Explanation
ALLAH سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ refers to Himself as Al-Qahhaar—The Subduer, The Ever-Dominating and this name highlights ALLAH سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ attribute of being the most powerful and omnipotent. He is the One who rules over everything and to whom all beings submit. The universe works in accordance with the rules established by ALLAH سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ. He is in charge, in charge of everything, and he triumphs over everyone. He possesses perfect power and has complete control over everything. It is a reminder that no one can escape ALLAH سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ grasp and that He is the ultimate authority.
The word “qahhaar” derives from the root “qaa-haa-raa,” which denotes three different meanings. To overcome, overpower, dominate, or prevail is the first primary definition, and to subdue and subjugate is the second. To compel someone against their will is the third major meaning of the word.
The Irresistible, Al-Qaahir has an intensification structure in terms of words and is Al-Qaahir, the intense form. The One with majestic power is Al-Qahhaar. He has the utmost authority and power to carry out any task, and He has the ability to subjugate anyone to force them to submit to His will.
Al-Qahhaar and Al-Lateef (The Subtle) are sometimes used in conjunction to denote ALLAH سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ opposing yet complimentary characteristics. He is The Subduer, but He is also The Most Wise and The Most Just.
ALLAH سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ attribute of Al-Qahhaar provides a reminder to always humble oneself before Him and recognize His absolute power and control over all. Muslims rely on ALLAH سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ power to conquer all challenges and to keep them safe, so this is also a source of comfort and assurance for them.
The name Al-Qahhaar highlights ALLAH سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ sovereignty and reminds us of our place in the world. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of submitting to ALLAH سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ will and trusting in His plan for us.
Quran References
Ask them: “Who is the Lord of the heavens and the earth?” Say: “Allah. Tell them: “Have you taken beside Him as your patrons those who do not have the power to benefit or to hurt even themselves?” Say: “Can the blind and the seeing be deemed equals? Or can light and darkness be deemed equals? If that is not so, then have those whom they associate with Allah in His Divinity ever created anything like what Allah did so that the question of creation has become dubious to them?4 Say: “Allah is the creator of everything. He is the One, the Irresistible. (Quran 13:16)
(Do warn them of the) Day when the heavens and the earth shall be altogether changed; when all will appear fully exposed before Allah, the One, the Irresistible! (Quran 14:48)
Tell them, (O Prophet):“I am nothing but a warner. There is no deity but Allah, the One, the Supreme, (Quran 38:65)
If Allah had wanted to take to Himself a son, He could have chosen anyone He wanted out of those whom He creates. Glory be to Him (that He should have a son). He is Allah: the One, the Overpowering. (Quran 39:4)
The Day when they will emerge and nothing of them shall be hidden from Allah. (On that Day they will be asked): “Whose is the kingdom today?” (The whole world will cry out): “It is Allah’s, the One, the Overpowering.”(Quran 40:16)