Reflections on the Divine Names (1-10): The Names of Allah

Bismillah. In this first part of our series, we begin our journey by reflecting on the first ten of Allah's most beautiful names. Each one is a gateway to understanding His majesty and mercy. Let's begin.

1. ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنُ (Ar-Rahmān) – The Most Gracious

• Root: ر ح م (Ra ḥa m)

• Meaning: Allah's mercy encompasses all of His creation. It is vast, constant, and beyond human comprehension.

• Explanation: Ar-Rahmān refers to Allah’s infinite mercy that is extended to all creatures, regardless of their faith or actions. His mercy nurtures and sustains everything.

2. ٱلرَّحِيمُ (Ar-Rahīm) – The Most Merciful

• Root: ر ح م (Ra ḥa m)

• Meaning: Special mercy for the believers.

• Explanation: Ar-Rahīm is a more specific form of mercy that is reserved for those who believe in Him. It is a continuous and eternal form of compassion, especially in the Hereafter.

3. ٱلْمَلِكُ (Al-Malik) – The King and Owner of Dominion

• Root: م ل ك (Mā l k)

• Meaning: The One who owns and rules over everything in existence.

• Explanation: Allah is the Sovereign Ruler of the universe. Nothing happens without His permission. He has absolute authority and dominion over all that exists.

4. ٱلْقُدُّوسُ (Al-Quddūs) – The Absolutely Pure

• Root: ق د س (Qāf Dāl Sīn)

• Meaning: The One who is pure from all imperfections, faults, and deficiencies.

• Explanation: Allah is perfectly holy and sacred. He is free from any human weaknesses or limitations and beyond anything that can be imagined.

5. ٱلسَّلَامُ (As-Salām) – The Source of Peace and Safety

• Root: س ل م (Sīn Lām Mīm)

• Meaning: The One who is the source of peace, safety, and security.

• Explanation: As-Salām means Allah is free from all defects and harm, and He grants peace and tranquility to His creation.

6. ٱلْمُؤْمِنُ (Al-Mu’min) – The Giver of Faith and Security

• Root: أ م ن (Ā M N)

• Meaning: The One who grants belief and security.

• Explanation: Allah confirms the truth of His messengers and gives security from fear, both in this life and the next. He is the source of spiritual and physical safety.

7. ٱلْمُهَيْمِنُ (Al-Muhaymin) – The Guardian, the Witness, the Overseer

• Root: هـ ي م ن (Ha Ya Ma Noon)

• Meaning: The One who watches over, protects, and ensures the well-being of His creation.

• Explanation: Al-Muhaymin implies complete knowledge and control, constantly watching and protecting everything in the universe.

8. ٱلْعَزِيزُ (Al-‘Azīz) – The Almighty

• Root: ع ز ز (‘Ayn Zāy Zāy)

• Meaning: The One who is mighty, invincible, and full of honor.

• Explanation: Allah cannot be overcome or defeated. His might is absolute, and He grants honor to whom He wills.

9. ٱلْجَبَّارُ (Al-Jabbār) – The Compeller

• Root: ج ب ر (Jīm Bā Rā)

• Meaning: The One who restores, mends, and compels the will of His creation.

• Explanation: Al-Jabbār refers to Allah's ability to enforce His will over all creation and to repair what is broken, lifting up the weak and correcting injustice.

10. ٱلْمُتَكَبِّرُ (Al-Mutakabbir) – The Supreme, the Majestic

• Root: ك ب ر (Kāf Bā Rā)

• Meaning: The One who is above all things and free from pride, yet truly deserving of it.

• Explanation: Allah is truly great and above all comparison. While arrogance is blameworthy in creation, it is a right of Allah alone due to His perfection and majesty.