Allah The Concept of God in Islam

(Ron) #1

In the Holy Qura'n, we read: "Whoever joins himself (to another) in a good cause shall have a
share thereof, and whoever joins himself (to another) in an evil cause shall be responsible for
it, and Allah controls all things" (Qura'n, 4:85).


"Al-Muqeet" is derived from the root noun qoot, sustenance, the food that sustains the human
body. Ibn `Abbas has said that al-Muqeet is al-Muqtadir, the Omnipotent. Al-Muqeet creates
all beings, creating likewise the means for their sustenance. He provides ways for them to
have access to such means of sustenance; He has made accessible to them what is necessary
and what is a luxury. He sustains the bodies and the souls. He has taken upon Himself to
sustain His creation. Al-Muqeet hears the silent supplication and responds to it and knows the
affliction and removes it. "Al-Muqeet" conveys the same meaning as that of "al-Hafeez," the
Protector; so, He protects and sustains the living beings.


Reference to qoot exists throughout the Holy Qura'n. For example, Allah has said the
following in Surat Fussilat: "And He made in it mountains above its surface, and He blessed
therein and made therein its foods, in four periods: alike for the seekers" (Qura'n, 41:10). He
sustains the hearts through knowledge, so He is al-Razzaq but in a more specific way, for
sustenance includes both food and non-food items. Qoot is food sufficient to keep someone's
body alive. It may also mean the One Who takes full control over something or someone,
Who is Capable of managing his/her affairs. Al-Muqeet Alone is Capable and Knowledgeable
of everything. One of the good manners inspired by this Attribute is that when food is brought
to you, you must recognize al-Muqeet Whose sustenance is quite spacious and encompassing,
through Whose Grace are you provided with food. Such a recognition will cause the light of
this Attribute to lift you spiritually. God will then make you the treasure-house for His
servants, enabling you to sustain others, teach them knowledge, and lead them to the ever-
Living, the Sustainer.


Do not seek the achievement of all your wishes and desires except from Allah, for He surely
holds the keys to the treasures of His sustenance. According to one qudsi tradition, Allah said
to Moses, "O Moses! Ask Me with regard to everything, including your shoe strings and the
salt for your pot."



  1. "Al-Haseeb"


Allah has said in the Holy Qura'n, "... those who deliver the messages of Allah and fear Him
and not fear anyone save Allah, and Allah suffices for taking account (of
everything)" (Qura'n, 33:39).


Al-Haseeb is one of Allah's Attributes, and it is often explained as the One Who rewards. Its
meaning may also be understood as the One Who provides sufficiently, Who grants whatever
His servants need; He is the Master upon Whom all rely; there is no haseeb besides Him, and
all His creation are in need of His help and support. It is also said that al-haseeb is the One to

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