Reflections on the Name of Allah: As-Sami
The Hearer. The One who Hears all things that are heard by His Eternal Hearing without an ear, instrument or organ; The meaning of Hearer is to hear, to listen, to accept, to receive.
Imam Al-Ghazali wrote, “He hears without any auditory organs or ears, as He acts without limbs and speaks without a tongue; and His hearing is free from accidents which could befall it.”
In the Qur’an, Allah SWT reassures us many times that He is the eternal hearer. The best friend/listener you could ask for. We can always fall back and know He is listening and available for us. Allah SWT makes this point heard by repeating this name for a total of 45 throughout the Qur’an.
(قُلْ إِن ضَلَلْتُ فَإِنَّمَآ أَضِلُّ عَلَىٰ نَفْسِى ۖ وَإِنِ ٱهْتَدَيْتُ فَبِمَا يُوحِىٓ إِلَىَّ رَبِّىٓ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ سَمِيعٌۭ قَرِيبٌۭ)
( Say, “If I am astray, the loss is only mine. And if I am guided, it is ˹only˺ because of what my Lord reveals to me. He is indeed All-Hearing, Ever Near.”) Saba 34:50
( وَلَهُ مَا سَكَنَ فِي اللَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ ) الأنعام 6 : 13
)To Him belongs whatever exists in the day and night. And He is the All-Hearing, All-Knowing.( Al-An’am 6:13
Another meaning to the word Sami’i as it is in the following Ayah:
(قَدْ سَمِعَ ٱللَّهُ قَوْلَ ٱلَّتِى تُجَـٰدِلُكَ فِى زَوْجِهَا وَتَشْتَكِىٓ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ وَٱللَّهُ يَسْمَعُ تَحَاوُرَكُمَآ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ سَمِيعٌۢ بَصِيرٌ)
This ayah also shows a second meaning to the name Sami which is ‘hearing the speech’ or acceptance of a prayer. For example, when a person praying comes up from ruku they say, سَمِعَ اللَّهُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَهُ Sami Allahu liman hamidah, meaning ‘Allah hears the one who praises Him.’, be assured that Allah SWT did hear you pray.
It is mentioned 45 times in the Holy Quran
Enhancing Communication and Building Relationships
Reflecting on As-Sami (السميع), “The All-Hearing,” can transform our approach to communication, emphasizing the importance of active and empathetic listening in relationships. This divine attribute teaches that just as Allah hears everything, we too should strive to be attentive listeners to those around us. The Quran highlights this in the context of mutual respect and understanding:
وَقُولُوا لِلنَّاسِ حُسْنًا
“And speak to people good [words]…” (Al-Baqarah 2:83)
Incorporating the practice of good speech and attentive listening based on the model of As-Sami encourages us to consider the impact of our words and the quality of our interactions. By listening more attentively to others, whether in family settings, among friends, or at work, we reflect one of Allah’s attributes, enhancing our relationships and fostering a more compassionate community. This approach not only improves personal relationships but also enhances professional interactions, where understanding and cooperation are fundamental to success.
Advocating for Social Justice
Allah’s attribute of As-Sami is particularly impactful in the realm of social justice, where the voices of the oppressed or marginalized are often overlooked. This attribute reassures us that Allah hears all supplications, including those from the most vulnerable sections of society, and it should inspire believers to act as advocates for those who are less heard. The Quran says:
إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ الْمُفْسِدِينَ
“Indeed, Allah does not like those who cause corruption.” (Al-Qasas 28:77)
This verse reminds us of the importance of maintaining justice and opposing corruption and injustice. Reflecting on As-Sami encourages Muslims to ensure that justice is served and that every individual, regardless of their status or power, has a voice. Activism inspired by As-Sami involves raising awareness about injustices, supporting charitable causes that aim to uplift the oppressed, and using one’s own voice in platforms where policy and change are debated and implemented.
Deepening Personal Devotion and Spirituality
Understanding that Allah is As-Sami deepens one’s spiritual life by reinforcing the personal value of du’a (supplication). Knowing that Allah hears every prayer, no matter how quietly it is uttered or how alone one may feel, can greatly comfort and motivate believers. This is illustrated in the Quran:
أَمَّن يُجِيبُ الْمُضْطَرَّ إِذَا دَعَاهُ وَيَكْشِفُ السُّوءَ
“Or who answers the distressed one when he calls upon Him and removes the evil…” (An-Naml 27:62)
Believers are encouraged to turn to Allah in every situation, communicating their deepest fears, hopes, and gratitude. This direct line of communication not only provides solace but also actively involves the believer in a continuous dialogue with their Creator. It fosters a personal growth that is rooted in the awareness of Allah’s constant presence and attentive nature, driving individuals towards a life marked by mindfulness and spiritual integrity.
Each of these reflections on As-Sami not only enhances personal faith but also has the potential to bring about positive change in broader societal interactions, demonstrating how divine attributes can guide daily human conduct and aspirations.