Reflections on the Name of Allah: Al-Mateen
The Mighty. The One with extreme Power which is un-interrupted and He does not get tired.
Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ is Al-Matin (in Arabic: ٱلْمَتِينُ), meaning His power is steadfast. It is the same as it was yesterday and will remain tomorrow. He is ever-constant and firm.
الذاريات 51 : 58 ( إِنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ الرَّزَّاقُ ذُو الْقُوَّةِ الْمَتِينُ)
(Indeed, Allah ˹alone˺ is the Supreme Provider—Lord of all Power, Ever Mighty.) Adh-dhariyat 51:58
Al-Qawiyy and Al-Matin are indeed closely related, both emphasizing aspects of Allah’s strength and firmness, yet with subtle distinctions.
Al-Qawiyy denotes the absolute strength and power of Allah, encompassing His ability to do all things and overcome any obstacle effortlessly. It signifies His perfect and unmatched might, indicating His capability to accomplish anything, regardless of its magnitude or complexity.
On the other hand, Al-Matin emphasizes the solidity, steadfastness, and unwavering nature of Allah’s strength. It conveys the idea of His firmness and stability, implying that His power is not only immense but also enduring and unshakeable. Al-Matin reflects the consistency and reliability of Allah’s strength, portraying it as a force that cannot be weakened or undermined.
When paired with Ar-Razzaq, the Provider, Al-Matin highlights the firmness and continuity of Allah’s sustenance and provisions. It suggests that His provisions are not only abundant but also steadfast and secure, unaffected by any external factors or disruptions. This combination reaffirms the reliability and constancy of Allah’s sustenance, reassuring believers of His unwavering care and support.
Similarly, when paired with Al-Qawiyy, the Strong, Al-Matin underscores the firmness and invincibility of Allah’s strength. It signifies that His power is not only supreme but also unchallengeable and impervious to any opposition or resistance. This pairing reinforces the idea that Allah’s strength is absolute and indomitable, instilling confidence and trust in His ability to overcome all obstacles and adversaries.
Overall, the names Al-Qawiyy and Al-Matin, when understood in conjunction with other divine attributes, offer profound insights into the omnipotence and steadfastness of Allah, inspiring believers to place their faith and reliance on Him alone.
It is mentioned 1 time in the Holy Quran
The Unchanging Strength of Al-Mateen
Al-Mateen highlights the constant and consistent nature of Allah’s strength. Unlike human strength that can diminish due to various factors like age, health, or circumstances, Allah’s power remains firm and unchanged across time and space. This attribute reassures believers that the divine support they rely on is not subject to fluctuations or changes. It encourages them to place their trust in Allah’s power, knowing that it is as dependable today as it was in the past, and it will remain so in the future. For believers, this understanding cultivates a sense of security and stability in their faith, especially during times of hardship or uncertainty, knowing that their reliance is placed upon the Ever-Mighty, whose strength is everlasting and reliable.
Divine Firmness in Sustenance and Support
In the context of Allah being the Supreme Provider (Ar-Razzaq), the attribute of Al-Mateen underscores the firmness and reliability of the sustenance He provides. This pairing between providing and enduring strength assures believers that the provision from Allah is not only continuous but also stable and dependable. It addresses the anxieties associated with livelihood and material needs, comforting believers with the knowledge that their sustenance is managed by Al-Mateen, whose provisions are not affected by worldly fluctuations or economic conditions. This attribute teaches believers to look beyond immediate circumstances and trust in the sustained support of Allah, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their efforts while relying on His unwavering provision.
Al-Mateen and the Impenetrable Divine Will
The firmness and solidity denoted by Al-Mateen also extend to the execution of Allah’s will and His decrees. This aspect of the divine attribute assures that Allah’s plans are executed with precision and steadfastness, immune to any obstruction or hindrance. For believers, this means that the divine will, including both its challenges and blessings, is always purposeful and resolute. Understanding this helps believers to accept and embrace the divine decrees with patience and contentment, recognizing that everything Allah decrees has a firm purpose behind it. It nurtures a mindset that, even in the face of trials and tribulations, there is a solid and wise reason—rooted in the steadfast nature of Al-Mateen.
Through these reflections on Al-Mateen, believers gain a comprehensive understanding of the enduring, firm, and steadfast nature of Allah’s power and support. It not only enhances their trust in Allah but also instills a sense of peace and resilience, encouraging them to remain firm in their own faith and commitments, knowing they are under the care of The Firmly Established and Steadfast Protector.