Reflections on the Name of Allah: Al-Hafiz / Al-Hafez
The Preserver, The Protector, The One who protects whatever and whoever He willed to protect.
Exploring the aspect of Allah as Al-Hafiz, the Preserver, brings forth profound insights into His role in safeguarding and protecting His creation.
Imam al-Ghazali’s perspective highlights Allah’s perpetual sustenance of existing things, emphasizing His role in preserving the existence of all creation. This aspect of Allah’s attribute contrasts with annihilation, signifying His continuous care and protection over His creation.
Indeed, trusting in Allah’s plan for us and humanity as a whole is central to understanding Him as Al-Hafiz. Believers find solace in knowing that Allah safeguards them from harm and guides them along their destined paths. This trust in Allah’s preservation extends beyond individual concerns to encompass the harmonious functioning of the entire universe.
Sheikh Tosun Barak’s interpretation further elucidates Allah’s role as Al-Hafiz by illustrating how He protects His creation from harm and ensures the orderly movement of celestial bodies. The precise orbits of heavenly bodies serve as a testament to Allah’s meticulous preservation, preventing collisions and maintaining cosmic harmony.
Reflecting on Allah’s attribute as Al-Hafiz inspires believers to place their trust in Him and seek refuge in His protection. It fosters a sense of security and assurance, knowing that Allah is watching over them and safeguarding them from harm.
Ultimately, recognizing Allah as Al-Hafiz encourages believers to embrace humility, trust, and reliance on His divine wisdom and protection. It instills a deep sense of gratitude for His continuous care and preservation, fostering a profound connection with the Creator.
Yaqoub (Jacob) peace be upon him said: “Should I entrust you with him except [under coercion] as I entrusted you with his brother before? But Allah is the best guardian, and He is the most merciful of the merciful.” (Quran 12:64)
In this verse, Yaqoub pbuh expresses his reluctance to entrust his son Benjamin to his other sons for fear of losing him, just as he had lost Yusuf (Joseph) pbuh before. However, he acknowledges that ultimately, Allah is the best guardian and protector. This statement reflects Yaqoub’s trust in Allah’s wisdom and mercy, recognizing that Allah is the ultimate protector of all His creatures.
Yaqoub’s words serve as a reminder of the importance of placing trust in Allah, even in the face of uncertainty or fear. It highlights the belief in Allah’s divine plan and His ability to safeguard and guide His servants through all trials and challenges.
( قَالَ هَلْ ءَامَنُكُمْ عَلَيْهِ إِلَّا كَمَآ أَمِنتُكُمْ عَلَىٰٓ أَخِيهِ مِن قَبْلُ ۖ فَٱللَّهُ خَيْرٌ حَـٰفِظًۭا ۖ وَهُوَ أَرْحَمُ ٱلرَّٰحِمِينَ) يوسف 12: 64
(He responded, “Should I trust you with him as I once trusted you with his brother ˹Joseph˺? But ˹only˺ Allah is the best Protector, and He is the Most Merciful of the merciful.”) Yusuf 12:64
الْحَفِيظُ is mentioned 3 times in the Holy Quran, and الحافظ is mentioned 3 times
The Sustainer of Existence
The attribute Al-Hafiz underscores Allah’s role as the ultimate sustainer and preserver of all creation. This involves not only the maintenance of life but also the continuous care and governance that prevent disorder and chaos in the universe.
(هُوَ الَّذِي يُحْيِي وَيُمِيتُ، وَإِذَا قَضَىٰ أَمْرًا فَإِنَّمَا يَقُولُ لَهُ كُن فَيَكُونُ) الأعراف 7:158
(He is the One who gives life and causes death. And when He decides on a matter, He just says to it, “Be,” and it is.) Al-A’raf 7:158
This verse demonstrates Allah’s omnipotence in sustaining life and ensuring the existence of all things. As Al-Hafiz, Allah not only creates but also actively maintains and preserves His creation, ensuring that the natural order is sustained through His will. This perspective helps believers appreciate the constant divine care that surrounds them and underscores the meticulous precision with which Allah manages the cosmos.
Guardian of the Celestial Order
Reflecting on Allah as Al-Hafiz also highlights His role in safeguarding the orderly movement of celestial bodies, a testament to His precise and protective oversight of the cosmos.
(وَالسَّمَاءَ رَفَعَهَا وَوَضَعَ الْمِيزَانَ) الرحمن 55:7
(And the sky He raised and set the balance.) Ar-Rahman 55:7
This verse metaphorically represents how Allah, as Al-Hafiz, establishes balance within the universe, preventing chaos in the celestial realms by maintaining the orbits of planets and stars. This preservation ensures that the cosmos functions in harmony, reflecting His meticulous care in protecting the stability of His creation.
Protector of Faith and Guardian of Destiny
The role of Al-Hafiz extends beyond physical preservation to include safeguarding the spiritual welfare and destiny of His believers. This aspect of Al-Hafiz brings comfort and reassurance to believers, knowing that Allah is watching over their journey and guiding their path.
(قَالَ هَلْ ءَامَنُكُمْ عَلَيْهِ إِلَّا كَمَآ أَمِنتُكُمْ عَلَىٰ أَخِيهِ مِن قَبْلُ ۖ فَٱللَّهُ خَيْرٌ حَـٰفِظًۭا ۖ وَهُوَ أَرْحَمُ ٱلرَّٰحِمِينَ) يوسف 12:64
(He responded, “Should I trust you with him as I once trusted you with his brother ˹Joseph˺? But ˹only˺ Allah is the best Protector, and He is the Most Merciful of the merciful.”) Yusuf 12:64
In this context, Jacob’s reliance on Allah as Al-Hafiz during his trial with his sons illustrates the profound trust that a believer places in Allah’s guardianship. It shows that despite human uncertainty and fear, acknowledging Allah as the ultimate protector can provide immense solace and strength, reinforcing the belief that Allah’s plan is always in the best interest of His servants.
These reflections on Al-Hafiz serve to deepen the understanding of Allah’s protective and sustaining powers, encouraging believers to entrust themselves to His divine care and to find peace in the assurance of His omnipresent guardianship.