Al-Muqtadir

Al-Muqtadir

Explanation

In Islamic theology, the names of ALLAH (ʾAsmaʾ ul-Ḥusna, the “Beautiful Names”) are not merely titles but reflections of His attributes and perfections. Each name invites the believer to contemplate an aspect of the Divine nature. The name Al-Muqtadir comes from the Arabic root ق-د-ر (q-d-r), which relates to power, ability, and destiny. While many lists of the 99 names include “Al-Muqtadir,” it is closely related to, and sometimes used interchangeably with, Al-Qadir (“The All-Powerful”)—a name that is explicitly referenced in the Qur’an.

Meaning and Linguistic Nuance of Al-Muqtadir

  • Literal Meaning:
    The term Al-Muqtadir can be understood as “He who is able to determine [all things],” or “The One Who Has Complete Control.” It emphasizes that every event in the cosmos unfolds according to His will.

  • Theological Significance:
    This name underlines that nothing happens by chance; every occurrence in the universe is by ALLAH’s decree. His power is absolute—not only does He create, sustain, and destroy, but He also ordains the laws of nature, history, and destiny. This attribute calls believers to both awe and trust in ALLAH’s governance of all affairs.

Tafsir and Scholarly Reflections

Classical Islamic scholars have long reflected on this attribute:

  • Ibn Kathir and Other Mufassirun:
    Commentators explain that the attribute of complete power (as implied by both Al-Qadir and Al-Muqtadir) means that nothing occurs outside the will of ALLAH. Even what may seem like randomness or chance in the world is, in fact, a part of His comprehensive plan.

  • Implications for Free Will and Divine Decree:
    The understanding of ALLAH as Al-Muqtadir leads to a nuanced discussion on the interplay between divine decree (qadar) and human responsibility. While ALLAH’s power is absolute, scholars stress that humans are still accountable for their choices; rather, His power encompasses all aspects of existence without negating human free will.

Spiritual and Practical Implications for Believers

Understanding ALLAH as Al-Muqtadir instills:

  • Trust and Reliance:
    Recognizing that every outcome is under ALLAH’s control provides comfort to believers during trials and uncertainties. It encourages reliance on His wisdom and timing.

  • Humility:
    Since all power belongs to ALLAH, believers are reminded of their limited capacities. This awareness fosters humility and gratitude, as every success or blessing is ultimately a manifestation of divine will.

  • Accountability and Reflection:
    Reflecting on ALLAH’s omnipotence inspires believers to live with mindfulness, knowing that their actions are part of a broader, divinely orchestrated order.

Final Reflections

Al-Muqtadir is a profound name of ALLAH that encapsulates His perfect power and control over all creation. It is explicitly mentioned in the Quran in Surah Al-Qamar (54:42) and Surah Al-Kahf (18:45), and its meaning is reinforced throughout the Quran in various verses that emphasize ALLAH’s omnipotence. Reflecting on this name deepens our understanding of ALLAH’s greatness and inspires us to rely on Him completely.

Quran References

The name Al-Muqtadir is explicitly mentioned in the Quran in two places:

  1. Surah Al-Qamar (54:42):

    • Arabic: كَذَّبُوا بِآيَاتِنَا كُلِّهَا فَأَخَذْنَاهُمْ أَخْذَ عَزِيزٍ مُّقْتَدِرٍ

    • Translation: “They denied all Our signs, so We seized them with the seizure of One Mighty and Omnipotent (Al-Muqtadir).”

    • Explanation: In this verse, ALLAH describes how He punished the people of Pharaoh for their denial of His signs. The use of Al-Muqtadir here emphasizes that ALLAH’s punishment was executed with perfect power and precision, leaving no room for escape or resistance.

  2. Surah Al-Kahf (18:45):

    • Arabic: وَاضْرِبْ لَهُم مَّثَلَ الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا كَمَاءٍ أَنزَلْنَاهُ مِنَ السَّمَاءِ فَاخْتَلَطَ بِهِ نَبَاتُ الْأَرْضِ فَأَصْبَحَ هَشِيمًا تَذْرُوهُ الرِّيَاحُ ۗ وَكَانَ اللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ مُّقْتَدِرًا

    • Translation: “And present to them the example of the life of this world: it is like water which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it, then it becomes dry remnants, scattered by the winds. And ALLAH is ever, over all things, Perfect in Ability (Al-Muqtadir).”

    • Explanation: This verse uses the name Al-Muqtadir to illustrate ALLAH’s absolute power over the transient nature of worldly life. Just as He causes plants to grow and then wither away, His power is manifested in every aspect of creation.

Related Quranic Verses Highlighting Allah’s Power:

While the name Al-Muqtadir is explicitly mentioned in the two verses above, the concept of ALLAH’s omnipotence is a recurring theme throughout the Quran. Here are some related verses that emphasize ALLAH’s power and control:

  1. Surah Al-Baqarah (2:20):

    • Arabic: يَكَادُ الْبَرْقُ يَخْطَفُ أَبْصَارَهُمْ ۖ كُلَّمَا أَضَاءَ لَهُم مَّشَوْا فِيهِ وَإِذَا أَظْلَمَ عَلَيْهِمْ قَامُوا ۚ وَلَوْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ لَذَهَبَ بِسَمْعِهِمْ وَأَبْصَارِهِمْ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ

    • Translation: “The lightning almost snatches away their sight. Every time it lights up for them, they walk therein; but when darkness covers them, they stand still. And if ALLAH had willed, He could have taken away their hearing and their sight. Indeed, ALLAH is over all things competent.”

    • Explanation: This verse highlights ALLAH’s power over human senses and abilities, reinforcing the idea that He is Al-Muqtadir.

  2. Surah Ya-Sin (36:81):

    • Arabic: أَوَلَيْسَ الَّذِي خَلَقَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ بِقَادِرٍ عَلَىٰ أَن يَخْلُقَ مِثْلَهُم ۚ بَلَىٰ وَهُوَ الْخَلَّاقُ الْعَلِيمُ

    • Translation: “Is He who created the heavens and the earth not able to create the likes of them? Yes, indeed! He is the Knowing Creator.”

    • Explanation: This verse underscores ALLAH’s power to create and recreate, which is a manifestation of His attribute as Al-Muqtadir.

  3. Surah Al-Mulk (67:1):

    • Arabic: تَبَارَكَ الَّذِي بِيَدِهِ الْمُلْكُ وَهُوَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ

    • Translation: “Blessed is He in whose hand is the dominion, and He is over all things competent.”

    • Explanation: This verse affirms ALLAH’s absolute power and control over all things, aligning with the meaning of Al-Muqtadir.