Reflections on the Name of Allah: Al-Khaafid
The One who lowers whoever He willed by His Destruction and raises whoever He willed by His Endowment.
The name “Al-Khaafid” (الخافض) is not mentioned directly in the Holy Quran, but it is considered one of the beautiful names of Allah that appears in Islamic texts and prophetic traditions that address topics of sustenance and divine management of creation.
“Had Allah given abundant provisions to ˹all˺ His servants, they would have certainly transgressed throughout the land. But He sends down whatever He wills in perfect measure. He is truly All-Aware, All-Seeing of His servants..” Ash-shuara 42:27
Prophetic Traditions
In the prophetic traditions (السنة النبوية), there are hadiths that hint at the concept of lowering and raising performed by Allah, though the name “Al-Khafidh” (الخافض) is not explicitly mentioned. For example, a noble hadith narrated from the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in response to his companions who asked him to set prices in Medina states:
“إِنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ الْمُسَعِّرُ الْقَابِضُ الْبَاسِطُ الرَّزَّاقُ وَإِنِّي لأَرْجُو أَنْ أَلْقَى اللَّهَ وَلَيْسَ أَحَدٌ مِنْكُمْ يُطَالِبُنِي بِمَظْلَمَةٍ فِي دَمٍ وَلاَ مَالٍ”
“Indeed, Allah is the one who prices, the Withholder, the Expander, the Provider, and I hope to meet Allah without any of you claiming a wrong regarding blood or wealth against me.”
Islamic Sources that Address the Name “Al-Khaafid”:
Interpreters and religious scholars discuss the concepts of raising and lowering in exegesis and creed books, explaining how Allah lowers some people or raises them according to His profound wisdom and justice. For instance, in books like “Madarij al-Salikin” (مدارج السالكين) by Ibn Al-Qayyim, these ideas are explored deeply.
Although “Al-Khafidh” (الخافض) is not directly mentioned in the primary sources of Islam explicitly, it is one of the names addressed in Islamic works in the context of discussing Allah’s active and managerial attributes. It is used among the beautiful names of Allah in the Sufi tradition and some Islamic scholarly schools that pay significant attention to the names and attributes of Allah.
- Sufi and Creed Books: Some books in Sufism discuss the beautiful names in detail, and the name “Al-Khafidh” (الخافض) might be mentioned in the context of discussing divine names that express justice and divine management, such as “Sharh Asma’ Allah al-Husna” (شرح أسماء الله الحسنى) by Al-Nabulsi or “Al-Futuhat al-Makkiyya” (الفتوحات المكية) by Ibn Arabi.
- Jurisprudential and Ethical Studies: In jurisprudential and ethical works, the name “Al-Khafidh” (الخافض) might be used in a contemplative context to discuss how Allah deals with servants in terms of raising their ranks and lowering them according to their deeds and intentions.
- Religious Discourses and Sermons: Some scholars and preachers may mention this name in their speeches and sermons to provide lessons in submission and humility before Allah and acceptance of His wisdom in management.
Al-Ghazali on Al-Khaafid and Al-Rafi’
Al-Ghazali, one of the most celebrated theologians in Islamic history, discusses these attributes in his seminal work, “Ihya Ulum ad-Din” (The Revival of the Religious Sciences). He interprets Al-Khafidh and Al-Rafi’ within the context of divine justice and mercy. Al-Ghazali suggests that Allah’s act of lowering (khafd) and elevating (raf’) serves as a means to maintain balance and equity among His creations. For Al-Ghazali, these actions are not arbitrary but are deeply tied to Allah’s wisdom and justice. They serve as a corrective mechanism to ensure that arrogance and transgression do not go unchecked, and humility and virtue are rewarded.
Al-Ghazali emphasizes the spiritual dimension of these attributes, arguing that human responses to Allah’s actions should be rooted in humility and submission. He posits that recognizing Allah as Al-Khafidh helps believers to cultivate a sense of humility, as it underscores the reality that no matter one’s status or power, it is Allah who has ultimate control over all destinies.
Ibn Al-Qayyim on Divine Wisdom Behind Al-Khaafid and Al-Rafi’
Ibn Al-Qayyim, another prominent scholar and theologian, explores these attributes in his works, particularly in “Madarij al-Salikin” (Stations of the Wayfarers). He discusses how Al-Khafidh and Al-Rafi’ manifest in the lives of individuals and communities through trials and tribulations as well as blessings and elevations. Ibn Al-Qayyim interprets these divine actions as tests of faith and character, designed to purify believers and guide them to a closer relationship with Allah.
He elaborates on how these attributes should inspire a proactive spiritual response from believers. When Allah acts as Al-Khafidh by putting someone through hardship or lowering their worldly status, it is an opportunity for the individual to demonstrate patience, seek forgiveness, and reaffirm their reliance on Allah. Conversely, when Allah acts as Al-Rafi’ by granting blessings or elevating one’s status, it should not lead to arrogance but should increase one’s gratitude and drive to use the blessings in accordance with Allah’s will.
Origin of the Name
The origins of the name “Al-Khafidh” (الخافض) come from the verb “khafada” (خفض), which means to lower or decrease. It is used to denote Allah’s ability to lower the status of persons or things according to His wisdom and will.
To include this name in Islamic articles or books, it is advisable to explain how this name is linked to the concept of divine justice and how Allah manages affairs in a way that ensures balance and justice among creation, reflecting the deep Islamic understanding of divine management.
Practical Use of the Name “Al-Khaafid”:
Although not mentioned directly in primary Islamic sources, the name “Al-Khaafid” (الخافض) reflects an important aspect of divinity, which is Allah’s power to lower or raise people. Writers and Islamic thinkers can use this name to reflect on how to deal with life’s trials and tribulations with patience and hope, and how everything is under Allah’s control, decreed with wisdom and justice.
Allah’s Justice in Elevating and Abasing
Al-Khaafid, as “The Abaser,” underscores the principle that true exaltation comes from righteousness and humility before Allah, and not from worldly power or wealth. This divine name teaches that Allah may lower some to test their faith or to remind them and others of the fragility of human power. Conversely, He raises others to positions of honor through His mercy, often as a reward for their humility and piety. This dynamic serves as a constant reminder to maintain integrity and strive for justice in our dealings, knowing that our true place is determined by Allah alone. It encourages believers to seek Allah’s favor through good deeds rather than worldly manipulation.
وَتِلْكَ الْأَيَّامُ نُدَاوِلُهَا بَيْنَ النَّاسِ
“And those days [of varying conditions] We alternate among the people” (Al-Imran 3:140)
This verse reminds us of Allah’s sovereign control over all circumstances, including the rise and fall of nations and individuals, teaching us to remain conscious of our actions and their consequences in Allah’s grand scheme.
Al-Khaafid: Promoting Humility and Dependence on Allah
Recognizing Allah as Al-Khaafid cultivates humility and dependence upon Him. It is a powerful antidote to arrogance and self-reliance, reminding us that no matter our achievements, we remain dependent on Allah’s favor and grace. This attribute encourages a balanced view of success and failure, guiding believers to attribute their fortunes to Allah’s will rather than their prowess. It also motivates individuals to approach Allah in prayer and supplication, constantly seeking His guidance and aid to stabilize their affairs and elevate their status in the hereafter rather than only in this life.
The Role of Al-Khafidh in Social Equity and Compassion
The function of Al-Khafidh also extends to promoting social equity and compassion. By understanding that Allah can lower or raise individuals according to His divine wisdom, Muslims are inspired to assist those who are less fortunate, recognizing that social status does not determine human worth. This realization fosters a community where compassion and aid transcend social divisions, encouraging a society that supports and uplifts its weakest members.
فَأَمَّا الْيَتِيمَ فَلَا تَقْهَرْ
“And as for the orphan, do not oppress [him].” (Ad-Duha 93:9)
This directive from the Quran further emphasizes the need to care for those who may be “lowered” by the circumstances of life, ensuring they are treated with the same dignity and kindness afforded to those in higher social standings.
By reflecting on Al-Khafidh, we are reminded of the fluidity of life’s positions and the importance of anchoring our hearts to divine guidance and justice, seeking His pleasure and mercy in every aspect of our existence.