Reflections on the Name of Allah: Al-Haseeb

The Reckoner, The One who gives the satisfaction.

Al-Haseeb is closely related to the name Al-Muqeet.

1. Al-Hasib (الحسيب): First meaning:
   • The name “Al-Hasib” which means “to take account,” “to reckon,” or “to calculate.”
   • Al-Hasib is the One who constantly observes and takes account of our actions, intentions, and deeds. It signifies Allah’s role as the ultimate Accountant.
   • Just as an accountant meticulously checks financial records, Al-Hasib watches over every action and deed. Nothing escapes His attention.
   • On the Day of Judgment, Al-Hasib will settle all accounts, rewarding the righteous and holding the accountable for their actions.
2. Al-Haseeb (الحسيب): Second meaning:
   • This name emphasizes God’s meticulous knowledge and accounting of every action, intention, and deed.Here are some key aspects of Al-Haseeb:
   • In summary, Al-Haseeb’s name reflects divine knowledge, accountability, and unwavering justice
   • Omniscience: Allah knows the outcome of every creation, and nothing surprises Him. His knowledge is all-encompassing, extending beyond our comprehension.
   • Infallible Judgment: On the Day of Reckoning (Yawm al-Qiyamah), individuals will stand before Allah, presenting their deeds. Al-Haseeb will evaluate their actions, weighing them with perfect precision.
   • No Need for Calculation: Unlike human accountants who perform calculations, Allah doesn’t need to compute anything. His knowledge is immediate and complete. There’s no room for error or impreciseness.
   • Comprehensive Accounting: Al-Haseeb considers every detail—no good deed goes unnoticed, and no wrongdoing escapes His attention.
   • Justice and Mercy: His judgment is just, and His mercy encompasses all. He rewards the righteous and holds the accountable responsible.

Al-Haseeb (الحسيب): Third meaning:

• Al-Hasib signifies sufficiency and self-sufficiency. It reflects Allah’s complete independence and His role as the ultimate Provider.
• Here are some key points related to Al-Hasib’s sufficiency:
  • Self-Sufficiency: Allah is self-sufficient and needs nothing. His existence is independent of any external factors. Unlike creation, which relies on Him, Allah exists by His own essence.
  • Nothing Comparable: There is nothing comparable to Allah’s self-sufficiency. All other beings are dependent on Him for their existence, sustenance, and well-being.
  • Misunderstanding Self-Reliance: While humans desire self-reliance, it’s essential to recognize that true self-reliance lies in relying solely on Allah. We are not beholden to anyone or anything except Him.
  • Tawakkul (Reliance on Allah): Our reliance on Allah doesn’t mean we avoid effort or planning. Rather, it means recognizing that our efforts are secondary, and ultimate success comes from Allah’s decree.
  • “And provide for them from sources they could never imagine. And whoever puts their trust in Allah, then He ˹alone˺ is sufficient for them. Certainly Allah achieves His Will. Allah has already set a destiny for everything..” Talaq 65:3
  • In summary, Al-Hasib’s sufficiency reminds us to place our trust in Allah, recognizing that He alone is self-sufficient and capable of meeting all our needs.

( وابتلوا۟ ٱلْيَتَـٰمَىٰ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا بَلَغُوا۟ ٱلنِّكَاحَ فَإِنْ ءَانَسْتُم مِّنْهُمْ رُشْدًۭا فَٱدْفَعُوٓا۟ إِلَيْهِمْ أَمْوَٰلَهُمْ ۖ وَلَا تَأْكُلُوهَآ إِسْرَافًۭا وَبِدَارًا أَن يَكْبَرُوا۟ ۚ وَمَن كَانَ غَنِيًّۭا فَلْيَسْتَعْفِفْ ۖ وَمَن كَانَ فَقِيرًۭا فَلْيَأْكُلْ بِٱلْمَعْرُوفِ ۚ فَإِذَا دَفَعْتُمْ إِلَيْهِمْ أَمْوَٰلَهُمْ فَأَشْهِدُوا۟ عَلَيْهِمْ ۚ وَكَفَىٰ بِٱللَّهِ حَسِيبًۭا) النساء 4: 6

(Test ˹the competence of˺ the orphans until they reach a marriageable age. Then if you feel they are capable of sound judgment, return their wealth to them. And do not consume it wastefully and hastily before they grow up ˹to demand it˺. If the guardian is well-off, they should not take compensation; but if the guardian is poor, let them take a reasonable provision. When you give orphans back their property, call in witnesses. And sufficient is Allah as a ˹vigilant˺ Reckoner.) An-Nisa 4: 6

It is mentioned 3 times in the Holy Quran

Omniscience of Al-Haseeb: Knowing Beyond the Bounds of Time and Space

“وَعِندَهُ مَفَاتِحُ الْغَيْبِ لَا يَعْلَمُهَا إِلَّا هُوَ وَيَعْلَمُ مَا فِي الْبَرِّ وَالْبَحْرِ وَمَا تَسْقُطُ مِن وَرَقَةٍ إِلَّا يَعْلَمُهَا وَلَا حَبَّةٍ فِي ظُلُمَاتِ الْأَرْضِ وَلَا رَطْبٍ وَلَا يَابِسٍ إِلَّا فِي كِتَابٍ مُّبِينٍ” (الأنعام 6:59)
(“With Him are the keys of the unseen, none knows them but He. He knows whatever there is in the land and in the sea; not a leaf falls but He knows it. There is not a grain in the darkness of the earth, nor anything fresh or dry, but is written in a clear record.” – Al-An’am 6:59)

This verse encapsulates the concept of Allah’s omniscience, highlighting that Al-Haseeb is aware of all things, visible and invisible. This understanding influences how Muslims approach their daily actions and decisions, knowing that nothing is hidden from Allah. It encourages honesty and integrity in all matters, as believers are constantly aware of Allah’s comprehensive knowledge of their deeds and intentions, fostering a life led by consciousness of divine presence.

Infallible Judgment of Al-Haseeb: Precision on the Day of Reckoning

“يَوْمَ تُعْرَضُونَ لَا تَخْفَى مِنكُمْ خَافِيَةٌ” (الحاقة 69:18)
(“On the day when you will be brought forth, not a secret of you will be hidden.” – Al-Haqqah 69:18)

On the Day of Judgment, Al-Haseeb will assess every individual with unmatched precision. This is a day when every person will be held accountable for their deeds, thoughts, and intentions, with nothing hidden. For Muslims, this awareness influences daily life by nurturing a conscientious approach to every decision and action. It serves as a powerful deterrent against wrongdoing and as motivation for performing good deeds, even those unseen by others. The realization that Allah’s judgment is both immediate and exact can lead to a more disciplined and vigilant life, always aware that every action contributes to their record in the hereafter.

Comprehensive Accounting by Al-Haseeb: Every Detail Matters

“فَمَن يَعْمَلْ مِثْقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ خَيْرًا يَرَهُ وَمَن يَعْمَلْ مِثْقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ شَرًّا يَرَهُ” (الزلزلة 99:7-8)
(“So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will also see it.” – Az-Zalzalah 99:7-8)

This verse highlights Al-Haseeb’s meticulous accounting of every small deed, whether good or bad. In practical terms, this means that no act of kindness, no matter how minor, and no wrongdoing, however small, escapes Allah’s notice. This comprehensive accounting prompts Muslims to live a life of heightened moral awareness and encourages the accumulation of good deeds through even the simplest acts of kindness, like a smile or a gentle word. It teaches that all deeds are significant and impactful, motivating believers to engage in constant self-evaluation and to seek opportunities for good, knowing that every little bit counts towards their ultimate reckoning.

These deeper reflections on Al-Haseeb provide a robust framework for understanding how this divine attribute influences the daily lives of Muslims, promoting a life lived with awareness, integrity, and continual striving for righteousness.