surely Allah is with us. [Quran, 9:40] No matter how hard the situation, have emaan and ask Al-Mu’min to give you aman– peace and security— in your heart.

4. Take care of trusts.

The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: The believer is one from whose tongue and hand the believers are safe and: The believer is one in whom the people would entrust their blood and wealth. [At-Tirmidhee] An example is to make sure you don’t harm others by your tongue through backbiting.

The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was called al-ameen, the trustworthy one, strive to be known for your trustworthiness. Return amaanaat (trusts) safely, such as borrowed items or even by keeping secrets entrusted to you. Umar ibn al-Khattab radiyallahu ‘anhu said: If your brother mentions something to you in private, then walks away, it is an amaanah (trust) even if he didn’t instruct you not to inform anyone. [Ibn Muflih’s Adaab Ash-Sharee’ah]

Your body is also an amaanah given to you by Allah ‘azza wa jall, so make an effort to use it in the right way.

5. Be thankful for your safety.

Reflect on the blessing of security and safety. Let them worship the Lord of this House, Who has fed them, [saving them] from hunger and made them safe, [saving them] from fear. [Quran 106:3-4] If Al-Mu’min gave you a safe place to live and work, show your thankfulness; many are not in this position and teach children to recognize this favour upon them.

6. Ask Al-Mu’min.

Ask Al-Mu’min to bless you with emaan until your last breath and to adorn you with the characteristics of the mu’minoon (believers) as mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah and in turn study these features so you can work on adopting them. When you are scared turn to Al-Mu’min for safety. When your emaan is low ask Him to strengthen it. The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam taught this supplication (part of the full supplication mentioned in the morning and evening remembrance: Allahumma-stur ‘awraatee wa aamin raw’aatee. O Allah, veil my weaknesses and set at ease my dismay (grant me aman. [Ibn Maajah, Abu Dawud]

Allah calls Himself Al-Mawlaa— The Master, The Protector— on 11 occasions in the Quran. Al-Mawlaa is the only one who is truly in control and who provides the most perfect support in each situation. He is the one who is near to us, as both our patron and ally, He is our ultimate back-up and His help is the only we seek!

 The Master, the Patron, the Benefactor and Helper 

Mawlaa comes from the root waaw-laam-yaa, which points  to four main meanings. The first main meaning is to be near and to be a friend and supporter. The second is to defend and guard (in a loving way) and the third main meaning is to turn towards something. The fourth main meaning is to be master and lord.

This root appears 232 times in the Quran in 12 derived forms. Examples of these forms are tawallaw (“they turn away”), awlaa (“is nearer or woe”), al-waliy (“the ally”) and awliyaa (“allies”).

Linguistically, mawlaa comes from the same root as waliy and is a ‘noun of place’ (ism al-makaan). Both have the root  wilaya which is the opposite of enmity (adawaa).

A waliy is someone who is willing to help, protect and support you whereas a mawlaa is more than a waliy; it is someone who has the ability to protect you and does so. Allah is Al-Waliy, the Ally, the Guardian and He is Al-Mawlaa, the Master and Protector.  He is the One infiniteProtector, He aloneis the best to protect and help.

Al-Mawlaa Himself says:… That is because Allah is the protector of those who have believed and because the disbelievers have no protector [Quran, 47:11] and …But if you cooperate against him – then indeed Allah is his protector, and Gabriel and the righteous of the believers and the angels, moreover, are [his] assistants [Quran, 66:4]

A beautiful phrase in the Quran

Allah ‘azza wa jall mentions a beautiful phrase of dhikr in the Quran:

But if they turn away – then know that Allah is your protector. Excellent is the protector, and excellent is the helper [Quran, 8:40] This phrase: ni’mal Mawlaa wa ni’mal Naseer – refers to the fact that Allah is the excellent Protector and excellent Helper. The same wordings are used in another ayah:  He is your protector; and excellent is the protector, and excellent is the helper [Quran, 22:78]

Even though mentioned separately in the Quran, there’s another popular statement closely related in meaning: hasbunAllahu wa ni’mal Wakeel (Allah is sufficient for us and excellent Disposer of affairs). These two beautiful remembrances are often said together: Hasbunallahu wa ni’mal Wakeel, ni’mal maula wa ni’mal Naseer and combine a beautiful and powerful meaning.

Ni’ma means ‘what a perfect, what a wonderful, truly, and excellent…..!’. And what an excellent Trustee (Wakeel), what a perfect Master and Protector (Mawlaa) and what a wonderful Supporter and Defender (Naseer) Allah ‘azza wa jall is!

How Can You Live By This Name?

1. Call upon Al-Mawlaa and strive in His path. In both occasions Allah ‘azza wa jall mentions the statement: ni’mal Mawlaa wa ni’mal Naseer, it is preceded by the command to strive in the path of Allah and Islam.

So if you struggle with your soul, wealth and person in the way of Allah with all your might, know that Al-Mawlaa will help you and protect you in the most perfect way. Use this powerful dhikr in your daily life and reflect upon its meaning!

2. Strive to be of the awliyaa.

Allah has mentioned the signs by which His close friends or awliya’ may be known. They are: faith (eemaan) and piety (taqwa). Allah says: No doubt! Verily, the awliyaa’ of Allah, no fear shall come upon them nor shall they grieve. Those who believed, and used to fear Allah much [Quran, 10:62-63] Whoever is a believer and is pious is a close friend of Allah, and whoever is not like that is not a close friend of Allah. If he has some faith and piety then he is a friend of Allah to some extent.  Nevertheless we cannot be certain about a specific person, but we say in general that everyone who believes and is pious is a friend of Allah (wali) [Fataawa Muhimmah, p. 83, 84]  So strive to be of the close friends of Al-Mawlaa by fulfilling your obligatory acts of worship and supplementing them by many voluntary acts and good deeds!

3. Know that faith is thicker than blood. In the context of your relationship with the Prophet Ibraheem ‘alayhi sallam Allah ‘azza wa jall uses the word awlaa (أَوْلَى) in the Quran: Surely the people who have the best claim to a relationship (awlaa) with Ibraheem are those who followed him in the past, and presently this Prophet (Muhammad) and those who believe in him; Allah is the Guardian (Waliy) of the believers [Quran,  3: 68] Awlaa comes from the same root as mawlaa and means to be more entitled and worthier. What you can learn from this ayah is to actively study the lessons from the story of Ibraheem ‘alayhi sallam, subsequently increase your love for him and strengthen your Muslim identity over any other identities. Let it  motivate you to follow the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam first and foremost above cultural practises!

4. Be helpful. Be supportive and helpful to others and instead of being passive, actively look for the weak in your community and stand up for their rights. Out of love and fear for Al-Mawlaa fulfil your duty in the ummah to the best of your ability as the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: Allah will aid a servant (of His) so long as the servant aids his brother. [Muslim]

5. Do dhikr with this name.

Every night before you go to sleep, recite the last ayaat of surah Al-Baqarah [Quran, 285 – 286] in which Allah’s Beautiful Name Al-Mawlaa is mentioned:

‎أَنْتَمَوْلَانَافَانْصُرْنَاعَلَىالْقَوْمِالْكَافِرِين

… You are our Protector, and help us against the disbelieving people [Quran, 2:286] The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: Whoever recites the last two verses of surah Al-Baqarah at night, those two verses shall be sufficient for him [Al-Bukhaaree, Muslim]

Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem

Allah calls Himself Al-Barr—The Source of Goodness, the kind Benefactor— on one occasion in the Quran. He is the one is the most kind and courteous, the one who is gentle with His servants. Al-Barr is the source of all kindness and goodness, doing good to creation through all His blessings and favours!

The Kind and Gracious Benefactor, The Righteous

Barr comes from the root baa-raa-raa, which points to five main meanings. The first main meaning is to be devoted and gentle and the second is to be just, proper and honest. The third main meaning is to be have regard for someone’s circumstances and the fourth is to bestow bountiful gifts and be ample. The fifth main meaning is to do good and be righteous.

This root appears 32 times in the Quran in three derived forms.  Examples of these forms are al-birra (the righteousness), al-abraari (the righteous)  and al-barr (the land).

Linguistically, al-Birr is a unique word that entails all acts of righteousness and good conduct [Ibn ‘Hajar Al-Haytami] Al-Barr is the source of all righteousness, the One from whom every good deed comes. Al-Barr is  the One who does not stop His ihsaan because of the sins and disobedience of His slaves [Imam al-Qurtubi] He is the One who is kind to the wrongdoers, pardons transgression, forgives the sinner, turns to the one who repents to Him, accepts the plea of those who ask Him. He has turned to His slaves with praiseworthy actions and good expectations, while He is the most deserving of them [Ar-Raazi]!

Al-Barr Himself says: Indeed, we used to supplicate Him before. Indeed, it is He who is the Beneficent, the Merciful. [Quran, 52:28]

Al-Birr versus al-‘ithm

In the sunnah we find a beautiful explanation of what al-birr is and it’s opposite: al-‘ithm. A man came asking the Messenger of Allah salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam about righteousness  and sin. So the Prophet said: Righteousness (al-birr) is good behaviour, and sin (al-‘ithm) is what fluctuates in your chest, and you would hate that the people discovered it about you [At-Tirmidhee]

How Can You Live by This Name?

Allah ‘azza wa jall explains beautifully the definition of al-birr in one ayah in the Quran. This ayah is a list of characteristics for the true believer to live by[Quran 2:177]:

1. Take care of your emaan.

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets.. [Quran, 2:177] The first thing is to have faith and believe in Allah Al-Barr, in the Day He will recompense you according to your good and bad deeds and in the Angels He sends of which some to write down your actions of righteousness and sin. Al-Barr revealed His message to mankind through His books and the prophets, in order to guide you on the path of al-Birr! Make sure you study the arkaan ul emaan (the pillars of faith).

2. Spend on charity.

. . . and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves . . .  [Quran, 2:177] Straight after emaan Al-Birr mentions spending your money on family and those in need for it. Money sometimes gets dearer to us than anything else, Al-Barr reminds you that spending in His cause is the way to gain al-birr!

3. Purify yourself to prayer and zakah.

. . . [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah . . . [Quran, 2:177] Let your prayer purify you spiritually by learning the meanings of what you say and concentrating on your salah, taking every moment to ask Al-Barr for goodness and righteousness. Give zakah to purify your wealth!

4. Keep your promises and speak and act upon the truth.

. . .  [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise . . .[Quran, 2:177] Keep your promises, no matter how big or small, even if it’s a promise to your sibling to help with homework or promising a sweet to your child. The prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam also said, Truthfulness leads to Al-Birr and Al-Birr leads to Paradise. And a man keeps on telling the truth until he becomes a Siddiq (truthful person). Falsehood leads to Al-Fujur (i.e., wickedness, evil-doing, etc.), and Al-Fujur leads to the (Hell) Fire, and a man keeps on telling lies till he is written as a liar before Allah [Al-Bukharee] Don’t accept any lies from yourself,  not even “white lies” or lying while joking!

5. Have sabr.

. . .  and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous [Quran, 2:177] Practising patience in hard times is your best training to cultivate al-birr. Next time you go through a test, tell yourself: it’s all part of a bigger plan. Your vehicle is sabr, on the road of al-birr, leading you to Jannah in shaa Allah!

6. Treat your parents and children well.

Ibn ‘Umar said: Allah has called them the ‘dutiful’ (al-Abrar) because they are dutiful (birr) to their parents and children. Just as you have a duty which you owe your parent, so you have a duty which you owe your child. [Al-Bukharee] Make an effort to be a good child to your parents and a good parent to your child!

7. Don’t be hasty.

On the day of `Arafat, the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam heard a great hue and cry and the beating of camels behind him. So he beckoned to the people with his lash, “O people! Be quiet. Hastening is not a sign of righteousness. [Al-Bukharee] Try to do your daily life activities in a modest manner, for example don’t walk loudly and hasty on the street in a way you are causing others inconvenience!

8. Ask Al-Barr.

Ask Al-Barr to guide you to al-birr. A supplication of  the sunnah asking for al-birr, is the dua for travelling; make sure you apply it each time you travel!*