As-salamu alaykum! Welcome back to another newsletter. How have all my readers been? I wish you all the best in all matters of your lives! As you may already know, the ongoing topics for my newsletters are the mighty attributes of Allah Subhanawata’ala. So in today’s newsletter, I will discuss Allah’s attribute, Al-Qadeer which translates to The All-Capable or The One Competent Over Everything. Without further ado, let’s head right into it.
The All-Capable
When you look at the dire situation of g4z4 today, some people wonder why the Muslim countries are not stepping forward or doing something for them, and others wonder why Allah is not doing anything. It crosses the minds of many. And I've seen a lot of people share their bewilderment on social media (Why did god allow this to happen?). They leap to the assumption that Allah is either unaware of their situation or is punishing them, or that He just likes to see Muslims suffer. And all of these assumptions are obviously wrong. Before I proceed to the actual answer, I first want to clarify that Allah Subhanawata’ala is never unaware. He is never unaware. Have you read Asma’ al-Husna? Al-’Aleem is one of His attributes as well. And Al-’Aleem means The All-Knowing.
Al-’Aleem, when applied to the Almighty, is the One Who is most Knowing; surely His knowledge encompasses everything in existence even before anything begins to exist. Nothing at all can escape His knowledge. He is the One Whose knowledge is inclusive, be it apparent or hidden, minute or magnanimous. He knows its beginning and its end, what is above or underneath it, and what results therefrom.
Secondly, we as Muslims believe in something called the Qadr of Allah (to answer your ‘why did god allow this to happen’).
امَنْتُ بِاللهِ وَمَلئِكَتِه وَكُتُبِه وَرَسُوْلِه وَالْيَوْمِ الْاخِرِ وَالْقَدْرِ خَيْرِه وَشَرِّه مِنَ اللهِ تَعَالى وَالْبَعْثِ بَعْدَالْمَوْتِ
“I believe in Allah, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers, the Last Day, and in the Taqdir, that all good and bad is from Allah the Most High and I believe in the resurrection after death.” (If you’re from South Asia, you’ll know this kalimah because they make children learn it)
The Qadr of Allah is the divine decree of Allah. And we believe in it. Whatever good or bad may come our way is through the will of Allah. And as believers, it does not befit us that we think of Allah like this when a calamity comes our way.
قُل لَّن يُصِيبَنَا إِلاَّ مَا كَتَبَ اللّهُ لَنَا هُوَ مَوْلاَنَا وَعَلَى اللّهِ فَلْيَتَوَكَّلِ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ
“Say: "Nothing will happen to us except what Allah has decreed for us: He is our protector": and on Allah let the Believers put their trust.”
So, if Allah has willed !srael to commit Palestinian genocide, then remember that Allah has a plan behind everything that He allows to happen. And He is never unaware.
Trust in Allah’s Plan & Efforts
About 3 months ago, I remember, I was struggling to get admission in the college that I am in right now. I had made a dua. I needed this admission. However, the college was persistent in not having new admissions this year. The first time we went to the college, the guard (a she) told us that we were not allowed to go in as they were not taking any new admissions. So that the guard would let us in (at least), my mother made a reference to my sister (who studies in the same college). Upon the mention of her teacher’s name, she finally moved aside and let us in. I remember going in feeling sick inside. ‘A place so unknown to me. How can I ever adjust here?’, I thought. Even though I wanted to get admission, part of me did not want to leave my old school (they offered college as well). As my mother spoke to my sister’s teachers and requested them to take me in showing them my awesome result, I stood there lost in thoughts. I was not going to get the admission. I was sure. I didn’t know why Mother was even trying. The lady at the gate and the people at the reception had already told us that admissions were closed this year. Yet, she tried. She spoke to my sister’s maths teacher (you’d wonder what a maths teacher got to do with admission. I thought the same but turned out, he was a career counselor.) and he had said that he would send a request to the principal. If it gets approved, you’re in, if not, we’re sorry. And he made it clear that it was highly unlikely that the principal would approve. Even after speaking to her maths teacher, my mother further went on to speak with more teachers. I was like, ‘Mama, I think he’s made it clear enough. We need to go home now.’ But of course, she didn’t listen to me. I was sure Allah had not willed it for me that I should get into this college. Two days later, Mr. Hamza (the maths teacher) texted my mother that I had been given admission without any entry test based on my ‘exceptional result’ (as he had stated). Unbelievable. Without the entry test?! The hadith fits here so well;
Anas ibn Malik reported: A man said, “O Messenger of Allah, should I tie my camel and trust in Allah, or should I leave her untied and trust in Allah?” The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Tie her and trust in Allah.”
“When you are firm (in making a decision), then have trust in Allah, for surely Allah loves the people who put their trust in him. (Aal Imran)”
That is to say, take the necessary measures, make the effort, and then put your trust in Allah. Allah is All-Capable. He’ll give you. But he wants to see your efforts. If there is no effort, then that simply means you don’t want it. You want it but not enough. And I understand now why my mother was trying so much. She wanted to make sure we had done our part. Honestly, If I had gone alone for my admission, I would have NEVER gotten the admission. I would not have even tried to go in. I would have stopped when that lady at the gate would have told me off. So a major takeaway from this for you guys is that trust and efforts go hand-in-hand. Don’t be too quick to jump to the conclusion. Allah has a plan for you. A plan for each one of us. (Here goes my favorite verse:)
And He will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allāh - then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allāh will accomplish His purpose. Allāh has already set for everything a [decreed] extent.
You wanna get thru your exams? You wanna become a doctor/teacher/hafidh (whatever you want to become)? You wanna be successful? Show Allah what you got. Show what you can do for what you want. Show Allah the dedication, the hard work, the consistency, the patience. Show him that you really are deserving of it. When you’re tired and can do no more, put your trust in Allah. Do your best and Allah will do the rest.
Too good to be true
“Nothing is too big for Allah to give.”
I don’t exactly remember what I was struggling with some years ago, but I clearly remember my sister telling me this phrase. “Nothing is too big for Allah to give.” This makes me wonder whether we actually understand who Allah is or not. Who do we think He is? Our minds cannot fathom beyond a certain limit.
“…the Ever-Living, All-Sustaining. Neither drowsiness nor sleep overtakes Him…”
→ Do you think it is possible for such a being to be unaware of your condition?
“˹He is the˺ Knower of the seen and the unseen—the All-Great, Most Exalted.”
“How could He not know His Own creation?”
→ Or that it’s hard for Him to give you a 10/10 on your test?
“…do you not know that Allah is Most Capable of everything?”
→ Or that His plan for you may not be the best?
“…and Allāh is the best of planners.”
Like many other things, we have failed to internalize who Allah really is. He is The Lord Of The Worlds. This planet, this solar system, this galaxy, and all the galaxies and solar systems and beyond that exist. He is the one to whom whatever exists belongs. Why do we then think it is hard for the lord of al a’lameen (the worlds) to give you what we ask of Him? Why do we make dua and deep down inside doubt the possibility of it actually happening? Why do we forget that Allah is القَادِرٌ (The Most Capable)?
What ‘Allahu Akbar’ actually means
I’m pretty sure we are all familiar with this phrase. And we translate this as “Allah is the greatest”, right? Let me tell you something really cool. This one time I was listening to Ustadh Nouman’s lecture online and he was explaining how the phrase ‘Allahu Akbar’ is a comparative adjective and not a superlative adjective. What that means is that the phrase ‘Allahu Akbar’ actually translates to “Allah is greater” (comparative) and not exactly “Allah is the greatest” (superlative). Let me show you how that makes sense. When the adhan is called, the mouadhin starts with ‘Allahu Akbar’ say you’re doing a homework assignment, then, at that time, for you, ‘Allahu Akbar’ translates to “Allah is greater (than your homework assignment)”. That is to say, leave it and pray first because Allah is greater (His worship is more important) than this.
Extreme Distress
How can we implement what we’ve learnt about Allah’s attribute Al-Qadeer in circumstances of extreme distress and sadness? When I learnt about the nature of the phrase ‘Allahu Akbar’, I immediately put it to use. About a year ago, I had a chemistry board exam. And I was so overwhelmed by anxiety. I just was not at all confident in myself even though I had prepared to the best of my ability. At that moment, I remembered this. And I started saying this over and over again in my head; “Allah is greater than this exam, Allah is greater than this exam…” And you’d expect that I instantly felt relieved and I became more confident or something like that. However, it’s not true. I was repeating this phrase without any faith in it (deep down inside, it probably felt impossible). I was so overpowered by extreme distress that I just could no longer think straight. The right thing used but not the right way. I emerged from the exam hall thinking whether it (repeating in my head) worked or not. And I tell you this so you don’t make this mistake. When you ask Allah for His help after doing your best, have faith. Mere uttering might not really lead you anywhere.
وَٱدْعُوهُ خَوْفًۭا وَطَمَعًا ۚ إِنَّ رَحْمَتَ ٱللَّهِ قَرِيبٌۭ مِّنَ ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ
“…and call upon Him with hope and fear. Indeed, Allah’s mercy is always close to the good-doers.”
Have firm, resolute faith in your heart that deep down inside, you feel certain that Allah will, most surely help you because He’s القَادِرٌ (The Most Capable) and that He is greater than whatever it is you’re challenged with. And that nothing is too great for Allah to give. He is sufficient for His servants.
(remember to say the following when overcome by anxiety/stress:)
حَسْبُنَا ٱللَّهُ وَنِعْمَ ٱلْوَكِيلُ
"Sufficient for us is Allāh, and [He is] the best Disposer of affairs."
نِعْمَ ٱلْمَوْلَىٰ وَنِعْمَ ٱلنَّصِيرُ
“What an excellent Protector, and what an excellent Helper!”
Note: Guys, I have finals next month. If you were able to take away something beneficial from this newsletter, please keep me in your prayers! Please ignore any mistakes/typos. May Allah forgive me for any misinterpretation of His verses (if I did).
Thank you for taking out the time to read! Until next time. Wassalamu’alykum.
Very beautiful newsletter. Love it. Mashallah ❤️
The best part was the real meaning of Allahu Akbar. Thank you so much.❤️