Reflections on the Name of Allah: Al-Hameed
The Praiseworthy, The praised One who deserves to be praised.
We read the Fatiha many times a day, in every ruka’a of our prayers. In the second Ayah we read Al-Hamd Lillah .. Al-Hamd meaning: ‘All Praise and thanks be to Allah.’
From Surah Fatiha, we understand it is Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ who’s the source of all gifts. He’s the Lord of the worlds, giving us life and intellect. He’s surrounded us with beauty and love. He is the ruling judge on the day of recompense, but Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ prefaced this first by telling us that He is Ar-Rahman and Ar-Raheem – The Most Beneficent and The Most Merciful. Hence, He is the all-praiseworthy. We should feel the weight behind the words we speak.
(لَّهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ ۗ وَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لَهُوَ الْغَنِيُّ الْحَمِيدُ ) الحج 22 : 64
(To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Allah ˹alone˺ is truly the Self-Sufficient, Praiseworthy.) Al-Hajj 22:64
It is mentioned 17 times in the Holy Quran
Al-Hameed: The Praise of Creation Reflects His Glory
Understanding Al-Hameed as the Praiseworthy leads us to reflect on how every aspect of creation inherently praises Allah. Every element in the universe, from the tiniest particles to the grandest celestial bodies, operates in a manner that glorifies its Creator. When we observe the natural world—the precise orbit of the planets, the intricate design of a single cell, or the harmonious ecosystem—it becomes evident that everything is a testament to Allah’s wisdom and magnificence. The Quran repeatedly reminds us that all beings, animate and inanimate, glorify Allah, even if we do not perceive their manner of praise:
سَبَّحَ لِلَّهِ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَهُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ (القرآن 17:44)
“The seven heavens and the earth and whatever is in them exalt Him. And there is not a thing except that it exalts Allah by His praise, but you do not understand their way of exalting. Indeed, He is ever Forbearing and Forgiving.” (Quran 17:44)
This verse invites us to ponder deeply about the universe and recognize the silent glorification that surrounds us. This reflection on creation’s praise can deepen our own appreciation and adoration of Allah. By being mindful of the signs of Allah in nature, we can elevate our spiritual consciousness and join in the universal chorus of praise with greater sincerity and awareness. Our daily lives can be transformed into acts of worship, filled with gratitude and acknowledgment of Allah’s infinite greatness.
The Human Response to Al-Hameed: Gratitude and Worship
Our understanding of Al-Hameed should transform our perspective on life, fostering a deep sense of gratitude and worship. Acknowledging Allah as Al-Hameed, the Praiseworthy, is not merely a verbal affirmation but a profound realization that should permeate every aspect of our lives. This realization prompts a genuine sense of gratitude for Allah’s countless blessings, from the gift of life and health to the beauty of nature and the sustenance provided to us. The Quran emphasizes the importance of gratitude in our relationship with Allah:
وَإِذْ تَأَذَّنَ رَبُّكُمْ لَئِن شَكَرْتُمْ لَأَزِيدَنَّكُمْ وَلَئِن كَفَرْتُمْ إِنَّ عَذَابِي لَشَدِيدٌ (القرآن 14:7)
“And remember when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.’” (Quran 14:7)
Gratitude is not only a response to Allah’s favors but also a means to draw closer to Him. When we express thankfulness, we acknowledge our dependence on Allah and recognize His continuous support and mercy. This gratitude should manifest in our prayers, supplications, and everyday actions. Each act of worship becomes a declaration of Allah’s praiseworthiness, and our entire life turns into a reflection of His praise. By internalizing Al-Hameed, we strive to live a life that is pleasing to Allah, marked by humility, reverence, and a constant effort to fulfill His commands with sincerity and devotion.
Al-Hameed in the Quran: A Journey Through Divine Praiseworthiness
Al-Hameed is mentioned 17 times in the Quran, each instance providing profound insights into Allah’s nature and His relationship with creation. This section takes a journey through these Quranic references, exploring the contexts in which Al-Hameed is mentioned and the lessons we can draw from them. We analyze how these verses highlight different attributes of Allah, such as His self-sufficiency, mercy, and power, and how they collectively underscore His deserving of all praise. By studying these verses, we gain a deeper understanding of why Allah is Al-Hameed and how this knowledge can impact our faith and actions. For instance, consider the verse:
لَهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لَهُوَ الْغَنِيُّ الْحَمِيدُ (الحج 22:64)
“To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Allah alone is truly the Self-Sufficient, Praiseworthy.” (Al-Hajj 22:64)
Reflecting on these verses, we recognize that Allah’s praiseworthiness is tied to His complete ownership and mastery over all that exists. His praise is not contingent on our acknowledgment but is an inherent quality that permeates all of creation. This understanding encourages us to align our lives with the principles of gratitude, worship, and constant remembrance of Allah’s magnificence.