12. A Description Of Umrah

Umrah is the name given to the visitation of the Ka'bah in Makkah. It is a sunnah of the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam .

In performing umrah ihram is assumed like that for hajj, and all restrictions of ihram are observed. A person intending to perform umrah makes the intention of ihram at the Meeqat and proceeds to Makkah. Upon reaching Makkah he perform tawaaf of the Ka'bah and then offers two rak'ahs behind Maqam Ibraheem. After that he performs Sa'i between as-Safa and al-Marwah, and then he either shaves his head or cut his hair, after which removes ihram.

There is no particular season or month fixed for performing umrah. To travel with the intention of performing umrah alone is permissible. 

The following are some of the statements of the 

Prophet salallahu‘alayhi wa sallam concerning umrah:

"An umrah during Ramadhan  is equal to Hajj."

" From one umrah to the next [is a period of] expiation [of sins], and the reward of a sinless hajj is none but Paradise."

Any person residing within the boundaries of al-haram [the city of Makkah along with a certain outlying territory on all side] who intends to perform umrah should go outside these boundaries to enter into the state of ihram. This is based upon the fact that after the Farewell Pilgrimage the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam  sent. 'Abdur- Rahman bin Abi Bakr to accompany his sister 'Aishah  who was the Prophet's wife, to at-Tan'eem to assume the ihram for umrah.

After hajj it is contrary to the sunnah for a pilgrim to perform umrah repeatedly during his stay in Makkah. The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam  permitted A'ishah to perform umrah after hajj because she has missed the one before due to menstruation. Based upon this fact, any woman who misses umrah before hajj due to menstruation can perform it after hajj.

If a pilgrim enters ihram with the intention of performing hajj at- tamattu  but because of unavoidable circumstances does not perform umrah first [as required in this type of hajj], then he is to perform the qiran form of Hajj instead. Such a pilgrim is obliged to perform umrah after hajj  going out of the Haram boundary and assuming ihram there.

During the hajj season it is noticed that outside al-Masjid al-haram drivers are heard shouting, "Small 'umrah" and "Big 'umrah". These drivers take the pilgrim out of the boundaries of al- Haram so that they are able to perform umrah.  As a result, many pilgrims perform dozens of umrahs.  

Muslim scholars points out that the companion's practice was to perform only two or three umrah in a year. They note that it is preferable to spend one's time on the tawaaf instead.

11. Types Of Hajj

There are three forms of Hajj:

1. Ifrad, 

2. Qiran, and 

3. Tamattu. 

Following are descriptions of each.

1. Ifrad:  

In this form of Hajj the pilgrim enters the state of ihram with the niyyah (intention) of Hajj only, saying "Labbayka bi Hajj",  which means "I respond [O Allah], to You with Haj". After completing all the rites of Hajj the pilgrim is released from ihram. 

For such a pilgrim, the sacrifice of an animal is not obligatory. Additionally, he may perform "Umrah after Hajj" if he so choose.

2. Qiran: 

In this form of Hajj the pilgrim enters, ihram with the intention of 'Umrah and Hajj together, saying, "Labbaykka bi hajjin wa umrah," which  means "I respond [O Allah], to You with hajj and umrah." 

Such a pilgrim cannot remove ihram after umrah but must first sacrifice an animal and perform tawaf al-ifadah [circumambulation of the Ka'bah] of hajj.

In his Farewell Pilgrimage the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam performed this form of hajj  because he has bought a sacrificial animals along with him. After performing umrah he instructed all of the people, except those who had brought sacrificial animals with them, to remove ihram until the time for hajj.

3. Tamattu: 

In this form of hajj upon reaching the meeqat [the place at which the pilgrim is required to assume ihram] the pilgrim enters the state of ihram with the intention of umrah only, saying, "Labbayka bi Umrah" which means "I respond, [O Allah] to You with umrah." 

Once in Makkah he performs tawaf [making seven circuit's around the Ka'ba] and Sa'i [running seven times between as-Safa and al-Marwah]. After shaving the head or shortening the hair he removes ihram thereby completing umrah.

He then is free from all restrictions of ihram. He enters the state of ihram for the second time on the 8th of Dhul- Hijjah with the intention of hajj and remove it after performing all of the hajj rites.

Of the three forms of Hajj tamattu is preferable for those pilgrims who do not bring sacrificial animals along with them, such as those who come from for of places. Those pilgrims who bring sacrificial animals along with them should perform the qiran form of Hajj. In both cases it is obligatory for the pilgrim to sacrifice an animal on the 10th of Dhul- Hijjah. In this regard Allah states:

Faman- tamatta-'a-bil-'Umrati 'ilal Hajji fammastaysara minal - hady. Famal- lam yajid fa-siyaamu salaasati 'ayyamin- fil-Hajji wa sab- 'atin 'izaa raja- 'tum. Tilka 'asharatun- kaamilah.

"Whoever performs umrah [during the hajj months] followed by hajj,  sacrifices such animal as can be obtained with ease. And whoever cannot find [such an animal]- then  a fast of three days while on hajj and off 7 when you have returned [home]. Those are 10 complete [days].

10. Necessary Etiquette For The Hajj Journey

The pilgrim is guest of Allah, and his destination is the House of Allah. Hence, such a journey is sacred.

Every pilgrim should observe the following.

1.  Avoiding Indecency, abuse, angry conversations and quarrels.

2. Devoting time to prayer, supplication and the reading of the Qur'an.

3. Attending religious gathering rather than gossiping.

4. Respecting co-travelers and forgiving them for their acts of omission and commission.

5.  Intermingling with people and not keeping aloof.

6. Politeness and helpfulness to everyone.

7. Looking after old and weak pilgrims.

8. Bearing patiently any anger or provocative speech of co-travelers.

9. Keeping one's gaze lowered in crowds of men and women.

10.Offering prayers congregationally as much as possible.

9. Conditions for the Obligation Of Hajj

1. Islam.

2. Been of sound mind.

3. Having reached puberty.

4. Safety of route.

5. Financial ability to undertake the journey and maintain one's dependents during the period of this journey.

6. Physical ability and strength.

7. Women should be accompanied by either husband or a Mahram [a person whom she can never marry]. In the absence of such a person Hajj is not obligatory upon her.

8. Merits Of Hajj And Umrah

Hajj is a deed of a very high order and has many blessings. 

Here are some quotations from the Hadith. 

"After faith in Allah and his messenger salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam  and jihad in Allah's  path, the next best action is al-haj al mabrur [a sinless Hajj]."

"The reward of a sinless Hajj is nothing short of Paradise."

"If anyone performs the pilgrimage for Allah, he will return [free from sin] as on the day his mother Bore him."

"Haj leads to forgiveness of previous sins."

"The hajj of old and weak people and women is equivalent to jihad."

"Hajj and Umrah remove poverty and sins as a blacksmith's below remove impurities from iron, gold and silver."

"One who dies on his way to Hajj will rise on the day of judgement in ihram calling out Labbayk ..."

"Umrah during the month of Ramadan is equal to Hajj".

7. Al-Hajj Al-Mabrur (The Sinless Hajj)

"The reward of sinless Hajj is nothing short of Paradise."

An acceptable Haj is that in which the pilgrim commits no sins and performs the rights of Hajj according to the sunnah [tradition] of the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam .

Truly a sinless hajj is the demonstration of the highest degree of morality, spirituality, self-realization and inner upliftment.


The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said:
"He who makes a pilgrimage for Allah and does not indulge in sex or obscene speech or commits acts of disobedience will return [from it] as pure as the day on which his mother bore him".

6. An Obligation Once In A lifetime

Hajj is obligatory only once during a person's lifetime. 

If he can afford to perform it more than once, he may go as often as he likes. 

Except for the first one, additional performances of  hajj are supererogatory.

'Abdullah bin 'Abbas reported:
"Allah's messenger  salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam  said,
'Pilgrimage has been ordained for You people,' Hearing this, al Aqra' bin Habis asked whether it should be performed annually.

Allah's messenger salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam  replied, 
"If were to say that it should, it would be obligatory, and you would not be able [to do it]. Hajj is once, and whoever does more - it is voluntary ."

5. When Hajj Becomes Obligatory

Hajj became an incumbent religious duty in the 9th year of al- hijrah, when the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam  sent his companion, Abu Bakr ,to lead a Hajj congregation. 

He also sent Ali to announce the revelation of Surah Bara'ah [also known as Surah at- Tawbah]. 

He recited the first forty verses of this surah and announced,
"Starting next year, no idolator will be allowed to visit Makkah, and no one will be allowed to perform the 
circumambulation [tawaf ] of the House naked."

4. A Fundamental Institution

Hajj is one of the pillars of Islam and is an incumbent religious duty to be performed once in a lifetime by every able Muslim.

Anyone who denies it's being obligatory is deemed a non- believer, outside of Islam. 

Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala states:

Wa lilaahi 'alannaasi Hij-jul- Bayti manistataa-'ailay-hi sabiila. Wa man- kfara fa-'in-nallaha Ganiy-yun 'anil aalamin.

"And pilgrimage to the house [i.e. is the Ka'bah] is a duty unto Allah incumbent upon those who have the ability for it. As for him who disbelieves, [let him know that] Allah is independent of all creation."

And in the words of Prophet Muhammad salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam  :
"O mankind, hajj has been made obligatory for you, so perform Hajj."

"Islam is that you bear a witness that there is no deity except Allah and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah [and that you] establish prayer and gives zakah and fast during Ramadhan and make the pilgrimage to the house of Allah if you find a way thereto."

3. Detailed Description Of Hajj

Wa'atimmul-Hajja wal-'umrata lillah. Fa-'in- 'uh-sir-tum famas-taysara minal-hadyi, wa iaa tha-liquu ru-'uussakum hatta yablugal-hadyu mahillah. Faman- kaana minkum mariizan 'aw buhii azam- mir-ra-sihii fa-fidayatum- min-siyaamin 'aw sadaqatin 'aw nusuk. Fa-'izaaa amintum. faman- tamatta-'a bil-Um-rati 'ilal-Hajji famastaysara minal- hady. Famal-lam yajid fa-siyaamu salaasati  'ayyamin- fil-Hajji wa sab-'atin izza raja'-tum Tilka 'asharatun-kaamilah. Zaalika limal-lam yakun 'ah-luhuu haaziril-Masjidil-Haraam Wattaqullaaha wa'- lamuuu 'annal- laaha Shadiidul-'iqaab. 'Al-Hajju 'ash- hurum- ma'-luumat. Faman-faraz fiihinnal- Hajja falaa rafasa wa laa fusuuqa wa laa jidaala fil-Hajj. Wa maa taf-'aluu min khayriny -ya'-lam- hullah. Wa tazaw- waduu fa- 'inna khay razzaadittaqwaa. Wataquuni yaaa-'ulil- baab. Laysa 'alaykum junaahun 'an-tab-taguu fazlam -mir-Rabbikum. Fa-'izaaa 'afaztum-min 'Arafaatin- fazkurullaaha 'indal -Mash-'aril-Haraam. Waz-kuruuhu kamaa hadaakum, wa 'in- kuntum-min-qablihi la-minaz zaaal-liin. Summa 'afizuu min haysu 'afaazan- naasu was -tag-fi- rullah.'Innallaaha Gafuurur-Rahiim. Fa-'izaa qa-zaytum- ma-naasika-kum faz-kurullaaha kazikkrikum .aabaas 'akum-'aw ashada zikraa. Fa-minan-naasi many-yaquulu  Rabbanaaa 'aatina fid-duniya wa maa lahuu fil-'Aakhirati min Khalaaq. Wa minhum- many- ya- quulu  Rabbanaaa 'aatina fud- duniya hasanatanw -wa-fil- 'Aa-khirati hasanatanwa wa winaa 'azaaban-Naar. 'Ulaaa-'ika lahum nasii- bum-mimmaa kasabuu: wal laahu Sarii-'ul-hisaab. Waz- kurullaha fii 'ayyaa- mim- ma- duudat. Faman- ta-'ajjala fii yawmayni falaa 'isma 'alayh. wa man-ta-'akh-khara falaaa 'isma 'alayhi li- manittaqaa. Watta-qullaaha wa- 'lamuuu .annakum 'ilayhi tuh-sharuun.

"And complete the hajj and umrah for Allah. And if you are prevented, then sacrifice an animal that can be obtained with ease. And do not shave your head until the sacrificial animal has reached its destination [i.e. the place of slaughter]. And whoever  amongst you is ill or has an ailment of the head [making shaving necessary] must offer a ransom of fasting or charity or sacrifice [i.e. the slaughter of the sheep]. And when you are safe, then whoever performs umrah [during the hajj months]  followed by hajj, sacrifices such animals as can be obtained with ease. And whoever cannot find [Such an animal]- then a fast of three days while on Hajj and of seven when you have returned [home]Those are 10 complete [day]. This is for those whose family is not in the area of al-Masjid al-Haram. And fear Allah and know that Allah is severe in punishment. Hajj is [during] the well-known months, and whoever has taken upon himself to perform Hajj therein, [let him remember that] there is [to be] no sex and no disobedience and no disputing during Hajj. And whatever good you do - Allah  knows it. So take provision for yourselves, and the best provision is righteousness. Therefore, fear me, O  those of understanding. It is no sin upon you that you seek benefit [i.e. the profit from trade or business] from your Lord [during Hajj]. But when you depart from Arafat, remember Allah at al-Mash ar al-Haram. Remember him- as He he guided you, although before that  you were amongst those astray. Then depart from the place from where the people depart. And ask forgiveness of Allah. Indeed, Allah is  Forgiving and Merciful. And when you have completed your rites, then remember Allah as you remember your father or with even more remembrance. But among the people is he who says, 'Our Lord, give us in this world, 'and he will have no portion in the Hereafter. But among them is he who says,  'Our Lord, give us in this world, that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good and protect us from the punishment of the fire, "Those will have a share of that which they have earned, and Allah is swift in reckoning. And remember Allah during appointed days. Then whoever hastens [his departure] in two days- there is no blame upon him; and whoever delays [until the third] - there is no blame upon him who fears [Allah]. And fear Allah and know that you will be gathered unto him."

2. Call For Hajj

Wa 'azzin finnaasi bil-Hajji ya'- tuuka rijaalanwwa 'alaa kulli zaamiriny-ya-'tiina min -kulli fajjin 'amiiq; Liyash- haduu manaafi-' a lahum wa yazkurus-mallaahi fii 'Ayyamin-Ma-luumaatin 'alaa ma-razakahum-mim-ba-hiimatil'-an-' aam: fakuluu minhaawa 'at-imul-baa 'i sal-fakir. Summal-yaqzuu tafa-sahum wal-yuufu nuzuurahum wal-yat- tawwafuu bil-Baytil - Atiiq.

"And proclaim unto mankind the pilgrimage. They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every deep ravine - that they may witness things that are of benefit to them and mention the name of Allah on appointed days over the [sacrificial] animal that He has provided for them. Then eat thereof and feed therewith the miserable and poor. Then let them complete their rites and fulfill their vows and circle the ancient House."

1. Hajj: An Incumbent Religious Duty

Wa lillahi 'alannaasi Hij-jul Bayti manistataa- a'ilay- hi sabiilaa.Wa man- kafara fa-'in- nllahua Ganiy-yun 'anil-'aalamin.

"And pilgrimage to the house [i.e. the Ka'bah] is a duty unto Allah incumbent upon the those who have the ability for it. As for him who this disbelieves, [Let him know] that Allah is independent of [all] creation."

Introduction

In all forms of worship the best examples and correct guidelines are to be found in the sunnah of Allah's messenger salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam . 

Leaving no doubt in this matter and about Hajj in particular, the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said:
"Take from me your devotional rites."

Any Hajj guide should, therefore, reflect a sincere attempt at obedience to this command for he salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam also said :
"When I order you to do something, then do of it as much as you are able..."

In light of this second Hadith, however, it should be noted that due to the great numbers of people present during the hajj season, it is not always possible to follow the sunnah to the latter.Some mutawwifs (guides)  encourage their groups to perform hajj in anyway permissible,  thereby trying to avoid overcrowding. Although this might be preferable in certain instances  ( and certainly, there is no blame for omitting that which is sunnah and not required), one should take utmost care to not omit a required act deliberately. In their zeal to perform every aspect of hajj or umrah according to the Prophet 's sunnah. Some pilgrims commit act of aggression against other Muslims who happen to be in their path.

Pushing people aside in order to kiss the Black Stone, to observe ramal during tawaf,or to pray directly behind Maqam Ibraheem (for example) or causing them other bodily or emotional harm is clearly sinful and,as such, prohibited in the shariah. One must never abandoned a duty (e.g.  safeguarding fellow Muslim) in order to perform a sunnah act. Such behaviour could deprive one of the reward of a hajj mabrur (sinless hajj), may Allah forbid.

Your intention when embarking upon hajj or umrah is to attain the acceptance and reward of Allah. It is incumbent upon you  to spend on this journey only from that which is halal, to repent from previous sins once and for all and to avoid committing the same thereafter. You should learn all that is required for the correct performance of your hajj - and of all worship in general - asking a knowledgeable person when in doubt . For sincerity of intention and correctness of performance are conditions for the acceptance of any deed by Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala

.

Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam, is  outwardly a symbol of submission and humbleness before the Almighty. Its spirit is fully charged with enthusiasm of jihad and complete sacrifice in Allah's path. Be the pilgrim a learned scholar or common person, ruler or ruled, from the east or the west, he is the guest of Allah. Appearing in the same dress, all of them advance the most appealing slogan in the world

Labbayk allahumma labbayk. labbayka la sharika laka labbayk. Innal- hamda wan- ni mata lka wal mulk. La shareeka lak.

" I respond [in obedience] to you,O Allah - I respond. I respond - no partner is there to You - I respond. All praise and favour is yours, and sovereignty. There is no partner to you.

The pilgrim is drawn towards the house of Allah, aroused by sentiments of pure monotheism and love of the Almighty. Bidding farewell to his family, belongings, trade, country and friends, he meets thousands of brothers from all corners of the world, gathered in the Courtyard of the Ka'bah,on the plane of 'Arafah and in the valley of Mina.

Hajj signifies pure faith and total submission.Thus, a pilgrim performs a series of rites of unqualified, obedience and surrender to the will of Allah in order to divest the human mind of its authority and dominance over his actions.

The pilgrim performs tawaf, prays two rak'ahs behind Maqam Ibraheem, drinks Zamzam water, hastens  between as-Safa and al-Marwah, recites supplications and prayers at different places and on various occasions, departs for Mina, encamps  at 'Arafah, spends the night at Muzdalifah, throws pebbles at Jamrahs, and sacrifices an animal for Allah. 

Thus he returns home happily, purified from sins like an innocent child, with the reward of an accepted hajj, thereby having gained forgiveness and attained mercies and blessings of the Almighty in abundance.

Complied by 

Maulana Mukhtar Ahmed Nadvi

Hajj E Masnoon

71. Al - Muqaddim

The Promoter, The One who Brings Forward, The Expediter

The One who moves things forward. The One who grants advancement.

The One who expedites things. The One who advances or promotes.

From the root q-d-m which has the following classical Arabic connotations:
to precede, to come before
to head, to lead
to offer, to bring forward
to make foremost, to put at the front
to advance, to promote
to exist without beginning

The name Muqaddim is not specifically used as a Beautiful Name in the Qur'ān.

Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem.

And Allah knows Best.

70. Al - Muqtadir

Allah calls Himself Al-Muqtadir— The Omnipotent, The Powerful Determiner— on two occasions in the Quran. Al-Muqtadir is the One who has the power and he ability to do whatever He decides. His Power enforces all decrees and His decree prevails in every situation!

The Omnipotent, The All-Determining

Both muqtadir and qadeer come from the root qaaf-daal-raa, which points to four main meanings. The first meaning is to have the power to accomplish, to be capable. The second is to measure, to distribute something, or to make manifest. The third is to decree or to ordain and the fourth is to prevail.
This root appears 132 times in the Quran in 11 derived forms. Examples of these forms are taqdiru (“is decreed”), qadran (“a measure”), and maqdooran (“destined”).

Allah ‘azza wajal refers to Himself with the active participle muqtadir four times in the Quran, of which two mentions of Muqtadirin, (The) Powerful One, Most Powerful, or the Omnipotent.

Linguistically qadeer, qaadir, and muqtadir are all derived from the root qaaf-daal-raa, all pointing to the all-prevailing and perfect Power of Allah ‘azza wajal. Muqtadir is the intensive form of the root which refers to the use of supreme power to actively enforce whatever His wisdom decides. The ‘mu’ at the beginning of the word in Arabic refers to a means, or theembodiment of an action, which results in translations as the do-er or the one who is, eg Muslim, one who submits.

Al-Muqtadir Himself says: . . . They denied Our signs, all of them, so We seized them with a seizure of one Exalted in Might and Perfect in Ability [Quran, 54:42) . . . In a seat of honor near a Sovereign, Perfect in Ability. [Quran, 54:55]

How Can You Live By This Name?

1. Never think you can depend on your own powers.
Your tawfeeq (ability) is from Al-Muqtadir only, your success is not because of yourself but because He enabled you to accomplish matters. When you show your need for Him, Al-Muqtadir will support you but when you think you can depend on your own power for even the blink of an eye, He will abandon you. And let not those who disbelieve think that they can outstrip (escape from the punishment). Verily, they will never be able to save themselves[Quran, 8:59] We often take this ayah as not for us as we are no disbelievers, but how often do we fall into the trap of thinking that ‘our children are good, because we raised them well’ or ‘I have this job, because I am clever.’ Always humble yourself by thinking: all I have is from Allah Al-Muqtadir!

2. Practise your belief.
When someone is diagnosed with a fatal disease, they should still think, Allah ‘azza wajal is able to do all things! It is easy to say, Allah is capable to do all things, but do you really live by this?The companions of Musa said: ” We are sure to be overtaken. Musa said: “Nay, verily with me is my Lord. He will guide me. [ Quran, 26:61-62] He was alone facing many enemies, but his belief in the determining power of Al-Muqtadir was unshakable, let this be your example when you feel overpowered or hopeless and tell yourself: Allah is really able to do all things and He will guide me through this!

3. Be grateful for the hidden blessings.
Al-Muqtadir forces each and everything in this world to happen according to His infinite wisdom. There is a reason behind everything and only as a believer can you benefit from each situation in your life, good or bad. Allah had completed and perfected His Grace upon you, (both) apparent and hidden [Quran, 31:20] Thank Al-Muqtadir each day for His hidden blessings!

4. Remember the dua of the Prophet Yunus.
But he cried through the darkness: Laa ilaaha illaa anta [ none has the right to be worshipped but You, subhanaka [Glorified and Exalted are you], innee kuntu min adh-Dhaalimeen [truly, I have been of the wrong doers]. So We answered his call, and delivered him from the distress. And thus We do deliver the believers [ Quran, 21: 87-88] By narrating this story in the Quran Al-Muqtadir made this event into a daily life lesson for every believer: no matter how dark your situation is, turn to Al-Muqtadir, recognize His position, realize your position and He will give you a way out.

5. Value the importance of peace of mind.
The decree of Al-Muqtadir comes from perfect knowledge and power and it controls our daily life. You are making hundreds of choices each day responding to many different situations, and each time you have the choice: do I turn to Allah or do I turn away from Him? You can get angry, or try to have patience. You can swear or remain quieit, you can backbite or you can talk good about others. Al-Muqtadir says: Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest [Quran, 13:28] Al-Muqtadir gives money, power, intelligence and beauty to people, but He decrees true peace of mind to His believers only! So with every choice you make throughout your day, remember Allah.

O Allah, Al-Muqtadir we know that Your power enforces all decrees. Guide us to practise our belief in your All-ability and capability, make us grateful for all aspects of your decree for us, save us from arrogance and adorn us with tranquil hearts who remember you abundantly, Ameen!

Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem.

And Allah knows Best.

69. Al - Qadir

The All-Capable, The Most Able, The All-Powerful

The One who possesses the power and the ability to measure-out anything and everything.

The One who has the capability to make any decree and to determine what will be.

The One whose decree determines the measure and distribution of all things.

The One who does as He wills, acting or not acting in accord with whatever He decides.

From the root q-d-r which has the following classical Arabic connotations:
to measure something
to make manifest the measure of something
to distribute or apportion (as though by measure), measure-out
to decree, to ordain, to decide a matter (as though measuring it to fit)
to exercise thought in preparing something, to make use of reason (measuring out)
to have the power to accomplish, to be rendered able, capable
to be able to prevail, to be empowered, to have control over

This name is used in the Qur'ān. For example, see 77:23, 6:37

Muqtadir is an intensive form of the root q-d-r which emphasizes the Supreme Power to enforce or enact whatever Divine wisdom decides; being omnipotent, having the ability to do everything.

Qādir is a less intensive form of the root q-d-r which describes the attribute of being able to decree, ordain, appoint, measure-out, decide.

These both involve power in the sense of power being the intention by which something comes into being according to a certain measure and a certain willful decree, as in saying 'kun' (Be!), and it is.

And Allah knows Best

68. As - Samad

Allah calls Himself As-Samad— The Eternal, Satisfier of Needs, the Refuge and Absolute— on one occasion in the Quran. 

As-Samad is the unchangeable one on whom the entire creation depends. 

He is the one unaffected by any circumstance and the only one able to fulfil all needs in the most perfect way, without Himself being in need of anything or anyone!

The Eternal, Everlasting Refuge, Satisfier of All Needs

Samad comes from the root saad-meem-daal, which points to two main meanings. 
The first main meaning is to reach or attain, or to aim toward something. 
The second main meaning is to turn to and to need 
The third is to remain unchanged and unaffected,an
The fourth main meaning is to be everlasting and eternal.

This root appears just once in the Quran, as the noun samad. The example is al-samadu (“The Eternal, Absolute”).

Linguistically, samad means something that is not affected by circumstances or something that is solid. Sumood refers to the concept of being firm and steadfast.

As-Samad is the the One who is not changed nor affected by anything in the creation, He is the eternal and absolute refuge to seek and depend on for all needs and desires.

As-Samad Himself says: Say, ‘He is Allah , [who is] One, Allah , the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born,nor is there to Him any equivalent.’[Quran, 112:1-4]

A description of Allah

The only place in the Quran Allah ‘azza wa jall calls Himself As-Samad is in Surah Al-Ikhlaas; the virtuous surah mentioned in the authentic hadith in Muslim to equal one-third of the Quran. This short, but amazingly beautiful and profound surah is a description of Allah Himself, His Oneness, His samad’yyah and His incomparability. Allah revealed this surah as a powerful answer to the people of Makkah who asked the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam to describe His Lord and His ‘lineage.’

What is ikhlaas (sincerity)? It is doing deeds purely for Him and to seek His pleasure, because He is Al-Ahad, the One and Unique. It is turning to Him for our needs and desires and desire Him only, because He is As-Samad, The Eternal and Satisfier of Needs, and it is to live by the fact that there is no one equal to Him in any of His attributes!

How can you live by this name?

1. Recite and live by Surah al-Ikhlaas.
Recite Surah Al-Ikhlaas often to gain reward, but not only that; learn to understand each word and live by the names of Allah mentioned in it. Love to recite this surah and talk about it to others as you are describing your Lord. Learn how to correctly recite it and convey it to at least one other person and teach your children the history and/or tafseer (explanation) of this virtuous surah in which As-Samad is mentioned in order to instill love of Allah in their hearts.

2. Realize your dependence on Him.
One of the meanings of As-Samad is the One who is independent and self-sufficient. If you look at a manager, for example, one who has a high position with authority over others, it still takes one note from his superiors to end his career. This person is not samad. Then look at what we need tu survive as human beings; air, water, food, and even love. Why do we often act like as if we are independent? Especially during good times when we are healthy and wealthy we tend to forget we are even dependant on As-Samad for the strap of our shoe. So remind yourself daily that you are dependent on Him.

3. Call upon Him.
Here’s a beautiful supplication the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam used to make as part of the morning:

“يَا حَيُّ يَا قَيُّومُ بِرَحْمَتِكَ أَسْتَغِيثُ أَصْلِحْ لِي شَأْنِي كُلَّهُ وَلَا تَكِلْنِي إِلَى نَفْسِي طَرْفَةَ عَيْنٍ”.
O Ever Living One, O Eternal One, by Your mercy I call on You to set right all my affairs. Do not place me in charge of my soul even for the blinking of an eye (i.e. a moment). [Al-Haakim, saheeh] Memorize this dua’ and say it with true desire, fully realizing your dependence on As-Samad!

4. Desire As-Samad.
Turn to As-Samad in good and bad times and rely on Him, resting assured He is the Eternal Refuge and the One who will satisfy your needs in the way He knows is best for you. If you truly believe in As-Samad, your strongest desire will be to meet Him and your only fear will be that of His displeasure. So strive to be a real servant of Allah. The disbeliever is a slave of his desires, or of fashion, his belly, and his money. So beg Him to decrease the love for this world in your heart, including love of being praised by people, and replace it with a firm desire for His pleasure alone.

O Allah, As-Samad, we know that You are the only Eternal Refuge. Make us realize we need you at all times and aid us to be of those who turn to You only for our needs. Adorn us with a strong desire to please You alone, ameen!

Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem

And Allah knows Best

67. Al - Ahad

Allah calls Himself Al-Ahad— The Only One, the Unique— on one occasion in the Quran. Al-Ahad is the One who was, is, and will ever remain alone. 

He is indivisible and the essence of unity, and nothing or no one can ever be equal to Him in essence in all His beautiful attributes!

The Sole One, The Unity

Ahad comes from the root hamza-haa-daal, which points to two main meanings. 
The first meaning is to be the only one and sole
The second main meaning is to unite or unify.

This root appears 85 times in the Quran in 2 derived forms. Examples of these forms are ahadun (“anyone”),ahadukum (“one of you”) and ihdaa(“any, one”).

Linguistically what is ahad cannot be divided into parts, whereas that which is waahid appears to be divisible into separate parts. 

Some (scholars) differentiated between al-Waahid andal-Ahad by saying that al-Waahid refers to His being one in His essence only, whilst al-Ahad means that He is one in both His essence and His attributes [Tafseer Asmaa’ Allaah by al-Zajjaaj, p. 58]

And it was said that al-Waahid means He is unique in His essence and does not have any peer or rival, and al-Ahadis unique in His attributes. So al-Waahid is one in and of Himself, and al-Ahad means being one in His attributes. Al-Ahad is one of the attributes of Allah which belong uniquely to Him, and in which nothing else has a share. (Lisaan al-‘Arab –Ahad – 1/35; wahida 8/4779 – 4783).

Allah is Al- Ahad and Al-Waahid, He is unique in being one in both His essence and His attributes!

Al-Ahad Himself says: . . . Say: He is Allah [who is] One. [Quran, 112:1]

An Inspiring Conversion
Bilal radiyallahu anhu was a slave of Ummayah Ibn Khalaf, who was furious when he found out about his belief in the Oneness of Allah. Each day he would put Bilal in the heat of the sun denying him food or water and he ordered others to place a large rock on his chest so he could hardly breath. He continued crushing him saying, “I will never stop torturing you, until either you die or you declare kufr in Muhammad salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and you return back to worshipping the Lat and Uzzah.” In extreme hardship and under the pressure of the rock on his chest Bilal spoke his famous words of unshakeable faith which are an inspiration to all believers:
“Ahadun Ahad”, “The One! The One!” After eleven days of torture Abu Bakrradiyallahu anhu bought Bilal and set him free. The Prophet salallahu alayhi wa sallam himself soon selected Bilal for one of the most honourable tasks: the mu’addhin, the caller of the adhaan,every day proclaiming the Oneness of Allah, Al-Ahad!

How Can You Live By This Name?

1. Feel the testimony of faith.
Understand the shahada by studying its meaning and implications. Reflect on your relationship with the shahada and how both your limbs and heart should be connected to it. Remind yourself of all those believers who sacrificed all they by proclaiming the testimony of faith. Think of the wife of Firawn, the People of the Trench, the early Muslims of Makkah and all those men and women who are being pursued just for having faith and feel the power of the shahada! And they resented them not except because they believed in Allah[Quran, 85:8] Next time you pray really feel it when you say laa ilaaha illAllah,He is the Only!

2. Fight your desires.
We know Al-Ahad is the Only but do we make Him the Only we listen to, work for, ask from and submit to in our daily life? How many times do you do something you think is important rather than what is truly important in the eyes of Al-Ahad? Fight your ego and make pleasing Him your only goal. Have you seen he who has taken as his god his [own] desire...[Quran, 45:23]

3. Repeat the shahada throughout the day.
The Messenger of Allah salallahu alayhi wa sallam said: The best Dhikr (remembering Allah) is La ilaaha illallah and the best supplication is Al-Hamdu Lillah. [At-Tirmidhi, An-Nasa’i and Ibn Majah]

4. Make your intentions for Him only.
Imagine a cup of white, pure milk, if there was one drop of blood or dirt in it, the whole colour would change and you would not drink it! Once you understand the shahada you know your intentions should be for Allah only. Think about the intention you have with every deed. For example if you feel angry when someone doesn’t acknowledge what you did for them, examine yourself and think, did I do this purely for Allah or was my intention mixed with something else? Start for one week to make everything you do to please Him only and taste the unique sweetness. When you are working, think you are pleasing Him by taking care if your family, when you are tending the children make the intention you want to raise them to worship Al-Ahad only, when you help someone, help them for the reward of Al-Ahad only!

5. Make surah Al-Ikhlaas your life’s motto!
Apart from reciting it in your prayer, have you ever thought what this virtuous surah means to your daily life? This surah inspires you to sincerity in all you do and live for the Only, Al-Ahad. He rewards your good deeds according to their sincerity, your sincerity is the key to your eternal, success and without sincerity all your deeds are worthless!Say, ‘Surely my prayer and my devotion, my life and my death are all for Allah, the Lord of the Worlds. No partner has He, and this is what I have been commanded [Quran, 6:162 ] This means not only act of worship like prayer and fasting, but you should have the intention to please Al-Ahad in spending money, dealing with colleagues, your family etc.

6. Ask Al-Ahad.
Ask Him, turn to Him and beg Him only for your every need. Ask Him to help you to purify your intentions.

O Allah, Al-Ahad we know that You are the Only. Bless us with pure intentions and help us to do those deeds most pleasing to You. Guide us to understand, live, and die by the shahada so the fire cannot touch us, and we will enter Your everlasting gardens, ameen!

Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem.

And Allah knows Best