99 Names of Allah in 99 Days Twelfth Week Summary
99 names of Allah will try to be understood 99 days before Ramadan through the project started by Jenny Molendyk Divleli with the hashtag #99namesproject2022. The goal of the project shared by Jenny Molendyk on her Instagram account is to understand, learn, and repeat one of the names of Allah each day until Ramadan. Showing the effort is so meaningful, both in terms of getting together as a family in such an event and teaching children the beautiful names of Allah.
Alhamdulillah, we have reached lots of people on this path and we have already completed the twelfth week of the process. We hope the week was beneficial for everyone. So, let’s look at what we did during the week.
99 Names of Allah in 99 Days Twelfth Week Summary, we studied the names of Allah, Al-Mutaali, Al-Barr, At-Tawwab, Al-Muntaqim, Al-Afuw, Ar-Rauf, Malikul-Mulk. For those who missed some days or want to repeat them, we have compiled the works that we have worked on this week. Then we can start.
Day 78: Al-Mutaali
Meaning :The Self Exalted
Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ is Al-Muta’ali (in Arabic: ٱلْمُتَعَالِي), The highest One, and exalted above all creation. He is far beyond any imagination or thought, and the human mind is too narrow to understand his true greatness.
إِلَّا ٱبۡتِغَآءَ وَجۡهِ رَبِّهِ ٱلۡأَعۡلَىٰ
But only seeking the countenance of his Lord, Most High.
Surah Al-lail Ayat 20 (92:20 Quran)
Challenges:
Dhikr/Dua:
Paradise has seven levels; the highest one is Firdaws-al-‘ala, the highest level is right under the throne of Al-Muta’aali. The Prophet (pbuh) said: When you ask of Allah, ask Him for al-Firdaws, for it is in the middle of Paradise and is the highest part of Paradise, and above it is the Throne of the Most Merciful, and from it spring forth the rivers of Paradise [Al-Bukhaari, Muslim] Call upon Al-Mutaali!
O Allah, Al-Mutaali, we know that You are the Supreme. Give us knowledge of and lead us to prioritize the deeds most pleasing to You and assist us in calling others to You. Adorn us with firm belief in your Highness and admit us to the Highest Paradise without Reckoning!
Read/Explore:
In order to reflect on the meaning of the beautiful name Al-Mutaali, let’s read the article below and understand the concept of contemplation!
https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/paper/the-lost-art-of-contemplation
Watch/Listen:
Let’s watch the video below to understand the meaning of the name Al-Mutaali!
Day 79: Al-Barr
Meaning :The Source of All Goodness
Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ is Al-Barr (in Arabic: ٱلْبَرُّ), The One who is the great benefactor, the most righteous, and the source of goodness. He is ample in kindness and desires good for people bestowing them with health, wealth, and happiness. He is ever merciful and compassionate. He is The One who covered them with His sustenance and specified whoever He willed among them by His support, protection, and special mercy.
إِنَّا كُنَّا مِن قَبۡلُ نَدۡعُوهُۖ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلۡبَرُّ ٱلرَّحِيمُ
Indeed, we used to supplicate Him before. Indeed, it is He who is the Beneficent, the Merciful.”
Surah At-tur Ayat 28 (52:28 Quran)
Challenges:
Dhikr/Dua:
Let’s make the dua below and reflect on the meaning of the beautiful name Al-Barr!
O Allah, Al-Barr, we know that You are the source of all that is good. Adorn us with the characteristics of the abraar (righteous ones), guide us in good conduct in each company we are in, and make our righteousness a way to lead us to Your Paradise!
Read/Explore:
Let’s read the article below and think about its relation with the name Al-Barr! There are a lot of morals we may get from the story!
https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/paper/clinicians-imams-and-the-whisperings-of-satan
Watch/Listen:
Let’s watch the video below which is deeply related to the reflection of the name Al-Barr in our lives!
Day 80: At-Tawwab
Meaning :The Ever-Pardoning
Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ is At-Tawwab (in Arabic: ٱلْتَّوَّابُ), The One who beckons for our return. He repeatedly turns mankind towards repentance should they journey temporarily on the wrong path. Allah is lenient and restores grace to those who repent and forgives those who seek forgiveness.
أَلَمۡ يَعۡلَمُوٓاْ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ هُوَ يَقۡبَلُ ٱلتَّوۡبَةَ عَنۡ عِبَادِهِۦ وَيَأۡخُذُ ٱلصَّدَقَٰتِ وَأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ هُوَ ٱلتَّوَّابُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ
Do they not know that it is Allah who accepts repentance from His servants and receives charities and that it is Allah who is the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful?
Surah At-taubah Ayat 104 (9:104 Quran)
Challenges:
Dhikr/Dua:
“All of the sons of Adam are sinners, but the best of sinners are those who repent often.” (Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah)
Don’t forget the hadith above and pray two rakat of Prayer of Repentance and make a sincere dua to Allah. Don’t forget that He is the All-Forgiving, Ever-Pardoning. Start Ramadan purely and make the most of it!
Read/Explore:
Let’s read the article below and find its links with the name At-Tawwab!
https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/paper/tahajjud-fuel-for-the-self-and-society
Watch/Listen:
Let’s watch the video below which explains two conditions for forgiveness in Sha’aban (the month before Ramadan) and think about its relation with the name At-Tawwab!
Day 81: Al-Muntaqim
Meaning : The Avenger
Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ is Al-Muntaqim (in Arabic: ٱلْمُنْتَقِمُ), The One who victoriously prevails over His enemies and punishes them for their sins. Allah is most patient, but the time will come when justice must be given. Avoid things which Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ has forbidden, for He is swift and just with His punishment and does not let trespassing go unaccounted for.
فَإِمَّا نَذۡهَبَنَّ بِكَ فَإِنَّا مِنۡهُم مُّنتَقِمُونَ
And whether [or not] We take you away [in death], indeed, We will take retribution upon them.
Surah Az-zukhruf Ayat 41 (43:41 Quran)
Challenges:
Dhikr/Dua:
Nuh (as) cried out to his Lord with this supplication;
رَّبِّ ٱغۡفِرۡ لِي وَلِوَٰلِدَيَّ وَلِمَن دَخَلَ بَيۡتِيَ مُؤۡمِنٗا وَلِلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ وَٱلۡمُؤۡمِنَٰتِۖ وَلَا تَزِدِ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ إِلَّا تَبَارَۢا
My Lord, forgive me and my parents and whoever enters my house a believer and the believing men and believing women. And do not increase the wrongdoers except in destruction.
Let’s make the supplication above and reflect on the meaning of the beautiful name Al-Muntaqim!
Read/Explore:
Let’s read the article below and understand the relation between the names All-Merciful and The Avenger!
https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/paper/the-infinitely-merciful-and-the-question-of-hellfire
Watch/Listen:
Let’s watch the video below and listen to the quick explanation of the beautiful name Al-Muntaqim!
Day 82: Al-Afuw
Meaning :The Pardoner
Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ is Al-Afuw (in Arabic: ٱلْعَفُوُّ), The One who pardons sins and leaves no trace of any fault. The difference between forgiving and effacing is there will be no trace or record of the offense being committed. It will be as if it had never happened.
إِن تُبۡدُواْ خَيۡرًا أَوۡ تُخۡفُوهُ أَوۡ تَعۡفُواْ عَن سُوٓءٖ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ عَفُوّٗا قَدِيرًا
If [instead] you show [some] good or conceal it or pardon an offense – indeed, Allah is ever Pardoning and Competent.
Surah An-nısa Ayat 149 (4:149 Quran)
Challenges:
Dhikr/Dua:
A beautiful dua with this name is the one the Prophet (pbuh) taught Aishah(ra), when she asked him: “O Messenger of Allah! If I find the Night of Al-Qadr what should I say?” He (pbuh), said:
O Allah! Verily You are the Oft-Pardoning, You love to pardon, so pardon me [Ahmad, At-Tirmidhee, An-Nasaa’i, Ibn Majah] Memorize this dua and beg Al-‘Afuww with it sincerely. Recognize your sins, be humble and then aim high, not only asking your Lord for forgiveness, but for Him to pardon each and every sin you committed!
Read/Explore:
Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ loves to forgive His servants. We can see from the previous attributes that much has been said about His forgiveness. He is At-Tawwab (The Ever-Relenting), Ar-Rahman (The Beneficent), Ar-Raheem (The Merciful), Al- Ghaffar (The Forgiver), and Al-Gafoor (The Great Forgiver). Now, we expand to this list by adding another name, Al-Afuw, The Effacer of Sins. He is the one who erases all traces of sin. Forgiveness implies concealment, but the mark of sin still exists on the servant’s record. Al-Afuww suggests much more than just forgiving but eliminating it entirely. The view of scholars is the prior names are names of maghfirah (seeking forgiveness) which is different from seeking afw. For example, maghfirah is like forgiving but not forgetting. ‘afw is purification, being reborn, and having a clean slate.
Watch/Listen:
Let’s watch the video below which explains beautifully the name Al-Afuw!
Day 83: Ar-Rauf
Meaning : The Most Kind
Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ is Ar-Ra’uf (in Arabic: ٱلْرَّؤُفُ), The One who is extremely compassionate. He is The One whose mercy will endow whoever he willed among His creatures. Whatever Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ decrees is done with perfect judgment, and He is never harsh or unjust in his rulings.
وَلَوۡلَا فَضۡلُ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيۡكُمۡ وَرَحۡمَتُهُۥ وَأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ رَءُوفٞ رَّحِيمٞ
And if it had not been for the favor of Allah upon you and His mercy… and because Allah is Kind and Merciful.
Surah An-nur Ayat 20 (24:20 Quran)
Challenges:
Dhikr/Dua:
Ar-Ra’oof mentions a beautiful supplication in the Quran, using this name: And [there is a share for] those who came after them, saying, Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith and put not in our hearts [any] resentment toward those who have believed. Our Lord, indeed You are Kind and Merciful. [Quran, 59:10]
Memorize this beautiful dua’, call upon Allah (swt) with it, and teach it to others!
“O Allah, Ar-Ra’oof, we know that Your kindness encompasses us. Increase our hearts in mercy and aid us in forbidding evil and enjoining good in ways most pleasing to You. Make us reflect Your ra’fa, open our heart for the Quran and make us of those who follow Your warnings so we can avoid Your Punishment and enter Paradise safely!”
Read/Explore:
Let’s read the article below in order to understand the kindness which is spread through society through Wakfs! You will learn a lot about the Islamic Culture and Tradition!
Watch/Listen:
Let’s watch the video below which explains beautifully the name Ar-Rauf and its reflection!
Day 84: Malikul-Mulk
Meaning :Master of the Kingdom
Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ is Malikul-Mulk (in Arabic: مَالِكُ ٱلْمُلْكُ), The Lord of the Kingdom. He is the sole owner of all creation and, with absolute authority, can act in any manner, at any time, and in any way.
قُلِ ٱللَّهُمَّ مَٰلِكَ ٱلۡمُلۡكِ تُؤۡتِي ٱلۡمُلۡكَ مَن تَشَآءُ وَتَنزِعُ ٱلۡمُلۡكَ مِمَّن تَشَآءُ وَتُعِزُّ مَن تَشَآءُ وَتُذِلُّ مَن تَشَآءُۖ بِيَدِكَ ٱلۡخَيۡرُۖ إِنَّكَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيۡءٖ قَدِيرٞ
Say, “O Allah, Owner of Sovereignty, You give sovereignty to whom You will and You take sovereignty away from whom You will. You honor whom You will and You humble whom You will. In Your hand is [all] good. Indeed, You are over all things competent.
Surah Al-ımran Ayat 26 (3:26 Quran)
Challenges:
Dhikr/Dua:
The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said, “Every one of you is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock. The leader of people is a guardian and is responsible for his subjects. A man is the guardian of his family and he is responsible for them. A woman is the guardian of her husband’s home and his children and she is responsible for them. The servant of a man is a guardian of the property of his master and he is responsible for it. Surely, every one of you is a shepherd and responsible for his flock.” [Al-Bukharee, Muslim] Never misuse your authority over someone else, be just to your spouse and children and even to the animals, and remind yourself you will be asked about your leadership by Maalik ul-Mulk!
“O Allah, Maalik ul-Mulk, we know that You are our only Master and Ruler. Make us remember the Day of Recompense in our words and deeds, aid us to truly reflect on Your Kingdom and be humbled by it. Guide us in being responsible on this earth, just to those under our authority and make us enter Paradise, Your Eternal dominion of pleasure!”
Read/Explore:
This name reminds us of the temporary nature of our existence on earth. Part of living is our desire to expand endlessly, acquiring things. In this acquisition of land, property, and material, we become deluded. It is easy to become distracted and believe all of this is real and that the goal of living is to consume and conquer. Our ego inflates if we see success, and we are prone to become less akhirah motivated. This is why receiving wealth is a blessing from Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ but also a test in disguise. Will they use their wealth in a manner pleasing to Him, or will they become a servant to their ego?
Take a second to reflect on this hypothetical scenario, and try to really see yourself in this scenario. You just bought your first home and looking at this beautiful structure, envision all the future memories that’ll reside within. What feelings flood your heart and brain? Now, many years have passed. Alhamdulillah, you’re doing well financially and closed on your second, third, and looking for a fourth investment properties. What feelings come to you as you stand there looking at each of your properties. In your mind, does the inner dialogue say, “wow, I can’t believe this is mine!” It’s not far-fetched you’d feel this way, but this is where the danger creeps in. The development of this self-image, being “the owner” of these properties and land. A sense of great pride and honor envelopes your psyche. The scariest part is you may not even realize it. But how many people stood on this same land before you? How many people before you held a written document proclaiming the ownership of the very land you currently stand on? All were deluded by this temporary ownership. This failure is partly due to the omission and deep resonation with the saying of alhamdulillah (all praise is due to Allah). Allah gives some of His servant’s temporary ownership, but He is the eternal owner.
Watch/Listen:
Let’s watch the video below to understand better the meaning of the beautiful name Malikul-Mulk!
