Reflections on the Name of Allah: Al-Mu’akhkhir.
Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ is Al-Mu’akhkhir (in Arabic: ٱلْمُؤَخِّرُ), The One who wisely delays or holds back. By His will, he can detain unbelievers and hold them back on the day of judgment.
(O Allah, forgive me what I have sent before me and what I have left behind me, what I have concealed and what I have done openly, what I have done in excess, and what You are better aware of than I. You are the One Who sends forth and You are the One Who delays. There is none worthy of worship but You. ) Reference: Muslim 1/534.
The first interpretation is that Al-Mu’akhkhir is the one who pushes away whom He wills. Some of His creations are honored and promoted, like His angels, prophets, friends, and scholars. But the enemies of Islam He pushes away and banishes them. A clear example from the Qur’an would be the nation of ‘Aad, “And that was ‘Aad, who rejected the signs of their Lord and disobeyed His messengers and followed the order of every obstinate tyrant. And they were [therefore] followed in this world with a curse and [as well] on the Day of Resurrection. Unquestionably, ‘Aad denied their Lord; then away with ‘Aad, the people of Hud.” (Hud 11:59-60)
The first interpretation is that Al-Mu’akhkhir is the one who pushes away whom He wills. Some of His creations are honored and promoted, like His angels, prophets, friends, and scholars. But the enemies of Islam He pushes away and banishes them. A clear example from the Qur’an would be the nation of ‘Aad, “And that was ‘Aad, who rejected the signs of their Lord and disobeyed His messengers and followed the order of every obstinate tyrant. And they were [therefore] followed in this world with a curse and [as well] on the Day of Resurrection. Unquestionably, ‘Aad denied their Lord; then away with ‘Aad, the people of Hud.” (Qur’an Hud 11:59-60)
One thing that’s important to understand is Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ doesn’t just delay or demote things for quote-unquote ‘bad people,’ for lack of a better term. Some pious people are delayed in marriage or in having kids. Each person has their own fitnah (meaning trial or affliction) to the level Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ knows they’re capable of shouldering. “And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient,” (2:155), and “Allah does not charge a soul except [with that within] its capacity.” (2:286) We must recognize He is Aleemul Hakeem, the all-knowing, the all-wise and see that things don’t just happen, they happen just (i.e., by the will of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ).
اللّهُـمَّ اغْـفِرْ لي ما قَدَّمْـتُ وَما أَخَّرْت ، وَما أَسْـرَرْتُ وَما أَعْلَـنْت ، وَما أَسْـرَفْت ، وَما أَنْتَ أَعْـلَمُ بِهِ مِنِّي . أَنْتَ المُقَـدِّمُ، وَأَنْتَ المُـؤَخِّـرُ لا إِلهَ إِلاّ أَنْـت
It is mentioned 0 times in the Holy Quran but mentioned in Hadith.
Al-Mu’akhkhir: Divine Timing in Human Lives
In the divine scheme, Allah’s attribute of Al-Mu’akhkhir reflects
His wisdom in managing the timing of events in our lives. Every believer experiences moments when their plans are delayed or deferred—whether it’s in career advancement, marriage, or other personal goals. These delays are not mere coincidences or strokes of bad luck, but deliberate divine interventions orchestrated by Allah, who is Al-Mu’akhkhir, The Delayer.
“And delay them for a while.” (Quran 86:17)
This verse subtly reminds us that Allah, in His infinite wisdom, may postpone certain outcomes to a more appropriate time, aligning them with greater benefits or saving us from unseen harms. For believers, understanding and accepting this aspect of Allah’s nature helps cultivate patience, reduces anxiety about the future, and reinforces trust in divine timing. It teaches us that Allah’s plans are always better than our own, even when His wisdom is not immediately apparent.
Al-Mu’akhkhir: Trials and Spiritual Growth
The Quran and Hadith are replete with examples where divine delays serve as trials and tests of faith. These moments challenge believers to demonstrate their true commitment to Allah’s will and their resilience in the face of adversity. Such trials are not punishments; rather, they are opportunities for spiritual growth and personal development.
“Do people think they will be left alone because they say, ‘We believe,’ and will not be tested?” (Quran 29:2)
Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) numerous tests, including the delay in the birth of his son Ismail (Ishmael), exemplify how enduring patience during divine delays can lead to immense blessings and elevated status in the sight of Allah. These stories encourage Muslims to persevere through their own trials, using them as a means to strengthen their faith, purify their hearts, and increase their dependence on Allah.
Al-Mu’akhkhir: The Wisdom of Divine Decrees
Belief in Allah as Al-Mu’akhkhir entails a profound acceptance of the wisdom behind all divine decrees—whether they bring joy or challenge, acceleration or delay. This attribute teaches believers that Allah’s decisions are always made with a far-reaching wisdom that transcends human understanding.
“For each [event] is a decree from Allah.” (Quran 33:38)
This reassurance is crucial for maintaining spiritual equilibrium and emotional resilience. It helps believers to remain steadfast and content with Allah’s plans, recognizing that every aspect of their lives is governed by His wisdom and mercy. Embracing this concept can transform how one reacts to life’s ups and downs, encouraging a mindset that looks beyond immediate circumstances to the bigger, divine picture.