Written and collected by Zia H Shah MD, Chief Editor of the Muslim Times

How can one have peace, when there is death, destruction, crime, genocide, chaos, racism, discrimination and illness all around?

We need to direct our attention from all this mayhem to the beautiful names of God: “Say, ‘Call upon Allah or call upon Rehman; by whichever name you call Him, His are the most beautiful names.’” (Al Quran 17:110; also see 20:8, and 59:24).

In Islamic teachings, the concept of a “soul-at-peace” is referred to as Nafs Al-Mutmainnah. This term describes a state of inner tranquility and contentment achieved through unwavering faith and trust in Allah. The Quran addresses such a soul in Surah Al-Fajr (89:27-30):

“O serene soul! Return to your Lord well-pleased and well-pleasing. Enter among My servants. Enter My Paradise.”

Attaining this peaceful state involves purifying the soul from negative traits and aligning one’s actions with divine guidance. Characteristics of a soul at peace include calmness, emotional balance, and a conscience that prevails over the ego. Such individuals embody human attributes to the fullest, leading lives marked by inner harmony and spiritual fulfillment.

The journey toward achieving a soul-at-peace is central to personal development in Islam, guiding believers toward a life of purpose and serenity.

But, what are the means to getting to serenity and soul-at-peace? Leading a moral and a compassionate life is the most important pre-requisite of this and it is covered in a previous article: Moral and Compassionate Life As Foundation for Spirituality or Nafs Al-Mutmainnah.

Today we want to dwell on two very profound verses of Surah Al Raad:

الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَتَطْمَئِنُّ قُلُوبُهُم بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ ۗ أَلَا بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُ

الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ طُوبَىٰ لَهُمْ وَحُسْنُ مَآبٍ

Those who have faith and whose hearts find peace in the remembrance of God –– truly it is in the remembrance of God that hearts find peace –– those who believe and do righteous deeds: joy awaits these, and their final homecoming will be excellent. (Al Quran 13:28-29)

Now, merely remembering Allah or mentioning his attributes or names as a parrot is likely to do little in bringing us serenity or peace of mind. It is in understanding God’s attributes truly and remembering them as such that our journey to peace starts and is accelerated when we put His attributes into practice as well in our daily lives.

What understanding of attributes of God will answer the question of suffering posed by the atheists to an open minded person, which the atheists think is their best argument for atheism? What study of attributes answer the suffering of the Palestinians facing genocide, of the Syrians facing homelessness and chaos, of the Pakistanis facing political chaos at the hands of their own army, the suffering of every human facing disease, starvation, pain, joblessness, homelessness and death.

An understanding of the divine attributes that gives you hope, optimism and success in personal life and then for humanity in general and righteous men and women in particular, will put your heart and mind at ease and in spiritual ecstasy with your God. Short of that it will be partial journey or possibly even make belief.

It is with that in view that we want to study a few attributes of Allah and how we dwell meaningfully over those specifically to our thoughts, needs and lives:

Al-Kāfī (ٱلْكَافِي)

In Islamic theology, Al-Kāfī (ٱلْكَافِي) is one of the 99 beautiful names of Allah, translating to “The Sufficient” or “The One Who Suffices.” This divine attribute signifies that Allah is entirely self-sufficient and provides sufficiently for all His creation, fulfilling every need without dependence on anything or anyone.

He is sufficient for my needs, your needs, and the needs of humanity. We just need to get on the right side of Him.

Quranic References to Al-Kāfī

The name Al-Kāfī is directly mentioned in the Quran:

“Is not Allah sufficient for His servant? Yet they try to frighten you with those other than Him…” (Quran 39:36)

In this verse, Allah reassures the believers of His all-encompassing sufficiency, emphasizing that reliance on Him alone is adequate for all aspects of life.

Additionally, the concept of Allah being sufficient is conveyed through various forms in the Quran:

“And whoever relies upon Allah – then He is sufficient for him.” (Quran 65:3)

This verse highlights the importance of placing trust in Allah, assuring that His support is enough for those who depend on Him.

Implications of Believing in Al-Kāfī

Embracing the belief in Allah as Al-Kāfī has profound implications for a believer’s life:

• Reliance on Allah: Recognizing Allah as the ultimate provider encourages believers to place their trust solely in Him, understanding that He is sufficient to meet all needs and resolve all concerns.
• Contentment and Peace: Belief in Al-Kāfī fosters a sense of contentment, as individuals realize that with Allah’s sufficiency, they lack nothing essential. This awareness brings inner peace and reduces anxiety about worldly matters.
• Detachment from Worldly Dependencies: Understanding that Allah alone suffices encourages believers to detach from excessive reliance on material possessions or other people, leading to a more spiritually centered life.

Practical Reflections

To internalize the attribute of Al-Kāfī, believers can:

• Engage in Regular Supplication: Consistently seeking Allah’s help through prayer reinforces the reliance on His sufficiency.
• Practice Gratitude: Acknowledging and appreciating Allah’s provisions cultivates a mindset of contentment.
• Strengthen Tawakkul (Trust in Allah): By entrusting all affairs to Allah and accepting His decrees, believers embody the essence of relying on Al-Kāfī.

In summary, the attribute of Al-Kāfī underscores Allah’s role as the all-sufficient provider and protector. Embracing this belief nurtures trust, contentment, and spiritual fulfillment in the life of a believer.

Al-Haseeb (ٱلْحَسِيبُ)

In Islamic theology, Al-Haseeb (ٱلْحَسِيبُ) is one of the 99 beautiful names of Allah, often translated as “The Reckoner,” “The Sufficient,” or “The One Who Takes Account.” This divine attribute signifies Allah’s meticulous accounting of all actions, His sufficiency as a protector and provider, and His role in granting everyone their due.

Quranic References to Al-Haseeb

The concept of Allah as Al-Haseeb is highlighted in several Quranic verses:

“And when you are greeted with a greeting, greet in return with what is better than it or [at least] return it in a like manner. Indeed, Allah is ever, over all things, an Accountant (Hasib).” (Quran 4:86)

This verse underscores Allah’s comprehensive accounting of all deeds, emphasizing that no action, however small, escapes His notice.

“Those [believers] to whom the people said, ‘Indeed, the people have gathered against you, so fear them.’ But it [merely] increased them in faith, and they said, ‘Sufficient for us is Allah, and [He is] the best Disposer of affairs.’” (Quran 3:173)

Here, the believers express their reliance on Allah’s sufficiency, acknowledging Him as the ultimate guardian and reckoner.

Implications of Believing in Al-Haseeb

Embracing the belief in Allah as Al-Haseeb has profound implications for a Muslim’s life:

• Accountability: Recognizing that Allah meticulously accounts for all actions encourages individuals to lead a life of righteousness and mindfulness, knowing that every deed is recorded and will be judged.
• Reliance on Allah: Understanding Allah as the Sufficient inspires believers to place their trust in Him, especially during times of adversity, acknowledging that He is the ultimate provider and protector.
• Contentment: Belief in Al-Haseeb fosters a sense of contentment, as individuals realize that Allah grants everyone their due, and His provisions are precise and just.

Practical Reflections

To internalize the attribute of Al-Haseeb, believers can:

• Engage in Regular Self-Accountability: By reflecting on their daily actions and intentions, Muslims can strive for self-improvement, aligning their deeds with the awareness that Allah is the ultimate reckoner.
• Strengthen Trust in Allah: In moments of uncertainty or fear, turning to Allah and acknowledging His sufficiency can provide comfort and reassurance.
• Practice Gratitude: Recognizing that Allah’s provisions are precise and sufficient encourages a mindset of gratitude and reduces feelings of inadequacy or envy.

In summary, the attribute of Al-Haseeb encompasses Allah’s roles as the meticulous accountant of all actions, the sufficient provider, and the just granter of recompense. Embracing this belief encourages Muslims to lead lives rooted in accountability, trust, and contentment, continually aware of Allah’s encompassing presence and justice.

Ar-Raheem (ٱلْرَّحِيْمُ)

In Islamic theology, Ar-Raheem (ٱلْرَّحِيْمُ) is one of the 99 beautiful names of Allah, translating to “The Most Merciful” or “The Bestower of Mercy.” This divine attribute signifies Allah’s profound and continuous mercy towards His creation, especially towards the believers.

This is the most important attribute for our purposes to achieve soul-at-peace or Nafs Al-Mutmainnah.

The name Ar-Raheem appears numerous times throughout the Quran, underscoring its significance. According to various sources, the occurrences are as follows:

• 114 times: This count includes its presence in the basmalah (the phrase “Bismillah Ar-Rahman Ar-Raheem”) at the beginning of 113 surahs (chapters) and additional mentions within the text. MyIslam
• 93 times: Excluding the Bismillah, Ar-Raheem is mentioned 93 times within the Quranic text. Understand Quran

These variations in counts arise from whether the Bismillah is included in the tally.

Understanding Ar-Raheem

The term Ar-Raheem is derived from the Arabic root raḥm (ر ح م), which encompasses meanings of tenderness, compassion, and mercy. While closely related to another of Allah’s names, Ar-Rehman (The Entirely Merciful), the two embody distinct aspects of His mercy. Ar-Rehman denotes a universal, all-encompassing mercy extended to all of creation, whereas Ar-Raheem refers to a more specific mercy, particularly bestowed upon the believers. This distinction is highlighted in the Quran:

“It is He who confers blessing upon you, and His angels [ask Him to do so] that He may bring you out from darknesses into the light. And ever is He, to the believers, Merciful.” (Al Quran 33:43)

The root of Ar-Raheem is raḥm, which conveys meanings of mercy, compassion, and tenderness. While closely related to another divine name, Ar-Rahman (“The Entirely Merciful”), scholars distinguish between the two:

• Ar-Rahman: Denotes Allah’s universal mercy encompassing all creation.
• Ar-Raheem: Emphasizes a special mercy specifically directed towards the believers. MyIslam

This distinction highlights the depth and layers of Allah’s compassion as portrayed in Islamic theology.

Ar-Raheem in the Quran

The name Ar-Raheem appears numerous times throughout the Quran, often in conjunction with other divine attributes, underscoring the depth and specificity of Allah’s mercy. For instance:

“Inform My servants that I am the Forgiving, the Merciful.” (Al Quran 15:49)

In this verse, Allah pairs His attribute of forgiveness with His mercy, emphasizing the compassionate nature with which He treats His servants.

The Manifestation of Ar-Raheem

Allah’s mercy, as encapsulated by Ar-Raheem, is evident in various aspects of life and spirituality:

• Forgiveness of Sins: Allah’s mercy is ever-present for those who seek forgiveness with sincere repentance.
• Guidance: Through His mercy, Allah provides guidance to the believers, illuminating their path and helping them navigate life’s challenges.
• Blessings and Sustenance: The continuous provisions and blessings bestowed upon individuals are manifestations of Allah’s merciful nature.

Reflecting on Ar-Raheem

Understanding and internalizing the attribute of Ar-Raheem encourages believers to embody mercy and compassion in their interactions with others. As recipients of Allah’s boundless mercy, it becomes a moral imperative to reflect such compassion in daily life, fostering a community rooted in empathy and kindness.

In summary, Ar-Raheem signifies Allah’s specific and profound mercy towards the believers, a mercy that is both a source of comfort and a guiding principle for ethical conduct.

Ar-Razzāq (ٱلْرَّزَّاقُ)

In Islamic theology, Ar-Razzāq (ٱلْرَّزَّاقُ) is one of the 99 beautiful names of Allah, translating to “The Provider” or “The Sustainer.” This divine attribute signifies that Allah is the ultimate source of all forms of sustenance, encompassing both material and spiritual provisions for all His creation.

Understanding Ar-Razzāq

The term Ar-Razzāq is derived from the Arabic root ra-za-qa (ر ز ق), which encompasses meanings such as to provide, to grant sustenance, and to bestow necessities of life. This name emphasizes Allah’s continuous and all-encompassing provision to His creatures, ensuring that every being receives what it needs to survive and thrive.

Quranic References

The concept of Allah as the ultimate provider is highlighted in several Quranic verses:

“Indeed, it is Allah who is the [continual] Provider, the firm possessor of strength.” (Quran 51:58)

This verse underscores that Allah alone possesses the power to provide sustenance to all beings.

“And there is no creature on earth but that upon Allah is its provision…” (Quran 11:6)

Here, the Quran emphasizes that every living creature depends on Allah for its sustenance, highlighting His role as the universal provider.

Types of Provision

Allah’s provision, or rizq, can be categorized into two primary types:

1. Material Provision: This includes tangible necessities such as food, water, shelter, and wealth. Allah ensures that all creatures have access to the resources required for their physical well-being.
2. Spiritual Provision: Beyond physical sustenance, Allah provides spiritual nourishment through guidance, knowledge, faith, and wisdom. This form of provision enriches the soul and leads individuals towards a fulfilling and purposeful life.

Implications for Believers

Recognizing Allah as Ar-Razzāq carries profound implications for believers:

• Trust and Reliance: Understanding that Allah is the sole provider fosters a deep sense of trust and reliance on Him, especially during times of hardship or uncertainty.
• Contentment and Gratitude: Believers are encouraged to be content with what they have, acknowledging that their sustenance is decreed by Allah. This awareness cultivates gratitude and reduces feelings of envy or dissatisfaction.
• Generosity and Compassion: Recognizing the source of all provision inspires believers to share their resources with others, emulating Allah’s generosity and ensuring the well-being of the community.

Practical Reflections

To embody the understanding of Allah as Ar-Razzāq, believers can:

• Engage in Regular Supplication: Consistently pray for Allah’s provision, seeking both material and spiritual sustenance.
• Practice Gratitude: Regularly reflect on and give thanks for the blessings received, acknowledging Allah’s role in providing them.
• Share with Others: Actively seek opportunities to assist those in need, sharing one’s provisions as a reflection of the divine attribute of sustenance.

In summary, Ar-Razzāq highlights Allah’s role as the ultimate provider for all creation. Embracing this attribute encourages believers to develop trust in Allah’s provisions, cultivate gratitude, and practice generosity, thereby fostering a harmonious and compassionate society.

Al-Hakeem (ٱلْحَكِيمُ)

In Islamic theology, Al-Hakeem (ٱلْحَكِيمُ) is one of the 99 beautiful names of Allah, translating to “The All-Wise” or “The Most Wise.” This divine attribute signifies Allah’s infinite wisdom in creation, legislation, and judgment, reflecting that every aspect of His will and action is rooted in ultimate wisdom and purpose.

Quranic References to Al-Hakeem

The name Al-Hakeem appears numerous times throughout the Quran, emphasizing its significance. For instance, Allah describes Himself as:

“Indeed, You are the Knowing, the Wise.” (Quran 2:32)

This verse highlights the inseparable link between Allah’s knowledge and wisdom, indicating that His wisdom is comprehensive and all-encompassing.

Dimensions of Allah’s Wisdom

Creation: Allah’s wisdom is evident in the intricate design and order of the universe. Every creation, from the vast galaxies to the minutest particles, reflects a purposeful design.

There are some nine million extant species on the planet earth. If you are convinced of the common ancestry of all the life forms and that they came through the process of evolution and survival of the fittest, over the billions of years, then it opens a profound paradigm to answer the ubiquitous question of suffering.

Let me quote here the concluding paragraph, in the later editions of the legendary book of Charles Darwin, on the Origin of Species that can make one quickly conceptualize the role of suffering in the grand scheme of things:

From the war of nature, from famine and death, the most exalted object which we are capable of conceiving, namely, the production of the higher animals, directly follows. There is grandeur in this view of life, with its several powers, having been breathed, by the Creator, into a few forms or into one; and that, whilst this planet has gone cycling on according to the fixed law of gravity, from so simple a beginning endless forms most beautiful and most wonderful have been, and are being, evolved.

Once the question about suffering is understood as a tool for evolution, one can begin to also see that the suffering of humanity through history, one nation at the hands of another and so on, can have creative power in our mundane lives as well as our ultimate destiny.

Legislation: The divine laws and commandments prescribed in the Quran and Sunnah are manifestations of Allah’s wisdom, aiming to guide humanity towards justice, morality, and spiritual well-being.

Judgment: Allah’s judgments, both in this world and the Hereafter, are based on His perfect wisdom, ensuring that every individual is dealt with justly and appropriately.

Implications for Believers

Understanding and internalizing the attribute of Al-Hakeem has profound implications for believers:

• Trust in Divine Decree: Recognizing Allah’s wisdom helps believers trust in His plans, even when faced with challenges or situations beyond their comprehension.
• Pursuit of Wisdom: Believers are encouraged to seek knowledge and wisdom, striving to reflect this divine attribute in their decisions and actions.
• Adherence to Divine Guidance: Understanding that Allah’s commandments are rooted in wisdom motivates believers to adhere to His guidance, knowing it leads to ultimate benefit.

Practical Reflections

To embody the understanding of Allah as Al-Hakeem, believers can:

• Seek Knowledge: Engage in continuous learning, both of religious teachings and the world around, to make informed and wise decisions.
• Reflect on Creation: Contemplate the natural world to gain insights into Allah’s wisdom and to strengthen faith.
• Apply Wisdom in Daily Life: Strive to act with wisdom in personal conduct, relationships, and community affairs, reflecting the attribute of Al-Hakeem in one’s character.

In summary, Al-Hakeem underscores Allah’s infinite wisdom permeating all aspects of existence. Embracing this attribute inspires believers to trust in divine wisdom, seek knowledge, and apply wisdom in their lives, aligning themselves with the divine purpose and guidance.

Al-Ghafoor (ٱلْغَفُورُ)

In Islamic theology, Al-Ghafoor (ٱلْغَفُورُ) is one of the 99 beautiful names of Allah, translating to “The All-Forgiving” or “The Most Forgiving.” This divine attribute emphasizes Allah’s boundless capacity to forgive sins, offering believers hope and encouragement to seek His mercy.

Understanding Al-Ghafoor

The term Al-Ghafoor is derived from the Arabic root ghayn-fa-ra (غ-ف-ر), which encompasses meanings such as to cover, conceal, and forgive. This root appears numerous times in the Quran in various forms, highlighting the emphasis on forgiveness in Islamic teachings. Al-Ghafoor signifies that Allah’s forgiveness is both extensive and profound, covering all sins for those who sincerely repent.

Al-Ghafoor in the Quran

The name Al-Ghafoor is mentioned 91 times in the Quran, often in conjunction with other attributes, underscoring the depth of Allah’s mercy. For instance:

“Inform My servants that I am the Forgiving, the Merciful.” (Quran 15:49)

In this verse, Allah pairs His forgiveness with mercy, highlighting the compassionate nature of His pardon.

Another example is:

“But indeed, I am the Perpetual Forgiver of whoever repents and believes and does righteousness and then continues in guidance.” (Quran 20:82)

Here, Allah assures believers of His continuous forgiveness for those who turn back to Him with sincere repentance and righteous actions.

The Manifestation of Al-Ghafoor

Allah’s attribute of Al-Ghafoor manifests in various ways:

• Forgiveness of Sins: No matter the magnitude of the sin, Allah’s forgiveness is all-encompassing for those who earnestly seek it.
• Concealment of Faults: Allah not only forgives but also conceals the faults of His servants, protecting them from disgrace.
• Protection from Consequences: Through His forgiveness, Allah shields believers from the adverse effects and punishments associated with their sins.

Reflecting on Al-Ghafoor

Understanding Al-Ghafoor encourages believers to:

• Seek Forgiveness Regularly: Recognizing that Allah’s mercy is vast inspires Muslims to continually turn to Him in repentance.
• Emulate Forgiveness: As recipients of divine forgiveness, believers are encouraged to forgive others, fostering a compassionate and harmonious society.
• Maintain Hope: Awareness of Allah’s attribute as Al-Ghafoor instills hope, ensuring that no one despairs of His mercy, regardless of their past actions.

In summary, Al-Ghafoor embodies Allah’s infinite capacity to forgive, offering solace and motivation to believers to seek His pardon and embody the principles of forgiveness in their lives.

Epilogue

Only certainty in life is death. This sentiment underscores the inevitability of death, a concept deeply ingrained across various cultures and philosophies. In essence, while death remains a certainty, acknowledging this fact can lead to a more intentional and fulfilling life.

I have intentionally kept discussion of our mortality out of this article except for the discussion of the attribute: Al-Ghafoor (ٱلْغَفُورُ). But, that is an essential part of any discussion of soul-at-peace or Nafs Al-Mutmainnah.

Dealing with our death is of fundamental importance in acquiring soul-at-peace or Nafs Al-Mutmainnah. This will be a topic of a separate article. Nevertheless, I want to conclude today with a verse of the same Surah Al Raad that has been the central idea of this article:

اللَّهُ يَبْسُطُ الرِّزْقَ لِمَن يَشَاءُ وَيَقْدِرُ ۚ وَفَرِحُوا بِالْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا وَمَا الْحَيَاةُ الدُّنْيَا فِي الْآخِرَةِ إِلَّا مَتَاعٌ

God gives abundantly to whoever He will, and sparingly to whoever He will–– and though they may revel in the
life of this world, it is but a fleeting comfort compared with the Life to come. (Al Quran 13:26)

Prior articles on the subject of soul-at-peace or Nafs Al-Mutmainnah

Self-Actualization a Step Towards Soul-At-Peace or Serene Soul

From Self-Actualization to Self-Transcendence

Moral and Compassionate Life As Foundation for Spirituality or Nafs Al-Mutmainnah