Allah (swt) calls Himself Al-Muhaymin – the Guardian, the Witness, the Overseer
هُوَ اللَّهُ الَّذِي لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْمَلِكُ الْقُدُّوسُ السَّلَامُ الْمُؤْمِنُ الْمُهَيْمِنُ الْعَزِيزُ الْجَبَّارُ الْمُتَكَبِّرُ ۚ سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ عَمَّا يُشْرِكُونَ
He is Allah, other than whom there is no deity, the Sovereign, the Pure, the Perfection, the Grantor of Security, the Overseer, the Exalted in Might, the Compeller, the Superior. Exalted is Allah above whatever they associate with Him. (Al-Hashr 59:23)
- Al-Muhaymin observes, guards, and protects His creation.
Meaning, He did not become unaware after creating. He ensures the wellbeing of His creations by keeping them under His observation, so that the purpose they were created for can be fulfilled.
- Al-Muhaymin has these meanings in it.
- He is Al-Ameen, the Trustworthy One.
- One Who offers peace and security.
- He is Ar-Raqeeb, the Watcher.
- He is Al-Hafidh, the One Who protects and guards.
- He is Ash-Shahid, the Watchful One, the One Who Observes.
- He is Al-Hakeem, the Judge.
- “Then is He Who is a maintainer of every soul, [knowing] what it has earned, [like any other]?” (Ar-Rad 13:33)
The Messenger of Allah (sa) said: “Every one of you is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock. The leader of people is a guardian and is responsible for his subjects. A man is the guardian of his family, and he is responsible for them. A woman is the guardian of her husband’s home and his children, and she is responsible for them. The servant of a man is a guardian of the property of his master, and he is responsible for it. No doubt, every one of you is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
A mother knows what kind of guard she can provide; even if she is alert 24/7, her kids manage to get into mischief. Similarly, governors of cities and governments of countries try their utmost and still face multiple failures, because as creation, we do not have power. It is only Allah, the Al-Muhaymin, Who is fully aware of all of His creation, protecting and guarding them at all times, without needing slumber or sleep.
- How many times do we check ourselves, knowing that Al-Muhaymin is observing us? Wherever we are, flying in air, walking on land or swimming in deep oceans, or even hiding underground in bunkers, Allah (swt) is forever watching us. No deed, big or small, is hidden from Him. This is the essence of Taqwa.
- Although Allah (swt) is able to guard all of His creation, still He has appointed angels to record our deeds and guard us. Abu Hurayrah (rtam) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (sa) said: “Angels come to you in succession by night and day, and all of them get together at the time of Fajr and Asr prayers. Those who have passed the night with you ascend and Allah (swt) asks them, though he knows everything about you: ‘In what state did you leave my slaves?’ The angels reply: ‘When we left them, they were praying and when we reached them they were praying.’” (Bukhari)
- Al-Muhaymin is fully aware of the emotions, worries, and fears in our hearts.
- Al-Muhaymin also means ‘to extend a wing’, like a hen protecting her chicks. So we should relax after giving ourselves, our wealth, and our children under His protection.
- Al-Muhaymin also means ‘the One Who gives peace and security’. Did you know that the temperature inside the Earth’s crust at depth of 150 kilometers is usually about 700° to 1,250° Celsius or 2,000° F? It is hot enough for small part of the rocks to melt into lava. At the same time, the earth is moving around the sun at a speed of nearly 30 kilometres per second, or 67,000 miles per hour, while moving at its own axis as well. Yet, Al-Muhaymin has made it a peaceful abode for all His creation.
- Why has Al-Muhaymin given freedom to corrupt people? Al-Muhaymin also means ‘the One Who gives leverage to the oppressors so that they might turn back to Him’. He also provides opportunities to misguided people to soften their hearts.
- Al-Muhaymin means that He knows what is harmful for you and what is beneficial for you. Whatever Allah (swt) has told us is true. He is the One Who knows what is good and bad. He determines what is Haqq and that is what we should follow. He not only counts our deeds but also saves and increases our rewards with His bounty for the day that we will all meet Him.
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