Names of Allah Series: Part I | Part II | Part III | Part IV | Part V | Part VI | Part VII | Part VIII | Part IX | Part X | Part XI | Part XII | Part XIII | Part XIV | Part XV | Part XVI | Part XVII | Part XVIII | Part XIX | Part XX | Part XXI | Part XXII | Part XXIII | Part XXIV | Part XXV | Part XXVI | Part XXVII | Part XXVIII | Part XXIX | Part XXX | Part XXXI | Part XXXII | Part XXXIII | Part XXXIV | Part XXXV | Part XXXVI | Part XXXVII | Part XXXVIII | Part XXXIX | Part XL | Part XLI | Part XLII | Part XLIII | Part XLIV | Part XLV | Part XLVI | Part XLVII | Part XLVIII | Part XLIX | Part L | Part LI | Part LII | Part LIII | Part LIV | Part LV | Part LVI | Part LVII| Part LVIII | Part LIX | Part LX | Part LXI | Part LXII | Part LXIII | Part LXIV | Part LXV | Part LXVI
“Indeed, it is Allah who is the [continual] Provider, the firm possessor of strength.” (Qur’an, 51:58)
Previously in this series, we talked about Allah’s Name al-Samad, which means the Eternal Refuge. This Name relates to al-Samad in that it means the One who is firm in strength. Linguistically it also means something that rises and stays, as well as the hard or apparent part of something.
Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala (exalted is He) reminds us He is al-Mateen to address any trepidation we might have. We all have worries and fears, and we might even consider giving up on our values and principles for worldly gain. But Allah (swt) reminds us that He is Firm in strength. Whenever you feel your resolve wavering, hold on to Him. When you feel weak, seek strength from the One who is the Most Strong. When you feel that you cannot be steadfast, hold on to the One who is Firm so you do not slip. Allah (swt) reveals His Names to us so that we can turn to Him in every situation and be reassured no matter what troubles there are around us. Whenever you feel unsure, turn to Him and understand His Names and attributes so that you can have certainty that Allah can address all your fears and hesitation.
Allah’s Plan is Firm
Allah (swt) says:
“And I will give them time. Indeed, my plan is firm (mateen).” (Qur’an, 7:183)
When the world gets too hard to bear and all we see and hear are stories of injustice and pain, remember this verse: “Allah’s plan is firm.” No one will escape His justice. He (swt) gives everyone time, and He gives everyone an opportunity to turn back. But if people persist with injustice, they will not escape the plan of Allah (swt) and will ultimately be brought to justice. No one, no matter how untouchable they might seem in this world, will escape the plan of Allah (swt).
Pharaoh was a tyrant. He oppressed people for years, and even murdered newborn babies. In all that time, there may have been people who wondered how Pharaoh could be allowed to do such a thing. There may have been people who passed away before they saw Pharaoh and his armies destroyed. But Allah (swt) gave them time, and finally justice caught up with them.
Even if it appears that someone has escaped justice in this life, remember that that is why there is an afterlife. So never forget that Allah’s plan is firm, and no one can escape it.
Connecting to al-Mateen: Stand Firm
- Stand firm
It can be hard to stick to principles. But remember that those principles are the foundation, and we are commanded to stand for justice. Allah is al-Mateen to remind us that when we feel weak, we can hold on to Him to stay firm and steadfast. The Prophet ﷺ (peace be upon him) knew to compromise when there was a greater good at stake, and knew when to stand firm when justice would be violated. He refused to be give in to wealth or power at the expense of leaving the message of justice for all, yet he compromised with Qureish when they wanted to forbid them from entering Makkah to perform `umrah (the lesser pilgrimage). He knew that to enter by force might cause bloodshed; and the treaty was supposed to ensure at least 10 years of peace. So he agreed to their conditions. It may have seemed disadvantageous at the time, but in fact it enabled the Muslims to enter Makkah the following year because the Qureish violated the terms of the treaty, without any blood spilt. That is wisdom.
- Do not forget gentleness
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “Verily, this religion is mateen, so enter its depth with gentleness,” (Ahmad). While it is important to stand firm, remember to be gentle. Standing firm is not synonymous with being stubborn or harsh, as the example above showed. The Prophet ﷺ told us, “Show gentleness, for if gentleness is found in anything, it beautifies it and when it is taken out from anything it damages it.” (Abu Dawud)
Dear Ms. Youssef,
I was wondering wether you are considering publishing this series in a book. I hope you will! This series is so precious and needs to be put on paper!
Best wishes, wa salamou alaykoum
Salaam, inshAllah I hope so !
“he compromised with Qureish when they wanted to forbid them from entering Makkah to perform `umrah (the lesser pilgrimage). He knew that to enter by force might cause bloodshed; and the treaty was supposed to ensure at least 10 years of peace.”
He chose a practical peace over ritual fulfilment – even a very important one. That is quite illuminating, in our time when so many would rashly choose strife and war in a lack of patience over restrictions of visible practice. It is also illuminating that they still got the ritual done anyway, after all. It is a good example of how to be firm and yielding at the same time, and also of trusting that this is the better way in spite of appearances.