Indexed OCR Text

421
Vol.2
Translation & Commentary of MISHKATUL MASAABIH
وَالْأَوْلَادَ وَ الضَّيْعَاتِ نَسِيْنَا كَثِيْرًا فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ وَالَّذِى نَفْسِى بِيِّدِهِ لَوتَدُؤُمُونَ عَلى
مَاتَكُؤُنُونَ عِنْدِى وَفِيِ الذِّكْرِ لَصَافَحَتُكُمُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ عَلَى فُرُشِكُمْ وَفِيْ ظُرُقِكُمْ وَلْكِنْ يَاحَتُظَلَةُ سَاعَةً
وَسَاعَةً ثَلَاثَ مَرَّاتٍ (رواه مسلم)
2268. Sayyiduna Hanzalah ibn Ar Rabi al Usaydi As a +) narrated that Sayyiduna
Abu Bakr usan», met him and asked him, "How do you do, O Hanzalah?" He said,
"Hanzalah has become a hypocrite!" He said, "Subhan Allah, what do you say?"
He said, "While we are with Allah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم, he tells us about hell and
paradise as though we see them. But, as we go out from him and get occupied with
our wives, children and properties, we forget much." Abu Bakr us an ~>, agreed that
he too went through the same thing. Then, they went to meet Allah's Messenger
said, "Hanzalah has turned into a hypocrite, O رضى الله عنه and Hanzalah الله عليه وسلم
Messenger of Allah." He asked, "What does that mean?" He said, "we be with you
and you speak to us of hell and paradise and make us almost see them, but when
we go out and depart from you, we get busy with our wives, children and properties
and we forget much." Allah's Messenger said, "By Him Who has my soul in His
hand, if you persisted in the same condition as you are with me and in
remembering Allah, then the angels would shake hand with you whether you lie
down or walk about. But, O Hanzalah, there is an hour and an hour!" saying this
(last) three times.
COMMENTARY: The angels do shake hands of those who make dhikr (hallowing of Allah)
without being seen, but here it is shaking hands in public view if that situation arises.
'Lying down and walking about' implies when you are unoccupied and when you are
occupied. It is all the time whatever you do.
"There is an hour and an hour.' This means that there is a time for every little thing and it
is not constant always. So do not think of yourself as a hypocrite, for, nights have to be
given to everyone.
SECTION-II
الفضلُ الثَّانِی
MERIT OF DHIKR (HALLOWING OF ALLAH)
(٢٢٦٩) عَنُّ أَبيِ الدَّرْدَاءِ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ اَلَا أُنَبِّئُكُمُ خَيْرٍ أَعْمَالِكُمْ وَآَز كَاهَا عِنْدَ
مَلِيْكِكُمْ وَأَرْفَعِهَا فِيْ دَرَجَاتِكُمُ وَخَيْرٍ لَكُمُ مِنْ إِنْفَاقِ الذَّهَبِ وَالْوَرِقِ وَخَيْرٍ لَكُمُ مِنْ آْ تَلْقَوْا
عَدُوَّكُمْ فَتَضْرِبُوْ أَعْنَاقَهُمْ وَيَضْرِبُوْا أَعْنَا قَكُمُ قَالُوْا بَلِى قَالَ ذِكْرُ اللَّهِ- رَوَاهُ مَالِكْ وَأَحْمَدُ وَالِّزْمِذِىُّ وَ
ابْنُّ مَاجَةً إِلَّ أَّ مَالِكًا وَقَّقَدْ عَلَى آلِ الذَّرْدَاءِ۔
صلى الله عليه وسلم narrated that Allah's Messenger رضى الله عنه Sayyiduna Abu ad-Darda .2269
asked the sahabah (Prophet's companions) رضى الله عنهم, "Shall I not tell you of a deed
that is the best and purest of your deeds in the sight of your king, which raises your
ranks highest, which is better for you than spending gold and silver, and which is
better for you than that you encounter your enemy and that you should cut off each
other's necks?" They said, "Of course, tell us!" He said, "It is dhikr (hallowing of

422
Translation & Commentary of MISHKATUL MASAABIH
Vol.2
Allah) (remembrance) of Allah."1
COMMENTARY: Perhaps this hadith (tradition) refers to dhikr (hallowing of Allah) both
by the tongue and by the heart. It tells us too that dhikr (hallowing of Allah) is better than
sadaqah (charity), jihad (crusade) and other deeds.
THE BEST DEED
(٢٢٧٠) وَعَنْ عَبْدِ اللّهِ بْنِ بُشْرٍ قَالَ جَاءَ أَغْرَائِيْ إِلَى النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ فَقَالَ أَىّ النَّاسِ خَيْرٌ فَقَالَ
طُوبٍ لِمَنْ طَالَ عُمْرُهُ وَحَسُنَ عَمَلُهُ قَالَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ أَىُّ الْأَعْمَالِ أَفْضَلُ قَالَ أَنْ تُقَارِقَ الدُّنْيَا وَلِسَانُكَ
رَظُبُ مِنْ ذِكُرِ اللهِ-(رواه أحمد والترمذى)
2270. Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Busr ws à +, narrated that a villager came to the
Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم and asked, "Which of the people is best?" He said,
"Blessedness is for him whose life is long and deeds are good." The man asked, "O
Messenger of Allah, which deed is best?" He said, "That you should part from the
world while your tongue is moist with remembrance of Allah."2
COMMENTARY: The tongue is said to be moist when it is engaged in dhikr (hallowing of
Allah) till death overtakes one. The hadith (tradition) covers both dhikr (hallowing of
Allah) jail (audible, with the tongue) and dhikr (hallowing of Allah) Khafi (quiet). Both can
be made with the tongue. It can also refer to dhikr (hallowing of Allah) with the heart. If it
is with both, the heart and tongue, then it is best.
GARDENS OF PARADISE
(٢٢٧١) وَعَنْ أَنَسٍ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ إِذَا مَرَرْ تُمْ بِرِيَاضِ الْجَنَّةِ فَارْتَعُوا قَالُوا
وَمَارِيَاضُ الْجَنَّةِ قَالَ حِلَقُ الذِّكْرِ(رواه الترمذى)
2271. Sayyiduna Anas رضى الله عنه narrated that Allah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said,
"when you pass by the gardens of paradise, eat(its) fruits." The sahabah (Prophet's
companions) (s &s +, asked, "What are the gardens of paradise?" He said, "The
circles where Allah is mentioned."3
(His dhikr (hallowing of Allah) is made).
COMMENTARY: It means that if you come upon a group of people making dhikr
(hallowing of Allah) then join them.
Nawawi nad +, said that just as it is mustahab (desirable) to make dhikr (hallowing of Allah),
so, too, it is mustahab (desirable) to sit with those who make dhikr (hallowing of Allah).
Dhikr (hallowing of Allah) is made with both tongue and heart, or with one of them, A
man said to his shaykh (Great religious Scholar), "I remember Allah with my tongue but
my heart is negligent." He said, "Be grateful to Allah and remember Him. He has kept one
of your limbs occupied in His remembrance."
1 Tirmidhi # 3388, Ibn Majah # 3790, Muwatla Maalik # , Musnad Ahmad # 6-447
2 Tirmidhi #, Musnad Ahmad # 5-43, Darimi # 2748.
3 Tirmidhi # 3521, Musnad Ahmad # 3-65
.

423
Translation & Commentary of MISHKATUL MASAABIH
Vol.2
REFRAINING FROM DHIKR (HALLOWING OF ALLAH) WILL CAUSE REGRET
(٢٢٧٢) وَعَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ مَنْ قَعَدَ مَقْعَدًّا لَمْ يَذْكُرِ اللَّهُ فِيْهِ كَانَتُ
عَلَيْهِ مِنَ اللَّهِ تِرَأَّ وَمَنِ اضْطَجَةَ مَضْجَهَا لَا يَذْكُرُ اللَّهُ فِيْهِ كَانَتْ عَلَيْهِ مِنَ اللهِتِرَفّ(رواه ابوداؤد)
1
صلى الله عليه وسلم narrated that Allah's Messenger رضى الله عنه Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah .2272
said, "He who sits some where (or in an assembly) and does not remember Allah
there, that will be for him a matter of regret from Allah. And, he who lies down on
his bed and does not make dhikr (hallowing of Allah) of Allah there, that will be
for him a matter of regret from Allah."1
COMMENTARY: Whatever time is spent without making dhikr (hallowing of Allah) will
be a course of regret on the day of resurrection.
MEETINGS WHERE ALLAH IS NOT REMEMBERED
(٢٢٧٣) وَعَنْهُ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ مَا مِنْ قَوْمٍ يَقُوُمُونَ مِنْ مَجْلٍِ لَا يَذْكُرُۇچ
اللهُ فِيْهِ إِلَّا قَامُوْا عَنْ مِثْلٍ جِيْفَةٍ حِمَارٍ وَكَانَ عَلَيْهِمْ حَسْرَةٌ(رواهاحمد وابوداؤد)
صلى الله عليه وسلم narrated that Allah's Messenger رضى الله عنه Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah .2273
said, "If any people disperse from an assembly where they did not remember Allah
then it is as though they arose from the corpse of an ass. That will be a cause of
regret for them."2
(٢٢٧٤) وَعَنْهُ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُوْلُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ مَا جَلَسَ قَوْمٌ مَجْلِمًا لَمْ يَذْكُرُوا اللّهَ فِيْهِ وَلَمْ يُصَلُّوْا
عَلَى تَبِّهِمْ إِلَّ كَانَ عَلَيْهِمْ تِرَّ فَإِنْ شَاء عَذَّبَهُمْ وَإِنْ شَاءِ غَفَرَ لَّهُمُ (رواه الترمذى)
2274. Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah narrated that Allah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "If
people sit in an assembly without remembering Allah and invoking blessings on
their Prophet, then that assembly will be for them a means of regret. If Allah will,
He may punish them, or if He wills, He may forgive them."3
COMMENTARY: This means that if they make remembrance of Allah, then He will forgive
them definitely.
BENEFICIAL SPEECH
(٢٢٧٥) وَعَنْ أُّ حَبِيْبَةً قَالَتْ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ كُلُّ كُلَامِ ابْنِ أَدَمَ عَلَيْهِ لَا لَّهِ إِلَّ أَهْرٌ
بِمَعْرُوْفٍ أَوْ تَمُهِى عَنْ مُنْكِّرٍ أَوْذِكُرُ اللهِ- رَوَاهُ التِّرْ مِذِىُّ وَابْنُ مَاجَةً وَقَالَ التِّرِمِذِىُّ هُذَا حَدِيْثْ غَرِيُبْ.
صلى الله عليه وسلم narrated that Allah's Messenger رضى الله عنه Sayyidah Umm Habibah .2275
said, "Every speech of the son of Aadam is against him, not for him, except
enjoining the reputable and forbidding evil, and remembrance of Allah."4
COMMENTARY: The ulama (Scholars) interpret this hadith (tradition) to refer to every
kind of saying disliked by Shari'ah (Islamic law). Clearly, only that speech will be
1 Abu Dawud # 4856
2 Abu Dawud # 4855, Musnad Ahmad # 2-389
3 Tirmidhi # 3440, Munad Ahmad # 2-453
4 Tirmidhi # 2420, Ibn Majah # 3974

Vol.2
Translation & Commentary of MISHKATUL MASAABIH
424
beneficial in the hereafter that is only for religion. Permissible speech is not disputed.
Enjoining the reputable, forbidding the disreputed and dhikr (hallowing of Allah) and
other words similar to these are the only words beneficial to the son of Aadam >_Jule.
TOO MUCH CONVERSATION WITHOUT DHIKR (HALLOWING OF ALLAH) IS
CAUSE OF HARDHEARTEDNESS
(٢٢٧٦) وَعَنِ ابْنِ عُمَرَ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ لَا تُكُثِرُوا الْكَلَّامَ بِخَيْرٍ ذِكُرِ اللَّهِ فَاِّ
كَثْرَةَ الْكَلَامِ بِخَيْرٍ ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ قَْوَةٌ لِلْقَلْبِ إِثَّ أَبْعَدَ النَّاسِ مِنَ اللَّهِ الْقَلْبُ الْقَاسِى (رواه الترمذى)
2276. Sayyiduna Ibn Umar رضى الله عنه narrated that Allah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said.
"Do not talk much without making dhikr (hallowing of Allah) of Allah. Indeed,
excessive talk without dhikr (hallowing of Allah) causes hearts to harden and,
surely, the farthest of the people from Allah is one with a hard heart."1
COMMENTARY: One who talks much, babbles lonely his words. He listens to none and
thinks only of himself as correct. He does not fear Allah and is neglectful of the hereafter.
THE BEST ASSET
(٢٢٧٧) وَعَنُ ثَوْبَانَ قَالَ لَمَّا نَزَّلَتْ وَالَّذِيْنَ يَكْفِرُونَ الذَّهَبَ وَالْفِقَّةَ كُنَّا مَعَ الَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيُّهِ
وَسَلَّمَ فِيْ بَعْضَ أَسْفَارٍهٍ فَقَالَ بَعْضُ أَصْحَابِهٍ نَزَّلَتْ فِى الذَّهَبِ وَالْفِقَّةِ لَوْ عَلِمُنَا أَىُّ الْمَالِ خَيْرٌ فَنَتَّخِذَهُ فَقَالَ
أَفْضَلُهُ لِسَانٌ ذَاكِرْ وَقَلْبُ شَاكِرٌ وَزَوْجَةٌ مُؤمِنَةٌ تُحِيْنُهُ عَلى إِيْمَانِه(رواه أحمد والترمذى وابن ماجة)
2277. Sayyiduna Thawban usa+, narrated that when (the verse 9:34):
وَالَّذِيْنَ يَكُنِزُونَ الذَّهَبَ وَالفِضَّةَ الآية
{Those who hoard gold and silver}
was revealed, they were with the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم on one of his
journeys. Some of the sahabahus &t +, said, "It is revealed concerning gold and
silver. If we knew the property that is best , then we might acquire it." He said,
"The best property is a tongue that remembers Allah, a grateful heart and a
believing wife who helps a man with his faith."2
COMMENTARY: Though it seems that the sahabah (Prophet's companions) ( an)
asked about the normal worldly wealth of which some kind might be specified for
them, yet, in reality, they had enquired about something apart from the worldly
wealth, such that could be helpful in their needs that might arise. So, the Prophet
Muhammad Luleå . respected their real request and disclosed the beneficial assets of
which is no doubt that they are the best.
The wife's helping her husband with his religion is to assist him in discharging his
religious obligations. She also makes the atmosphere conducive to make it easy for him to
engage in worship. She prevents him from indulging in sin and the unlawful.
1 Tirmidhi # 2411
2 Ibn Majah # 1856, Musnad Ahmad 5-278, Tirmidhi

425
Vol.2
Translation & Commentary of MISHKATUL MASAABIH
الفَصلُ الثَّالِثُ
SECTION III
ALLAH TAKES PRIDE BEFORE ANGELS IN THOSE WHO MAKE DHIKR
(HALLOWING OF ALLAH)
(٢٢٧٨) وَعَنْ آَبٍ سَعِيدٍ قَالَ خَرَجَ مُعَاوِيَةُ عَلَى حَلْقَةٍ فِي الْمَسْجِدِ فَقَالَ مَا أَجْلَسَكُمْ قَالُوا جَلَمْنَا نَذْكُرُ اللَّهَ قَالَ
اَللَّهِ مَا أَجْلَسَكُمْ إِلَّاذَلِكَ قَالُواْ اللّهِ مَا أَجْلَمْنَا غَيِّرَهُ قَالَ آَمَّا إِنِّى لَمْ أَسْتَحْلِفُكُمُ لُهُمَةً لَكُمْ وَمَاكَانَ آَحَدْ
بِمَنْزِلَتِى مِنْ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ آَقَلَّ عَنْهُ حَدِيثًا مِتِى وَإِّ رَسُولِ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ خَرَجَ
عَلَى حَلْقَةٍ مِنْ أَصْحَابِهٍ فَقَالَ مَا أَجْلَتَكُمْ هُهُنَا قَالُوا جَلَمْنَا نَذْكُرُ اللَّهُ وَتَحْمَدُهُ عَلَى مَا هَدَانَا لِلْإِسْلَامِ وَمَنَّ پِه
عَلَيْنَا قَالَ اللَّهِ مَا أَجْلَسَكُمْ إِلَّا ذَلِكَ قَالُوا اللّهِ مَا أَجْلَسَنَا إِلَّ ذَلِكَ قَالَ آَمَّا إِّ لَمْ أَسْتَحْلِفْكُمْ ثُمَةٌ لَكُمْ
وَلِكِنَّهُ آَتَانِيْ جِبْرِيْلُ فَأَخْبَرَ نِ آَّ اللَّهُ عَزَّوَ جَلَّ يُبَّاهِيْ بِكُمُ الْمَلَائِكَةَ - (رواه مسلمـ)
2278. Sayyiduna Abu Sa'eed رضى اللهعنه narrated that Sayyiduna Muawiyah رضى الله عنه went
to a circle in the mosque and asked, "What makes you sit together?" They said, "We
sit together to remember Allah." He asked them by Allah if nothing but that had
made them sit together and they confirmed, "By Allah, we do not sit together for
anything else." He told them that he had not adjured them out of misgivings ab. .
them and added, "No one of my standing before Allah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم .a
صلى الله عليه وسلم fewer ahadith (traditions) from him.than I have. Once, Allah's Messenger
had went to a circle of his sahabah (Prophet's companions) (os ano, and had asked
them what had brought them to sit there together and they had said that they were
together to remember Allah and to praise Him for leading them to Islam and for
bestowing favour on them. He had asked them (again), "I adjure you by Allah, has
nothing else prompted you to sit together? 'They had said, 'By Allah, we have not sat
together except for that.' He had said, 'I did not adjure by Allah out of suspicion
about you, but Jibril (gabriel) came to me and informed me that Allah, Mighty and
Glorious, takes pride in you before the angels."1
COMMENTARY: Allah points out to the angels that, in spite of the devil and their desires,
those people had sat together to mention Him. They were more praiseworthy because the
angels had not to curb evil tendencies or exert themselves as much.
DHIKR (HALLOWING OF ALLAH) EASY BUT MORE REWARDING
(٢٢٧٩) وَعَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ بُسْرٍ أَّ رَجُلًا قَالَ يَا رَسُولَ اللُّواِّ شَرَائِةَ الْإِسْلَامِ قَدْ كَثُرَتُ عَلَىَّ فَاخْبِرُنِى
بِشَىْء آَتَشَبَّثُ بِه قَالَ لَا يَزَالُ لِسَانُكَ رَطْبًّا مِنْ ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ- رَوَاهُ التِّرْمِذِىُّ وَابْنُ مَاجَةً وَقَالَ التِّرْ مِذِىُّ هُذَا
حَدِيثٌ حَسَنْ غَرِيُبُ-
2279. Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Busr us & >, narrated that a man submitted, "O
Messenger of Allah, the injunctions of Islam are many for me. Do teach me
something by which I might abide." He said, "Let your tongue not cease to be fresh
1 Muslim # 40.2701, Musnad Ahmad 4-92

Vol.2
Translation & Commentary of MISHKATUL MASAABIH
426
(or moist) with the remembrance of Allah."1
(٢٢٨٠) وَعَنْ أَبِيْ سَعِيْدٍ أَكَّ رَسُولَ اللّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ سُئِلَ أَىُّ الْعِبَادِ اَفْضَلُ وَاَرْفَهُ دَرَجَةً عِنْدَ اللهِ
يَوْمَّ الْقِيَامَةِ قَالَ الذَّاكِرُ وْنَ اللّهَ كَثِيْرًا وَالذَّاكِرَاتُ قِيْلَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِوَ مِنَ الغَازِى فِى سَپِیْلِ اللهِقَالَ لَوْ
ضَرَبَ بِسَيْفِهِ فِي الْكُفَّارِ وَالْمُشْرِكِيْنَ حَتَّى يَنْكِّسِرَ وَيَخْتَضِبَ دَمَّا فَإِّ الذَّاكِرَ لِلّهِ أَفْضَلُ مِنَّهُ دَرَجَةً - رَوَاهُ
أَحْمَدُ وَ التِّزْمِذِىُّ وَقَالَ هَذَا حَدِيْثُ غَرِيُبْ-
2280. Sayyiduna Abu Sa'eed Khudri رضى الله عنه narrated that someone asked Allah's
Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم, "Which worshipper will be most excellent and of highest
rank in the sight of Allah on the day of resurrection?" He said, "Those men and
women who remember Allah very often." He was asked, "O Messenger of Allah,
even above the warriors in Allah's path?" He said, "Even if he swings his sword on
the disbelievers and polytheists till it breaks and it smeared with blood, the one
who makes dhikr (hallowing of Allah) of Allah will have a higher rank than he."2
COMMENTARY: Not to say anything of one who is wounded in battle, even the warrior
who is soaked in blood, the person who makes dhikr (hallowing of Allah) of Allah is
superior than he.
DHIKR (HALLOWING OF ALLAH) PRESERVES FROM THE DEVIL
(٢٢٨١) وَعَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسِ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ الشَّيْطَاُ جَائِهْ عَلَى قَلْبٍ ابْنِ أَدَمَ فَإِذَا
ذَكَرَ اللَّهَ خَلَسَ وَإِذَا غَفَلَ وَسْوَسَ (رواه البخارى تعليقاً)
2281. Sayyiduna Ibn Abbas رضى الله عنه narrated that Allah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said,
"The devil remains fixed at the heart of the son of Aadam (>JI ale. When he
remembers Allah, the devil goes away, but when he neglects to remember Allah,
the devil prompts evil suggestions."
EXAMPLE OF DHIKR (HALLOWING OF ALLAH)
(٢٢٨٢ -٢٢٨٣) وَعَنْ مَالِكٍ قَالَ بَلَغَنِىْ آَكَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ كَاتَ يَقُوْلُ ذَاكِرُ اللّهِ فِي
الْغَافِلِيْنَ كَالْمُقَاتِلٍ خَلَفَ الفَارِيْنَ وَذَاكِرُ اللّهِ فِي الْغَافِيْنَ گُغُصُنٍ آخْضَرَ فِ شَجَرٍ يَاپِی وَفِي ڕِوَائَةٍ مَقَلُ
الشَّجَرَةِ الْحَضَّرَاءِ فِي وَسْطِ الشَّجَرِ وَذَا كِرُ اللّهِ فِي الْغَافِيْنَ مِثُلُ مِصباح ◌ِى بَيْتٍ مُظْلٍ وَ ذَاكِرُ اللُّهِ فِى
الغَافِيْنَ يُرِيْهِ اللهُ مَقْعَدَهُ مِنَ الْجَنَّةِ وَهُوَ حَيٌّ وَذَاكِرُ اللّهِ فِي الْغَافِلِيْنَّ يُغْفَرُ لَهُ بِعَددِ كُلِّ فَصِيْجٍ وَاَعُجُمْ
وَالْفَصِيْحُ بَنُواْدَمَ وَالْآَعْجُمُ الْبَهَائِمُ(رواه رزين)
2282. Sayyiduna Maalik رضى الله عنه narrated that Allah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم used to
say, "He who remembers Allah among those who are negligent (about it) is like the
one who continues to fight after the others have fled. He who remembers Allah
among those who are negligent is like a green branch on a dry tree."
1 Tirmidhi # 3386, Ibn Majah # 3792, Musnad Ahmad # 10968
2 Tirmidhi # 3387, Musnad Ahmad #11820
1

427
Vol.2
Translation & Commentary of MISHKATUL MASAABIH
2283. According to another version: "like a green tree among the trees. And, he who
remembers Allah among those who are negligent is like a lamp in a dark house. He
who remembers Allah among those who are negligent, Allah will show him his place
in paradise. He who remembers Allah among those who are negligent will be
forgiven his sins as many as there are the fasih and the a'jam (dumb)."1
Fasih refers to the human beings and a'jam (dumb) to the animals (who possess
power of speech and who do not).
DHIKR (HALLOWING OF ALLAH) DELIVERS FROM PUNISHMENT MOST
(٢٢٨٤) وَعَنْ مُعَاذٍ بُنِ جَبَلٍ قَالَ مَا عَمِلَ الْعَبْدُ عَمَلًا أَتَّخِى لَهُ مِنْ عَذَّابِ اللهِ مِنْ زِكُرِ اللهِ(رواه مالك و
الترمذى وابن ماجة)
2284. Sayyiduna Mu'adh ibn Jabal acan +, said, "A person does not perform any deed
that delivers him from Allah's punishment as much as remembrance of Allah does."2
ONE WHO MAKES DHIKR (HALLOWING OF ALLAH) IS GREATLY FORTUNATE
(٢٢٨٥) وَعَنْ آَبٍ مُرَيْرَةً قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّوَ إِّ اللهُ تَعَالِى يَقُوْلُ أَنَا مَعَ عَبْدِى إِذَا
ذَكَرَنِى وَتَحَرَّكَتْ بِي شَفَتَاهُ(رواه البخارى)
صلى الله عليه وسلم narrated that Allah's Messenger رضى الله عنه Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah .2285
said, "Surely, Allah, the Exalted, says 'I am with My salve when he remembers Me
and his both lips move for Me."3
DHIKR (HALLOWING OF ALLAH) CLEANSES HEART
(٢٢٨٦) وَعَنْ عَبْدِ اللّهِ ابْنِ عُمَرَ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ أَنَّهُ كَانَ يَقُوْلُ لِكُلِّ شَىٍْ صَقَّالَةٌ وَصَقَّالَةٌ
الْقُلُوُبِ ذِكْرُ اللّهِوَمَا مِنْ شَىْءٍ أَّخِى مِنْ عَذَّابِ اللَّهِ مِنْ ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ قَالُوْا وَلَا الْجِهَادُ فِيْ سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ قَالَ وَلَا آَنْ
يَضْرِبَ بِسَيْفِهٍ حَتَّى يَنْقَطِةَ - رَوَاءُ الْبَيْهَقِىُّ فِى الدَّعْوَاتِ الْگچِيْرِ-
صلى الله narrated that the Prophet Muhammad رضى الله عنه Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Umar .2286
duy the used to say, "There is for everything a polish. For the heart, the polish is
remembrance of Allah. Nothing delivers from Allah's punishment as does
remembrance of Allah." Someone asked him, "Is not waging jihad (crusade) in Allah's
path the same thing?" He said, "No, even if he swings his sword and till it breaks."
1 Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah # 3790.
2 Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah # 3790.
3 Bukhari chapter heading (chapter1, surah al Qiyamah 75) move not your tongue in to make haste
therewith.

Vol.2
Translation & Commentary of MISHKATUL MASAABIH
428
BOOK - X
ASMAALLAH TA'ALA
كِتَابْ أَسْمَاء اللهِ تَعَالى
THE NAMES OF ALLAH THE EXALTED
We must know that Allah's names are confined to what has been heard of them from and
permitted by the shari'ah (Islamic law). Only those names should be called as are known
from the sunnah(Practice of Holy Prophet Muhammad (,,ca .). We must not attribute any
name from ourselves by our reasoning even if they are synonymous with the names taught
to us by Shri'ah, for instance, we may call Him (Je)(aalim) but not (Jite) (aaqil), (jawwad)
.(tabib)(طبيب) shafi) but not) (شافى) ,(sakhi) (سخى) but not (جواد)
A person should try his best to grow the attributes of Allah in himself. This is emphasized
in the next pages while explaining Allah's names, or in other writings bout adopting His
attributes. We must act on that wholeheartedly, so that our beings become a reflection of
the Divine. Light and our lives an example of Islamic manners and teachings.
اَللَّهُتَ وَفَّقْنَا وَيَسِّرُلَنَا حُصُوْلَهَا
(O Allah enable us and make it easy for us to get them.)
A religious mentor is known to have commanded whoever came to him to enlist as his
disciple to first make ablution and come to him. Then, he recited to him the names of
Allah, the Exalted, with complete respect and glory in a loud voice. Then, he taught the
name whose effects he perceived in the fresh disciple hoping that he would adopt it
quickly.
SECTION I
الفَضلُ الآوَّلُ
MEMORIZING ALLAH'S NAMES
(٢٢٨٧) عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ إِّ اللّهِ تِسْعَةٌ وَتِسْعِيْنَ إِسْمًا مِائَةً إِلَّا
وَاحِدًا مَنْ أَخْصَاهَا دَخَلَ الْجَنَّةَ وَفِيْ رِوَايَةٍ وَهُوَ وِتُرْ يُحِبُّ الْوِتُرَ (متفق عليه)
صلى الله عليه narrated that Allah's Messenger رضى الله عنه Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah.2287
, said, "Surely, Allah has ninety-nine names - one less than one hundred.
He who preserves them in memory will enter paradise (directly without
undergoing punishment)."
According to another version: "And He is (witr) one and loves what is witr (single)."1
COMMENTARY: By saying that Allah has ninety-nine names, this hadith (tradition) does
not mean to fix a number or apply a limit to the names of Allah. He has very many names.
In the next few pages, we shall read the ninety-nine names and some more, insha Allah (if
Allah wills).
The ninety-nine names mentioned here are the ones whose characteristic the hadith
(tradition) mentions that anyone who memorises them will enter paradise. It is these
ninety-nine names which have this singlular peculiarity.
1 Bukhari # 6410, Muslim # 5-2677, Musnad(book) Ahmad #2-267.

Vol.2
Translation & Commentary of MISHKATUL MASAABIH
429
WLasÍ: The ulama (Scholars) have varying opinions about the word (wLast) 'preserves them
in memory'. Bukhari and others have given it this very meaning and, in facts, this opinion
is ore correct. Some versions have, instead of (wta-1), the word (this): 'memorises them.'
Some scholars give them the meaning recited them or believed in them, or understood their
meaning and conducted himself accordingly.
HE IS WITR (ODD NUMBERS) & LOVES WITR (ODD NUMBERS): Allah loves deeds
and petitions that are odd in number. The implication is that of all deeds, Allah loves the
deed that is based on sincerity and is done merely for Allah, the Exalted, alone.
SECTION II
الفضلُ الثَّانِى
NINETY-NINE NAMES OF ALLAH & THEIR EXPLANATION
(٢٢٨٨) عَنْ آنِيْ هُرَيْرَةَ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ إِّ اللّهِ تَعَالى تِسْعَةً وَتِسْعِيْنَّ إِسْمَّا مَنْ
أَحْصَاهَا دَخَلَ الجَنَّةَّ هُوَ اللهُ الَّذِى لَا إِلهَ إِلَّ هُوَ الرَّحْمنُ الرَّحِيْمُ الْمَلِكُ الْقُدُّوْسُ السَّلَامُ المُؤْمِنُ الْمُهَيُّمِنُ
العَزِيزُ الْجَِّّارُ الْمُتَكِّرُ الْخَالِقُ البَارِىُّ المُصَوِّرُ الغَفَّارُ القَهَّارُ الوَقَّابُ الرَّزَّاقُ الفَتَُّ العَلِيْمُ القَّابِضُ الْبَّاسِطُ
المَخَافِضُ الزَّافِعُ الْمُزِلُّ المُذِكُ السَّمِيعُ البَصِيْرُ الْحَكِّمُ الَّعَدُلُ اللَّطِيفُ الْخُبِيِّرُ العَلِيْمُ العَظِيْمُ الغَفُورُ الشَّكُوْرُ
الْعَلِيُّ الْكَبِيْرُ الحَفِيْظُ الْمُقِيْتُ الْحُسِيْبُ الجَدِيْلُ الْكَرِيْمُ الرَّقِيْبُ المُحِيْبُ الوَاسِعُ الْحُكِيْمُ الوَدُوُدُ المَجِيْدُ
البّاِتُ الشَّهِيْدُ الْحُقُ الوَكِيْلُ القَوِىُّ المَتِيْنُ الوَلِىُّ الْحَمِيُّدُ الْمُحْصِ المُبْدِىُّ المُحِيُّدُ الْمُحُبِىِ الْمُمِيتُ الْحَىّ القَيُّؤُهُ
الوَاجِدُ المَاجِدُ الوَاحِدُ الْأَحَدُ الشَّمَدُ القَادِرُ الْمُقْتَدِرُ الْمُقَدِّمُ الْمُؤَخِّرُ الْأَقَلُ الْآخِرُ الظَّاهِرُ البَاطِنُ الوَالِيِ
الْمُتْعَالِىِ الْبَرُّ التَّوَّابُ المُنْتَقِعُ العَفَرُّ الَّنُوْفُ مَالِكُ الْمُلْكِ ذُو الْجِلَالِ وَالْإِكْرَامِ المُقْسِطُ الجَامِعُ الْغَنِىُّ
المُخُنِىِ المَانِعُ الضَّارُّ النَّافِعُ النُّورُ الهَادِى الْبَدِيُْ البَاقِيِ الوَارِثُ الرَّشِيْدُ الشَبُورُ - رَوَاءُ التِّزْمِذِىُّ وَالْبَيْمَقِىُّ فِى
الدَّعْوَاتِ الْكَبِيْرِ وَقَالَ التِّزْ مِذِىُّ هُذَا حَدِيْثْ غَرِيُبٌ.
صلى الله عليه وسلم narrated that Allah's Messenger رضى الله عنه Sayyiduna Abu hurayrah .2288
said, "Allah, the Exalted has ninety-nine names. He who commits them to memory
will enter paradise:"
He is Allah beside whom there is no God. Ar-Rehman, Ar-Rahim, Al-Malik, Al-
Quddus, As-Salaam (greeting), Al-Mumin, Al-Muhaymin, Al-Aziz, Al-Jabbar, Al-
Mutakabbir, Al-Khaliq, Al-Bari, Al-Musawwir, Al-Ghaffar, Al-Qahhar, Al-Wahhab,
Ar-Razzaq, Al-Fattah, Al-Alim, Al-Qabid, Al-Basit, Al-Khafid, Al-Rafi, Al-Muiz, Al-
Muzil, As-Sami, Al-Basir, Al-Hakam, Al-Adl, Al-Latif, Al-Khabir, Al-Alim, Al-
Azim, Al-Ghafur, Ash-Shakur, Al-Aliy, Al-Kabir, Al-Hafiz, Al-Muqit, Ai Hasib, Al-
Jalil, Al-Karim, Ar-Raqib, Al-Mujib, Al-Wasi, Al-Hakim, Al-Wadud, Al-Majid, Al-
Baith, Ash-Shahid, Al-Haq, Al-Wakil, Al-Qawiy, Al-Matin, Al-Waliy, Al-Hamid,
Al-Muhsiy, Al-Mubdiy, Al-Mu'id, Al-Muhyi, Al-Mumit, Al-Hayy, Al-Qayyum, Al-
Wajid, Al-Maajid, Al-Wahid, Al-Ahad, As-Samad, Al-Qadir, Al-Muqtadir, Al-
Muqaddim, Al-Muakhkhir, Al-Awwal, Al-Aakhir, Az-Zahir, Al-Batin, Al-Waliy,
Al-Muta'aliy, Al-Barr, At-Tawwab, Al-Muntaqir, Al-Afu, Ar-Ra'uf, Maalik-ul-
1

430
Translation & Commentary of MISHKATUL MASAABIH
Vol.2
Mulk, Dhul Jalal wa al-Ikram, Al-Muqsit, Al-Jami, Al-Ghaniy, Al-Mughniy, Al-
Mani, Ad-Daar, An-Nafi, An-Noor, Al-Hadi, Al-Badi, Al-Baqi, Al-Warith, Ar-
Rashid, As-Sabur.1
COMMENTARY: The sentence 'He is Allah besides whom there is no God' is a separate
sentence by itself, It introduces the ninety-nine names that follow.
This expression has many applications' First: If a hypocrite reads it, but does not confirm
it at heart, only to show himself as a Muslim, then it may benefit him in this world by
protecting his life, property and family and the hands of the Muslims, but it will not profit
him in the hereafter.
Secondly, it may be uttered by the tongue coupled with belief at heart but only as an
imitation. Opinions differ on its being correct, the strongest of which is that it is correct.
Thirdly, the oral repetition is matched by a belief at heart that follows observation of
Divine signs. Most of the ulama (Scholars) say that it is reliable, too.
Fourthly, the oral declaration is accompanied by a firm conviction which is deduced from
evidences this, to, is an approved form.
Fifthly, he who utters this expression is aware of its meaning through the eye of his heart.
It implies that he has a perfect awareness. This is the highest degree.
This is the position when this expression is uttered by the tongue. The other possibility is
when it is expressed only at heart and there is no oral declaration. In this case, if there is an
excuse for it, say the person is dumb, or any other, and he is unable to declare it with the
tongue, then this expression will be beneficial to him in both worlds and he will gain
deliverance in both this world and the next. If he has no reason whatsoever to not declare
it with the tongue, then he will earn nothing in the next world. Nawawi alus, has said that
the Ahlus-sunnah (greatest group of Muslims who abide by the Practice of Holy Prophet
Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) are unanimous about these deductions.
ALLAH: This is the name of Allah specifically. It means, 'the Being Who is worthy of
worship.' Most of the ulama (Scholars) hold that of the names of Allah, the Exalted, this
name is the greatest. The masses should have this name constantly on their tongues. They
must make dhikr (hallowing of Allah) with this name fearfully and respectfully. The
learned must reflect on this name for its meaning and know that this name can be applied
to only that Being Who possesses all the attributes of Divinity. And, the highly selected,
exclusive group should have their hearts lost in Allah, and not turn towards any one other
than this Being. They must fear Him alone, for He Alone is True and Manifest. Everything
besides Him will perish and is false. It is as stated in Bukhari that the Prophet Muhammad
sledo said, "The most correct of the words of poets is the saying of Labid:
اَلَا كُلُّ شَىءٌ مَا خَلَا اللهُ بَاطِلْ
(Know! Everything other than Allah is vain.)
CHARACTERISTIC OF THIS WORD (ALLAH): If anyone repeats this specific name
(Allah) one thousand times, then he will become determined and will possess firm faith.
He who repeats it one hundred times after salah (prayer) will have his unseen broadened
and he will become a man of inspiration. Secrets will be unveiled to him.2
1 Tirmidhi # 3518,Bayhaqi in ad-Diwat al-Kabir.
2 Bukhari # 6147, Muslim # 2-2256, Tirmidhi # 2858, Ibn Majah # 3757,Musnad(book) Ahmad #2-267.

431
Translation & Commentary of MISHKATUL MASAABIH
Vol.2
1,2 - AR-RAHMAN, AR-RAHIM: The Compassionate, The Merciful, Who forgives. A
person who emulates these attributes, is required by these names to concentrate deeply
towards Allah. He should be trusted and relied upon. One should keep oneself engaged
inwardly in remembering Him, but others besides Him must be ignored. Mercy should be
shown to His creatures, and the wronged-one or oppressed must be supported and helped.
The oppressor must be prevented from being oppressive to others and this must be done in
a pious manner. Those who refrain from worship of Allah and His dhikr (hallowing of
Allah) must be warned, and a merciful sight should be directed towards the sinner rather
than look down upon him. One's ability must be directed to further the affairs of shari'ah
(Islamic law). To the best of one's ability, one must help the needy and destitute.
CHARACTERISTIC OF THESE NAMES: If anyone repeats (JJ1) (Ar-Rehman, Ar-
Rahim) one hundred times after every salah (prayer), then Allah removes form his heart
negligence, forgetfulness and lethargy. All creatures will have mercy on him.
3 - AL-MALIK: The true Sovereign. He is the real King of the earth, the heavens and the
universe. Both the worlds are governed by Him and belong to Him. He is Independent of
all while all depend on Him.
Having known this attribute, it becomes imperative on us to behave as His slaves and to
pray to Him alone. We must obey Him and seek honour only from Him. We must attach
ourselves to His kingdom and declare complete unconcern with all others fearing none and
looking at none for one's needs. We must have a thorough check on our limbs and
potential and emply them in worship and abiding by Shari'ah (Islamic law). Thus, we will
be la true ruler of our own life.
CHARACTERISTIC OF AL-MALIK: If any ruler or king recites this name with the
name Al-Qudus meaning, Malik ul-Quddus, regularly, then Allah will give him
permanence over his dominion. If he is not a king or ruler, then through its blessings his
own soul will submit to him in obedience. If anyone repeats this name to gain honour then
he will achieve his objective.
Shah Abdur Rahman al>, has said that if anyone repeats this name Al-Malik ninety times
everyday then not only will he be radiant and awe-inspiring, but also rulers will be soft
with him. This name is tried for honour and high regard and esteem.
4 - AL-QUDDUS: 'The Sacred, the Holy.' Qushayri alus, said that he who knows that
Allah is Al-Qudus, the sacred, must cherish the desire that Allah keep him free of defects
and calamities and sins, always.
ITS CHARACTERISTICS: He who recites this name at the time of zawal will have a clean
heart. If anyone writes this name and the name As-Subbuh after the salah (prayer) of Friday
on a piece of bread (al-Quddus as-Subbuh) and eats it, then he will have angelic traits.
When in panic at the time of protection from the enemies, this name should be recited as
much as possible. The traveller must continue to recite it; he will never be.helpless and
needy. If it is recited three hundred and nineteen times on anything sweet which is fed to
the enemy, he will turn kind.
5 - AS-SALAAM (GREETING): "The Giver of peace, The Author of Safety.' With this
name, a person makes himself free of bad deeds and bad manners. Qushayri and, said
. that he turns to his Lord with a sound heart with this name. Some authorities say that it
1

432
Translation & Commentary of MISHKATUL MASAABIH
Vol.2
requires him to be safe for other Muslims, both with his tongue and hand. Rather, he treats
Muslims very kindly. When he sees an elder Muslim, he thinks, "He is better than I am
because he has worshipped and obeyed Allah more than I have and he preceded me in
faith." If he sees a Muslim younger than him, then he too is better because he has
committed fewer sins. Also, when a Muslim commits a mistake and he apologises to him,
he pardons him.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THIS NAME: If anyone recites this name one hundred and
eleven times over a sick person, then insha Allah (if Allah wills), he will be cured. If
anyone repeats it constantly then he will be rid of fear.
6 - AL-MUMIN: "The Bestower of security.' This name calls upon a person to protect
Allah's creatures from his own mischief and the mischief of other people.
ITS CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone recites it frequently, or writes it down and keeps it
with himself, then Allah will preserve him from the devil's mischief. No one will
overpower him. He will be under Allah's protection both outwardly and inwardly. If he
recites it much too often then Allah's creatures will obey him.
7 - AL-MUHAYMIN: 'The Protector.' He protects very well. This name requires the
reciter to refrain from bad habits, evil beliefs and other such things like jealousy, etc. He
should keep away from all such things that cause him to be negligent of Allah.
ITS CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone has a bath and recites this name one hundred and
fifteen times then he will know the secrets and the unknown. He who recites it regularly
will be safe from all calamities. He will be among the inhabitants of paradise.
8 - AL-AZIZ: 'The Mighty, none can overpower Him' This name allows a person to subdue
his self, his desired and the devil. He becomes unique in knowledge and learning. He
does not beg from Allah's creatures, so maintains his dignity and preserves himself from
degrading himself.
Abu al-Abbas Muraysi als>, said, "By Allah, I have found honour in not stretching hand
before the creatures (to beg)."
Some ulama (Scholars) say that only he thinks of Allah as Mighty and Overpowering and
Unique and unmatched who regards His commands and His Shari'ah (Islamic law) as dear
and dominant over him and obeys Him in a singular unmatched manner. But, he who
takes these things lightly and shows unconcern does not regard Allah as dear and mighty.
Allah, says:
وَإِلَّهِ الْعِزَّةُ وَلِرَسُوْلِهِ وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ وَلَكِنَّ الْمُنَافِقِيْنَ لَا يَعْلَمُوْنَ
{And might belongs to Allah and to His Messenger and the believers, but the
hypocrites know not.} (63:8)
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone repeats this name forty-one times after the salah (prayer)
of fajr then he will not be dependent on anyone in both the worlds. He will become mighty
and accepted after being ignoble and friendless.
Apart from this, there are many other amazing properties of this name
9 - AL-JABBAR: 'The Overpowering Lord, The Compeller.' He repairs the disturbed aid
out of order tasks. He guides the creatures to what He intends. This name causes a person
to earn merits and excellence and correct his defects and become constant on abstinence
-

433
Translation & Commentary of MISHKATUL MASAABIH
Vol.2
and obedience to subdue his self and attain perfection.
Qushayri alu>, cited some books to quote Allah, "O My slave you decide to do something
and I decide about something, but only what I wish happens. So, if you become pleased
with My wish then I suffice you for what you desire, otherwise I shall not suffice you.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THIS NAME: If anyone recites this name twenty-one times after
the ten musabbihat then he will be safe of the mischief of the oppressors and the cruel.
(The musabbihat are surahs beginning with (+) If anyone recites it constantly then he will
be protected from being backbited and censure of the creatures. He will be affluent and
authoritative. If anyone inscribes it on his ring and wears it then other people will respect
him and dread him.
10 - AL-MUTAKABBIR: "The Majestic.' 'Very Great.' The name Al-Mutakabbir requires
of a person who recognizes this quality of Allah that he should abstain from base desires
otherwise he will be associated with animals. In fact, he must keep away from everything
that obstructs his inward from the Truth. He must despise all things apart from
approaching the True Allah. He must adopt humility and rid himself of every semblance
of arrogance so that his soul remains pure and he grows in himself love of Allah. In this
way, no one will dictate him and he will not have peace with anyone other than Allah.
CHARACTERISTIC OF THIS NAME: If a man recites it ten times just before going to his
wife, then, insha Allah (if Allah wills) , Allah will grant him a righteous son. If anyone
recites it before beginning his task, then, insha Allah (if Allah wills), he will achieve his
desire.
11 - AL-KHALIQ: 'The Creator.' He creates according to His will and wisdom.
CHARACTERISTIC OF THIS NAME: If anyone goes on reciting this name, then Allah
creates for him an angel to worship on his behalf till the day of resurrection. Also, because
of this name, Allah makes this person's heart and face radiant. Shah Abdur Rahman and,
has written that if anyone recites this name very often in the night then his face and heart
will be bright and he will be able to do all his work easily.
12 - AL-BARI: 'The Creator out of nothing.'
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone repeats this name one hundred times every week. Allah
will take him directly to Riyadh Quds instead of keeping him in the grave. A physician
(hakim or doctor) who recites it regularly will be successful in every treatment that he
prescribes.
13 - AL-MUSAWWIR: "The Fashioner.' These three successive names call upon a person,
whenever he observes something and imagines something, he must ponder Allah's power
and mysteries in that thing.
CHARACTERISTICS: If a woman is barren, she must fast for seven days and at the time
of iftar (consummating fast) on each of these days, she must recite Al-Musawwir twenty-
one times, blow on water and drink it. Insha Allah (if Allah wills), she will beget a pious
son. If anyone rccites this name very often when facing a difficult and insurmountable
task, then his task will become easy.
14 - AL-GHAFFAR: "The Most Forgiving.' 'Who conceals shortcomings of the creatures.'
One must have a firm conviction that no one other than Allah forgives sins, and one must

434
Translation & Commentary of MISHKATUL MASAABIH
Vol.2
conceal defects of other people. If anybody is at fault, he should pardon him He must bind
himself to make Istighfar all the time and particularly before dawn.
If anyone repeats one hundred times after the salah (prayer) of Friday these words:
یَا غَفَّارُ اغْفِرُلِذُنُۇنى
(O The Forgiving, forgive me my sins),
Then Allah places him with those people who have been forgiven.
15 - AL-QAHHAR: "The Dominant, The Almighty.' All are helpless before His power.
This name demands of a person to subdue his great enemies and make them helpless.
These enemies are his base soul and the devil.
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone recites this name very often, then Allah removes the love
of this world from his heart and when he dies, it is on piety. If anyone recites it for any of
his objectives one hundred times then his objective will become easy. If anyone recites it
one hundred times between the sunnah salah and fard salah (two parts of prayer) with
intention to dominate, then his great enemies will be dominated by him.
16 - AL-WAHHAB: 'The Bestower.' 'He gives much without requiring a return.' This
name requires a person to give his life and wealth in Allah's path without personal motives
and without seeking a return.
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone is afflicted with poverty and hunger, then he must
begin to repeat this name constantly. Allah will remove from him this difficulty in such a
way that he will be amazed. One who writes it down and keeps it with himself then he
will find it as effective. If anyone offers the salah (prayer) of chaast and recites afterwards
a verse calling for prostration, and keeping his head in prostration, repeats this name
seven time then he will be independent of the creatures. If anyone has a need then at
midnight he must prostrate three times in his house or the courtyard of a mosque, then
raising his hands, must repeat this name one hundred times. Insha Allah (if Allah wills),
his need will be fulfilled.
Mawlana Shah Abdul Aziz al-, said that to have one's provision enlarged, one must
offer four raka'at salah (prayer) at the time of chaast. After that one must prostrate
oneself and recite (0, 4)(Ya Wahhab) one hundred and four times. If there is not
sufficient time, then he must recite only fifty times. Insha Allah (if Allah wills), there
will be an increase in provision.
17 - AL-RAZZAQ: "The Sustainer.' He creates sustenance and bestows it on the creatures.
It is that from which benefit is desired and it can be obvious and hidden. The latter kind is
what benefits the soul and the heart, like the sciences, awareness, etc. The former benefits
the body, like through food and clothing.
This name requires a person to believe that none but Allah is able to provide sustenance.
So he must expect provision only from Him, and must entrust all his affairs to. Him. He
should continue to provide people physical and spiritual sustenance with his hands and
tongue, spending his wealth on the needy and teaching the less learned and the misled. He
must guide them and keep praying for the good of every Muslim.
A saintly man was asked how he give his food and drink. He said, "from the time I have
achieved divine awareness, I have never worried about my provision." Another said about
provision that it is the dhikr (hallowing of Allah) of Allah: (حى الذى لا يموت) (He is the Living
1

435
Translation & Commentary of MISHKATUL MASAABIH
Vol.2
Who never dies).
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone recites this name ten times each after dawn but before
the salah (prayer) of fajr in each of the four corners of his house beginning with the right
side and not turning his face away from the qiblah then this house will not experience grief
and poverty.
18 - AL-FATTAH: "The Opener.' 'The Judge.' He opens the gates to provision and
mercy. One must try to reconcile people and judge between them. He must help the
oppressed and resolve to solve the problems of the people, whether problems of this
world or of the hereafter.
Qushayri a , said that once anyone knows that Allah opens the gates to mercy and
provision and provides the means and rectifies everything then he should not attach
himself to anyone besides Allah.
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone offers the salah (prayer) of fajr and, keeping both hands
on his chest repeats this name seventy times then his heart will be cleansed. He will
purified at heart and inwardly.
19 - AL-ALEEM: 'The All Knowing.' He knows the seen and unseen. Someone has spoken
very well, "If anyone is aware that Allah knows his condition very well then he must show
patience when afflicted and express gratitude when He gives something. He must ask
forgiveness for his sins.
Some books write that Allah says, 'If you do not know that you are under My eyes all the
time then your faith is weak. But, if you know that I see you always then why do you think
very little of Me among all those who see?" (You are afraid lest anyone see you when you
do wrong but you do not care that I see you though I see everything of you. Thus, you give
others more importance than you give Me.)
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone recites this name very much then Allah gives him .
abundant awareness of Himself.
If anyone repeats (),Jeu) (Ya Aalim ul ghayb) one hundred times after salah (prayer), then
Allah will make him perceive the mysteries and be inspired.
If anyone desires to have knowledge of the unseen then, after the salah (prayer) of isha, he
must recite it one hundred times in the mosque and go to sleep. Insha Allah (if Allah
wills), he will learn of the reality of that thing.
20 - AL QABID: 'The withholder' who withholds and constricts provision and heart of the
creatures. He takes away their souls.
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone writes this name for forty days on four morsels (of bread
etc) and eats them then insha Allah (if Allah wills) he will be protected from hunger and
punishment of the grave.
21 - AL- BASIT: 'The Enlarger.' He enlarges the provision of the creatures and expands
their hearts. These two successive names (Al-Qabid and Al-Basit) call on a person not to
lose hope at the time of affliction and tragedy nor to be come careless when He bestows
blessings. He must regard hardship as the result of His judgment and exercise patience.
And, he must regard enlargement of provision as the fruit of His favours and express
gratitude for it. Qushayri als, said that it is with saintly men that these two conditions

436
Translation & Commentary of MISHKATUL MASAABIH
Vol.2
influence their heart. When they are overcome by fear of Allah, their hearts constrict.
When they are very hopeful of mercy, their hearts expand. Junayd Baghdadials, said the
same thing and added, "Truth brings me together." He meant remembrance of Allah
makes him calm and composed. And, he said, "The creation disintegrates me," meaning
the company of the creatures unsettles him and terrifies him. It is the beauty of a person
that he refrains from restlessness when he is hard pressed and worried. He does not exult
too much when he lives in abundance, and does not demonstrate bad manners, for, great
people fear these things.
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone repeats this name ten times at the hour of dawn with his
hands raised and after doing that wipes his face with them, then he will never have to
present his need to anyone else to get it fulfilled.
22 - AL-KHAFID: "the Abaser," He who humbles. He disgraces the disbelievers.
CHARACTERISTICS: If a person fasts for three days and recites this name on the fourth
day in one sitting seventy thousand times then he will conquer the enemy.
23 - AR-RAFI: "The Exaltor.' He exalts the believers after helping them or bringing them
near to Him. Both these successive names (Al-Khafid and Ar-Rafi) call on a person not to
trust his state of being whatever it be nor be confident of any of his learnings and deeds,
and to suppress and put down whatever Allah has commanded should be checked.
Examples are one's self, desire. He elevates what Allah has asked should be raised, like
heart and soul.
People saw a man fly in air. So, they asked him how he accomplished the feat. He said, "I
suppressed my hawa (desires), so Allah empowered me over hawa (air) of the atmosphere.
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone recites this name one hundred times at midnight or at
noon, then Allah will make him a chosen, elite, independent person.
24 - AL-MUIZ: 'The Bestower of honour.' If anyone recites this name, on the night
preceding Monday or Friday, one hundred and forty times, then he will be regarded highly
by the creatures. He will not be fearful of anyone but Allah.
25 - AL-MUDHIL: 'The Abaser.' 'He who disgraces.' Both these consecutive names (Al-
Muiz and Al-Mudhil) require a person to honour those people whom Allah has honoured
because of knowledge and awareness. He is also required to regard disgraced and ignoble
those whom Allah has made miserable because of their disbelief and straying.
CHARACTERISTICS OF AL-MUDHIL: If anyone is afraid of an oppressor or a jealous
person, he must recite this name seventy-five times and then prostrate himself and pray to
Allah, "Save me from the mischief of such-and-such oppressor and jealous one" Allah will
give him peace.
26, 27 - AS-SAMI AND AL-BASIR: "The All-Hearing.' "The All-seeing.' These names call
upon a person to refrain from hearing and seeing whatever is contrary to shari'ah (Islamic
law). He must believe that Allah is present and hears and sees his words and deeds.
Imam Ghazali an , says that if anyone conceals from the creatures what he does not
conceal from Allah then he is as though he has a poor opinion of Allah. Hence, he who
commits sin knowing that Allah watches him is a daring person, indeed. He who commits
sin with a conviction that Allah does not see him commits an act of great disbelief. Hence,

437
Translation & Commentary of MISHKATUL MASAABIH
Vol.2
it is said by way of example that if you must commit a wrong, then do it in such a place
where Allah cannot see you. Since there is no such place where Allah cannot see you, do
not commit sin.
CHARACTERISTICS: if anyone recites As-Sami' five hundred times on Thursday after the
salah (prayer) of chaast - or, recites it every day, one hundred times after chaast and does not
speak in-between, then whatever supplication he makes thereafter will be approved.
If anyone recites Al-Basir one hundred and one times between the sunnah(Practice of Holy
Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) and Fard(compulsory) of Fajr with a firm and strong
conviction then insha Allah (if Allah wills) he will be chosen with Allah's benevolent sight.
28 - AL-HAKAM: "The Judge.' 'He who gives the command.' None can fail His
command. This name call upon a person that, having known this attribute, he should obey
all His commands and submit to His will and judgment. If anyone does not agree with his
will and judgment intentionally, then Allah enforces His will and judgment on him
forcefully. If anyone willingly submits to it and is pleased with it then Allah will bestow
mercy on him and he will lead a life of pleasure and satisfaction, and he will not need to
complain to others.
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone recites it on the night preceding Friday, according to an
opinion, at midnight to such an extent that he faints, then Allah will fill his inward with
knowledge of mysteries.
29 - AL-ADL: 'The Just.' One must not become hard-hearted and restless with Allah's
commands and judgements after knowing that He is Just. One must be convinced that
Allah's judgement about him is perfectly just. So, he must rely on him and be comfortable
and spend whatever Allah has given him in its proper place as sanctioned by Shari'ah
(Islamic law). He must respect His justice and hope for His favour and compassion. Also,
he should refrain from going to extremes but adopt a moderate course.
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone writes this name on twenty morsels of bread and eats
them on the night preceding Friday, then Allah subjugates all the creatures to him.
30 - AL-LATIF: "The Subtle.' He is mild with His creatures. He sees all, and distance and
nearness is alike for Him. This name requires of a person to reflect on the affairs, of
religion and the world.
He must invite the people to the true path
mildly.CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone lacks the means of sustenance, has no one to
sympathies with him in his poverty, is ill without anyone to tend to him, or has a daughter
for whom he can find no suitable match-
Then he must make ablution very well and offer two raka'at salah (prayer), and recite this
name one hundred times with his objective in mind. Insha Allah (if Allah wills), his
difficulty will be solved.
Similarly, this name must be recited one hundred times constantly to secure a good match
for daughters, recovery from illnesses and accomplishment of tasks. Some saintly
fraternity observes the practice that for every kind of religious or worldly task this name
should be reptead sixteen thousand three hundred and forty one (16341) time at some
isolated place observing the requisites of supplication. Insha Allah (if Allah wills), the
objective will be achieved.
31 - AL-KHABIR: "The All-Knowing.' He knows that which is in a person's heart and

438
Translation & Commentary of MISHKATUL MASAABIH
Vol.2
everything else. This name requires of a person, who has learnt that Allah is Aware of his
secrets and even what is in his heart, that he too must remember Him and forget all others
besides Him. He must shun stray paths. He must bind himself to abandon ostentation and
to adopt righteousness, and to set right his secrets and to know of the obvious things of
religion and the worldly life.
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone is subjugated to his base self, then he must recite this
name very often. Insha Allah (if Allah wills), he will be delivered.
32 - AL-HALIM: 'The Clement.' He is not hasty in punishing the believers. Rather, He
gives respite to the believers that they might repent and prosper. This name calls on a
person to persevere hardship hurled by malicious people, be mild in punishing the
subordinates and refrain from anger and rage. He must endeavor to attain that degree of
clemency so that he shows kindness to anyone who is wicked to him.
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone writes this name on a piece of paper and washes it and
sprinkles the water in the fields and trees, then he will be safe from loss and there will be
blessing in them and he will get full produce from them.
33 - AL-AZIM: 'The Mighty.' 'The Magnificent.' He is so very mighty in His Being and
Attributes that man's intelligence cannot perceive His greatness. This name requires of a
person that he concede the insignificance of the two worlds before Allah's might. He
should not bow before anyone for the sake of the world. He must regard himself as lowly.
And, he should do what Allah has commanded should be done and abandon what Allah
has forbidden. He must occupy himself in those things which are dear to Allah and belittle
his self so that he earns Allah's pleasure.
CHARACTERISTICS: He who recites this name constantly will be great in the eyes of
the creatures.
34 - AL-GHAFUR: 'The forgiving.' He is the most forgiving. It calls on a person to make
Istighfar most of the time during day and night particularly at the time of dawn. He must
forgive him who has hurt him or troubled him.
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone is ill or has fever or headache, or grief, then he must
write this name on a piece of paper and transfer the inscription on bread and eat it. Allah
will cure him and give him relief. If anyone recites this name very often then darkness of
his heart will vanish.
According to a hadith (tradition): "If anyone prostrates himself land says three times in
prostration (,41)4) (O my Lord, forgive me), then Allah will forgive him his past and
present sins."
If anyone suffers headache or an illness or grief, he must write down the letters of („,4+ 4)
three times and eat that. Insha Allah (if Allah wills), he will be healed.
35 - ASH-SHAKUR:
'The Grateful.' 'The Appreciative.' He gives too much reward for
a little deed.
Some one who had died was seen in a dream by a man. He asked him how he had fared.
He said, "When Allah called me for reckoning, the sins on my scale outweighed pieties.
Suddenly, a bag dropped on the pan of pieties causing it to lower down more than the pan
of sins. I asked about it and was told that it was a handful of dust that I had cast in the
.

439
Vol.2
Translation & Commentary of MISHKATUL MASAABIH
grave of a Muslim." How much highly does Allah reward for a little effort!
This name binds a person to express gratitude to Allah because all blessings are granted by
Him. He must use his limbs for that very purpose for which. Allah has given them to him.
He must be kind to people and he must thank them always because a hadith (tradition) says:
لَا يَشْكُرُ اللَّهَ مَنْ لَّا يَشْكُّرُ النَّاسَ
(He who is ungrateful to the people does not show gratitude to Allah).
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone's eyesight has become weak or the radiance of his heart
has turned dim then he must recite this name forty-oe times and blow on water. And, he
should drink the water and wipe over his eyes. Insha Allah (if Allah wills), he will recover
his eyesight and the radiance.
36 - AL-ALIYY:'The High.' This name calls upon a person to subdue his soul through
obedience to Allah and His worship, both openly and in private. He must exert himself
fully to acquire knowledge and perform deeds, aiming for perfection and higher degrees.
According to a hadith (tradition), "Allah loves higher motives and dislikes lower motives."
This is why Sayyiduna Ali As an », said, "Great courage grows only from faith."
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone who is of a poor and low standing, or is faced with
poverty, or is on a journey facing its ardours then he should recite this name constantly so
that he will attain a high standing, or affluence or return home safely. Or, he may write it
down and keep if with him.
37 - AL-KABIR: 'The Great.' He is the Greatest. None equals Him in greatness. This name
call on a person to remember only Allah's greatness and (forget and) reject any kind of
greatness of all else. He must try to perfect himself through knowledge and deeds and to
diffuse his learning to others. He must be humble and submissive to the extreme and obey
his Master to the utmost.
CHARACTERISTICS: One who repeats this name very often attains high stations and
great esteem. If the rulers recite it constantly, then their subjects will fear and respect them.
Their affairs will be concluded very well.
38 - AL-HAFIZ:'The Preserver.' He preserves the world from calamities. This name
requires of a person to preserve his limbs from sin and his private from strangers. He must
suffice himself on Allah's decree and will, being pleased with His decisions.
A saintly man said that if Allah preserves anyone's limbs then He preserves his heart.
When He preserves anyone's heart, He preserves his secrets.
It is said about a righteous man that his eyes felon something that is disallowed to see. He
lamented and prayed to Allah that since he had misused hissight, He may take it away. So,
he lost his eyesight. However, it became extremely difficult for him to make ablution and
worship in the night, so he prayed to Allah again and regretted his earlier prayer, saying, "I
do need my eyesight," and Allah restored it to him.
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone writes down this name and ties it on his right arm then
he will be preserved form drowning, burning, evil spirits and evil eyes, etc.
39 - AL-MUQIT: 'The Sustainer.' He produces sustenance for body and soul and
nourishes them. Thus, a person must remember Allah and not worry about his sustenance.
Real nourishment is Allah's dhikr (hallowing of Allah).

440
Translation & Commentary of MISHKATUL MASAABIH
Vol.2
Sayyiduna Sahl we an», was asked about it. He said that it is the dhikr (hallowing of Allah)
.(The Living Who shall never die) (حى الذى لايموت)
A person should ask Allah alone for his nourishment.
وَإِنْ قِنُ شَىْءٍ إِلَّ عِنْدُنَا خَزَآئِنُهُ وَمَا نُنَزِّلُهُ إِلَّا بِقَدَرٍ مَّعْلُؤْمٍ
(There is not a thing but its treasures are with Us and We send it not down but in a
known measure.)(15:21)
Moreover, a person must give provision to all who are attached to him. To help others,
guide the straying and feed the hungry should become his ambition.
Qushayri àluz, said that provision can be of different kinds. It can be the normal food on
which man survives, but some people are such that ability to worship Allah is itself their
nourishment. The release of disclosures is nourishment of their heart and the constant
observations are nourishment of their soul. When Allah causes anyone to engage in His
obedience and worship, this person cuts off his soul's desires and wishes completely and
concentrates towards his Master. Then Allah causes someone to look after him and to get
him his needs. However, if anyone occupies oneself in pursuit of his base desires then
Allah leaves him to get his desires by himself and removes His blessings from him.
CHARACTERISTICS: If a person comes across a poor person or is himself poor, or a
child cries continuously then he must recite this name seven times and blow in an empty
bowl and fill water into it and drink it himself or let the concerned man or child drink it. If
anyone who is fasting fears for his life then he must blow this name on a flower and smell.
Insha Allah (if Allah wills), he will get strength and will be able to complete his fast.
40 - AL-HASIB: "The Recknoer.' 'He suffices at all times.' Or, 'He will subject the creatures
to reckoning on the day of resurrection.' This name calls on a person to support the needy
and get them their wants. He must also take account of himself.
Qushayri ales, said that Allah suffices His salves by helping them whatever their condition
and whatever their condition and whatever their work. They have their work
accomplished. Hence, they must not rely on worldly support and if anyone does not profit
from worldly sources when he has relied on them, he must not lose heart, but he must be
convinced that Allah has decreed for him what has transpired. His support may be very
strong but if Allah has not decreed for him what he aspires then he will not get it. On the
other hand, if he is destined to get it then howsoever hopeless his worldly support, he will
get it.
If anyone makes do with what Allah gives him even though that was not his demand, then
Allah will make him please and satisfied with what He gives him. He will be more pleased
than he would have been on getting his demand.
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone is person, an evil neighbour or an enemy, or is suffering
form an eye wound, then for a week, every morning and evening, he must recite ( alg
Ji) (Sufficing Allah suffices me!) He will be safe from these things.
41 - AL-JALIL: "The Majestic.' This name calls upon a person to adopt perfect traits and
become a high degreed person.
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone writes down this name with musk and saffron and keeps
it with himself or eats it, then people will honour and respect him.