by Umm Isam – Hiba magazine Content Writer
Allah (swt) describes His Majesty in the Quran: “Say, ‘Is it other than Allah I should take as a Protector, Creator of the heavens and earth, while it is He Who feeds and is not fed?’ Say, (O Muhammad) ‘Indeed I have been commanded to be the first (among you) who submit (to Allah) and (was commanded), Do not ever be of the polytheist’”. (Al Anaam 6:14)
Al-Faatir, is one of Allah’s (swt) beautiful names that introduces our Creator to us. Had Allah (swt) not guided us, we would not have known how He created the amazing and unique creations that no one else can. Out of which the seven heavens and the earth are most wonderful. Imagine all that rests and resides inside these layers. Next try to think of your own insignificant existence that doesn’t even look like a speck or a dot in the grand scheme of things.
That is the true reality of Al Faatir in relation to us, yet Allah (swt) introduces us to Him so we can worship Him mindfully and obtain Jannah, His greatest bounty for the believer.
Who is Al-Faatir?
He is the only Perfect and Absolute Creator at the vast and highest level. The word Faatir means to tear or split. Al- Faatir is an evidence upon Allah’s (swt) Tauheed, The Only Creator of the amazing heavens and the earth. Hence it is only Allah Al-Faatir’s right to be worshipped.
Acknowledge the uniqueness of His creation
Allah (swt) created the angels that are part of His unseen realm that is much greater than the seen world that Allah (swt) created for us. For our guidance He has described the angels to us along with their very important role. Also highlighted the uniqueness of His wonderful creation by mentioning the number of wings He gave them. For e.g. angels with three wings.
Allah Al-Faatir created as He pleased: those with intellect and those without it, etc. He chose diverse forms, shapes, sizes, roles, designs, life spans, etc. Nobody can claim partnership in His creation.
Allah states in the Quran: “(All) praise is (due) to Allah, Creator of the heavens and the earth, (Who) made, the angels the messengers having wings two or three or four. He increases in creation what He wills. Indeed, Allah is over all things competent.” (Faatir 35:1)
Praise Him for His blessings
The prophets attributed Allah (swt) for whatever competence and abilities were granted to them. They admitted that even they could not stay steadfast if Allah (swt) would not protect their faith in Dunya and good end in Aakhirah. As we find in the following Quranic Dua Prophet Yusuf (as) made to Allah Al-Faatir:
“My Lord, You have given me (something) of sovereignty and taught me of the interpretation of dreams. Creator of the heavens and the earth, You are my Protector in this world and the hereafter. Cause me to die a Muslim and join me with the righteous.” (Yusuf 12:101)
Understand that the final word will be Allah’s (swt) only
When Prophet Muhammad (sa) declared Allah Al-Faatir’s unity (Tauheed), the polytheists opposed him with full force. Allah (swt) commanded the prophet (sa) to invoke Him with this name:
“Say, ‘O Allah, Creator of the heavens and the earth, Knower of the unseen and the witnessed, You will judge between Your servants concerning that over which they used to differ.” (Az Zumur 39:46)
Make Dua for guidance and unity
Allah (swt) has placed the yearning and seeking of Haqq (truth) in our souls. Even if someone is not exposed to Deen or has not learnt much, he prefers the path of goodness and righteousness by nature. It’s Shaitan and our desires that mislead us and trap us into darkness of Kufr (disbelief).
Discord is also rampant today. In times of any kind of disunity among the believers, this Dua should be made:
اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّ جِبْرِيلَ وَمِيكَائِيلَ وَإِسْرَافِيلَ فَاطِرَ السَّمَوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ عَالِمَ الْغَيْبِ وَالشَّهَادَةِ أَنْتَ تَحْكُمُ بَيْنَ عِبَادِكَ فِيمَا كَانُوا فِيهِ يَخْتَلِفُونَ اللَّهُمَّ اهْدِنِي لِمَا اخْتُلِفَ فِيهِ مِنَ الْحَقِّ إِنَّكَ تَهْدِي مَنْ تَشَاءُ إِلَى صِرَاطٍ مُسْتَقِيمٍ
Abu Salamah bin Abdur-Rahman said: “I asked Aishah (rta): ‘With what did the Prophet (ﷺ) start his prayer?’ She said: ‘When he got up to pray at night he would start his prayer with the words: O Allah, Lord of Jibril, Mikail and Israfil, Creator of the heavens and the earth, Knower of the unseen and the seen, You judge between Your slaves concerning wherein they differ. O Allah, guide me to the disputed matters of truth for You are the One Who guides to the Straight Path.” (An-Nasai)
Make Dua at the time of sacrificing an animal
Before offering our sacrifice, we turn to Allah Al Faatir pledging that it is only for Him.
“Verily I have turned my face toward Him, Who created the heavens and the earth, worshipping none but Allah alone, and I am not of the idolators…” (Ibn Majah)
When we raise our hands in prayer toward Allah Al Faatir, our heart eases to know the power, reality and control of our Creator. Who else can fulfill our needs and grant us comfort than Allah Al-Faatir, the Mighty Creator of the heavens and the earth?
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