Explanation
One of ALLAH سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ names is Ar-Rafi. It means “The Elevator” or “The Exalter.” He is the one who has the power to elevate or reduce anyone at will. It is a name that evokes hope and provides a constant reminder of the value of pursuing excellence in all facets of our lives.
The Arabic word ra-fa-ayn, which means “to raise or elevate something,” also means “to uplift, to take it up, to make high, to exalt, to make honorable, to make eminent, to bring a thing near.”
The Arabic term “rafaa,” is the root of the name Ar-Rafi. It refers to ALLAH سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ power and capacity to elevate someone from a degraded or subservient position to one that is higher or more exalted. The two types of elevation are spiritual and worldly.
All achievement, authority, and power ultimately come from ALLAH سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ. We are only able to accomplish anything in this world with His help and approval. The name Ar-Rafi provides a reminder that ALLAH سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ is the one who raises our position and rank in both this world and the hereafter. Therefore, we should rely on Him and ask for His help and guidance in whatever we do.
In Surah Al-Mujādila Ayah 11 ALLAH سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ say:
“ALLAH will raise to high ranks those of you who believe and are endowed with knowledge. ALLAH is well aware of all that you do”.(Quran, 58:11)
In Tafheem-ul-Quran – Abul Ala Maududi explains this ayah
“That is, you should not think that if in the Prophet’s ﷺ assembly, you had to sit a little farther away from him for the sake of making room for others, you would be reduced in rank or if you were asked to rise up and disperse from the assembly, you were disgraced. The real means of the exaltation of ranks is faith and knowledge, and not an opportunity to sit nearest to the Prophet ﷺ in his assembly and sit the longest. If a person happened to sit nearer to him, it does not mean that he became exalted in rank, for the high ranks belong only to those who have attained a wealth of knowledge and faith. Likewise, the person who prolonged his sitting with the Prophet ﷺ only to cause him inconvenience and discomfort, in fact, displayed a lack of good manners. His there sitting near him for a long time will not exalt him in rank in any way. Far higher and exalted in rank in the sight of ALLAH سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ is he who attained to taste faith and knowledge and imbibed the morals that should belong to a believer”.
The name Ar-Rafi is a beautiful reminder of ALLAH سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ mercy and grace. It tells us that no matter how low we may feel at times, ALLAH سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ has the power to lift us up and help us reach our full potential. This is a comforting thought that can give us strength and motivation when we face challenges or setbacks. It is also a reminder to us to be humble and grateful for the blessings that ALLAH سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ has bestowed upon us and to use our blessings to serve others and please ALLAH سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ.
Quran References
O you who have believed, when you are told, “Space yourselves” in assemblies, then make space; Allah will make space for you. And when you are told, “Arise,” then arise; Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees. And Allah is Acquainted with what you do. (Quran 58:11)
And that was Our [conclusive] argument which We gave Abraham against his people. We raise by degrees whom We will. Indeed, your Lord is Wise and Knowing. (Quran 6:83)