As Muslims, Our Purpose: Knowing and Worshiping Allah...!!!
Our purpose as Muslims is to know Allah and worship Him. In a world where self-autonomy is celebrated, the concept of submission and worship can be challenging for some to grasp. With so many forces encouraging self-centered lives and pursuit of desires, understanding the ideas of obedience and servitude can feel distant. As Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya, a renowned jurist, theologian, and spiritual author, explains, “Complete servitude (ʿubūdiyya) is a byproduct of complete love, and complete love is a byproduct of the Beloved’s perceived perfection.” Thus, true servitude to Allah is rooted in our love for Him, which develops as we come to know Him through reflecting on His names and attributes.
The names of Allah have a profound impact not only on our present lives but also on our focus on the afterlife. The Prophet ﷺ reminds us of Allah’s words, “I am as My servant expects of Me.” Our perception of Allah becomes clearer when we understand His attributes. Knowing Allah’s mercy, for example, encourages us to look for its manifestations both in this life and when we need it most, on the Day of Judgment. By knowing Him, we love Him, and by loving Him, we draw closer to Him, gaining perspective on our purpose in this world and the hereafter.
Reflecting on Allah’s Attributes: A Guide for Living in This World: Ibn al-Qayyim observed that Allah cherishes His attributes and the ways in which they are reflected in His creation. For example, as Allah is beautiful, He loves beauty; as He is forgiving, He loves forgiveness; as He is generous, He loves generosity. Emulating His attributes deepens our connection with Him, giving us a unique kind of companionship.
Allah reveals His names in the Qur’an in nuanced ways that invite contemplation. The sequence and pairing of names in verses like the final ones in Sūrat al-Ḥashr point to their significance. The arrangement of these names enriches our understanding of Allah and draws us closer to Him.
Avoiding Forgetfulness of Allah: Before exploring the names in Sūrat al-Ḥashr, Allah warns believers not to be like those who forget Him: “And be not like those who forgot Allah, so He made them forget themselves. Those are the defiantly disobedient.” Those who forget Allah neglect His oneness, attributes, and the guidance of His Prophet ﷺ. This neglect causes them to lose sight of what truly benefits their souls, harming both this life and the next.
The remedy to forgetting Allah is active remembrance and knowledge of Him. Sūrat al-Ḥashr reminds us who He is: “He is Allah—there is no god except Him: Knower of the seen and unseen, the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful...” This sequence of names underscores Allah’s intimate knowledge of us and His encompassing care. Each name provides comfort, addressing diverse aspects of our lives.
Knowing Allah’s Mercy and Compassion: Reflecting on Allah’s names as al-Raḥmān (the Most Compassionate) and al-Raḥīm (the Most Merciful) helps us understand His tender, boundless care. His mercy encompasses all creation, as He says, “My mercy encompasses all things.” In a hadith, the Prophet ﷺ shares that Allah said, “Verily, My mercy prevails over My wrath,” showing that His mercy reaches everyone, believer and non-believer alike, and is immeasurable.
This mercy becomes more personal for believers, as Allah offers special care to those who draw close to Him. The Prophet ﷺ likened Allah’s mercy to that of a mother’s love for her child but emphasized that Allah’s care far exceeds even this profound affection.
Attuning to Allah’s Names and Attributes in Life: Awareness of Allah’s all-encompassing knowledge and mercy offers both reassurance and inspiration. Allah knows not only our outward actions but also our intentions and internal states. This awareness fosters a reverence that prompts vigilance over both our public and private acts. It reassures us that Allah recognizes our efforts and sincerity, especially during difficult times or when our deeds go unnoticed.
The sequence of Allah’s names serves as a reminder that, even in our hardships, His wisdom and mercy remain. Trials can bring us closer to Him, enhancing our elevation in the next life. While we may think we are showing kindness or love by indulging others, true mercy often requires wisdom and guidance, as seen in many Qur'anic stories like that of Prophet Yūsuf (AS). His trials, though initially painful, ultimately led him to honor and a high position.
The Journey Towards Allah’s Compassionate Wisdom: Each of Allah’s names invites us to discover aspects of His mercy, wisdom, and omniscience. By seeking closeness to Him, we gain a clearer perspective on the events in our lives, helping us to understand their purpose and trust in His wisdom. As we navigate this world, we can find strength and solace in the knowledge that Allah’s mercy is ever-present, and His wisdom surpasses our understanding.
Yaa Allah, grant us love for You, and make us among those who know You through Your names and attributes. Guide our hearts to worship You alone with sincerity, and let Your mercy envelop us in this life and in the Hereafter. Ameen."