Reflections on the Name of Allah: Al-Muqtadir
The Powerful, The Dominant, The One with the perfect Power that nothing is withheld from Him.
Muqtadir – the One who exercises all divine wisdom, whatever he decides; all-powerful and capable of doing everything.
القمر 55: 56(فِى مَقْعَدِ صِدْقٍ عِندَ مَلِيكٍۢ مُّقْتَدِرٍۭ)
(at the Seat of Honour in the presence of the Most Powerful Sovereign.) Al-Qamar 55:56
The distinction between the divine names Al-Qadir (The All-Powerful) and Al-Muqtadir (The All-Determiner) reflects subtle nuances in the attributes of Allah’s power and authority. These names illustrate different aspects of Allah’s supreme power and how it is exercised over the universe.
Al-Qadir (The All-Powerful)
Meaning:
- Al-Qadir refers to Allah’s absolute power and capability to do anything. It underscores the infinite nature of His power, meaning that nothing is beyond His ability.
Implications:
- Omnipotence: Al-Qadir highlights Allah’s unrestricted and unlimited power. He has the capacity to create, sustain, and end all things.
- Potentiality: This name emphasizes that Allah’s power encompasses all potential actions and outcomes. If He wills something to happen, it happens without any resistance or limitation.
Al-Muqtadir (The All-Determiner)
Meaning:
- Al-Muqtadir is a more emphatic form of power, indicating Allah’s ability to exercise and enforce His power in a determined and precise manner. It denotes not only having power but also having control and authority over how and when that power is applied.
Implications:
- Enforcement: Al-Muqtadir emphasizes Allah’s active implementation of His will. It conveys the idea of Allah’s power being manifest in the precise execution of His plans and decrees.
- Determination: This name underscores Allah’s role in determining the course of events and the destiny of creation. It highlights His supreme control over the unfolding of His divine plan.
Imam al-Ghazali’s Perspective
Imam al-Ghazali’s explanation adds depth to the understanding of these names:
- Al-Qadir: Represents the power by which Allah brings things into existence according to His will and knowledge.
- Al-Muqtadir: Indicates a more emphatic exercise of power, where Allah’s determinations are meticulously planned and executed. It reflects the aspect of divine power that is not just potential but actualized and enforced in accordance with His wisdom and timing.
Example: The Day of Resurrection
Al-Ghazali provides a clear example to differentiate these names:
- Al-Qadir: Allah has the power to bring about the Day of Resurrection at any moment.
- Al-Muqtadir: Allah has determined a specific time for the Day of Resurrection. His decision is based on His comprehensive knowledge and wisdom. While He has the power to enact it immediately, He chooses the appointed time for reasons known to Him.
Summary
Both names affirm Allah’s power, but they emphasize different aspects:
- Al-Qadir: Highlights Allah’s absolute and unlimited power, focusing on potentiality and omnipotence.
- Al-Muqtadir: Highlights Allah’s active determination and enforcement of His will, focusing on the precision and control of His power.
Understanding these names helps believers appreciate the different dimensions of Allah’s attributes and His supreme authority over all creation.
وَاضْرِبْ لَهُم مَّثَلَ الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا كَمَاءٍ أَنزَلْنَاهُ مِنَ السَّمَاءِ فَاخْتَلَطَ بِهِ نَبَاتُ الْأَرْضِ فَأَصْبَحَ هَشِيمًا تَذْرُوهُ الرِّيَاحُ ۗ وَكَانَ اللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ مُّقْتَدِرًا
(And give them a parable of this worldly life. ˹It is˺ like the plants of the earth, thriving when sustained by the rain We send down from the sky. Then they ˹soon˺ turn into chaff scattered by the wind. And Allah is fully capable of ˹doing˺ all things.) Al-Kahf 18:45
(كَذَّبُوا بِآيَاتِنَا كُلِّهَا فَأَخَذْنَاهُمْ أَخْذَ عَزِيزٍ مُّقْتَدِرٍ )
(˹But˺ they rejected all of Our signs, so We seized them with the ˹crushing˺ grip of the Almighty, Most Powerful.) Al-Qamar 54: 42
It is mentioned 4 times in the Holy Quran
Al-Muqtadir and the Concept of Divine Justice
Al-Muqtadir also points to Allah’s role as the ultimate enforcer of justice. His power is not random or chaotic but is exercised with wisdom and fairness. Throughout the Qur’an, we see examples of how Allah, in His role as Al-Muqtadir, seizes nations and individuals who transgress His limits, demonstrating His ability to hold them accountable for their actions.
One example of this is in Surah Al-Qamar, where Allah recounts the fate of the people who rejected His signs:
كَذَّبُوا بِآيَاتِنَا كُلِّهَا فَأَخَذْنَاهُمْ أَخْذَ عَزِيزٍ مُّقْتَدِرٍ
(˹But˺ they rejected all of Our signs, so We seized them with the ˹crushing˺ grip of the Almighty, Most Powerful.) — Al-Qamar 54:42
This verse illustrates Allah’s capability to deliver justice with precision and absolute power, showing that no one can escape His grasp when His decree is set.
The Name Al-Muqtadir and the Manifestation of Allah’s Will
Al-Muqtadir also signifies that Allah’s power is not abstract but is actively manifest in His creation. Every event that occurs, whether perceived as good or bad, falls under His domain and is a result of His precise and perfect decree. This name reassures believers that no event in the world, from the rise and fall of nations to personal trials, is outside of Allah’s control. Everything happens according to a plan that is crafted with divine wisdom.
As we see in the following verse, Allah describes how His power shapes every aspect of life:
فِى مَقْعَدِ صِدْقٍ عِندَ مَلِيكٍۢ مُّقْتَدِرٍۭ
(At the Seat of Honour in the presence of the Most Powerful Sovereign.) — Al-Qamar 55:56
This verse paints a picture of Allah as not only powerful but sovereign, reminding believers that He reigns over all things and His power will ultimately lead them to the truth, whether in this life or the next. His decree is always just and purposeful, no matter how difficult or incomprehensible it may seem to human minds.
Al-Muqtadir: A Source of Comfort and Trust for Believers
Understanding Allah as Al-Muqtadir is a source of immense comfort for believers. In a world where things may seem chaotic or out of control, knowing that Allah has perfect power and control over every situation provides spiritual reassurance. It invites believers to place their trust in His wisdom and plan, knowing that whatever happens, Allah’s decree is based on His perfect knowledge and power.
As highlighted in Al-Ghazali’s reflection, the distinction between Al-Qadir and Al-Muqtadir further reinforces this trust. While Al-Qadir emphasizes Allah’s limitless power, Al-Muqtadir reminds us that this power is applied with precision and mercy.
In times of hardship, remembering Allah as Al-Muqtadir can help believers remain steadfast, as it reminds them that every challenge is part of Allah’s divine plan, and He has the power to change any situation at any moment, should He will it. Understanding the depth of this divine name allows believers to cultivate patience and hope, no matter the difficulties they face.
فَسُبْحَٰنَ ٱلَّذِى بِيَدِهِۦ مَلَكُوتُ كُلِّ شَىْءٍۢ وَإِلَيْهِ تُرْجَعُونَ
(So exalted is He in whose hand is the realm of all things, and to Him you will be returned.) — Surah Ya-Sin 36:83
This verse ties together the theme of Allah’s ultimate power and control over creation, reaffirming that everything begins and ends with His will, and that His wisdom governs all that occurs in the universe.