Al-Muakhkhir

Al-Muakhkhir

Explanation

ALLAH known as Al-Muʾakhkhir (المُؤَخِّر)—often translated as “The Delayer” or “He Who Postpones.” In many traditional lists of the 99 Names of ALLAH, this name appears (in some enumerations, as the 72nd name), highlighting an aspect of divine justice and mercy that may not be immediately obvious to the casual reader. While the exact phrase “Al-Muʾakhkhir” does not appear verbatim in every Qur’anic verse, its concept is derived from several passages that emphasize ALLAH’s wisdom in delaying punishment and granting mankind time for repentance.

Linguistic and Semantic Meaning

  • Root and Definition:
    The name Al-Muʾakhkhir is derived from the Arabic root أَخَّرَ (akhkhara), which means “to delay,” “to put off,” or “to postpone.” In the context of ALLAH’s names, it does not imply negligence or indecision. Rather, it reflects His deliberate, measured, and wise management of time and events.

  • Implication of Divine Timing:
    When ALLAH is described as Al-Muʾakhkhir, it conveys that He, in His absolute wisdom, postpones the consequences or punishments for wrongdoers until the appointed time. This postponement is not a sign of mercy to encourage sin but an opportunity for human beings to reflect, repent, and return to the path of righteousness.

Theological and Spiritual Significance

  • Divine Justice Coupled with Mercy:
    The delay in punishment is a key aspect of ALLAH’s justice. If every wrong were met with immediate retribution, the world would be deprived of the chance for reform and spiritual growth. By delaying punishment, ALLAH provides a period during which sincere repentance and transformation are possible. This duality—justice on one side and mercy on the other—is central to Islamic theology.

  • Opportunity for Repentance:
    The concept behind Al-Muʾakhkhir teaches that no soul is immediately abandoned to despair. Instead, the postponement of divine retribution is a sign of ALLAH’s compassion. It is meant to warn and motivate believers to turn back to Him before the final reckoning comes. The delay is an invitation to self-reflection and change—a call to mend one’s ways before the consequences become unavoidable.

  • Reflection on Human Accountability:
    Recognizing ALLAH as Al-Muʾakhkhir reminds believers that while they may enjoy a period of apparent ease or delay in punishment, every action carries weight. The apparent delay should not be mistaken for a lack of eventual accountability. Rather, it underscores that the timing of divine judgment is perfectly measured and that every soul will eventually be held responsible for its deeds.

Broader Implications for Believers

  • A Call to Urgency in Repentance:
    Knowing that ALLAH is Al-Muʾakhkhir should encourage believers to be mindful of their actions. The delay is a gracious provision—a chance to reform and to seek forgiveness—rather than a signal to postpone moral responsibility.

  • Trust in Divine Wisdom:
    Believers are reminded that ALLAH’s timing is perfect. Even if punishment appears to be delayed, it does not mean that divine justice is suspended. This understanding fosters both hope and vigilance; hope in the mercy that allows for change, and vigilance against taking the reprieve for granted.

  • Moral and Spiritual Accountability:
    The attribute reinforces the principle that every human being is on a journey of self-improvement. The reprieve granted by ALLAH is a continual test of one’s sincerity, encouraging adherence to righteous conduct and persistent self-evaluation.

Final Reflections

Though the exact term “Al-Muakhkhir” is not verbatim in the Quran, its essence permeates ALLAH’s attributes as described in multiple verses. These emphasize His unparalleled authority over time, destiny, and the unfolding of all events. Believers are reminded to trust in His wisdom, knowing that delays are purposeful and aligned with divine justice and mercy.

Quran References

While the exact name “Al-Muakhkhir” is not explicitly mentioned in the Quran, the concept is deeply rooted in numerous verses describing ALLAH’s control over time and decrees:

1. Surah Al-A’raf (7:34):

Arabic:
وَلِكُلِّ أُمَّةٍ أَجَلٌۖ فَإِذَا جَآءَ أَجَلُهُمْ لَا يَسْتَـْٔخِرُونَ سَاعَةًۭ وَلَا يَسْتَقْدِمُونَ

Translation:
“For every nation is a [specified] term. When their time has come, they will not remain behind an hour, nor will they precede [it].”

Explanation:
This verse emphasizes ALLAH’s control over the appointed terms of nations and individuals. No one can delay or hasten their destined end, highlighting ALLAH’s role as Al-Muakhkhir (The Delayer) and Al-Muqaddim (The Expediter).

2. Surah Yunus (10:49):

Arabic:
قُل لَّآ أَمْلِكُ لِنَفْسِى ضَرًّۭا وَلَا نَفْعًا إِلَّا مَا شَآءَ ٱللَّهُۗ لِكُلِّ أُمَّةٍ أَجَلٌ إِذَا جَآءَ أَجَلُهُمْ فَلَا يَسْتَـْٔخِرُونَ سَاعَةًۭ وَلَا يَسْتَقْدِمُونَ

Translation:
“Say, ‘I hold not for myself [the power of] benefit or harm, except what ALLAH has willed. For every nation is a [specified] term. When their time has come, they will not remain behind an hour, nor will they precede [it].'”

Explanation:
This verse reiterates that no one, including prophets, has control over divine timing. ALLAH alone decides when to delay or advance events, showcasing His attribute as Al-Muakhkhir.

3. Surah Al-Hijr (15:5):

Arabic:
مَّا تَسْبِقُ مِنْ أُمَّةٍ أَجَلَهَا وَمَا يَسْتَـْٔخِرُونَ

Translation:
“No nation can advance its term, nor can it delay [it].”

Explanation:
This verse underscores ALLAH’s absolute authority over the timing of events. No one can alter the divine decree, reflecting His role as Al-Muakhkhir.

4. Surah Nuh (71:4):

Arabic:
يُغْفِرْ لَكُم مِّن ذُنُوبِكُمْ وَيُؤَخِّرْكُمْ إِلَىٰٓ أَجَلٍۢ مُّسَمًّىۚ إِنَّ أَجَلَ ٱللَّهِ إِذَا جَآءَ لَا يُؤَخَّرُۖ لَوْ كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ

Translation:
“[He] will forgive you of your sins and delay you for a specified term. Indeed, the time [set by] ALLAH, when it comes, will not be delayed, if you only knew.”

Explanation:
This verse highlights ALLAH’s mercy in delaying punishment to allow for repentance, but it also affirms that His final decree cannot be postponed. This reflects His attribute as Al-Muakhkhir.

5. Surah Al-Imran (3:26):

Arabic:
قُلِ ٱللَّهُمَّ مَـٰلِكَ ٱلْمُلْكِ تُؤْتِى ٱلْمُلْكَ مَن تَشَآءُ وَتَنزِعُ ٱلْمُلْكَ مِمَّن تَشَآءُ وَتُعِزُّ مَن تَشَآءُ وَتُذِلُّ مَن تَشَآءُۖ

Translation:
“Say, ‘O ALLAH, Owner of Sovereignty, You give sovereignty to whom You will and You take sovereignty away from whom You will. You honor whom You will and You humble whom You will…”

Explanation:
This verse demonstrates ALLAH’s control over the rise and fall of individuals and nations. He delays or advances their status according to His wisdom, reflecting His attribute as Al-Muakhkhir.