Episode 10: Al-Khaleq (The Creator)
In the name of Allah (God), The All-Merciful, The Ever-Merciful. All Prayers and Blessings of Allah be upon our master, the most noble Prophet Muhammad (SAWS).
Today we shall live with one of the most beautiful names of Allah which we have all known ever since we were children, but do we feel it! The Creator is The Creator of everything.
Definition of creation: bringing into being from non-existence. The great blessing is that of bringing into being, yet what is the purpose of my existence? I have to achieve this purpose.
Introduction
There are two kinds of knowledge:
1- Admitting the existence of Allah as a Creator, and this is common among all people. Allah says what can be translated as, "And indeed in case you ask them, “Who created the heavens and the earth?” indeed they will definitely say, “Allah.”".
2- The knowledge of love, timidity, slavery and carrying out the mission for which He created you.
All people know The Superbly Relenting, The Superb Provider and know how to live with them. However, when it comes to the Name, The Creator, no one knows how to live with this name, although it is the basis of everything. Without it, we would not have existed. Allah says what can be translated as, "Allah is The Creator of everything; and He is The Ever-Trusted Trustee over everything.". Everything in this world is created by Him.
There are three Names of Allah; The Creator, The Initiator and The Supreme Fashioner. Those three names are correlative because they express creation.
The Creator: to bring into being from non-existence.
The Initiator: to make every created being prepared for the purpose for which it was created through the elements of creation.
The Supreme Fashioner: giving the final figure of each being.
Our aim in this episode can be summed up in four points. Living with The Creator leads to love which leads to humbleness which in its turn leads you to say, "O my Creator, I will carry out Your orders. You are The Initiator. You made me ready for my mission and gave me the tools.”
How to live with The Creator
Let us live with the early minutes of creation. Allah was alone, because He is The Creator of everything. Allah says what can be translated as, "Has there come upon man a while of (an) era when he was not a thing to be remembered?" . He started the universe with one blow and will end it with one blow. Thus, He is the one who begins creation and brings it back again. He first created the pen and ordered it to write all what will happen until The Day of Judgment. He consequently created the heavens and earth in six days. It was not created overnight; it was created in six days to show us in an analogous manner that change does not happen overnight. The change that happened was the creation of the heavens and earth and changes in our lives require patience. He then created angels out of light because their mission is to convey the message. Following this, He created jinn out of fire and created all the other beings. He created all this and prepared earth to receive Adam. Therefore how dare you not love Him and prostrate before Him!
Stages of the creation of Adam
Adam was first created from sand. This is why human nature and features have much in common with the nature and features of earth; black and white, soft and rigid, etc. Being created from sand, one must realize that one is so fragile and weak but at the same time very precious. Then sand was mixed with water to form mud. It is noteworthy that water and sand are the purest materials to emphasize the sublime creation of man. We perform ablution by water and tayamum by sand. Mud was left to dry out and become intact to remind us that strong will and determination are inherent traits in our nature. Allah says what can be translated as, “And as your Lord said to the Angels, “Surely I am creating a mortal of dry clay of mud modeled. So, when I have molded him and breathed into him of My Spirit, fall down to him prostrating!” . Then the mud became like clay and in turn as a hollow clay statue. Allah gave the statue the spirit causing life to run through its body. Allah says what can be translated as, “Remember as your Lord said to the Angels, “Surely I am creating a mortal of a clay. So when I have molded him and breathed into him of My Spirit, then fall down to him prostrating!” . The spirit was bestowed from Allah to hail man as a very precious creature to Allah. Spirit is the most important feature in any living thing not just in man. This explains why man was blessed by the spirit of Allah. Allah says what can be translated as, “… The Spirit is of the Command of my Lord; and in no way have you been brought of knowledge except a little.” TMQ (17:85). Man was created by the hands of Allah, “…what I created with My Hands?...” TMQ (38:75)
Contemplations on Allah's miraculous creation
Allah created Adam from neither male nor female. Hawa' “Eve” was created from male only. Isa (AS) “Jesus” was created from female only and the rest of humanity from both males and females. Each night when we sleep our spirits go back to Allah, its Creator. It then returns back to us when we wake up so that we are always reminded about the miraculous aspect of our being. The fetal development inside the woman's womb is no less a miracle. Allah says what can be translated as, “So, have you then seen what you ejaculate? Is it you who create it, or even are We the Creators?” . He also says what can be translated as, “Slain be man! How disbelieving he is! Of whichever thing did He create him? Of a sperm drop He created him; so He determined him. Thereafter the way He eased for him. Thereafter He makes him to die…” . Allah also says what can be translated as, “And He is The One Who created of water a mortal; so He has made him related by blood and marriage; and your Lord has been Ever-Determiner.”
Comparing Allah's absolute creativity to man's limited creativity
Allah's creation is a masterpiece that reaches perfection. Allah says what can be translated as, “Supremely Blessed is He in Whose Hand is the Kingdom, and He is Ever-Determiner over everything. Who created death and life to try you, whichever of you is fairest in deeds; and He is The Ever-Mighty, The Ever-Forgiving. Who created seven heavens as strata (i.e., layers, one above the other). In no way can you see in the creation of The All-Merciful any disparity; so return your gaze; (Literally: “your” beholding) do you see any rent? Thereafter return the gaze, again and again, (Literally: recurring twice) the gaze turns over to you spurned, and it (becomes) regretfully most weary.”
Other creations originally root back to that of Allah and continuously need improvement. Even modern inventions stem from Allah's creations. The camera is an imitation of the eye. The computer is an imitation of the memory etc. Allah's creation is infinite, facial features, fingerprints, voices, colours, shapes, etc. On the other hand, if a painter wants to paint portraits for people out of his own mind his product would be very limited. Man's production is limited also in terms of time and place whereas Allah's creation is absolute. The repetition of creation is an evidence of incomparable creativity. Trees and flowers that die in winter are resurrected by Allah in spring exactly in the same way which is impossible in terms of human creation.
Privileges of man over other creatures
Man was given hands and legs to perform his role on earth. Allah says what can be translated as, “And (remember) as your Lord said to the Angels, “Surely I am making in the earth a successor.”…” . All creatures have been made to serve man's needs. Man is the only creature who understands the surrounding universe.
Our role
Love our Creator and be a loyal servant to Him in every step in life.
Perform our role in life.
Contemplate the greatness of our Maker.
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The word Allah is the Arabic term for God. Although the use of the word "Allah" is most often associated with Islam, it is not used exclusively by Muslims; Arab Christians and Arabic-speaking Jews also use it to refer to the One God. The Arabic word expresses the unique characteristics of the One God more precisely than the English term. Whereas the word "Allah" has no plural form in Arabic, the English form does, and the word 'Allah' in Arabic has no connotation of gender. Allah is the God worshipped by all Prophets, from Adam to Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad.
Salla Allah alayhe Wa Salam
TMQ=Translation of the Meaning of the Qur'an. This translation is for the realized meaning, so far, of the stated (Surah:Ayah) of the Qur'an. Reading the translated meaning of the Qur'an can never replace reading it in Arabic, the language in which it was revealed.
jinn = invisible being of fire
tayamum = dry ablution through the use of sand that is performed when water is unavailable
زملكاويه
•
زملكاويه
•
Episode 11: Ar-rahman Ar-Raheem
(The All-Merciful, The Ever-Merciful)
In the name of Allah, The All-Merciful, The Ever-Merciful. All Prayers and Blessings of Allah be upon our master, the most noble Prophet Muhammad (SAWS).
By the end of the first third of Ramadan, are you pleased with your performance thus far? How close were you to Allah (SWT)? Ramadan comes but once a year and no one knows if he/she will live to see next Ramadan, therefore do your best in everything from prayer to supplication to helping others to giving in charity.
Today’s name is related to yesterday's episode The Creator. This name is one of the characteristics of Allah (SWT) with His creation from the beginning of creation to its end. It is the name of Allah "The All Merciful, The Ever Merciful". All the creatures bear witness to this name and to its beautiful meaning. Therefore, the aim of today's episode is to rejoice at the mercy of Allah, The All Merciful, The Ever Merciful.
Allah says what can be translated as, "Say, "By the Grace of Allah, and by His mercy; so with that let them exult; it is more charitable (i.e., better) than whatever they (heap) together. (Literally: whatever they gather)." (TMQ, 10:59).
We will cover six main points:
1- The meaning of the name "The All Merciful, The Ever Merciful"
2- How to sense this name and feel rejoiced.
3- The effect of this name on the universe.
4- Calamities and Ibtila'at (trials).
5- Special mercies of this name.
6- How to live with this name.
The difference between Allah's names Ar-rahman (The All Merciful) and Ar-raheem (The Ever Merciful).
Ar-rahmah (Mercy) is defined as a compassion that implicates a favor bestowed upon creatures so as to make them happy. As for the difference between the two names, it has been subject to ample discussions by Moslem scholars, but it can be simplified as follows: Ar-rahman (The All Merciful) is when Allah (SWT) bestows His mercy upon all the creatures in this universe. Allah says what can be translated as "Say, "Who will take good care of you by night and in the daytime from The All-Merciful?" No indeed, (but) from the Remembrance of their Lord they are veering away." (TMQ, 21:42). However, Ar-raheem (The Ever Merciful) is when Allah (SWT) bestows His special mercy upon the believers only. For example, eating and drinking is a general mercy, while worshiping Allah in Ramadan is a special one.
How to rejoice at the name of Allah The All-Merciful, The Ever Merciful
This joy is sensed throughout the universe. Allah's mercy is manifested in all creatures from the beginning of creation. When Adam (AS) was created, the first thing he did was sneezing. The angels immediately asked him to say: "All praise be to Allah". Then Allah (SWT) said to him: "May my mercy be upon you". In the same way, he very beginning of the ever-glorious Qur'an reads what can be translated as, "In the name of Allah, The All Merciful, The Ever Merciful". (TMQ, 1:1 )
The Prophet (SAWS) says that Allah created 100 units of mercy on the day He created the heavens and earth, each of these units can contain all that is between the heaven and earth. Out of these units one mercy is used by His creation for mutual love and affection. On the Day of Judgment, Allah (SWT) will complete and perfect His mercy by adding this one mercy to the remaining ninety nine mercies and bestow them upon the believers. The Prophet (SAWS) confessed that he will enter Paradise, not by his deeds, but by Allah's mercy on him.
Therefore, mercy exists side by side with creation from the beginning of time till the Day of Judgment. Throughout our lives we are subjected to various ordeals, which are in a way mercies even death.
The effects of Allah's mercy on the universe
The Prophet (SAWS) says that Allah is much more merciful to His creatures than a compassionate mother is to her child. This comparison shows us that Allah's mercy has an effect on relationships between mankind, especially motherhood. Allah (SWT) to brought mercy into the relationships between the parents and their children as well as within one's extended family.
Another example of Allah's mercy in the universe is that He specified an exact time for day and an other one for night. This mercy of Allah we feel at night fall, when we are to rest and at dawn, when we are to start a new day. This change takes place smoothly to make us sense the mercy of Allah upon us.
Another of Allah's mercy upon us is the basic elements we need for life, which are beyond the control of humans, such as rain. No one can live without water and Allah is the only one who can order the sky to rain, even if some tries to build dams you find water in wells or on mountain tops in the shape of ice. The other blessing is air. No one can live without it yet no one can control it or deny it to someone. Allah says what can be translated as "Allah is He Who sends the winds. So they stir up clouds, then He outspreads them in the heaven how He decides and makes them into lumps. Then you see rain-drops coming (Literally: going out) out of the midst of them. So when He makes it alight on whomever of His bondmen He decides; only then they are glad at the tidings. And decidedly before that, before it was sent down on them, they had been indeed dumbfounded. So look into the tracks of the mercy of Allah, how He gives life to the earth after its death; surely He (Literally: That) is indeed the Life-Giver of the dead, and He is Ever-Determiner over everything." (TMQ, 30:48-50).
A further mercy from Allah is that He made rain sweet instead of salty, Allah says what can be translated as "Have you then seen the water you drink? Is it you who have sent it down from the rainy clouds or are We, Ever We, The Senders down? If We had (so) decided, We would have made it bitter; so had you only thanked (Us)!" (TMQ, 56:68till70). And yet another mercy from Allah (SWT) appears in what can be translated as "Say, “Have you seen (that) in case your water becomes in the morning deep-sunken, (i.e., in the earth) then who would come up to you with (i.e., bring) profuse water?”" (TMQ, 67:30). Water has the characteristics in that it remains on the surface of the earth and does not sink into earth. Isn't this from the mercy of Allah?
Allah's mercy is reflected on all the social relations that surround us. He (SWT) planted the seed of love in the hearts of parents and created that special bond between the different members of a family. Even the womb in the Arabic language is named rahem , meaning mercy. You find Allah talking about this in the Hadith Qudsy mentioning that kinship ties are so important that if you uphold them then you would be maintaining your tie with Allah (SWT) and vise versa.
No matter how many sins you commit He is still the All-Merciful, the Ever-Merciful. He created each couple and planted the seed of mercy between them. Allah says what can be translated as " And of His signs is that He created for you, of yourselves, spouses, that you (may) find rest in them, and he has made between you amity and mercy. Surely in that are indeed signs for a people who meditate." (TMQ, 30:21).
His mercy is also evident in sending the Prophet (SAWS). Allah says what can be translated as "And in no way have We sent you except as a mercy to the worlds." (TMQ, 21:107). Or when He says what can be translated as "So it was by (some) mercy from Allah that you have been lenient with them; and if you had been stern (and) harsh of heart, they would indeed have broken away from round about you. So be clement towards them, and ask forgiveness for them, and take counsel of them in the command. Yet when you are resolved, then put your trust in Allah; surely Allah loves the (ones) trusting (in Him)." (TMQ, 03:159).
Allah is the main source of mercy, whoever draws near to Allah will be blessed by having his heart filled with mercy. Allah (SWT) is the source of mercy and the Prophet was the closest to Him followed by Abu Bakr as said by the Prophet (SAWS).
I will show you a short film about the mercy of Allah among His creation.
The reason behind all the dilemmas and hardships we face in life
Let me start first by mentioning a few points. Allah says what can be translated as "No indeed, (but) you prefer the present life, (Literally: the lowly life, i.e., the life of this world). And the Hereafter is more charitable (i.e., better) and more enduring." (TMQ, 87:16&17). Allah wants you to be happy and eventually end up in jannah (paradise) that is why you need to be taught that the present worldly life will not last forever and that you need to remind yourself of the reward in the end, which will be the jannah. It is just like what our Prophet (SAWS) told us, describing the present life as being a prison to the believer, yet jannah to the disbeliever.
While we were in our mother's wombs we were happy although it was a very small place similar to a prison, but we knew nothing else so we were happy with it and when we come out to life we become unhappy, but then found out that it is a better and larger place. Nevertheless it is still a limited space compared with what Allah has created for us in the jannah.
Allah says what can be translated as "And We will indeed let them definitely taste of the lowlier torment, (i.e., Punishment in this life) lesser (Or: other than) than the greater, that possibly they would return." (TMQ, 32:21). That is why you are sometimes faced with hardships, Allah wants to reform you and put you on the right path to reward you with the jannah.
Death is also a mercy from Allah. All through our present life we are constantly being tested, as if in an exam. But when we die we can relax and wait for the final result to come out, which will eventually be the jannah if Allah wills it.
The Prophet (SAWS) says that at the time of death of any true believer the angels are present and the deceased person can see them, this is also a mercy from Allah (SWT) as he wants to reassure you before you enter an unknown world. The angel of death will sit by your head and read Allah's words, what can be translated as " O you self (that is) composed, Return to your Lord satisfied with Supreme Satisfaction! So enter among My bondmen! And enter My Garden! "(TMQ, 89:27till30). Surely you will be happy when you hear this. Your soul will then immediately be lifted by the angels in a huge parade to Allah, where it says in the Qur'an what can be translated as "And what makes you realize what Illiyeen is?" (TMQ, 83:19). All this occurs before you enter your grave, as a way of assurance. In your grave you will have your good deeds manifested as a very hansom man who will accompany you till the Day of Judgment and all that time you can see your place in jannah and what is waiting for you. He is the Merciful.
Special blessings and mercy during the month of Ramadan
Allah loves his servants that is why he grants us special blessings like this month. Other blessings during this month could be to shed a tear or to perform a prayer of two raka’a (one unit of Islamic prayer) during the night. These are just examples of those special blessings that He has bestowed upon us. If others are rejoicing the present life, then you better rejoice having Allah The All-Merciful, The Ever-Merciful.
Our duty towards this name
Have mercy on others such as the poor, the needy, your wife, your family any person.
Pray two raka'at with your wife during the night.
Strengthen your kinship ties.
Be dutiful to your parents
Read the Qur'an and pray the qiyam (voluntary night prayer).
Just rejoice that Allah is The All-Merciful, The Ever-Merciful. Allah says what can be translated as "Say, “Have you seen (that) in case your water becomes in the morning deep-sunken, (i.e., in the earth) then who would come up to you with (i.e., bring) profuse water?”" (TMQ, 10:58).
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The word Allah is the Arabic term for God. Although the use of the word "Allah" is most often associated with Islam, it is not used exclusively by Muslims; Arab Christians and Arabic-speaking Jews also use it to refer to the One God. The Arabic word expresses the unique characteristics of the One God more precisely than the English term. Whereas the word "Allah" has no plural form in Arabic, the English form does. Allah is the God worshipped by all Prophets, from Adam to Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad
Salla Allah alayhe Wa Salam
SWT = Suhanahu wa Ta'ala .
(The All-Merciful, The Ever-Merciful)
In the name of Allah, The All-Merciful, The Ever-Merciful. All Prayers and Blessings of Allah be upon our master, the most noble Prophet Muhammad (SAWS).
By the end of the first third of Ramadan, are you pleased with your performance thus far? How close were you to Allah (SWT)? Ramadan comes but once a year and no one knows if he/she will live to see next Ramadan, therefore do your best in everything from prayer to supplication to helping others to giving in charity.
Today’s name is related to yesterday's episode The Creator. This name is one of the characteristics of Allah (SWT) with His creation from the beginning of creation to its end. It is the name of Allah "The All Merciful, The Ever Merciful". All the creatures bear witness to this name and to its beautiful meaning. Therefore, the aim of today's episode is to rejoice at the mercy of Allah, The All Merciful, The Ever Merciful.
Allah says what can be translated as, "Say, "By the Grace of Allah, and by His mercy; so with that let them exult; it is more charitable (i.e., better) than whatever they (heap) together. (Literally: whatever they gather)." (TMQ, 10:59).
We will cover six main points:
1- The meaning of the name "The All Merciful, The Ever Merciful"
2- How to sense this name and feel rejoiced.
3- The effect of this name on the universe.
4- Calamities and Ibtila'at (trials).
5- Special mercies of this name.
6- How to live with this name.
The difference between Allah's names Ar-rahman (The All Merciful) and Ar-raheem (The Ever Merciful).
Ar-rahmah (Mercy) is defined as a compassion that implicates a favor bestowed upon creatures so as to make them happy. As for the difference between the two names, it has been subject to ample discussions by Moslem scholars, but it can be simplified as follows: Ar-rahman (The All Merciful) is when Allah (SWT) bestows His mercy upon all the creatures in this universe. Allah says what can be translated as "Say, "Who will take good care of you by night and in the daytime from The All-Merciful?" No indeed, (but) from the Remembrance of their Lord they are veering away." (TMQ, 21:42). However, Ar-raheem (The Ever Merciful) is when Allah (SWT) bestows His special mercy upon the believers only. For example, eating and drinking is a general mercy, while worshiping Allah in Ramadan is a special one.
How to rejoice at the name of Allah The All-Merciful, The Ever Merciful
This joy is sensed throughout the universe. Allah's mercy is manifested in all creatures from the beginning of creation. When Adam (AS) was created, the first thing he did was sneezing. The angels immediately asked him to say: "All praise be to Allah". Then Allah (SWT) said to him: "May my mercy be upon you". In the same way, he very beginning of the ever-glorious Qur'an reads what can be translated as, "In the name of Allah, The All Merciful, The Ever Merciful". (TMQ, 1:1 )
The Prophet (SAWS) says that Allah created 100 units of mercy on the day He created the heavens and earth, each of these units can contain all that is between the heaven and earth. Out of these units one mercy is used by His creation for mutual love and affection. On the Day of Judgment, Allah (SWT) will complete and perfect His mercy by adding this one mercy to the remaining ninety nine mercies and bestow them upon the believers. The Prophet (SAWS) confessed that he will enter Paradise, not by his deeds, but by Allah's mercy on him.
Therefore, mercy exists side by side with creation from the beginning of time till the Day of Judgment. Throughout our lives we are subjected to various ordeals, which are in a way mercies even death.
The effects of Allah's mercy on the universe
The Prophet (SAWS) says that Allah is much more merciful to His creatures than a compassionate mother is to her child. This comparison shows us that Allah's mercy has an effect on relationships between mankind, especially motherhood. Allah (SWT) to brought mercy into the relationships between the parents and their children as well as within one's extended family.
Another example of Allah's mercy in the universe is that He specified an exact time for day and an other one for night. This mercy of Allah we feel at night fall, when we are to rest and at dawn, when we are to start a new day. This change takes place smoothly to make us sense the mercy of Allah upon us.
Another of Allah's mercy upon us is the basic elements we need for life, which are beyond the control of humans, such as rain. No one can live without water and Allah is the only one who can order the sky to rain, even if some tries to build dams you find water in wells or on mountain tops in the shape of ice. The other blessing is air. No one can live without it yet no one can control it or deny it to someone. Allah says what can be translated as "Allah is He Who sends the winds. So they stir up clouds, then He outspreads them in the heaven how He decides and makes them into lumps. Then you see rain-drops coming (Literally: going out) out of the midst of them. So when He makes it alight on whomever of His bondmen He decides; only then they are glad at the tidings. And decidedly before that, before it was sent down on them, they had been indeed dumbfounded. So look into the tracks of the mercy of Allah, how He gives life to the earth after its death; surely He (Literally: That) is indeed the Life-Giver of the dead, and He is Ever-Determiner over everything." (TMQ, 30:48-50).
A further mercy from Allah is that He made rain sweet instead of salty, Allah says what can be translated as "Have you then seen the water you drink? Is it you who have sent it down from the rainy clouds or are We, Ever We, The Senders down? If We had (so) decided, We would have made it bitter; so had you only thanked (Us)!" (TMQ, 56:68till70). And yet another mercy from Allah (SWT) appears in what can be translated as "Say, “Have you seen (that) in case your water becomes in the morning deep-sunken, (i.e., in the earth) then who would come up to you with (i.e., bring) profuse water?”" (TMQ, 67:30). Water has the characteristics in that it remains on the surface of the earth and does not sink into earth. Isn't this from the mercy of Allah?
Allah's mercy is reflected on all the social relations that surround us. He (SWT) planted the seed of love in the hearts of parents and created that special bond between the different members of a family. Even the womb in the Arabic language is named rahem , meaning mercy. You find Allah talking about this in the Hadith Qudsy mentioning that kinship ties are so important that if you uphold them then you would be maintaining your tie with Allah (SWT) and vise versa.
No matter how many sins you commit He is still the All-Merciful, the Ever-Merciful. He created each couple and planted the seed of mercy between them. Allah says what can be translated as " And of His signs is that He created for you, of yourselves, spouses, that you (may) find rest in them, and he has made between you amity and mercy. Surely in that are indeed signs for a people who meditate." (TMQ, 30:21).
His mercy is also evident in sending the Prophet (SAWS). Allah says what can be translated as "And in no way have We sent you except as a mercy to the worlds." (TMQ, 21:107). Or when He says what can be translated as "So it was by (some) mercy from Allah that you have been lenient with them; and if you had been stern (and) harsh of heart, they would indeed have broken away from round about you. So be clement towards them, and ask forgiveness for them, and take counsel of them in the command. Yet when you are resolved, then put your trust in Allah; surely Allah loves the (ones) trusting (in Him)." (TMQ, 03:159).
Allah is the main source of mercy, whoever draws near to Allah will be blessed by having his heart filled with mercy. Allah (SWT) is the source of mercy and the Prophet was the closest to Him followed by Abu Bakr as said by the Prophet (SAWS).
I will show you a short film about the mercy of Allah among His creation.
The reason behind all the dilemmas and hardships we face in life
Let me start first by mentioning a few points. Allah says what can be translated as "No indeed, (but) you prefer the present life, (Literally: the lowly life, i.e., the life of this world). And the Hereafter is more charitable (i.e., better) and more enduring." (TMQ, 87:16&17). Allah wants you to be happy and eventually end up in jannah (paradise) that is why you need to be taught that the present worldly life will not last forever and that you need to remind yourself of the reward in the end, which will be the jannah. It is just like what our Prophet (SAWS) told us, describing the present life as being a prison to the believer, yet jannah to the disbeliever.
While we were in our mother's wombs we were happy although it was a very small place similar to a prison, but we knew nothing else so we were happy with it and when we come out to life we become unhappy, but then found out that it is a better and larger place. Nevertheless it is still a limited space compared with what Allah has created for us in the jannah.
Allah says what can be translated as "And We will indeed let them definitely taste of the lowlier torment, (i.e., Punishment in this life) lesser (Or: other than) than the greater, that possibly they would return." (TMQ, 32:21). That is why you are sometimes faced with hardships, Allah wants to reform you and put you on the right path to reward you with the jannah.
Death is also a mercy from Allah. All through our present life we are constantly being tested, as if in an exam. But when we die we can relax and wait for the final result to come out, which will eventually be the jannah if Allah wills it.
The Prophet (SAWS) says that at the time of death of any true believer the angels are present and the deceased person can see them, this is also a mercy from Allah (SWT) as he wants to reassure you before you enter an unknown world. The angel of death will sit by your head and read Allah's words, what can be translated as " O you self (that is) composed, Return to your Lord satisfied with Supreme Satisfaction! So enter among My bondmen! And enter My Garden! "(TMQ, 89:27till30). Surely you will be happy when you hear this. Your soul will then immediately be lifted by the angels in a huge parade to Allah, where it says in the Qur'an what can be translated as "And what makes you realize what Illiyeen is?" (TMQ, 83:19). All this occurs before you enter your grave, as a way of assurance. In your grave you will have your good deeds manifested as a very hansom man who will accompany you till the Day of Judgment and all that time you can see your place in jannah and what is waiting for you. He is the Merciful.
Special blessings and mercy during the month of Ramadan
Allah loves his servants that is why he grants us special blessings like this month. Other blessings during this month could be to shed a tear or to perform a prayer of two raka’a (one unit of Islamic prayer) during the night. These are just examples of those special blessings that He has bestowed upon us. If others are rejoicing the present life, then you better rejoice having Allah The All-Merciful, The Ever-Merciful.
Our duty towards this name
Have mercy on others such as the poor, the needy, your wife, your family any person.
Pray two raka'at with your wife during the night.
Strengthen your kinship ties.
Be dutiful to your parents
Read the Qur'an and pray the qiyam (voluntary night prayer).
Just rejoice that Allah is The All-Merciful, The Ever-Merciful. Allah says what can be translated as "Say, “Have you seen (that) in case your water becomes in the morning deep-sunken, (i.e., in the earth) then who would come up to you with (i.e., bring) profuse water?”" (TMQ, 10:58).
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The word Allah is the Arabic term for God. Although the use of the word "Allah" is most often associated with Islam, it is not used exclusively by Muslims; Arab Christians and Arabic-speaking Jews also use it to refer to the One God. The Arabic word expresses the unique characteristics of the One God more precisely than the English term. Whereas the word "Allah" has no plural form in Arabic, the English form does. Allah is the God worshipped by all Prophets, from Adam to Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad
Salla Allah alayhe Wa Salam
SWT = Suhanahu wa Ta'ala .
زملكاويه
•
Episode 12- The Almighty
In the name of Allah (God), The All-Merciful, The Ever-Merciful. All Prayers and Blessings of Allah be upon our master, the most noble Prophet Muhammad (SAWS).
In today’s episode we will tackle Allah’s most beautiful Name “The Almighty”. Before we start, I would like to ask you a question: are you a true worshipper of The Almighty? Well, you should be and, in fact, you should be proud of it.
This beautiful Name has four meanings. The first meaning is that The Almighty is He who has no peer or equal. The second is that The Almighty is He who is always victorious and is never defeated. Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “…And Allah is Overcomer with (Literally: Over) His Command, but most men do not know” (TMQ, 12:21).
The third meaning is that it is He, The Almighty, who reinforces you and supplies you with power and strength in order to make you victorious. Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “As We sent to them two (men). Yet they cried them lies, so We reinforced them with a third…” (TMQ, 36:14). It is just like in the army; troops are provided with supplies to strengthen them in order to achieve victory.
The most beautiful Name, The Almighty, is mentioned in the Qur’an about 95 times. It is mostly accompanied each time by one of four other beautiful Names:
1. The Ever-Wise, which is mentioned 47 times, showing that Allah’s (SWT) Might is based on Wisdom.
2. The Ever-Merciful, which is mentioned 14 times, showing that His Might is based on Mercy.
3. The Ever-Powerful, showing that His Might is based on Power.
4. The All-Knowing, showing that His Might is based on Knowledge.
Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “And the sun runs to a repository for; that is the determining of The Ever-Mighty, the Ever-Knowing” (TMQ, 36:38). It is He, The Almighty, who holds the earth from being pulled by the gravity of the sun by making the earth rotate around its axis. The same goes for the sun, which is not pulled by the gravity of other bodies because of its rotation as well.
In the Battle of Badr, the Muslim army consisted of 313 men, all infantry except for two horsemen. On the other hand, the disbelievers’ army consisted of one thousand men: 300 horsemen and the rest were riding camels. Although it was an unfair battle, The Almighty brought victory to His believers, who after having done their best and having got themselves well prepared, made dua’a (supplication) to The Almighty to bring them victory. Allah says what can be translated as, “… and in no way does anyone know the hosts of your Lord except He…” (TMQ, 74:31). Allah (SWT) sent His supplies to give might to the believers. First, He made the whole Muslim army sleep to strengthen and refresh their power. Second, He sent a vision to the Prophet (SAWS) that the disbelievers’ army was insignificant. Third, He sent down rain that was light and gentle for the believers in order to wake them up and solidify the land under their feet and, meanwhile, heavy for the disbelievers in order to hamper them in a muddy land under their feet. Finally, He sent angles to fight on the side of the believers. He is The Almighty, The Ever-Wise.
In the Battle of the Trench, the disbelievers were ten thousand surrounding Madinah. The believers defended Madinah, dug the trench and made dua’a to The Almighty to save them. The Almighty defeated the disbelievers by sending them a very cold weather and a very strong wind that blew away their camps. He is the Almighty, The Ever-Powerful.
You must be well-prepared with power, knowledge and education so that you can put good plans for bringing a peaceful victory to the ummah (Muslim nation). Do not ever feel helpless or powerless! Have confidence in The Almighty, Who takes revenge from whoever challenges Him. Fir’awn (Pharaoh) called out upon his people and said, “O my people, is not the kingdom of Misr (i.e., Egypt) mine, and are not these rivers running from beneath me? ...” (TMQ, 43:51). As a result, The Almighty drowned him in the sea. We used to know about Allah’s name “The Almighty”, but from now on we need to feel it and live with it.
The fourth meaning of Allah’s Name “The Almighty” is related to the question I have just asked in the beginning of the episode: are you a true worshipper of The Almighty? The Almighty is He who refuses that His worshippers to be ever humiliated.
The first half of shahadah (Muslim declaration of faith) is “There is no god to be worshipped but Allah”. By this, you are practically saying, “I refuse to humiliate myself to anyone on this earth because I am proudly Allah’s worshipper and servant. It is only Allah, The Almighty, whom I should humiliate and humble myself to.
Allah (SWT) hates to see His worshippers humiliate themselves for the sake of worldly gains or for the sake of gaining might from any human being. Allah is the only source of might. Allah says what can be translated as, “Whoever is willing to (gain) might, then to Allah belongs the might altogether” (TMQ, 35:10).
However, some might mistakenly doubt this under the pretext that those who cheat and are hypocrites in this world are well respected by all and enjoy might on earth. Actually, they have no might at all; they are nothing but people who humiliate themselves in order to get this fake might. The story of the mighty of Egypt, his wife and Yusuf (AS) “Joseph” is a good proof of this.
According to the worldly standards, the mighty of Egypt enjoyed might. If you look a bit closer, you will find that his wife wanted to cheat on him with Yusuf (AS), who refused, and declared it openly. However, he asked Yusuf (AS) to keep it as a secret so as to protect his high position and dignified image among people. Now, was he a true mighty or nothing but a slave of his position? As for his wife, she was beautiful and very wealthy; she used to act as mighty as a queen, according to the worldly standards. However, if you look a bit closer, you will find that she wanted to seduce Yusuf (AS), who was her servant. Now, was she of a true might? Or was she a slave of her lust?
Therefore, do not be deluded when you see people who are happy in this life but are away from the path of Allah! None of us know what their end will be. Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “(The ones) who take to themselves the disbelievers for their constant patrons, apart from the believers; do they (inequitably) seek might in their presence? Then surely might altogether belongs to Allah” (TMQ, 4:139).
He who cheats at work according to his boss’s orders or else he will be fired certainly humiliates himself to his boss and, thus, is not a true worshipper of The Almighty. He who is a slave of his lusts and desires humiliates himself to get them and, thus, is not a true worshipper of The Almighty. She, who accepts her husband’s bad treatment and continuous humiliation saying that she has nothing to do about it, is actually humiliating herself as well.
Allah (SWT) created us honorable and swore by His Might, “All Extolment be to your Lord, The Lord of Might…” (TMQ, 37:180). Therefore, do not ever humiliate yourself to anyone or accept humiliation form anyone while your Lord is The Almighty! Have faith in Allah, The Almighty!
When you check the story of Musa (AS) “Moses” with the Israelites, you will find that it is a story of people who were very humiliated on earth and, thus, Allah wanted to grant them might. However, they stayed astray form the path of Allah. As a result, they gained nothing but more humiliation. Allah says what can be translated as, “Said He, “Then surely it will be prohibited for them for forty years (while) they go astray in the earth. So do not feel sad about the immoral people” (TMQ, 5:26).
Do you now feel the essence of Allah’s Name “The Almighty”? The only reason for the critical state of the ummah nowadays is that it does not live in the Name of The Almighty and, thus, it lacks might.
Our history has many wonderful figures that stand as symbols of might. Omar Ibnul-Khattab (RA) is a great symbol of a mighty Muslim. He is the one who said, “Since when have you enslaved people while they were born free?” Asma’ Bint-Abu-Bakr (RA) is also a symbol of a mighty Muslim woman. When she was young, she endured Abu-Jahl’s hitting her in order to disclose the secret where the Prophet (SAWS) and her father, Abu-Bakr (RA), were hiding. When she got older, she told her son’s killer in great might and strength, “You ruined his life, but he ruined your afterlife”.
How do we live in Allah’s Name “The Almighty”?
1. Do not accept humiliation! However, do not misunderstand this as a call for committing violent actions! Think how to get rid of whatever humiliates you and whatever is unjust to you, employing wisdom and mercy!
2. Help Muslims and Islam gain might! Whoever can help a Muslim gain might and does not do it, Allah will humiliate him on the Day of Judgment.
3. Humble yourself only before Allah, The Almighty! Weep before Him and tell Him you are so weak and helpless without Him! The Prophet (SAWS) used to make the following dua’a, which shows his absolute humbleness and submissiveness to Allah, The Almighty: “O Allah, I am Your bondman, son of Your bondman, son of Your bondmaid; my forelock is in Your Hand; Your judgment is incisive upon me; Your decision is fair to me; …”.
O you worshippers of The Almighty, be true worshippers of the Almighty!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Allah = The word Allah is the Arabic term for God. Although the use of the word “Allah” is most often associated with Islam, it is not used exclusively by Muslims; Arab Christians and Arabic-speaking Jews also use it to refer to the One God. The Arabic word expresses the unique characteristics of the One God more precisely than the English term. Whereas the word "Allah" has no plural form in Arabic, the English form does. Allah is the God worshipped by all Prophets, from Adam to Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad
SAWS = Salla Allah alayhe Wa Salam .
SWT = Suhanahu wa Ta'ala .
TMQ = Translation of the Meaning of the Qur'an. This translation is for the realized meaning, so far, of the stated (Surah:Ayah) of the Qur'an. Reading the translated meaning of the Qur'an can never replace reading it in Arabic, the language in which it was revealed.
5 AS = Alihi al-Salam .
6 RA= Radya-llahu 'Anhu/Anha/Anhom .
In the name of Allah (God), The All-Merciful, The Ever-Merciful. All Prayers and Blessings of Allah be upon our master, the most noble Prophet Muhammad (SAWS).
In today’s episode we will tackle Allah’s most beautiful Name “The Almighty”. Before we start, I would like to ask you a question: are you a true worshipper of The Almighty? Well, you should be and, in fact, you should be proud of it.
This beautiful Name has four meanings. The first meaning is that The Almighty is He who has no peer or equal. The second is that The Almighty is He who is always victorious and is never defeated. Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “…And Allah is Overcomer with (Literally: Over) His Command, but most men do not know” (TMQ, 12:21).
The third meaning is that it is He, The Almighty, who reinforces you and supplies you with power and strength in order to make you victorious. Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “As We sent to them two (men). Yet they cried them lies, so We reinforced them with a third…” (TMQ, 36:14). It is just like in the army; troops are provided with supplies to strengthen them in order to achieve victory.
The most beautiful Name, The Almighty, is mentioned in the Qur’an about 95 times. It is mostly accompanied each time by one of four other beautiful Names:
1. The Ever-Wise, which is mentioned 47 times, showing that Allah’s (SWT) Might is based on Wisdom.
2. The Ever-Merciful, which is mentioned 14 times, showing that His Might is based on Mercy.
3. The Ever-Powerful, showing that His Might is based on Power.
4. The All-Knowing, showing that His Might is based on Knowledge.
Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “And the sun runs to a repository for; that is the determining of The Ever-Mighty, the Ever-Knowing” (TMQ, 36:38). It is He, The Almighty, who holds the earth from being pulled by the gravity of the sun by making the earth rotate around its axis. The same goes for the sun, which is not pulled by the gravity of other bodies because of its rotation as well.
In the Battle of Badr, the Muslim army consisted of 313 men, all infantry except for two horsemen. On the other hand, the disbelievers’ army consisted of one thousand men: 300 horsemen and the rest were riding camels. Although it was an unfair battle, The Almighty brought victory to His believers, who after having done their best and having got themselves well prepared, made dua’a (supplication) to The Almighty to bring them victory. Allah says what can be translated as, “… and in no way does anyone know the hosts of your Lord except He…” (TMQ, 74:31). Allah (SWT) sent His supplies to give might to the believers. First, He made the whole Muslim army sleep to strengthen and refresh their power. Second, He sent a vision to the Prophet (SAWS) that the disbelievers’ army was insignificant. Third, He sent down rain that was light and gentle for the believers in order to wake them up and solidify the land under their feet and, meanwhile, heavy for the disbelievers in order to hamper them in a muddy land under their feet. Finally, He sent angles to fight on the side of the believers. He is The Almighty, The Ever-Wise.
In the Battle of the Trench, the disbelievers were ten thousand surrounding Madinah. The believers defended Madinah, dug the trench and made dua’a to The Almighty to save them. The Almighty defeated the disbelievers by sending them a very cold weather and a very strong wind that blew away their camps. He is the Almighty, The Ever-Powerful.
You must be well-prepared with power, knowledge and education so that you can put good plans for bringing a peaceful victory to the ummah (Muslim nation). Do not ever feel helpless or powerless! Have confidence in The Almighty, Who takes revenge from whoever challenges Him. Fir’awn (Pharaoh) called out upon his people and said, “O my people, is not the kingdom of Misr (i.e., Egypt) mine, and are not these rivers running from beneath me? ...” (TMQ, 43:51). As a result, The Almighty drowned him in the sea. We used to know about Allah’s name “The Almighty”, but from now on we need to feel it and live with it.
The fourth meaning of Allah’s Name “The Almighty” is related to the question I have just asked in the beginning of the episode: are you a true worshipper of The Almighty? The Almighty is He who refuses that His worshippers to be ever humiliated.
The first half of shahadah (Muslim declaration of faith) is “There is no god to be worshipped but Allah”. By this, you are practically saying, “I refuse to humiliate myself to anyone on this earth because I am proudly Allah’s worshipper and servant. It is only Allah, The Almighty, whom I should humiliate and humble myself to.
Allah (SWT) hates to see His worshippers humiliate themselves for the sake of worldly gains or for the sake of gaining might from any human being. Allah is the only source of might. Allah says what can be translated as, “Whoever is willing to (gain) might, then to Allah belongs the might altogether” (TMQ, 35:10).
However, some might mistakenly doubt this under the pretext that those who cheat and are hypocrites in this world are well respected by all and enjoy might on earth. Actually, they have no might at all; they are nothing but people who humiliate themselves in order to get this fake might. The story of the mighty of Egypt, his wife and Yusuf (AS) “Joseph” is a good proof of this.
According to the worldly standards, the mighty of Egypt enjoyed might. If you look a bit closer, you will find that his wife wanted to cheat on him with Yusuf (AS), who refused, and declared it openly. However, he asked Yusuf (AS) to keep it as a secret so as to protect his high position and dignified image among people. Now, was he a true mighty or nothing but a slave of his position? As for his wife, she was beautiful and very wealthy; she used to act as mighty as a queen, according to the worldly standards. However, if you look a bit closer, you will find that she wanted to seduce Yusuf (AS), who was her servant. Now, was she of a true might? Or was she a slave of her lust?
Therefore, do not be deluded when you see people who are happy in this life but are away from the path of Allah! None of us know what their end will be. Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “(The ones) who take to themselves the disbelievers for their constant patrons, apart from the believers; do they (inequitably) seek might in their presence? Then surely might altogether belongs to Allah” (TMQ, 4:139).
He who cheats at work according to his boss’s orders or else he will be fired certainly humiliates himself to his boss and, thus, is not a true worshipper of The Almighty. He who is a slave of his lusts and desires humiliates himself to get them and, thus, is not a true worshipper of The Almighty. She, who accepts her husband’s bad treatment and continuous humiliation saying that she has nothing to do about it, is actually humiliating herself as well.
Allah (SWT) created us honorable and swore by His Might, “All Extolment be to your Lord, The Lord of Might…” (TMQ, 37:180). Therefore, do not ever humiliate yourself to anyone or accept humiliation form anyone while your Lord is The Almighty! Have faith in Allah, The Almighty!
When you check the story of Musa (AS) “Moses” with the Israelites, you will find that it is a story of people who were very humiliated on earth and, thus, Allah wanted to grant them might. However, they stayed astray form the path of Allah. As a result, they gained nothing but more humiliation. Allah says what can be translated as, “Said He, “Then surely it will be prohibited for them for forty years (while) they go astray in the earth. So do not feel sad about the immoral people” (TMQ, 5:26).
Do you now feel the essence of Allah’s Name “The Almighty”? The only reason for the critical state of the ummah nowadays is that it does not live in the Name of The Almighty and, thus, it lacks might.
Our history has many wonderful figures that stand as symbols of might. Omar Ibnul-Khattab (RA) is a great symbol of a mighty Muslim. He is the one who said, “Since when have you enslaved people while they were born free?” Asma’ Bint-Abu-Bakr (RA) is also a symbol of a mighty Muslim woman. When she was young, she endured Abu-Jahl’s hitting her in order to disclose the secret where the Prophet (SAWS) and her father, Abu-Bakr (RA), were hiding. When she got older, she told her son’s killer in great might and strength, “You ruined his life, but he ruined your afterlife”.
How do we live in Allah’s Name “The Almighty”?
1. Do not accept humiliation! However, do not misunderstand this as a call for committing violent actions! Think how to get rid of whatever humiliates you and whatever is unjust to you, employing wisdom and mercy!
2. Help Muslims and Islam gain might! Whoever can help a Muslim gain might and does not do it, Allah will humiliate him on the Day of Judgment.
3. Humble yourself only before Allah, The Almighty! Weep before Him and tell Him you are so weak and helpless without Him! The Prophet (SAWS) used to make the following dua’a, which shows his absolute humbleness and submissiveness to Allah, The Almighty: “O Allah, I am Your bondman, son of Your bondman, son of Your bondmaid; my forelock is in Your Hand; Your judgment is incisive upon me; Your decision is fair to me; …”.
O you worshippers of The Almighty, be true worshippers of the Almighty!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Allah = The word Allah is the Arabic term for God. Although the use of the word “Allah” is most often associated with Islam, it is not used exclusively by Muslims; Arab Christians and Arabic-speaking Jews also use it to refer to the One God. The Arabic word expresses the unique characteristics of the One God more precisely than the English term. Whereas the word "Allah" has no plural form in Arabic, the English form does. Allah is the God worshipped by all Prophets, from Adam to Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad
SAWS = Salla Allah alayhe Wa Salam .
SWT = Suhanahu wa Ta'ala .
TMQ = Translation of the Meaning of the Qur'an. This translation is for the realized meaning, so far, of the stated (Surah:Ayah) of the Qur'an. Reading the translated meaning of the Qur'an can never replace reading it in Arabic, the language in which it was revealed.
5 AS = Alihi al-Salam .
6 RA= Radya-llahu 'Anhu/Anha/Anhom .
زملكاويه
•
Episode 13: The Praiseworthy (Al-Hamid)
What is al-hamd (praise)? It is the opposite of dispraise, and praise is usually for what is perfect and complete. Allah is praiseworthy for His perfection, His Deeds, His Sublimity, His Blessings, and His generosity. There is no praiseworthy but Allah. There is a difference between praising and offering thanks; the latter being used with ordinary people.
We should praise Allah and express our gratitude to Him everyday. How many times have you prostrated to Allah in gratitude. We should remember Allah’s blessings on us, feel them and talk about them to people; Allah says what can be translated as, “And as of your lord’s favor then discourse about it (i.e. proclaim it)!” (TMQ: 93:11). We should praise Allah with our souls, not only by words.
Let us see how Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) used to express his gratitude to Allah. Every night he praised Allah saying, "Praise is due to you Allah the Owner of heavens and earth. Praise be to you Allah The Superb Upright Sustainer of the heavens and earth. Praise be to you Allah The Light of the heavens and earth. … O Allah! To You is all praise, blessed and good praise, as much as would fill the heavens, as much as would fill the earth, as much as would fill what is between them, and as much as would fill whatever You will of anything else. All praise be to You for bestowing the blessing of Islam, the blessing of Qur’an, and the blessings of family, children and money.
O Allah! All praise and gratitude be to You; and to You everything in our lives return."
Bring a paper and start writing down what Allah has blessed you with, everything, as the blessings of sight and speech. You will not be able to count them all. Will you? Allah says what can be translated as, “And in case you number the favors of Allah you will not enumerate them; …” (TMQ: 16:18).
Allah says, “And whatever favor you have, it is from Allah; ...” (TMQ: 16:53).
Look at everything around you: The clothes we wear; they are made of wool, cotton, or leather. Where do these things come from? And what is their origin? If we think for a while, we will discover that without Allah we would have been naked. The furniture in our houses; they are made of wood that comes from trees and these trees were once seeds that were watered by rain. The food we eat; Allah says what can be translated as, “So let man look into his food;” (TMQ: 80:24). He also says, “O My servants! All of you are naked except those I clothed, so seek clothing of Me and I shall clothe you. All of you are hungry except those I fed, so seek food of Me and I shall feed you. …” The water we drink; from where does it come? What if we were deprived from the drop of water? Allah says what can be translated as, “Have you then seen the water you drink?” (TMQ: 56:68). Furthermore, the ability to get rid of the excessive water from your body is a blessing; do not forget that.
How many times do we thank people for favors they do for us and forget to praise Allah. Who protects us, and our families but Allah? Allah says what can be translated as, “For him are angels taking turns (on end) before him and even behind him preserving him from the command of Allah. …” (TMQ: 13:11). If someone paid you a ticket on a bus, you would keep thanking him. What if someone bought you a present? You would thank him and your wife would suggest that you call him and thank him again. Do not you feel embarrassed that you thank people more than you thank Allah?
There are other aspects of Allah’s blessings; you can see while other people do not, you can hear while others are deaf, and you can walk and move from one place to another while some people are paralyzed. You can understand when others cannot. Why do we always remember our misfortunes and forget all these blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us? The blessing of breathing; think how many times you breathe in one minute. What about if you are in charge of your breathing? We should not forget the blessings of education, parents and the most important and the greatest blessing is that we are Muslims, and that Allah has offered us Ramadan as a chance to prostrate ourselves in worshiping Him. The most beautiful blessing is al-jannah (Paradise). A cloud would pass over the people of al-jannah and ask them, ‘What would you like me to rain today?’
Imagine if Allah (SWT) created us without organs and we have to buy our organs with money, for how much would you buy your eyes? And if you were not rich enough you might not afford buying your son two eyes; you may then buy him one instead. Hence, you, with all your organs, are worth billions of dollars.
Blessed praises be to Allah Who created and shaped us and bestowed His blessings upon us. Praise be to Allah with whose favor good deeds are done. “Praise be to Allah Who has sent down upon His bondman the Book and has not made to it any crookedness;” (TMQ 18: 1). Praise be to Allah Who hears all supplications and does not give attention to a supplication more than the other.
Musa (AS) (Moses) tells Allah (SWT), "how can I praise you Lord while praising You is a favor worth praising". Do not you feel embarrassed that the whole universe is praising The Ever-Praiseworthy while you do not? Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “... and decidedly not a thing (is) except that it extols His praise, but you do not comprehend their Extolment. ...” (TMQ 17: 44). Even the jinn praise Allah. When Allah (SWT) revealed the ayah that says, “Then to whichever of your Lord's boons do you (both) (i.e., the jinn and mankind) cry lies?” (TMQ 55: 13), the Prophet (SAWS) asked his companions to say as the jinn said. They asked, ‘what did they say?’ He replied that they said, "not for any of your boons our Lord do we cry lies, praised be Thou". Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “Surely man is indeed ungrateful to his Lord,” (TMQ 100: 6), which means that man remembers the bad things afflicting him but does not see any of Allah’s blessings. Our aim is to make the praising of Allah (SWT) a natural disposition within us.
The issue of praising means a lot to The Ever-Praiseworthy. The Qur’an opens with an ayah of praise, “Praise be to Allah, The Lord of the worlds” (TMQ 1: 1). Praise is the key to Allah’s satisfaction, as the ayah says, “… and He is not satisfied with disbelief from His bondmen. And in case you thank (Him), He is satisfied with it for you ...” (TMQ 39: 7). The Prophet’s (SAWS) intercession on the Day of Judgment starts by him prostrating beneath Allah’s throne and praising Him with praises with which no one had done before. Allah (SWT) will then say, ‘raise your head Muhammad. Ask and you will be given, and intercede and you will be granted what you wish’. On the Day of Judgment accountability will begin by Allah (SWT) admonishing you with the blessings He granted you. Praising Allah (SWT) is a means to be prevented from torture as the ayah says, “What would Allah perform with tormenting you in case you thank (Him) and believe? ...” (TMQ 4: 147). On the Day of Judgment a call is heard asking those who used to praise Allah (SWT) to step forward and they will enter al-jannah carrying a flag written on it ‘Praisers of Allah’.
Those who praise Allah (SWT) by their hearts and tongues are given a lot. Allah says what can be translated as, “And as your Lord has notified (you), “Indeed in case you thank (Him), indeed I will definitely increase you and indeed in case you disbelieve, surely My torment is indeed strict.” (TMQ 14: 7). Allah does not want you to thank Him because He needs it, He is telling you to thank Him to give you more. We should thank Him in Ramadan by praying, fasting, or supplicating and He will give us more; may be He will make us cherish the night of al-Qadr (determination) as a result. Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) says that al-hamdu-Lillah (praise be to Allah) fills the scale on the Day of Judgment.
If you do not praise Allah (SWT) or used His blessing to disobey Him, He either takes it back, or changes it into a calamity or keeps it and takes away its beauty, or lets a misfortune befall you that you forget all about this blessing. Like if you have a son and you are ungrateful, He may make him disobedient and crooked. Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “… and whoever exchanges the favor of Allah even after it has come to him, then surely Allah is strict in punishment.” (TMQ 2: 211). It is as when you use the money Allah granted you in disobeying Him. There is an ayah that mentions what Satan says to Allah, “… and You will not find most of them thankful.” (TMQ 7: 17). Satan makes you see that what people have is better than what you have and makes you ungrateful.
Let us see how the prophets used to praise their creator. The Prophet (SAWS) used to pray all night until his legs ached him although Allah (SWT) has already forgiven all his sins. However, he used to tell Lady Aisha (RA) that should he not be a thankful servant. Similarly, Nuh (AS) (Noah) and Ibrahim (AS) (Abraham) were praisers of Allah. When a man asked Ali (RA) how he was that morning, he replied, "I am up today surrounded by Allah’s favors and do not know how to thank Him.’
There are three levels of praising Allah: To praise Him inwardly; every cell in your body to feel grateful. To praise Him inwardly, and outwardly. This is by discoursing about His favors. Lastly, which is the best and most favored by Allah, to use His favors to reform the community and guide people to Him, “Do (righteousness), House of Dawûd, in thankfulness; ...” (TMQ 34: 13). If you were given a gift use it for the benefit of people. Praise Allah (SWT) for His blessings by obeying Him and He will give you more and imagine yourself on the Day of Judgment when Allah will tell you, "My thankful servant, I am pleased with you, go and enter al-jannah".
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TMQ=Translation of the Meaning of the Qur'an. This translation is for the realized meaning, so far, of the stated (Surah:Ayah) of the Qur'an. Reading the translated meaning of the Qur'an can never replace reading it in Arabic, the language in which it was revealed.
Salla Allah alayhe Wa Salam
SWT = Suhanahu wa Ta'ala .
What is al-hamd (praise)? It is the opposite of dispraise, and praise is usually for what is perfect and complete. Allah is praiseworthy for His perfection, His Deeds, His Sublimity, His Blessings, and His generosity. There is no praiseworthy but Allah. There is a difference between praising and offering thanks; the latter being used with ordinary people.
We should praise Allah and express our gratitude to Him everyday. How many times have you prostrated to Allah in gratitude. We should remember Allah’s blessings on us, feel them and talk about them to people; Allah says what can be translated as, “And as of your lord’s favor then discourse about it (i.e. proclaim it)!” (TMQ: 93:11). We should praise Allah with our souls, not only by words.
Let us see how Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) used to express his gratitude to Allah. Every night he praised Allah saying, "Praise is due to you Allah the Owner of heavens and earth. Praise be to you Allah The Superb Upright Sustainer of the heavens and earth. Praise be to you Allah The Light of the heavens and earth. … O Allah! To You is all praise, blessed and good praise, as much as would fill the heavens, as much as would fill the earth, as much as would fill what is between them, and as much as would fill whatever You will of anything else. All praise be to You for bestowing the blessing of Islam, the blessing of Qur’an, and the blessings of family, children and money.
O Allah! All praise and gratitude be to You; and to You everything in our lives return."
Bring a paper and start writing down what Allah has blessed you with, everything, as the blessings of sight and speech. You will not be able to count them all. Will you? Allah says what can be translated as, “And in case you number the favors of Allah you will not enumerate them; …” (TMQ: 16:18).
Allah says, “And whatever favor you have, it is from Allah; ...” (TMQ: 16:53).
Look at everything around you: The clothes we wear; they are made of wool, cotton, or leather. Where do these things come from? And what is their origin? If we think for a while, we will discover that without Allah we would have been naked. The furniture in our houses; they are made of wood that comes from trees and these trees were once seeds that were watered by rain. The food we eat; Allah says what can be translated as, “So let man look into his food;” (TMQ: 80:24). He also says, “O My servants! All of you are naked except those I clothed, so seek clothing of Me and I shall clothe you. All of you are hungry except those I fed, so seek food of Me and I shall feed you. …” The water we drink; from where does it come? What if we were deprived from the drop of water? Allah says what can be translated as, “Have you then seen the water you drink?” (TMQ: 56:68). Furthermore, the ability to get rid of the excessive water from your body is a blessing; do not forget that.
How many times do we thank people for favors they do for us and forget to praise Allah. Who protects us, and our families but Allah? Allah says what can be translated as, “For him are angels taking turns (on end) before him and even behind him preserving him from the command of Allah. …” (TMQ: 13:11). If someone paid you a ticket on a bus, you would keep thanking him. What if someone bought you a present? You would thank him and your wife would suggest that you call him and thank him again. Do not you feel embarrassed that you thank people more than you thank Allah?
There are other aspects of Allah’s blessings; you can see while other people do not, you can hear while others are deaf, and you can walk and move from one place to another while some people are paralyzed. You can understand when others cannot. Why do we always remember our misfortunes and forget all these blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us? The blessing of breathing; think how many times you breathe in one minute. What about if you are in charge of your breathing? We should not forget the blessings of education, parents and the most important and the greatest blessing is that we are Muslims, and that Allah has offered us Ramadan as a chance to prostrate ourselves in worshiping Him. The most beautiful blessing is al-jannah (Paradise). A cloud would pass over the people of al-jannah and ask them, ‘What would you like me to rain today?’
Imagine if Allah (SWT) created us without organs and we have to buy our organs with money, for how much would you buy your eyes? And if you were not rich enough you might not afford buying your son two eyes; you may then buy him one instead. Hence, you, with all your organs, are worth billions of dollars.
Blessed praises be to Allah Who created and shaped us and bestowed His blessings upon us. Praise be to Allah with whose favor good deeds are done. “Praise be to Allah Who has sent down upon His bondman the Book and has not made to it any crookedness;” (TMQ 18: 1). Praise be to Allah Who hears all supplications and does not give attention to a supplication more than the other.
Musa (AS) (Moses) tells Allah (SWT), "how can I praise you Lord while praising You is a favor worth praising". Do not you feel embarrassed that the whole universe is praising The Ever-Praiseworthy while you do not? Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “... and decidedly not a thing (is) except that it extols His praise, but you do not comprehend their Extolment. ...” (TMQ 17: 44). Even the jinn praise Allah. When Allah (SWT) revealed the ayah that says, “Then to whichever of your Lord's boons do you (both) (i.e., the jinn and mankind) cry lies?” (TMQ 55: 13), the Prophet (SAWS) asked his companions to say as the jinn said. They asked, ‘what did they say?’ He replied that they said, "not for any of your boons our Lord do we cry lies, praised be Thou". Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “Surely man is indeed ungrateful to his Lord,” (TMQ 100: 6), which means that man remembers the bad things afflicting him but does not see any of Allah’s blessings. Our aim is to make the praising of Allah (SWT) a natural disposition within us.
The issue of praising means a lot to The Ever-Praiseworthy. The Qur’an opens with an ayah of praise, “Praise be to Allah, The Lord of the worlds” (TMQ 1: 1). Praise is the key to Allah’s satisfaction, as the ayah says, “… and He is not satisfied with disbelief from His bondmen. And in case you thank (Him), He is satisfied with it for you ...” (TMQ 39: 7). The Prophet’s (SAWS) intercession on the Day of Judgment starts by him prostrating beneath Allah’s throne and praising Him with praises with which no one had done before. Allah (SWT) will then say, ‘raise your head Muhammad. Ask and you will be given, and intercede and you will be granted what you wish’. On the Day of Judgment accountability will begin by Allah (SWT) admonishing you with the blessings He granted you. Praising Allah (SWT) is a means to be prevented from torture as the ayah says, “What would Allah perform with tormenting you in case you thank (Him) and believe? ...” (TMQ 4: 147). On the Day of Judgment a call is heard asking those who used to praise Allah (SWT) to step forward and they will enter al-jannah carrying a flag written on it ‘Praisers of Allah’.
Those who praise Allah (SWT) by their hearts and tongues are given a lot. Allah says what can be translated as, “And as your Lord has notified (you), “Indeed in case you thank (Him), indeed I will definitely increase you and indeed in case you disbelieve, surely My torment is indeed strict.” (TMQ 14: 7). Allah does not want you to thank Him because He needs it, He is telling you to thank Him to give you more. We should thank Him in Ramadan by praying, fasting, or supplicating and He will give us more; may be He will make us cherish the night of al-Qadr (determination) as a result. Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) says that al-hamdu-Lillah (praise be to Allah) fills the scale on the Day of Judgment.
If you do not praise Allah (SWT) or used His blessing to disobey Him, He either takes it back, or changes it into a calamity or keeps it and takes away its beauty, or lets a misfortune befall you that you forget all about this blessing. Like if you have a son and you are ungrateful, He may make him disobedient and crooked. Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “… and whoever exchanges the favor of Allah even after it has come to him, then surely Allah is strict in punishment.” (TMQ 2: 211). It is as when you use the money Allah granted you in disobeying Him. There is an ayah that mentions what Satan says to Allah, “… and You will not find most of them thankful.” (TMQ 7: 17). Satan makes you see that what people have is better than what you have and makes you ungrateful.
Let us see how the prophets used to praise their creator. The Prophet (SAWS) used to pray all night until his legs ached him although Allah (SWT) has already forgiven all his sins. However, he used to tell Lady Aisha (RA) that should he not be a thankful servant. Similarly, Nuh (AS) (Noah) and Ibrahim (AS) (Abraham) were praisers of Allah. When a man asked Ali (RA) how he was that morning, he replied, "I am up today surrounded by Allah’s favors and do not know how to thank Him.’
There are three levels of praising Allah: To praise Him inwardly; every cell in your body to feel grateful. To praise Him inwardly, and outwardly. This is by discoursing about His favors. Lastly, which is the best and most favored by Allah, to use His favors to reform the community and guide people to Him, “Do (righteousness), House of Dawûd, in thankfulness; ...” (TMQ 34: 13). If you were given a gift use it for the benefit of people. Praise Allah (SWT) for His blessings by obeying Him and He will give you more and imagine yourself on the Day of Judgment when Allah will tell you, "My thankful servant, I am pleased with you, go and enter al-jannah".
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TMQ=Translation of the Meaning of the Qur'an. This translation is for the realized meaning, so far, of the stated (Surah:Ayah) of the Qur'an. Reading the translated meaning of the Qur'an can never replace reading it in Arabic, the language in which it was revealed.
Salla Allah alayhe Wa Salam
SWT = Suhanahu wa Ta'ala .
الصفحة الأخيرة
In the name of Allah, The All-Merciful, The Ever-Merciful, all praises be to Allah, Lord of the worlds. All Prayers and Blessings of Allah be upon the Messenger of Allah (SAWS).
Today we will talk about a very beautiful name that gives us a sense of comfort, safety, and reassurance. Understanding this name is especially helpful to those who are depressed, anxious, or worried about their future. The name we are going to deal with today is “Al-Wakeel”, or “The Ultimate Trustee”.
Today’s episode will deal with five main points: an introduction, the meaning of The Ultimate Trustee, how can one determine whether he/she truly trusts Allah (SWT), examples of how Allah (SWT) always supports those who trust Him and grants them victory, and finally, some beautiful meanings related to the name, “The Ultimate Trustee”.
First, let us start with the introduction. I would like to say that all people need to understand the meaning of “The Ultimate Trustee”, including parents who are worried about their children and youth who are worried about their future, job opportunities, marriage, etc. This name also touches those who have big dreams and plans but are afraid to fail. Every single person in this nation needs to understansd this name.
What does the “The Ultimate Trustee” mean? When you go to a notary public’s office to issue someone a general power of attorney, the officer asks you if you are sure about this. A general power of attorney means that you give this person the authority to act on your behalf in all your affairs. To give someone a general power of attorney, he/she must meet three essential criteria: he must be worthy of your trust, he has to be experienced, and he must truly care about your welfare. It is difficult to find a person who can fulfill these three criteria, but Allah (SWT), being The Ultimate Trustee, fulfills them all!
Every ayah in which Allah calls on people to make Him their trustee is preceded by a description of His power and authority. Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “And to Allah belongs the Unseen of the heavens and the earth; and to Him all Command will be returned. So worship Him and put your trust in Him…” (TMQ, 11: 123). Also, He (SWT) says what can be translated as, “The Lord of the east and the west; there is no god except He; so take Him for yourself as an Ever-Trusted Trustee” (TMQ, 73: 9). You should feel safe and reassured when you listen to such ayahs! We entrust Allah because He is the Lord of the universe and everything in the universe belongs to Him. How could we trust weak people and not trust Him?
Please do not misunderstand me. We have to trust people too and resort to them when we need help. For example, we should go to a qualified physician when we feel sick or seek out officials whom we think can help us in our affairs. However, we should always bear in mind that only Allah (SWT) has the control and power over all things.
So what does “The Ultimate Trustee” mean? It means that He kindly controls His worshippers’ affairs and takes care of them. He never abandons them nor leaves them to someone else. Even if everyone is against you, you should feel safe because Allah is your trustee and He will protect you.
Listen to the following ayah, “The ones to whom the multitude (Literally: mankind) said, ‘Surely the multitude have already gathered against you, so be apprehensive of them.’ Yet, it increased them in belief, and they said, ‘Allah is The Reckoner enough for us, and how excellent is The Ever-Trusted Trustee!’” (TMQ, 3: 173). This ayah is talking about the Prophet’s companions after the Battle of Uhud. Many of them died and were injured in this battle, and the rest were feeling down and distressed. The Prophet (SAWS) knew that Quraish may return to fight them again, so he told his companions that no one shall fight with him again except those who fought with him in the Battle of Uhud. On their way to Madinah, and at a place called “Hamra’ al-Asad”, the Muslims received a messenger from Quraish sent to instill fear into them. The messenger told the Prophet that Quraish had donned its war attire and that they have gathered all Arabs to fight them. The Prophet (SAWS) said nothing but cried out with his companions, “Allah suffices us, for He is the best disposer of affairs.” This cry scared the messenger who returned to Quraish and told them that the Muslims are uttering words; they will eat you alive! Listen to the next ayah (which follows the ayah above), “So they turned over (Or: turned around) with favor from Allah and (His) Grace; no odious (disadvantage) did touch them; and they followed closely the all-blessed Satisfaction of Allah; and Allah is The Owner of magnificent Grace” (TMQ, 3: 174).
For this reason, the Prophet (SAWS) teaches us to entrust Allah at all times. One of the dhikr (the remembrance of Allah) that he has ordered us to say every morning and evening is “Allah is enough (Reckoner) for me. There is no god except He. In Him I have put my trust; He is the Lord of the Magnificent Throne”. He (SAWS) tells us that he who says this seven times every morning, will have Allah care for his affairs that day. Similarly, the Prophet (SAWS) ordered us to say once we leave our houses, “In the name of Allah, I entrust my soul to Allah, and there is no power but in Allah”. He who says this, will be guided, defended, and protected, and no devil will be able to mislead him.
What Are The Signs That You Are Entrusting Your Soul To Allah?
First, if you find yourself repeating the name of The Ultimate Trustee and experiencing this feeling of entrusting your soul to Allah in times of difficulties, then you are truly trusting Allah with your soul. Our example in this is Ibrahim (AS) (Abraham). When he was about 16 years of age, he was accused of destroying the idols his tribe worshipped. As a result of this unforgiveable crime, he was convicted to be burnt alive. A huge construction was built, then set on fire so he would be thrown in. Allah says about this what can be translated as "They said, ‘Burn him away and vindicate your gods, in case you are performing that’” (TMQ, 21: 68). However, Ibrahim (AS) remained steadfast and assured. When he was about to be thrown into the fire, Jibril (AS) (Gabriel) came to him and asked whether he wanted anything. He replied that he wanted nothing from Jibril (AS), but from Allah; he uttered the phrase "Allah suffices me, for He is the best disposer of affairs". As a reward for his great trust in Allah, He, the Omnipotent, ordered the fire to change its qualities in order not to burn Ibrahim (AS). Allah says about this what can be translated as, “We said, ‘O fire, be coolness and peace upon Ibrahim!’” (TMQ, 21: 69).
Second, the more difficult the situation is, the more common it is for people to lose hope; whereas he who entrusts his soul to Allah is more optimistic as the situation gets darker. The Ultimate Trustee sometimes tests you by destroying the worldly means on which you depend. If you lose hope, then you were not truly entrusting your soul to Allah. An evident example of this, is the Prophet (SAWS) during the Year of Grief. When he most needed his uncle Abu-Taleb and his wife Khadijah, they both passed away in the same month. The important lesson Allah wanted to teach his Prophet was, "I am the Protector. I am the Ultimate Trustee".
Another example from seerah (the biography of Prophet Muhammad (SAWS)) is the journey of the Prophet (SAWS) to Taif. He walked for 100km in order to call the people of Taif to Islam, but they refused to believe. Moreover, they hit him with stones until his feet bled, but The Ultimate Trustee was always there for him. On his way back to Makkah, the boy Addas believed in his message; and when he started to read Qur'an aloud, jinn heard him and believed in Allah. After this, the incident of al-israa and al-mi’raj took place in which he was honored in heaven, then al-Ansar (the residents of Madinah) believed in him and supported him until hijrah (the migration from Makkah to Madinah) took place. Allah decides what is best for you; so trust Him!
Third, never earn your living in an unlawful way, as Allah is The Sustainer and The Superb Provider. There is a very good example which shows how man is unaware that Allah is The Superb Provider. The embryo in his mother's womb is blessed by one source of food through the mother's blood. When the baby is born, he cries for losing this known source, so Allah gives him two sources for food instead; milk from his mother's breasts. After being weaned, he cries for losing these sources, so Allah gives him four sources of food instead; meat, fish, water and milk. At his deathbed, he cries for leaving the world which he knows, so Allah opens jannah (Paradise) to him which has eight doors. How short-sighted man is?!
Fourth, do not be too anxious about the future. Fear and anxiety about one's future is normal; however, being too anxious means that you do not entrust your soul to Allah.
Fifth, work hard and at the same time believe in your heart in The Ultimate Trustee. An example of this is hijrah – the best situation to teach us how one can entrust one's soul to Allah. The Prophet (SAWS) depended on worldly means and planned for hijrah perfectly and creatively. However, when he and his companion were overtaken by the people of Quraish, the Prophet (SAWS) put his faith in Allah and said to Abu-Bakr, calming him down, “What do you think is the destiny of two people who have Allah for their Companion?"
Examples of Those Who Entrusted Their Souls to Allah
Lady Hajar, wife of Ibrahim (AS), demonstrated to us a great example in entrusting one's soul to Allah when Ibrahim (AS) left her in the desert with their child Isma’il (AS) (Ishmael). She asked Ibrahim (AS) if it was Allah who ordered him to do so, and he replied yes, so she said with conviction, "then He shall not forsake us".
One of the nicest instances of entrusting one's soul to Allah is Istikhara prayer. Istikhara results only in good outcomes because it is a trust in Allah's choice. However, never be passively dependent on Allah. In the journey of al-israa and al-mi’raj, the prophet (SAWS) tied al-Buraq, although it was not in danger of running away, because he was used to considering worldly means in addition to trusting Allah.
How to Entrust Your Soul to Allah?
We have to train ourselves to trust in Allah. When Musa (AS) (Moses) saw the cane turning into a snake for the first time, he ran away in fear. The second time around, he did not run; however, he entertained a fright within himself, being confronted by the magicians. Whereas the third time, the most difficult of these situations, when the army of the Pharaoh was behind them and the sea in front of them, he had no fear; he said what can be translated as, "Not at all. Surely my Lord is with me; He will soon guide me" (TMQ, 26: 62).
What's Our Duty Towards This Name?
Train yourself how to entrust your soul to Allah. Develop the habit of saying in dhikr (the remembrances of Allah) every morning and evening, "Allah suffices me, for He is the best disposer of affairs". Highlight this value in your life.
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The word Allah is the Arabic term for God. Although the use of the word "Allah" is most often associated with Islam, it is not used exclusively by Muslims; Arab Christians and Arabic-speaking Jews also use it to refer to the One God. The Arabic word expresses the unique characteristics of the One God more precisely than the English term. Whereas the word "Allah" has no plural form in Arabic, the English form does, and the word 'Allah' in Arabic has no connotation of gender. Allah is the God worshipped by all Prophets, from Adam to Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad.
Mankind, jinn and all creation
Salla Allah alayhe Wa Salam
SWT = Subhanahu wa Ta'ala .
A verse in the Qur'an
TMQ=Translation of the Meaning of the Qur'an. This translation is for the realized meaning, so far, of the stated (Surah:Ayah) of the Qur'an. Reading the translated meaning of the Qur'an can never replace reading it in Arabic, the language in which it was revealed.
An invisible being of fire
the night journey of Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) from Makkah to Jerusalem and his ascension to the seventh heaven
It is a prayer, in which one asks Allah to choose for him the better of two paths. It is performed in two raka’as (one unit of Islamic prayer) after which a certain dua’a (supplication) is said.
The steed that transported the Prophet (SAWS)