First topic message reminder :

In Thy name, we live

Al-Fattah (The Superb Arbiter)

In the name of Allah, The All-Merciful, praise be to Allah the Lord of the worlds.[1] All Prayers and Blessings of Allah be upon the Prophet of Allah (SAWS)[2]. Welcome to today’s episode and the first name of Allah’s most beautiful names, Al-Fattah; The Superb Arbiter. The episode is divided into four main parts: the first part tackles the meanings of The Superb Arbiter; the second part mentions four important points to bear in mind when remembering The Superb Arbiter, the third part is that Ramadan is the month of conquests and grants and the last part is about our duties towards The Superb Arbiter.

The name Al-Fattah has three meanings. The first meaning is that when all doors are closed, Allah with His will and power opens all of them, reveals all distresses, and resolves all difficulties. Bearing this meaning always in heart would make you the most powerful person in the world. Prostrate, abase yourself, and cry between His hands, Allah will grant you all what you desire. Allah (SWT)[3] says what can be translated as, “Whatever mercy Allah opens for mankind, then none can be holding it back; and whatever He holds back, then none can be sending it forth after Him; And He is The Ever-Mighty, The Ever-Wise” (TMQ, 35:2)[4].

In the battle of Badr, the Muslims numbered 300, with only two horses, and the rejecters of faith numbered 1000 men and 100 horses. The Prophet (SAWS) kept on supplicating Allah over and over to fulfill what He had promised him, to the extent that Abu-Bakr patted him and told him to calm down, fearing for him from the urgency of his supplication. Then the Prophet (SAWS) stood up and announced to the Muslims that Jibril (AS) [5] (Gabriel) is leading 1000 angels to fight with them. Thereafter the Muslims were granted victory.

It is said that when facing a scientific problem, Ibn-Taymiah used to go to the desert, lay his face in the sand, and ask for Al-Fattah’s forgiveness, for as long as it took. He said that he never came back except that Allah had resolved his problem. Furthermore, the son of a friend of mine went through a difficult delivery, where he was pulled with an instrument that damaged the neurological cells, resulting in a severe tremble. The doctors predicted that he would either be paralyzed or die; that his father wished for his son to pass away and not have to endure paralysis. He sought Allah’s help and supplicated Him. Once when he was going to a friend he met another doctor, by chance, who told him that there was another form of medicine available, and the boy was cured by the grace of Al-Fattah. He is now 12 years old and is alive and well.

The second meaning is The Superb Arbiter, who opens the doors of success at the beginning of everything. Allah says what can be translated as, “And in His Providence are the keys of the Unseen; none knows them except He” (TMQ, 6:59). Allah (SWT) says “And in His Providence are the keys of the Unseen” not “the keys of the Unseen are in his Province” to indicate that He alone holds these keys not any one else.

The last meaning is that Al-Fattah arbitrates with justice between opponents. Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “Say, Our Lord will gather us together; (Literally: “between” us) thereafter He will arbitrate between us with the Truth, and He is The Superb Arbiter, The Ever- Knowing” (TMQ, 34:26). Allah also says what can be translated as, “Our Lord! Arbitrate with the truth between us and our people, and You are The Most Charitable of arbiters” (TMQ, 7:89).

Lady Aisha (RA)[6] was unfairly accused of adultery. The people kept on slandering her for a whole month. When the Prophet (SAWS) asked her to ask for Allah’s forgiveness if she had committed any sin, she kept weeping and asked her father Abu-Bakr (RA) to answer for her. However, he could not. She could only say what can be translated as, “So, patience is becoming. And Allah is (The One) Whose help is to be sought against what you describe” (TMQ, 12:18). Hence, Allah revealed Surat[7] An-Nû‍r (The Light) to refute the alleged charges and declare her innocence. The same happened to Yusuf (AS) (Joseph) when he was unlawfully charged with soliciting the wife of al-Aziz (the governor). He entered prison for nine years, only to leave due to a vision seen by the king. At the end, the wife of al-Aziz said what can be translated as, “…Now the truth has come to light; I did solicit him” (TMQ, 12:51). Throw yourself into Al-Fattah’s hands and ask for His forgiveness for we seek His freedom from the hellfire.

We approach Allah in Ramadan with humility and ask him for inspiration or settlement of our matters. Approach Allah with humility tonight, go to your room, close the door and make a sajdah (prostration) asking Allah to help you solve your problems and chase away your sadness. You never know where you will be next year, or whether you will be alive or not, so ask Allah to inspire you and open doors for you with a simple act of prostration, or while you make dua’a (supplication), or as you shed a tear.

How should we deal with Allah's name Al-Fattah (The Superb Arbiter)? First of all, Al-Fattah wants us to work diligently and full-heartedly because we never know when He may open doors for us. Sometimes Allah delays granting us solutions to test our sincerity and trust, so we should never lose hope. No matter how many times you knock on Allah's door without it opening, it will eventually, so don't give up and keep on trying. Keep knocking on His door even if you were rejected or denied at first. Sometimes we see people in hajj[8] making tawaf (circumambulation of the Ka’ba) making dua’a with tearful eyes. Be an intruder then, these people may have been accepted by Allah so go make dua’a with them instead. Allah wants us to be insistent. Sometimes we refuse to take a certain phone call, but the phone keeps on ringing and ringing till we finally do answer. Al-Fattah gives us hope that nothing is really impossible and that every problem has a solution. If you love serving Islam, Allah will test your persistence, just like He tested the Prophet's (SAWS) persistence when he called the people of tribes of Aus and Khazraj into Islam. In addition, Al-Fattah sends solutions when we least expect it. Some matters may seem like dilemmas at first when in fact they could be the key to a solution. Prophet Yusuf's (AS) imprisonment may have seemed like a problem that was impossible to solve, but it was actually a source of good, and he later became the king of Egypt. Our nation may be in a similar state right now, even it if seems like we are only facing hardships. Remember when the Prophet (SAWS) and Omar Ibnul-Khattab (RA) were not allowed to make umrah[9] during the treaty of Hudaybiya? When the ayah, which can be translated as, "Surely We have given you an evident conquest” (TMQ, 48:1) was revealed, Omar (RA) couldn't understand how the treaty's terms could allow for such a solution. The proof was that the number of people who embraced Islam shortly after the treaty of Hudaybiya was equal to the number of all those who joined it ever since the Prophet (SAWS) started his da’wa (missionary activity).

Moreover, the simplest of things could be lead to solutions, such as a simple word, a tear or even an ayah. We sometimes pass by an ayah we've read a hundred times in the Qur'an, yet one day we hear or read that ayah from a totally different perspective which completely changes our life.

Allah sends us solutions that exceed our expectations. When Lady Hajar kept running back and forth between the two hills of Safa and Marwa in Makkah, looking for water for her son Isma’il (AS) (Ishmael), Allah sent her zamzam water which we still drink till this very day. All I'm trying to tell you in this episode is that you should ask Allah by his name Al-Fattah to aid you, open doors for you this Ramadan, and solve all your problems. Would you like this Ramadan to be exceptional? Ask Allah. Remember that on the very first night of Ramadan, the gates of heaven are opened and we are granted great rewards: good deeds are multiplied by more than seventy times; our sins are forgiven every time we fast and make qiyam (voluntary night prayer). Remember the great rewards of Lailat Al-Qadr (the Night of Determination) which equals a thousand months of worship in reward. In addition, every night of Ramadan, some people are freed from the hellfire.

How should we deal with Allah's name, Al-Fattah (The Superb Arbiter)? First, approach Him with humility. Second, have great hope in Allah's victory, and third, be a source of good for others. Help someone tomorrow so that Allah will open doors for you. Allah's name Al-Fattah (The Superb Arbiter) has an important meaning in our death as well as our lives. Allah helps us when the angels ask us in our graves and opens a door from which we can see our seat in heaven. Allah is with us all the time.


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[1] Mankind, jinn and all creation.
[2] Salla Allah alayhe Wa Salam [All Prayers and Blessings of Allah be upon him].
[3] SWT = Suhanahu wa Ta'ala [Glorified and Exalted Be He].
[4] 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 = Allihi as-salam [Peace be upon him].
[6] May Allah be pleased with him/her.
[7] A chapter; the Qur’an is comprised of 114 surahs.
[8] The pilgrimage to Makkah during the first half of the month of Dhul-Hijjah, and is the fifth pillar of Islam.
[9] voluntary short pilgrimage that can be performed at any time of the year

(Al-Ghafur)The Ever-Forgiving


In the name of Allah[1](God), The All-Merciful, The Ever-Merciful. Praise be to Allah, The Lord of the worlds[2]. All Prayers and Blessings of Allah be upon our master, the most noble Prophet Muhammad (SAWS)[3].

The most beautiful name of Allah of today’s episode is very lenient and very close to our hearts. All Muslims, whether they are true believers or not, worship Allah through this name, though many of them do not appreciate its accurate meaning. Today, we are going to talk about Allah’s name, the Ever-Forgiving.

Let us start with the meaning of forgiveness. When we say that Allah is the Ever-Forgiving, this means that He covers our shameful deeds in this life and in the hereafter and protects us against the hellfire on the Day of Judgment. Thus, when we ask Allah for His forgiveness, this means that we ask Him to cover our sins and our imperfections in this life and in the hereafter and to protect us from hellfire in the hereafter.


We should all be attached to Allah through this name because He is the only one who forgives our sins. Notice that this name of Allah was mentioned by many Prophets, for example, Allah tells us in the Noble Qur’an, that Nuh (AS) (Noah) said to his people what can be translated as, “So I have said, ‘Ask forgiveness of your Lord; surely He has been (The) Superb Forgiver;” (TMQ[4], 71:10). Allah also says what can be translated as, “What would Allah perform with tormenting you in case you thank (Him) and believe? And Allah has been Thankful, Ever-Knowing.” (TMQ, 4:147).

The Qur’an also tells us that Ibrahim (AS) (Abraham) said to his people about Allah, while inviting them to Islam, what can be translated as, “Who created me. And so He, Ever He, guides me. And (it is He) Who, Ever He, feeds me and He gives me to drink; and when I am sick, then He, Ever He, cures me; and (it is He) Who makes me to die; thereafter He gives me life. And Whom I long (that) He will forgive me my offense (s) on the Day of Doom. (Or: Judgment)” (TMQ, 26: 78-82). Ibrahim (AS) considered that asking Allah to forgive his sin was as important as asking Him for food, drink or the cure of an illness. The companions of the Prophet (SAWS) said that they used to hear him (SAWS) asking for Allah’s forgiveness more than 70 times in each meeting with him.

We should all get close to Allah by asking His forgiveness because we are imperfect; we commit many sins and we are weak. We need Him to cover our imperfections, sins and disgrace in this life and in the hereafter and to protect us from hellfire. That is why the last ayah[5] in surat[6] al-Baqara, which can be translated as, “…And be clement towards us, and forgive us, and have mercy on us…” (TMQ, 2:286), sets the program of our ummah (Muslim nation). Also, note that Allah's forgiveness of our sins in this life is considered as a proof that He will not expose us in the hereafter. If you need to know to what extent Allah will forgive your sins in the hereafter, try to remember how many times you committed sins without Him exposing you.

Allah forgives whoever He wants and whatever He wants, He says what can be translated as, “Surely Allah does not forgive that (anything) should be associated with Him, and He forgives (anything) whatever apart from that for (Literally: to) whomever He decides…” (TMQ, 4:48). All we have to do is to insist on asking Allah for His forgiveness, to regret our sins and to visualize that every time we ask for Allah's forgiveness, a sin being forgiven.

Now let us move to the difference between the three names of Allah, The Ever-Forgiving, The Superb Forgiver and the Forgiver. Allah's name, the Ever-Forgiving, was mentioned 91 times in Qur'an, while The Superb Forgiver was mentioned five times and the Forgiver was mentioned only once. Scholars said that the Forgiver forgives one sin, the Ever-Forgiver forgives all your sins even if they are thousands, whereas the Superb Forgiver forgives the horrible and grave sins. Thus, Allah forgives all kinds of sins.

Allah is the Ever-Forgiving even with someone who rejects faith. Allah says what can be translated as, “Say to the ones who have disbelieved, in case they refrain, whatever has already passed will be forgiven them…” (TMQ, 8:38). He is even Ever-Forgiving with the prisoners of war who fought against the Prophet (SAWS), thus, He said what can be translated as, “ O you Prophet, say to the captives who are in your hands, “In case Allah knows of any charity in your hearts, He will bring you a more charitable (benefit) than what has been taken from you, and He will forgive you…” (TMQ, 8:70).

Allah says what can be translated as, “Their Messengers said, “Is there any doubt regarding Allah, The Originator (Literally: Renderer; i.e., creator) of the heavens and the earth? He calls you that He may forgive you (some) of your guilty deeds…” (TMQ, 14:10). This means that Allah is the one who calls us to forgive our sins. Even when Allah says what can be translated as, “The Forgiver of (every) guilty (deed), and The Accepter of penance, strict in punishment, The Owner of Ampleness…” (TMQ, 40:3). We should not fear the meaning of this ayah, because Allah shows us that although He has the might to punish us, He will forgive us.

Moreover, the Prophet (SAWS) taught us that if one persists in asking Allah for His forgiveness, He will drive away his distress, dispel his grief and He will provide for him from where he does not expect. Allah says what can be translated as,” So I have said, ‘Ask forgiveness of your Lord; surely He has been (The) Superb Forgiver; He will send down on you (rain) from the heaven showering plentifully, and He will supply you with riches and sons, (Or: seeds) and will set up (Literally: make) for you gardens, and will set up for you rivers.” (TMQ, 71:10-12).

Allah (SWT) conceals the good things too, to let people make more use of it. For example, He concealed the Night of Determination to let people exert their best efforts during the last ten days of Ramadan. He concealed the hour in which prayers are answered on Friday, to let them supplicate to him throughout the day. He concealed patrons of Allah[7] from being recognized, so that we would respect all people. He concealed the most glorious name of His, so that we would invoke Him with all his names. He concealed thoughts from being heard or read by others, or it would have caused severe problems amongst people. He protected people's secrets by limiting human hearing, so that their secrets would not be overheard. He concealed the time of death, so that Muslims prepare for it throughout their lives.

Imagine yourself on the Day of Judgment when you are called to be judged before Allah (SWT), with the presence of Prophet Muhammad (SAWS), your wife, your neighbors and others. Imagine yourself when you read your book, in which your sins are written, before all of them. On that day, the flesh of some people's faces will fall out of shame. However, while you are standing amidst all these horrors, Allah (SWT) would call you, asking you to get nearer to him, and He would conceal you from all the surroundings. He would ask you, “Do you remember your sins? I have concealed them in the worldly life and today I forgive you.” See how forgiving he is?


How do we live in Allah’s Name “The Superb Forgiving”?
There are three things to do:
1- Do as many good deeds as you can. If you wish that Allah (SWT) would forgive your sins, do something great for his sake. Take advantage of the month of Ramadan with all its blessings.
2- Keep asking for Allah's forgiveness.
Do not disclose people's secrets, so that Allah (SWT) would not disclose yours. Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) taught us that he who shields a Muslim, Allah (SWT) would shield him on the Day of Judgment.


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[1] 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.
[2] Mankind, jinn and all creation
[3] Salla Allah alayhe Wa Salam [All Prayers and Blessings of Allah be upon him]
[4] 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] A verse in the Qur'an
[6] A chapter; the Qur’an is comprised of 114 surahs
[7] Patrons of Allah = Pious worshippers of Allah who enjoy an elevated degree of faith that exceeds that of the common people.

Dr. Amr Khaled's lecture

Al-Waliyy (The Ever-Patronizing Patron)


In the name of Allah[1], The All-Merciful, The Ever-Merciful, all praises be to Allah, Lord of the worlds[2]. All Prayers and Blessings of Allah be upon the Messenger of Allah (SAWS)[3]. Today’s name is “The Ever-Patronizing Patron”. “Allah is The Ever-Patronizing Patron of (the ones) who have believed” (TMQ, 2:257)[4]. He is “The Ever-Patronizing Patron” of all the believers and not just the prophets.
The main points of the episode are as follows:

1) The meaning of “The Ever-Patronizing Patron”
2) How does Allah encourage his worshippers to offer themselves to Him in order to become patrons of Allah[5]?
3) Examples of those to whom Allah was their “Ever-Patronizing Patron”
4) The difference between a miracle and a special gift
5) Can ordinary people be patrons of Allah or do they have to experience a miracle or a special gift?
6) How can I offer myself to Allah for Him to become my “Ever-Patronizing Patron”?
7) How can we live in Allah’s name, “The Ever-Patronizing Patron”?

This episode is a very enticing meaning for those who want to be chosen by Allah and take Ramadan as an opportunity for that.

The meaning of “The Ever-Patronizing Patron”?
Linguistically, waliyy (patron) is a relative (someone close) who takes care of you, “Did He not find you an orphan, so He gave (you) an abode,” (TMQ 93:6), or someone loving who supports you; a patron is the first person you go to with a problem. I will give you an example to help you understand what it means to have Allah (SWT)[6] as your “Ever-Patronizing Patron”. Do you remember, as a child, when you were asked to come with your guardian (or patron) to school, and you were proud to do so? However, it is a heart-breaking moment for a child who has no guardian. A person with no patron is pitiable; a person who does not turn to Allah to be his “Ever-Patronizing Patron” and gives himself up to Satan or to his own whims and desires is pitiable. Yusuf’s (AS)[7] (Joseph) story illustrates both meanings of waliyy (patron). Allah (SWT) was his “Ever-Patronizing Patron” thus: He made the travellers need water so they would rescue him from the well, He made the Egyptian nobleman childless so he would adopt him, He made the King of Egypt need him to interpret his dream so he would release him from jail, He made Egypt in need of food so he would became a nobleman of Egypt. To see the relation between all that and the “Ever-Patronizing Patron” observe what Yusuf said which can be translated as, “Lord! You have already brought me (my share) of kingship and You have taught me (my share) of the interpretation of discourses. O Originator (Literally: Renderer; i.e., Creator) of the heavens and the earth, You are my Ever-Patronizing Patron in the present (life) (Literally: the lowly (life), the life of this world) and the Hereafter, Take me up to You as a Muslim (One who submits to you) and join me with the righteous” (TMQ, 12:101).

How does Allah encourage his worshippers to offer themselves to Him as their “Ever-Patronizing Patron”?
Allah encourages you to apsire to His Patronage by telling you how you will benefit if He is your “Ever-Patronizing Patron.” i) You will not fear in this world nor grieve in the hereafter; Allah says what can be translated as, “Verily, the patrons (Or: the pious worshippers of Allah) of Allah surely will have no fear on them, nor will they grieve.” (TMQ, 10:62) ii) He will grant you light and guidance in this life, in the grave, and in the hereafter. iii) He will provide you with victory “No indeed, (but) Allah is your Supreme Patronizer, and He is The Most Charitable of vindicators” (TMQ 3:150).

Examples of those to whom Allah was their “Ever-Patronizing Patron”
There are many examples of people whom Allah (SWT) stood by and supported in the past and nowadays. Othman Ibn-Affan (RA)[8] was granted insight and said, "Beware of a believer's insight, for he sees with the light (guidance) of Allah." A person supported by “The Ever-Patronizing Patron” is blessed with having his or her du'aa (supplication) answered all the time. During the time when Abu-Musa al-Ash’arey (RA) was assigned to the management of Iraq's affairs, a great fire burned all gardens and fields in a certain area there sparing one. Abu-Musa (RA) sent for its owner to find out what he had done to ensure that his garden was protected. The man said he simply supplicated to Allah (SWT) that the garden would never be burnt, and Allah answered his supplication. There are many examples of people whose du'aa was always answered such as Uwayss al-Qarni (RA) and Anas-Ibnul-Nadr (RA). By showing yourself to the “Ever-Patronizing Patron” to be doing as many good deeds and performing as many acts of worship as you can, and being obedient to Allah (SWT), you too, can become one of His patrons.

What is the difference between a miracle and a special gift?
A miracle is a proof of prophethood. However, there is an important concept we need to discuss here, which is a special gift (karama). Many people think that to be a patron of Allah you need to possess a special gift or be able to do something extraordinary and exceptional, but that is not true. A special gift is valid and proven but it has one condition: To have a certain special gift, Allah's patron must be a devout believer, and this is reflected in his or her manners and piety. He or she must lead their lives within the limits of the Qur'an and sunnah (the Prophet’s tradition). This means that we must never believe imposters and charlatans who claim to know the unseen and have extraordinary powers; they are definitely not patrons of Allah and we should not regard them as such.

Can ordinary people be patrons of Allah or do they have to experience a miracle or a special gift?
A miracle is a proof of prophethood and therefore must be apparent to all, but a special gift is a sign of Allah's (SWT) love, which He may grant us and yet conceal from us and everyone around us, so that we do not become arrogant. Therefore, you may be a patron of Allah and not know it.

How can I offer myself to Allah for Him to become my “Ever-Patronizing Patron”?
First, Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, "Verily, the patrons (Or: the pious worshippers of Allah) of Allah surely will have no fear on them, nor will they grieve. They are the ones who have believed and have been pious." (TMQ 10: 62-63) The best and simplest definition of piety is doing what Allah has ordered you to do and abstaining from whatever Allah has forbidden you from doing. It is quite hard, but one must be as pious as possible, so weigh your acts against this principle. If you have been pious most of the day then you are on the right track to becoming a patron of Allah. Secondly, we need to maintain our obligatory acts of worship, such as praying on time and paying zakat (mandatory alms-giving)[9], and thirdly we must continue to perform as many supererogatory prayers and acts of worship as possible, as these bring us closer to Allah and His love for us.

How can we live in Allah’s name, “The Ever-Patronizing Patron”?
Who among us will come out of Ramadan a patron of Allah (SWT)? Why are our ambitions limited to the worldly life? Why not compete during these coming last days of Ramadan to become closer to Allah (SWT)? One last thing we need to do in order to become patrons of Allah (SWT) is to take care of other people; become other people's patrons. For example, we can take care of an orphan or a poor person. I would like to address those who are responsible for the welfare of others such as parents, teachers, ministers or businessmen. You will be held accountable; it does not matter that you hold a high position or rank, what matters is how responsible, fair, and capable you are of performing all the duties and responsibilities this rank entails.

Let us live the last ten days of Ramadan this way, hoping to attain Lailat al-Qadr (The Night of Determination) so that Allah will answer all our du'aa (supplication) and make us His patrons from that night on.


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[1] 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.
[2] Mankind, jinn and all creation
[3] Salla Allah alayhe wa salam (All Prayers and Blessings of Allah be upon him)
[4] TMQ = Translation of the meaning of Quran. 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] Pious worshippers of Allah who enjoy an elevated degree of faith that exceeds that of the common people
[6] SWT = Subhanahu wa Ta'ala [Glorified and Exalted Be He].
[7] Alleyhe assalam (Peace be upon him/her)
[8] May Allah be pleased with him/her
[9] A proportion of the wealth (2.5%) of every Muslim to be paid annually for the benefit of the needy in the Muslim community

Al-Ahad (The Only One)

In the name of Allah[1] (God), The All-Merciful, The Ever-Merciful. All Prayers and Blessings of Allah be upon our master, the most noble Prophet Muhammad (SAWS[2]).

Today we will be talking about another of Allah’s beautiful names; one that is alive in every person’s heart when born. It is incorporated in life of Muslims, and their Islam is only accepted if they believe in it. It is Allah’s name “The Only One”.

This name denotes that Allah is One and has always been One. There is no second to Him; He has no partners, and there is nothing and no one bearing resemblance to Him. Allah says what can be translated as, “There is not anything like Him (whatsoever), and He is The Ever-Hearing, The Ever-Beholding,”(TMQ[3], 42:11).

Allah’s name “The One” (Al-Waahid) tells us that He has no partners. Allah’s name “The Only One” (Al-Ahad) tells us that He has no similitude. Both lead us to understand the beautiful testimony of Islam which is: there is no God to be worshipped but Allah. This is the emblem of today’s episode.

Today’s episode addresses two groups of people. The first group consists of those who doubt that The Only One, glorified be He, manages everything in the universe. We want them to look at the evidence of the Oneness of Allah in the universe. The second group is that of the believers who testify the Oneness of Allah, but do not understand its implications in life. We want them to reach the level of sincerity and devotion (Ikhlas), as wanted by the Qur’anic chapter that holds that name.

The name “The Only One” is mentioned once in the Qur’an in Surat[4] al-Ikhlas. In the starting verse Allah says what can be translated, “Say, ‘He is Allah, The Only One’” (TMQ, 112:1). Although a small chapter of 4 verses, it is valued as one third of the Qur’an. The name “The One” is mentioned 15 times in the Qur’an, 6 of them alongside Allah’s name “The Superb Vanquisher”.

What is the evidence that He is “The Only One”? Proof of this is the homogeneity present in creation. We can see that evident in the fact that reproduction always occurs between a male and a female gametes, in humans, animals and plants. All creatures have a respiratory system that exchanges gases with the surrounding environment. If there had been more than one god, each would want to compete with the other, resulting in different forms of creation.

Another piece of evidence is the unity of universal laws. Aging occurs to everything; from minute living creatures, to humans, to gigantic stars. Humans start growing from birth until senility and death, and the process does not reverse. Even cells have a life cycle that ends in apoptosis or cell death. Matter exerts gravitational forces that apply to celestial bodies as well as to subatomic particles. Processes occur in the universe in a gradual fashion. Sunrise and sunset, the birth and death of stars, the gestation of a fetus in a womb, all follow stages. There is no haphazardness or spontaneity in these occurrences. Another example of the unity of universal laws is the shape and the direction of rotation of celestial objects in a counterclockwise direction. This applies to electrons as well. All move in a predetermined course.

Is it not also evidence that the universe was created in a way to give you life? We inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide which plants use, returning oxygen. The cooperation between the sun, the seas, the wind and gravity brings us rain. We use the stars during the night as guidance. Symbiosis between the organisms around us occurs in perfect harmony. Thus, you yourself are a sign of His existence.

If there were more than one god, then man would be torn in his obedience to them. The universe would be governed by haphazard rules. The case is different, as there is only one god. The whole universe abides by His laws.

This episode is important for us believers, as we may have forgotten the meaning of the Oneness of Allah, and the great value of such a chapter as Al-Ikhlas that entails the meaning of His Oneness. We may have forgotten the suffering that our master Bilal (RA) had to endure just for saying Allah’s name “The Only One, The Only One” and how the hairdresser of Pharaoh’s daughter was killed with her children for this testimony of Islam. The Prophet was able to smell their beautiful scent filling the sky for that great word she died for. A man on the Day of Judgment with 99 records of sins, each stretching as far as the eye can see, is saved by a single card, on which is written, “There is no god to be worshipped but Allah.”

In an attempt to prevent Ammar Ibn-Yasir from testifying that there is no god to be worshiped but Allah, the rejecters of faith used to burn coal until it blazed, then force Ammar to lie on it until the grease of his back melted and extinguished the burning coal. He then used to go to the Prophet (SAWS)[5] unable to stand straight.

There was an imam (leader in prayer) who used to follow any Surah he recites with Surat al-Ikhlaas in each raka’a (one unit of Islamic prayer). The Prophet (SAWS), when knowing that, asked him about the reason. The man answered that he loved this surah for including the name and attributes of Allah. The Prophet (SAWS) told the man that Allah loved him for that. This Surah equals one third of the Noble Qur’an.

When the Prophet (SAWS) heard a man saying, “I pray to You, for You are Allah, the Only One, Allah, The Everlasting Sovereign, who has not begotten and has not been begotten, and to Him none could be co-equal,” the Prophet (SAWS) commented that he had supplicated with Allah's greatest name.

For one of the battles, Mu'awaya Ibn-Mu'awaya Al-Muzni was so ill that he could not join the army. After it had return on a cold night, Jibril (AS) (Gabriel) went to the Prophet (SAWS) and awakened him. He told him that there were two rows of angels awaiting him outside to pray Mu'awaya’s funeral prayer. Mu'awaya deserved this because he loved Surat al-Ikhlaas and used to read it every day and night.

How should we apply Allah's name “the One” to our life? Make all your words, deeds, movements and stillness for the sake of The Only One. Do not seek a witness in the whole universe but Allah. Allah says what can be translated as, “Say, “Surely my prayer, and my rites, and my living, and my dying are for Allah, The Lord of the worlds.” (TMQ, 6:162).

Enjoy your life, but seek Allah's satisfaction in whatever you say and do. Live happily with your children, and raise them to bring the victory of Islam. Be like Maryam's (AS) “Mary’s” mother when she said what can be translated as, “…Lord! Surely I have vowed to you what is in my belly in dedication; so (graciously) accept (it) from me. Surely You, (Ever) You, are The Ever-Hearing, The Ever-Knowing” (TMQ, 3:35).

Allah does not accept a deed unless it is done for his sake, so in order to be rewarded, your intentions have to be to please Allah. A scholar once said, “Whoever remains loyal to Allah for 40 days, springs of wisdom manifest in his heart, face and tongue.”

Omar Ibn-Abdul-Aziz used to evoke the right intention in his heart before moving one step forward. Solaiman Ibn-Abdul-Malik said on his deathbed, “I will perform something in which Satan has no share”. He appointed Omar Ibn-Abdul-Aziz as governor.

During a battle, the Muslims were not able to penetrate a fortress. An ordinary Muslim man began to dig a tunnel without the knowledge of anyone in the army every night until he could pass through it and open the fortress gate. Consequently, the Muslims were victororious. The man agreed to reveal himself to the commander provided that he did not offer him a monetary award or reveal his name to anyone, including the Caliph, as he refused to substitute worldly benefits for Allah's reward.

Khaled Ibnul-Waleed was a skilful army commander. When Omar Ibnul-Khattab discharged him, he exerted even more effort in the army. When he was asked about that he said, “I conquered The Levant for Allah's sake, not for Omar's.”

Zayn-al-'Abdeen Ibn-Ali used to leave food outside his countrymen's homes every night. No one knew who used to do this until he died, when they missed the food. When performing the ritual of washing him after death, they found a black line on his back, marked by the sacks of flour and rice he used to carry on his back.

In the end, you are required to do two things: renew your faith by repeating that there is “no god to be worshiped but Allah”, and to be loyal to it during the following ten days.


________________________________________
[1] 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.
[2] Salla Allah alayhe Wa Salam [All Prayers and Blessings of Allah be upon him]
[3] 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.
[4] A chapter; the Qur’an is comprised of 114 surahs
[5] Salla Allah alayhe Wa Salam [All Prayers and Blessings of Allah be upon him]

Al-Wahhab (The Superb Bestower)


In the name of Allah[1], The All-Merciful, The Ever-Merciful, all praises be to Allah, Lord of the worlds[2]. All Prayers and Blessings of Allah be upon the Messenger of Allah (SAWS)[3]. Today’s name is one that has a connection with Lailat al-Qadr (The Night of Determination). It is “The Superb Bestower”. Allah says what can be translated as, “Or even do they have in their presence the treasuries of your Lord's mercy, The Ever-Mighty, Superb Bestower?” (TMQ, 9:38)[4]

The meaning of the name, “The Superb Bestower”

This name gives more evidence of Allah’s love for us. Linguistically, “The Superb Bestower” is He who bestows precious, unconditional gifts upon His worshippers without demanding anything in return, and without them having done anything prior to the bestowal. He bestows upon them, out of love and affection for them. Someone who bestows once is a bestower, but He who bestows various gifts, over and over again, is “The Superb Bestower.” If the gifts are priceless and so great that no one else can bestow them, then “You, Ever You, are The One Who is The Superb Bestower” (TMQ, 8:3). “The Superb Bestower” only bestows gifts that benefit you and guide you.

The difference between “The Superb Provider” and “The Superb Bestower”

“The Superb Provider” provides regular sustenance, which is based on the worshippers’ work, but “The Superb Bestower” bestows upon chosen worshippers, unexpected gifts for which they have not worked. With “The Superb Provider”, you work before you receive your sustenance, but with “The Superb Bestower”, you work after you have received the gift. A Muslim is not meant to sit around and wait for gifts and not work. Moreover, sustenance is provided on a regular basis and therefore you become used to it and may forget to thank Allah (SWT)[5]. But an unexpected gift should make you take notice and remember to be thankful to Him.

Gifts bestowed upon us by “The Superb Bestower”

Here are a few examples of Allah’s gifts to us: an unplanned umrah[6], an unexpected hajj[7], your children; children are always mentioned as gifts in the Qur’an, your wife, a tape that led to your guidance, an unexpected holiday, a righteous friend, a prayer blessed with submissiveness, unexpected money to help you out of a crisis, a special talent. Furthermore, the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) is a gift, paradise is a gift and Lailat al-Qadr is a gift. Satan tries to prevent you from seeing the beauty of the gifts by making you see only hardships or by making you desire something other than Allah’s gifts.

Why does “The Superb Bestower” bestow gifts upon us?

A gift generates love, affection and joy; but more wonderful than the gift is He who bestows it. There are two reasons for bestowing gifts: First, He loves you for your character; second, you are distant and He wants to bring you close. If you do not remember His most recent gift to you, then you have a problem because it means that either you do not deserve His love, or you are unaware of His gifts. Beware, those who are not thankful to “The Superb Bestower”, do not deserve gifts and will stop receiving them.

The Superb Bestower chooses whom He wills

He chose from all mankind the prophets, and from among the prophets He chose Muhammad (SAWS). He chose his (SAWS) companions and his ummah (the Muslim nation) and from among them the martyrs and the people of the Qur’an. He chose Jibril (AS)[8] (Gabriel) from among the angels to descend with the revelation. He chose from among the places Makkah and Mount Arafat, from the days those of Dhul-Hijjah, and from the nights, Lailat al-Qadr; a night like no other. Moreover, He chooses for this night those who will attain it, so offer yourself to “The Superb Bestower”during the coming nights.

One of the most precious gifts The Superb Bestower has bestowed upon all of us is Lailat-al-Qadr (the Night of Determination). Allah carefully selects certain people to bestow upon them His gifts, as He wishes. He has favored the human beings amongst all His creations. He has favored the prophets from amongst all human beings. He has chosen Muhammad (SAWS) from amongst all the prophets to be the final messenger of Allah. He has chosen us to be Muslims from amongst all human beings. He has chosen Makkah out of all places. He chooses certain people from the billions of Muslims to go for Umrah and Hajj every year. He has chosen Ramadan from among all months. He has chosen the Night of Determination among all the nights. He also chooses certain people who actually benefit from and gain the reward of the Night of Determination.

“And strive for Allah as is the true striving for Him. He is (The One) Who has selected you” (TMQ, 78:22)

The Night of Determination

“Surely We sent it down on the Night of Determination; And what makes you realize what the Night of Determination is? The Night of Determination is more charitable (i.e., better) than a thousand months. The Angels and the Spirit keep coming down therein, by the permission of their Lord, with (Literally: from) every Command. Peace it is, till the rising of the dawn.” (TMQ, 1-5:97)

The word Qadr (Determination) has two meanings:
1. A night of high status, value, and importance;
2. The night in which the written destiny is disclosed to the angels for implementation.

“Surely We have sent it down in a blessed night; surely We have been warning. Therein every Wise Command is distinctly (decreed)” (TMQ, 3-4:44)

Notice that angels come down on this night in big numbers. Jibril (AS) (Gabriel) also comes down to earth on this night, once every year to remember the days of revelation, which stopped upon the death of the Prophet (SAWS). This night is a celebration of the birth of the perfect Ummah.

Three things make this night very special:
1. It is better than 1000 months, which is equivalent to nearly 84 years. This means that any good deed you do this night, will be rewarded to you as if you had done it for nearly your whole life span.
2. All your past sins are erased if you worship Allah justly on this night.
3. You are saved from the hell fire.

The Prophet (SAWS) used to pack up his bed and forget sleep during the last ten nights of Ramadan. He would awaken his wives and family and encourage them to liven up the night in worship, prayer, and supplication. Let us focus on all the last ten nights, since we can never be sure when the actual Night of Determination is. Fighting and disagreement is one of the things that can make you lose out on all of the rewards of this special night, as this was one of the reasons why Allah has kept the knowledge of the exact occurrence of the Night of Determination a secret from us.
So are you ready to work hard and make yourself shine out from amongst the rest of Muslims? Let us take advantage of this very special gift, which only the Superb Bestower can bestow upon us.


________________________________________
[1] 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.
[2] Mankind, jinn and all creation
[3] Salla Allah alayhe wa salam (All Prayers and Blessings of Allah be upon him)
[4]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] SWT = Subhanahu wa Ta'ala [Glorified and Exalted Be He].
[6] voluntary short pilgrimage that can be performed at any time of the year
[7] The pilgrimage to Makkah during the first half of the month of Dhul-Hijjah, and is the fifth pillar of Islam
[8] Alayhe assalam (Peace be upon him)

dr. amr khaled's lecture

Al-Mojeeb (The Supreme Answerer)


In the name of Allah[1] (God), The All-Merciful, The Ever-Merciful, all praises be to Allah, Lord of the worlds[2]. All Prayers and Blessings of Allah be upon the Messenger of Allah (SAWS)[3].

Before talking about today's name, I would like to remind you all of the precious days we are experiencing. We are facing the last ten days of Ramadan, which are the sweetest days for worshiping Allah (SWT)[4] and the reward is priceless, as you will be saved from Hellfire and your dua’a (supplication) is answered.

This brings us to today's name, which is Al-Mojeeb (The Supreme-Answerer). Allah says what can be translated as, "And when My bondmen ask you concerning Me, then, surely I am near; I answer the invocation of the invoker when he invokes Me…" (TMQ, 2:186)[5].

This is a special name for these special days we are going through, as the definition of this name is suitable for Ramadan and the last ten days of this month, in particular. Our Prophet (SAWS) told us that when the person who is fasting breaks his fast, he can supplicate to Allah and his dua'a shall not be turned down. Also, the above mentioned ayah[6] is mentioned right amongst the part that is talking about fasting in the Qur'an. Also, if you supplicate during the Night of Determination, it will be answered!

You will find that the companions of the Prophet (SAWS) used to prepare special requests for this month and ask Allah to make them come true. The year would pass and they would find them fulfilled.

Let us look at the definition first, which is very easy. The Supreme-Answerer is the One who answers your call, but the beauty of this name is that He (SWT) is the one who makes you supplicate in the first place, so that He may answer it!

There are a few basic factors when we talk about this name that we have to bear in mind. One is that Allah has never set a fixed time for the dua'a, as it is not restricted by a certain hour during the day or night or for a certain order of priority amongst people. You can even supplicate without opening your mouth just by thinking about your wish while sitting amidst millions of people, without uttering even a single word.

The other thing is that the Prophet said that dua'a is worshiping, as it makes you feel the need for Allah more than any other form of worship, because you are asking Allah for something. By doing this, you are admitting to all His other most beautiful names, as well as declaring that you are His servant.

Allah wants you to be persistent when you supplicate for something. This is what the Prophet (SAWS) told us, as it shows that you have no one else to turn to but Him (SWT). He may even put you in circumstances that force you to supplicate and ask His help and guidance no matter how small or insignificant that request might seem to you. Even if you lost your car keys, for example, you should supplicate to Allah that he may guide you to find them.

You will find that the name The Supreme-Answerer is mostly linked with being "near" in the Qur'an. Why is that? Because he is closer to you than anything you might imagine. Allah says what can be translated as, "And indeed We already created man, and We know whatever his self whispers within him, and We are nearer to him than the jugular vein." (TMQ, 50:16). When you think about it, if you want to tell someone about a problem you are facing you need to explain everything, but if you are supplicating to Allah you do not need to explain anything or be ashamed of anything as he knows everything. He is near.

The Prophet (SAWS) mentioned this special relation in many of his ahadeeth[7] and it is repeated in the Qur'an in many ayahs. Once, a man came to ask the Prophet (SAWS) something; he wanted to know if Allah is near so that he may whisper his dua'a or far away so that he may call out for Him. The Prophet (SAWS) did not answer and that is when the revelation came to him and Allah said what can be translated as, "And when My bondmen ask you concerning Me, then, surely I am near; I answer the invocation of the invoker when he invokes Me…" (TMQ, 2:186). In the Qur'an, you will find more examples. Allah says what can be translated as, "And your Lord has said, “Invoke Me and I will respond to you. Surely the ones who wax too proud to do Me worship will soon enter Hell utterly abject.” (TMQ, 40:60). You will find here that for those who do not supplicate to Allah, He considers them to be too proud. Why won't you supplicate and humble yourself to Allah (SWT)?

Answering invocations in the Noble Qur’an always comes with situations that seem impossible to us. For example, when Ibrahim (AS) (Abraham) asked Allah (SWT) to make Makkah, which was completely void of people and any form of life, a secure place for his family and provide them with products, this seemed something very difficult to people at that time. Nevertheless, Allah answered Ibrahim’s invocation and millions of people around the world come to this place throughout the year! Similarly, when Zakariya (AS) (Zechariah) asked Allah (SWT) to grant him offspring, Allah (SWT) gave him what he asked for, even though he was very old and his wife was barren. Similar situations happened with many other prophets who asked Allah for various issues that seemed impossible to be answered, but Allah (SWT) granted them all what they wanted just to reassure people and strenghthen their trust in Allah that He is always there to answer our invocations no matter what they were.

There are also many ordinary people, who were neither prophets nor companions, who have many stories about Allah answering their supplications in issues that seemed impossible to them. You, yourself, if you try to think back in your life and remember how many times Allah (SWT) answered your supplications, you will find many. Therefore, trust Allah (SWT) and invoke Him as much as you can, especially during these days. You can supplicate Him in any language you know and be sure that He is always listening to you and will grant you what you want.

You should bear in mind that when Allah (SWT) answers your supplication, Satan always tries to distract you with joy to make you forget that Allah is the The Supreme-Answerer who granted you what you asked for. He wants to distract you from realizing that what you have received is a result of your supplication; otherwise, you would realize the importance of supplication and become closer and closer to Allah by supplicating more and more. Satan does not want this to happen. We should always praise Allah when we get something to remember that Allah is the The Supreme-Answerer and is the only One who answers our supplications.

The Supreme-Answerer likes people to supplicate Him at certain times. Although He (SWT) is always there for us, there are specific times at which He becomes even closer and answering supplications becomes more guaranteed. These times are many and some examples are: in the final third of the night, during prostration in prayers, when breaking fast, in the Night of Determination, between adhan (the call to prayer) and prayer, at the Ka’ba and during tawaf (circumambulation of the Ka’ba), at the Black Stone, when drinking Zamzam water, and on the Day of Arafah. Also, supplications are answered on Fridays. The exact time at which Allah answers supplications on Fridays have not been pinpointed so that we would supplicate all day long. However, there has been some agreement on these following times: just after fajr (dawn) prayer, at sunrise, at the time of Friday prayer, after Friday prayer, between asr (afternoon) and maghrib (sunset) prayers, and finally, at the time of sunset. Furthermore, when a Muslim invokes for another Muslim in his absence, this invocation is answered as well.

There is a special kind of relationship between you and the The Supreme-Answerer. After you supplicate Allah, especially if you were very sincere, you will feel very relieved. This happens even though you still do not know whether Allah will answer your supplication or not. This happenes because you have told Allah (SWT) about all your feelings and all your needs, so you feel very calm and relieved. Another psychological effect of supplication is that when you ask Allah for something over and over again, your subconscience gets used to the idea and believes in what you are asking for; therefore, you start working harder and harder to get it. This is why Allah may sometimes delay the answer to your supplication: to make you work harder and get ready for it.

There are four prerequisites for answering supplications. These are: being certain that Allah (SWT) will answer your supplication, showing submissiveness during supplication, being patient and not hastening the answer, and gainig lawful means of living. In addition, there are some etiquettes for supplication. These are: raising the hands during supplication, ablution, facing the qiblah[8], beginning the supplication by praising Allah, asking Allah to pray upon His Prophet Muhammad (SAWS), asking Allah using His Most beautiful names, and giving charity after the supplication. Ibn-al-Qayyem said that he who fulfills the four prerequisites and these etiquettes during supplication should know that Allah will certainly grant him what he has asked for.


________________________________________
[1] 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.
[2] Mankind, jinn and all creation
[3] Salla Allah alayhe Wa Salam (All Prayers and Blessings of Allah be upon him)
[4] SWT = Subhanahu wa Ta'ala [Glorified and Exalted Be He].
[5] 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.
[6] A verse in the Qur'an
[7] The Prophet’s actual sayings or actions as narrated by his companions
[8] the direction faced in prayer towards Ka'ba

dr. amr khaled's lecure

Al-Afuww (The Effacer of sins)


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[1]).

Today's episode is related to the Night of Determination, as it deals with the beautiful Name of Allah, Al-Afuww (The Effacer of sins). The Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) taught Lady Aisha that the best supplication to repeat on this night is, "O Allah, You are The Effacer of sins and You love effacing sins, so efface mine." This Name, The Effacer of sins, was repeated in the Qur'an five times; four of them together with the name Al-Ghafour (The Ever-Forgiving) and once with the name Al-Qadeer (The Omnipotent).

Today's episode is divided into four main points:
1. The meaning of Allah's name The Effacer of sins;
2. the difference between The Effacer of sins, The Ever-Forgiving and the rest of the beautiful Names of Allah related to the same meaning;
3. how The Effacer of sins is associated with the Night of Determination; and
4. how to live with this Name.

Linguistically, the word 'afa has two meanings. The first meaning is to give willingly without being asked and then to be satisfied. The other meaning is the effacing and the removal. Thus, The Effacer of sins first removes the traces of sins. He is then satisfied and finally He gives you without being asked.

What is the difference between effacing sins and forgiveness? Effacing sins is more comprehensive than forgiveness. When Allah forgives you, He does not expose you, either in this world or in the hereafter. He does not punish you. However, your sins are still written and you will still be questioned about them. The Effacer of sins, on the other hand, treats you as if you had never committed that sin. It is effaced with no trace of it. How does Allah efface the sin? He makes you forget it and He makes the angels forget it. It is not written in the scrolls anymore and you are not questioned about it on the Day of Judgment. He not only effaces minor sins, but grave and heinous sins as well, the same way the wind effaces the trace of trenches made by bedouins in the desert. What if Allah effaces all the sins you ever committed in your life? You are resurrected, free of all sins as if you had done nothing wrong in your life. On the Day of Judgment, Allah tells you to wish whatever you want, as He is satisfied with you, and tells you to enter jannah (paradise). Why does Allah do all this? It is because He loves man. It is because man is the most precious creature to Him and because He is Generous. Do you not feel ashamed? Allah does not want to punish you; He wants to forgive you and efface your sins. However, you still disobey Him!

The Name, The Effacer of sins, has two implications; a positive one and a negative one. The negative meaning implies elimination and getting rid (of sins) whereas the positive meaning implies satisfaction and giving. The Effacer of sins does three things. He erases your sins, He becomes satisfied with you and then He gives you more, even if you have not asked Him for that which he gave you. Therefore, this night is the night of these three things. O Effacer of sins, wipe away my sins, You are the Effacer of sins and I need this purge.

Al-Fudail Ibn-Ayyad, one of the followers, kept praying on the day of Arafat that Allah efface his sins. At the end of the day, he started crying. While everybody wondered why he was crying, he told them that he was ashamed of Allah, The Generous, as He had surely answered his prayers and effaced his sins. Sufyan Ath-Thawrey, another one of the followers, said that he likes to say the supplication taught by the Prophet (SAWS) on the Night of Determination more than any other form of worship.

What is the relation between this Name and the Night of Determination? To elaborate, we should first clarify the relation between this Name and His Name, Al-Tawwab (The Superbly Relenting). Imagine a situation where you sin and follow it with repentance. Then you commit the same sin followed by a renewed repentance. Again you commit the same sin and repent and this is repeated ten times until you cannot repent anymore because slowly, you feel there is a gap between you and Allah. You repented ten times but you still returned to the same sin, hence you thought that Allah will not forgive you. Nevertheless, Allah wants you. He loves you so how can you plug this gap? This will happen in a great way; a gift He grants you. It is the Night of Determination in which all your sins are effaced and the gap is filled up. The Effacer of sins then shows you the way to The Superbly Relenting.

The Prophet (SAWS) asks those who have many sins to start anew in this night; a new beginning. If you pray during this night and supplicate, “O Allah, You are The Effacer of sins and You love effacing sins, so efface mine,” whatever your sin was will be erased, and the gap will be filled up. Your book of bad deeds will be void of sins; a clean slate.

Notice that this name is associated with great calamities. When the Israelites worshipped the Calf, Allah says what can be translated as, "And (remember) as We appointed with M‍ûsa (Moses) forty nights; thereafter you took to yourselves the Calf even after him and you were unjust. Thereafter We were clement towards you even after that, that possibly you would thank (Us). [TMQ[2], 2:51-52].

Even in the Battle of Uhud, when the companions were with the Prophet, it was a severe sin to leave the Prophet during the battle and go away. Allah says what can be translated as, "Surely the ones of you who turned away the day the two gatherings encountered, surely it was only that Ash-shaytan (The ever-vicious, i.e., the Devil) made them slide back for some of that which they had earned; and Allah has indeed already been clement towards them…"[TMQ, 3:155]. What is the solution for the great number of sins other than effacement? Severe calamities and sins have no solution but effacement from Allah (TWT)[3].

The Effacer of sins has another association with the Night of Determination. Why was this night named so? It is because during this night the destinies of people are determined and conveyed to angels who spread them to the whole world. The greatness of the effacement of your sins during this night will determine your status for the next year. Why is this taking place? Why have we been sent to earth? We have been sent to reform it and reform needs renewed spirits. Those who live within themselves end up being tired. A revival can start again during the Night of Determination so that the ummah (Muslim nation) renews its vitality. It is for this reason that this episode is very important. O Allah, efface our sins so that the destiny of the ummah will be positive in the next year.

The Prophet (SAWS) narrates that everyday the sea asks Allah to allow it to drown man because man lives with His blessings and does not worship Him. Similarly, the earth asks Allah to allow it to swallow man because man lives with His blessings and does not worship Him. Heaven asks Allah to allow it to fall upon man because man lives with His blessings and does not worship Him. However, Allah refuses and tells the sea, earth and heavens to leave them, for if they had created man, they would have had mercy upon him. Are you ready for the Night of Determination?

The last point is how we can live with this Name. The answer is in one thing; efface people’s mistakes in order to have your sins effaced.

When Abu-Bakr’s daughter, Aisha, was accused of adultery, it was her cousin Mosteh who accused her. Abu-Bakr, who was sustaining Mosteh, decided not to do so anymore after Mosteh’s accusation. However Allah says what can be translated as, "And let not the ones endowed with the Grace (of Allah) and affluence swear off bringing (charity) to near of kin (Literally: endowed with kinship) and the indigent and to the ones emigrating in the way of Allah; and let them be clement and let them pardon. Do you not love that Allah should forgive you? And Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Ever-Merciful." [TMQ, 24:22]

After this ayah, Abu-Bakr swore not to stop sustaining him anymore. Therefore, The Effacer of sins is the One who brings His worshippers together. Forgive all people this night so that Allah forgives you and effaces all your sins.


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[1] Salla Allah alayhe Wa Salam [All Prayers and Blessings of Allah be upon him].
[2] 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
[3] Tabaraka Wa Ta`ala [Blessed and Exalted be He].

dr. amr khaled's lecture