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The-concept-of-Allah-in-Islam

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limit what is limitless," mean<strong>in</strong>g the mercy <strong>of</strong> <strong>Allah</strong>. <strong>The</strong> Messenger <strong>of</strong> <strong>Allah</strong> has also said,"If <strong>Allah</strong> grants you an <strong>in</strong>crease [<strong>of</strong> His bless<strong>in</strong>gs], do give your own self an <strong>in</strong>crease."47. "Al-Hakeem"<strong>Allah</strong> has said, "... and if You forgive them, then surely You are the Mighty, theWise" (Qura'n, 5:118)."Hakeem" is a superlative form, a form for the glorification <strong>of</strong> the One Who has all thewisdom; hence, al-Hakeem is the very greatest <strong>in</strong> His wisdom. <strong>Allah</strong> is the most wise <strong>in</strong>creat<strong>in</strong>g everyth<strong>in</strong>g and <strong>in</strong> perfect<strong>in</strong>g such a creation. His wisdom means His prior knowledge<strong>of</strong> everyth<strong>in</strong>g and His br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g everyth<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to existence most wisely and most perfectly.Wisdom means: the best way <strong>of</strong> know<strong>in</strong>g someth<strong>in</strong>g utiliz<strong>in</strong>g the very best <strong>of</strong> means. "Al-Hakeem" carries the same mean<strong>in</strong>g as that <strong>of</strong> "al-`Aleem." Nobody knows <strong>Allah</strong> except <strong>Allah</strong>;therefore, al-Hakeem cannot be anyone but <strong>Allah</strong>: He knows the orig<strong>in</strong>s <strong>of</strong> all th<strong>in</strong>gs throughHis eternal and perpetual knowledge which nobody can ever conceive as be<strong>in</strong>g liable toext<strong>in</strong>ction."Al-Hakeem" may also mean His be<strong>in</strong>g Holy, too Holy to do anyth<strong>in</strong>g which does not beseemHim. In Surat al-Mom<strong>in</strong>oon, <strong>Allah</strong> says, "What?! Did you then th<strong>in</strong>k that We had created you<strong>in</strong> va<strong>in</strong> and that you will not be returned to Us?!" (Qura'n, 23:115). Some scholars have saidthat al-Hakeem is equitable <strong>in</strong> His assessment, benevolent <strong>in</strong> His management <strong>of</strong> affairs, theOne Who has determ<strong>in</strong>ed the measure <strong>of</strong> everyth<strong>in</strong>g, the One Whose wisdom is the veryultimate end, the One Who places everyth<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> its right place. Nobody can really appreciate<strong>Allah</strong>'s wisdom other than <strong>Allah</strong> Himself.Al-Hakeem is free from seek<strong>in</strong>g any self-<strong>in</strong>terest, nor can anyone object to anyth<strong>in</strong>g He does.Al-Hakeem is adorned with wisdom, and wisdom is know<strong>in</strong>g the best <strong>of</strong> th<strong>in</strong>gs through thebest means. <strong>The</strong> best <strong>of</strong> everyth<strong>in</strong>g is <strong>Allah</strong>; so, He is the Absolute al-Hakeem; He knowseveryth<strong>in</strong>g by the very best means <strong>of</strong> eternal and everlast<strong>in</strong>g knowledge, the knowledgewhich nobody can conceive as ever com<strong>in</strong>g to naught, nor can there be any doubt about it,and nobody can be described as such except <strong>Allah</strong>.Some scholars say that wisdom means gett<strong>in</strong>g to know the truth for its own sake, and to knowgoodness <strong>in</strong> order to act upon it. A servant <strong>of</strong> <strong>Allah</strong>, though his portion <strong>of</strong> knowledge andpotential may be little, such a shortcom<strong>in</strong>g is evident <strong>in</strong> him when compared to <strong>Allah</strong>'sknowledge and might and to the knowledge and ability <strong>of</strong> the angels. Yet whatever amounthuman be<strong>in</strong>gs have been given is quite significant by the token that <strong>Allah</strong> Himself hasdeemed it great when he said, "... and whoever is granted wisdom is <strong>in</strong>deed granted a greatdeal <strong>of</strong> goodness" (Qura'n, 2:269). Abraham prayed his Lord for wisdom say<strong>in</strong>g, "Lord! Grantme wisdom" (Qura'n, 26:83). <strong>Allah</strong> said the follow<strong>in</strong>g about David (prophet David): "We

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