Reflections on the Name of Allah: Al-Mueed
The Reproducer, The One who brings back the creatures after death.
He is the restorer, the one who refashions a thing. He is the One who will restore us back to life on the day of resurrection.
The verb Yueed in Arabic is to return to something, to repeat, reproduce, to come back to, restore, to renew.
(إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ يُبۡدِئُ وَيُعِيدُ)
“Indeed, it is He who originates [creation] and repeats.”— Al-Burouj 85:13
(أَوَلَمۡ يَرَوۡاْ كَيۡفَ يُبۡدِئُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡخَلۡقَ ثُمَّ يُعِيدُهُۥٓۚ إِنَّ ذَٰلِكَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ يَسِيرٞ)
“Have they not considered how Allah begins creation and then repeats it? Indeed that, for Allah, is easy.” Al-Ankabut 29: 19
Different scholars have different criteria for what qualifies as a name of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ. Of the 99 names, 81 are explicitly mentioned in the Qur’an. Therefore, there is not one agreed-upon list for the remaining 18 names. Al-Mu’id is one of those names which is not included by certain scholars. This list includes Ibn Mandah, Ibn Hazm, and Ibn Hajar, among others. However, others, such as Ibn Arabi, Imam al-Bayhaqi, and Al-Ghazali, have included this name in their lists.
It is mentioned 0 times in the Holy Quran
The Cycle of Life and Death: Understanding Al-Mueed’s Role
Al-Mueed’s divine attribute as The Reproducer or The Restorer who brings back life emphasizes the cyclical nature of existence according to Islamic teachings. This attribute illustrates the concept that nothing is final or absolute except Allah’s power and authority. The Quran repeatedly references this cycle to remind believers of the transient nature of life and the inevitability of resurrection. A poignant example of this is found in Surah Ya-Sin (36:79), where Allah challenges the skeptics:
قُلْ يُحْيِيهَا الَّذِي أَنشَأَهَا أَوَّلَ مَرَّةٍ ۖ وَهُوَ بِكُلِّ خَلْقٍ عَلِيمٌ
“Say, ‘He will give them life who created them for the first time! For He is well-versed in every kind of creation!’”
This verse not only reinforces the power of Allah to resurrect but also highlights His complete knowledge and control over all creation.
This understanding urges believers to reflect on the temporary state of worldly life and prepare for the Hereafter. It serves as a reminder that every soul will undergo death and subsequently be brought back to life by Allah, the ultimate judge, for assessment and recompense. This belief is meant to guide how Muslims live their lives, emphasizing actions that are in accordance with Allah’s will and which can lead to salvation in the life to come.
Al-Mueed and the Assurance of Justice
The concept of resurrection is closely tied to the divine attribute of Al-Mueed. It assures believers of ultimate justice; everyone will be brought back and held accountable for their deeds. This belief is crucial for maintaining moral order within the Islamic worldview, as it reassures believers that no action, no matter how insignificant it might seem, goes unnoticed by Allah. Surah Al-Imran (3:185) encapsulates this, stating:
كُلُّ نَفْسٍ ذَائِقَةُ الْمَوْتِ ۗ وَإِنَّمَا تُوَفَّوْنَ أُجُورَكُمْ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ ۖ فَمَن زُحْزِحَ عَنِ النَّارِ وَأُدْخِلَ الْجَنَّةَ فَقَدْ فَازَ ۗ وَمَا الْحَيَاةُ الدُّنْيَا إِلَّا مَتَاعُ الْغُرُورِ
“Every soul will taste death. And you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.”
This verse guides Muslims to prioritize their eternal life over the deceptive comforts of this world and instills a mindset oriented towards accountability and the Hereafter. It encourages a life of righteousness and constant awareness of one’s actions and intentions, reinforcing that true success is the attainment of Allah’s mercy and paradise.
Al-Mueed’s Influence on Spiritual Renewal
Reflecting on Al-Mueed also encourages spiritual renewal. Just as Allah can bring the dead back to life, He can also revive a heart that has grown cold and distant from spiritual practices. This attribute encourages believers to seek continual spiritual growth and renewal, reminding them that Allah’s mercy and guidance are always available to revitalize a weary soul. In Surah Al-Hadid (57:17), Allah mentions:
اعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ يُحْيِي الْأَرْضَ بَعْدَ مَوْتِهَا ۚ قَدْ بَيَّنَّا لَكُمُ الْآيَاتِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَعْقِلُونَ
“Know that Allah gives life to the earth after its lifelessness. We have made clear to you the signs; perhaps you will understand.”
This verse draws a parallel between the revival of the earth and the revival of the human spirit, suggesting that just as the earth is rejuvenated by rain, so too can the human heart be revived by the waters of divine guidance and mercy. It prompts Muslims to constantly seek Allah’s forgiveness and guidance to renew their faith and actions, ensuring their spiritual journey is always vibrant and alive with the remembrance of Allah.