The Asma Al Husna
In the Quran, Allah refers to Himself by dozens of names, collectively called the Asma Al Husna (The beautiful names). Each of these names encompass a perfect attribute of Allah. It is very important that we take the time to study, analysis and reflect on these names. Doing so will help us to understand our Creator and improve our relationship with Him.
In this article, I wish to share some of my personal reflections on some of the names of Allah that inspire optimism. These are not the only names of Allah that inspire optimism, and this is not the only benefit from these names. However, I hope this article will assist you in reflecting on these names and increasing in your optimism accordingly.
Ar-Rahman and Ar-Raheem
Both of these names refer to Allah’s perfect Mercy. Ar-Rahman refers to His Mercy that encompasses all of the creation, while Ar-Raheem refers to His special Mercy for the believers.
When we reflect on these names, our hope in Allah’s Mercy should increase. In this world, we see expressions of Allah’s mercy all around us. We must have hope that Allah will have mercy on us, just as He has shown His Mercy to so many before us. Whenever you feel the need for Mercy, call on Allah by these names and ask Him for it.
Al-Kareem
One of the translations of Al-Kareem is the Most Generous. A generous person is called Kareem, and the verb form of this word is used in the Hadith instructing us to be generous to our guests and neighbors. Allah’s generosity is perfect and limitless.
To benefit from Allah’s Generosity, we must strive to obey Him and then make dua utilizing this name asking for whatever we want. We must be optimistic that the Most Generous will provide for us generously. Call on Allah by this name when asking Him for the things of this world and the next.
Al-Wahhab
Al-Wahhab translates as The Giver of Gifts. Not only is Allah most Generous but He gives us gifts that we don’t deserve and gives us more than we realize. Reflect on your life and how many times Allah gifted you with good things, despite your sins.
Some people have developed the negative attribute of asking people for freebies. This is not appropriate for believers as it is a form of begging. If you desire something, do not ask people for it. Rather call upon Al-Wahhab as He is the one who can give you gifts you never imagined.
At-Tawwaab
At-Tawwaab means the One who accepts all repentance. This name of Allah should inspire even the biggest sinner. No matter how great a sin you have committed, if you sincerely repent then At-Tawwaab will accept your repentance. Whenever you feel despondent about your sins, reflect on the name At-Tawwaab, and reflect on the following Hadith Al-Qudsee:
Anas Ibn Malik (RA) narrated: I heard the Messenger of Allah (saw) say, “Allah the Almighty has said: ‘O Son of Adam, as long as you invoke Me and ask of Me, I shall forgive you for what you have done, and I shall not mind. O Son of Adam, were your sins to reach the clouds of the sky and you then asked forgiveness from Me, I would forgive you. O Son of Adam, were you to come to Me with sins nearly as great as the Earth, and were you then to face Me, ascribing no partner to Me, I would bring you forgiveness nearly as great as it [too].’ ” (Tirmidhi)
I hope this article has inspired you to be optimistic and to strengthen your relationship with Allah through reflecting on His Asma Al Husna.
