Five Names of Allah & Their Meanings
The last few nights and days of Ramadan are a time of distilled light; people will be increasing in prayers and supplications. Here are five names of Allah to harvest your hearts during these days and nights, especially when making duas and observing devotions:
Al-Ahad – refers to the One whose uniqueness is inherent, not because He has no partners, but because His singularity arises from His very essence, distinguishing Him from numerical oneness, which could imply the existence of another. Thus, ‘Al-Ahad’ indicates a oneness that is beyond comparison, devoid of any duality or division.
Al-Qayyum – is the One by whom the heavens and the earth and all within them are sustained. This name suggests that the sanctity of His oneness and uniqueness does not contradict His sustaining of all things, signifying Allah’s closeness to His servants in a manner befitting His majesty.
Al-Samad – is the One to whom needs are directed, meaning sought after. It also means the One without weakness, implying both reassurance and sanctification, akin to ‘Al-Qayyum’ and ‘Al-Ahad’.
‘Al-Latif‘ – is the One who bestows subtle favors upon His servants, which are like well-placed gifts from Allah, manifesting as both visible and invisible blessings. “And if you count Allah’s blessings, you cannot enumerate them.” Quran.
Al-Qareeb – signifies Allah’s closeness to His servants by responding to their calls, highlighting His accessibility and responsiveness. Allah says in the Quran: “Indeed, I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me.” This understanding of closeness includes knowledge and inherent nearness to His servants.