A Brief Explanation of The Names of Allah - 2

 

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

Al-Wahid, Al-Ahad

It is obligatory upon the servant to single Him out alone in belief, saying and action, because that is iman. Our heart has actions, love for example. Love is an action of the heart that manifests on the lips, similarly, fear of Allah is an action of the heart, which manifests on the limbs. The belief that Allah subhanahu watala is the only One worthy of worship, the belief that He is the First and Last, are the beliefs of the heart. These beliefs lead to tawakul, trusting and relying completely on Allah. The actions of the limbs like tawaf, slaughtering, and prostration, all of those actions are only for Allah, Al-Ahad. He is alone in every single way, so we must ask Him alone. 

As-Samad

He is the One who is self-sufficient, free of every single need. He is the One to whom the whole of creation relies for every need, every predicament and necessity. A disbeliever who may be wealthy and have some authority, seemingly may appear self-sufficient, but he cannot control his heart, lungs, or even his body. It never matters how rich or ‘powerful’ someone becomes, he cannot control his own organs inside his body. This is just a demonstration of how reliant we are upon Allah subhanahu watala. 

Al-Aleem, Al-Khabeer

Allah is the One who’s knowledge encompasses all things, whether apparent or hidden, open or secret, all those things that can possibly occur, and those which are impossible.

Allah is Al-Aleem, the One who knows everything. And He is Al-Khabeer, the One who is aware of everything. Allah knows when the tiniest ant in the deepest part of earth lifts its leg, He knows when each leaf blows in any direction, He is aware of when the fish moves it’s fin. Allah is aware of every time we lift our hands in du’a, every time we feel any grief or anxiety, He is aware of every little thing. 

He has the perfect knowledge. He knows all those things that are going to occur, and all those that may possibly occur. He knows that if that thing will happen, what thing will not occur. He knows the outcome of every possible situation, and of what may follow that situation. The knowledge of Allah subhanahu watala is unlimited.    

Therefore we must realize that it is us who need Allah, not the other way around.

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taken from this lecture