SPIRITUAL CORNER
At this sacred moment of Ramadan fasting and prayers, the following passage would remind the readers of the beauty of the believer’s engagement with the all-pervading Allah.
“Surely, Allah is most kind, All-compassionate.” (24.20)
Allah is the Most kind. His kindness is ultimate mercy. It means granting forgiveness to the sinner, and the upholding of the integrity for the obedient. “Allah would never let your faith become fruitless—truly. Allah is Most kind with people, and All-compassionate.” (2:143)
Allah’s injunctions are for the good and benefit of mankind. They are never harsh. “Allah wishes to lighten your burdens, for man was created a weakling.” (4:28)
Any temporary swerving from duty due to the weakness of human nature in the face of difficulties and temptations will be really forgiven, if one repents. This happened to some of the companions of the Prophet. , peace be upon him: ” When some of them were on the point of losing heart, He turned towards them; surely He was Most kind to them, and All-compassionate.” (9:117)
Allah puts kindness in the hearts of whoever He will. “We put in the hearts of those who followed him tenderness and mercy.” (57:27)
Allah is the Possessor of Majesty: loftiness with supreme honour. It sums up all the noble qualities which we associate with the Beautiful names of Allah.
Ikram (Nobility) comprises (1) extreme generosity (hence, Al-Karim) and (2) honour. Allah deserves to be honoured by the beings he has created. “O you who believe! Bow down and prostrate yourselves and serve your Lord, and do good.” (22:77)
SOURCE: Samira Fayyad Khawaldeh, The Most Beautiful Names of Allah, Goodword Books, New Delhi, 2011
