Living The Quran
From Issue: 1051 [Read full issue]
The Name of God
Al-Fatiha (The Opening) Sura 1: Verse 1
"In the name of God, the All-Merciful, the Ever-Merciful."
In the name of God. When someone mentions this word, he will attain to delight in Him in this world and the next; when someone recognizes it, he will throw away his lifeblood in seeking Him. When this word sits in the heart, it divests it of every occupation, and when a servant perseveres in its remembrance, it will make him secure from every terror.
In the name of Him who is king over all kings and whose kingship is not through retinue and army. He is far-seeing, near-knowing, and aware of the hidden. He sees all things, knows every work, and is aware at every moment—whether a loud call or the heart's secret, a bright day or a dark night. In the name of Him who in His gentleness yearns for those who yearn for Him, who in His good Godhood made a covenant and compact with the servant.
Were it not for His gentleness, who would dare to dream about His remembrance? Were it not for His solicitude, who could reach His Presence?
Compiled From:
"Kashf al-Asrar wa Uddat al-Abrar" - Rashid al-Din Maybudi, p. 528