Reflections on the Name of Allah: Ar-Rafi’

The Elevating One. The One who lowers whoever He willed by His Destruction and raises whoever He willed by His Endowment.

Ar-Rafi’ (الرَّافِعُ) or “The Exalter” is one of the beautiful names of Allah that embodies His supreme authority to elevate individuals in rank and dignity, both in this world and spiritually. This name highlights Allah’s power to uplift those who are righteous, knowledgeable, and humble before Him.

Occurrences in the Quran

While the term “Ar-Rafi’ ” (الرَّافِعُ) itself is not explicitly mentioned in the Quran, the concept of divine elevation is prevalent throughout the holy text. For example:

(يَرْفَعِ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنكُمْ وَالَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْعِلْمَ دَرَجَاتٍ)
“Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees.” (Al-Mujadila 58:11)

This verse exemplifies how faith and knowledge are means through which Allah grants elevation, emphasizing the importance of both in achieving higher spiritual and worldly statuses.

Prophetic Traditions

The teachings of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) also reflect the significance of Allah as Ar-Rafi’. One notable hadith is:

مَن تَوَاضَعَ لِلَّهِ رَفَعَهُ اللَّهُ
“Whoever humbles himself for the sake of Allah, Allah will elevate him.” (Authenticated by Al-Albani)

This hadith directly connects humility with being raised in esteem by Allah, showing that true elevation comes from submitting oneself to the divine will.

Discussions in Islamic Scholarship

Islamic scholars have deeply explored the implications of Allah being “Ar-Rafi’ ” (الرَّافِعُ) within their works:

In Tafsir Literature:

Scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari delve into Quranic verses where Allah discusses raising the ranks of prophets, martyrs, and righteous believers, providing comprehensive commentaries that connect these elevations with Allah’s attribute of being “Ar-Rafi’ “.

Sufi Works:

In Sufi traditions, “Ar-Rafi’ ” is often discussed in the context of spiritual elevation. Works such as “Al-Futuhat al-Makkiyya” (الفتوحات المكية) by Ibn Arabi explore how divine intervention lifts the spiritual state of seekers, drawing them closer to divine realities.

Practical Implications

The name “Ar-Rafi’ ” (الرَّافِعُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims in several ways:

• Personal Development: Encouraging believers to seek knowledge and act with humility, as these are means through which Allah grants elevation in this life and the hereafter.
• Social Conduct: Motivating Muslims to elevate others through kindness, support, and justice, reflecting divine qualities in interpersonal interactions.
• Spiritual Aspirations: Inspiring individuals to strive for higher spiritual states and closeness to Allah, recognizing that true elevation comes from divine proximity and favor.

“Ar-Rafi'” in Leadership and Responsibility

The attribute “Ar-Rafi'” (الرَّافِعُ) highlights the importance of ethical leadership and responsibility in Islamic daily life. This name teaches that Allah elevates those who are responsible and just in their leadership roles. Believers are encouraged to adopt these qualities in their family, workplace, and community interactions. The Quran says:

وَنُرِيدُ أَن نَّمُنَّ عَلَى الَّذِينَ اسْتُضْعِفُوا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَنَجْعَلَهُمْ أَئِمَّةً وَنَجْعَلَهُمُ الْوَارِثِينَ
“We wished to favor those who were oppressed in the land, and make them leaders and make them inheritors.” (Al-Qasas 28:5)

This verse exemplifies how Allah elevates the oppressed to positions of leadership and inheritance, reinforcing the value of justice and responsibility in governance.

“Ar-Rafi'” and the Pursuit of Knowledge

“Ar-Rafi'” (الرَّافِعُ) also embodies the value of seeking and imparting knowledge, a key aspect of daily Islamic life. Knowledge is a means through which Allah elevates individuals in both worldly and spiritual realms. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized this in numerous hadiths, and the Quran supports this value:

يَرْفَعِ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنكُمْ وَالَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْعِلْمَ دَرَجَاتٍ
“Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees.” (Al-Mujadila 58:11)

This verse highlights the elevation that comes through faith and knowledge, encouraging continuous learning and teaching as a means of gaining higher spiritual and societal status.

“Ar-Rafi'” in Social Justice and Equality

The attribute of “Ar-Rafi'” (الرَّافِعُ) promotes the principles of social justice and equality, core aspects of contemporary values and daily Islamic practice. By understanding that Allah is the ultimate judge who elevates based on righteousness, Muslims are motivated to ensure fairness and equity in their dealings with others. The Quran speaks about the importance of justice and how it leads to societal elevation:

إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَأْمُرُ بِالْعَدْلِ وَالْإِحْسَانِ
“Indeed, Allah commands justice and good conduct…” (An-Nahl 16:90)

This command encourages believers to embody justice and kindness, essential qualities that lead to divine favor and societal upliftment. By practicing these, Muslims not only adhere to divine commands but also work towards a more equitable and compassionate society.

“Ar-Rafi’ ” (الرَّافِعُ) encapsulates a crucial aspect of the divine character, reminding us of Allah’s sovereignty over all aspects of elevation. This name encourages us to embody the values that lead to our elevation in Allah’s eyes—piety, knowledge, and humility—thus enhancing our spiritual journey and worldly interactions. By understanding and reflecting on this name, believers are motivated to strive for higher moral and spiritual standards, contributing positively to their communities and the world at large.