Every year during Ramadan I attempt to learn more of Allah’s great and majestic names. I know a few friends who can recite all 99 names of Allah (SWT) from a song they learned in Islamic school as a child. While I never learned that song, I feel that surface-level memorization does more harm than good. Why? In my mind, this type of learning might give someone the illusion they truly understand the depths of Allah’s names when, in fact, if asked about what each one means they draw a blank. For example, can you distinguish between Al-Muhaymin (The Guardian) and Al-Mumin (The Supreme). Do you know what type of duas to make when invoking Al-Hasib (The Reckoner) or Al-Mani (The Withholder)? It’s so easy to recite al-asma ul husna (names of Allah), but how many of us can really say we know what they mean in our hearts and minds?
In striving to find connectedness with Allah’s names, I picked up Imam Fode Drame’s book, The 99 Names of Allah. The author breaks down the meaning of each name by chapter and cites an ayah from the Quran to illustrate its meaning. There are two names in particular I use on a daily basis, and it is in large part due to the understanding gained from this book: Al-Fattah and Al-Wadud.
Al-Fattah, The Opener
“Whatever mercy Allah opens up for men, there is none who can withhold it and whatever He withholds, there is none who can release it after Him, and it is He who is the All Mighty, The All Wise.” – (Quran 35:2)
Imam Drame describes Al-Fattah as Allah’s ability to open and close doors. Behind the metaphorical door is mercy, or understanding of truth. Allah has the ability to open doors to heaven. He alone grants access to the unseen world. He is the constrictor and enabler of goodness. Our ability to achieve closeness to Him (SWT) is our ticket to ultimate success in this life and the next.
In daily life, I ask for openings in places where I am lost. In the darkness of my own mind, I call upon Al-Fattah to guide me. When I was seeking employment, I asked Al-Fattah to open doors for me. When I sought pathways to marriage, I called upon Al-Fattah to guide my way to new prospects. There are many moments when outcomes seem impossible and solutions limited. But with tawakal, we can rely on Al-Fattah to create openings in the most unimaginable situations. He illuminates darkness so we can find the light. He creates openings in places we thought were closed.
Al-Wadud, The Loving or The All-Affectionate
“Indeed those who believed and did righteous deeds Al-Rahman (The All Merciful) will endow them with affection.” (Quran 19:96)
Imam Drame writes Al-Wadud is often paired with two of Allah’s other well-known names: Al-Rahim (The Most Merciful) and Al-Ghafur (The Oft-Forgiving). The companion names provide a gentle meaning that our Lord is both one who is a source of passion and one who inspires passion. Allah (SWT) invokes in humans the passion to do good and to ignore evil, to set up communities built upon families where we strive with one another to seek akhira. It is our passion to please Him that provides us ease and comfort when we have to endure some of this world’s more difficult tests.
For me, the name Al-Wadud provides comfort. When I make a mistake or when I see someone acting harshly, I find safety and respite with Allah. I understand Allah’s affection or love for his creation is so vast it is almost incomprehensible. There are many teachings which inform us that Allah’s kindness and mercy is even stronger than a mother’s when caring for her infant. He provides for us in ways we will never know. This type of love inspires us to return that love and garners a heightened sense of shakur, or gratitude. It is this gratitude that allows us to continue striving in this world. No matter what comes our way, Al-Wadud is watching over us, lovingly, without any other type of ill intention that may come from others. Allah is our ultimate protector.
Understanding Allah’s names in this very comprehensive manner has allowed me to feel closer to Allah (SWT), especially when I make dua. When I open my hands, I am calling upon Him with these attributes in mind. “Al-Wadud, please shower me with your affection and mercy. Provide me with a loving community that loves you. Al-Fattah, send openings for truth and justice.” Knowing Allah’s names is a powerful way to connect with Him and to seek His pleasure.
