The Attribute "al-Muntaqim" manifests itself in the body: in the means for its natural defense
system when a germ violates the sanctity of the body. These means will then kill the germ as
a penalty for such a violation, and they will then purge the body from it. Al-Muntaqim, then,
facilitates getting rid of what is bad, harmful, or dangerous.
The discussion of "revenge" occurs in the Holy Qura'n: In Surat al-Ma'ida we read: "O you
who believe! Do not kill (any) game while you are on pilgrimage, and whoever among you
kills it unintentionally, the compensation (for it) is the like of what he killed from the cattle,
as two just persons among you shall judge, as an offering to be brought to the Ka`ba, or the
expiation (of it) is the feeding of the poor or the equivalent in fasting, so that he may taste the
unwholesome result of his deed; Allah has pardoned what is gone by, and whoever returns (to
it), Allah will inflict retribution on him, and Allah is the Mighty, the Lord of
Retribution" (Qura'n, 5:95).
The "We" in the phrase "We inflicted retribution" is meant, of course, as a reference to Allah
Almighty. It also occurs in several other places throughout the text of the Holy Qura'n such as
the following:
We, therefore, inflicted retribution on them and drowned them in the sea... (7:136) So We
inflicted retribution on them, and they are both, indeed, on an open road (still) pursued.
(15:79) ... then We punished those who were guilty, and helping the believers is ever
incumbent upon Us. (30:47) So We inflicted retribution on them, then see how the end of
those who rejected was. (43:25) Then when they displeased Us, We inflicted retribution on
them. (43:55) He has revealed to you the Book with the truth, verifying what is before it, and
He revealed the Torah and the Gospel aforetime, a guidance for people, and He sent the
Furqan (Qura'n). Surely those who disbelieve in the signs of Allah shall have a severe
chastisement, and Allah is the Mighty, the Lord of retribution. (3:3-4) ... and Allah is the
Mighty, the Lord of retribution. (5:95) Do not, therefore, think Allah (to be) failing in His
promise to His Messengers; surely Allah is the Mighty, the Lord of Retribution. (14:47) And
whoever Allah guides, there is none that can lead him astray; is not Allah the Mighty, the
Lord of Retribution? (39:37) And who is more unjust than one who is reminded of the signs
of his Lord then he turns away from them? Surely We will punish the guilty. (32:22) But if
We should take you away, still We shall inflict retribution on them. (43:41) On the Day when
We seize them with the most violent of seizing, surely We will (then) inflict retribution.
(44:16)
Al-Muntaqim intensifies His penalty against the oppressors, causing the criminals to be
subjected to His retribution. He sends His messengers supported by His signs and miracles to
warn people; so, if warning does not benefit someone, He will surely then inflict His penalty
and revenge against him.
Once a person comes to realize that there is nothing small nor big except that there is a