These two noble Names are mentioned in the following Ahaadeeth (narrations):
1- Abu Musa al-Ash’ari (Radia-Allaahu ’anhu) narrated that the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) used to invoke Allaah with the following invocation:
اللهُمَّ اغفِر لي خطيئتي وجهلي وإسرافي في أمري كله، وما أنت أعْلَمُ بِهِ منّي. اللهُمَّ اغْفِر لي جِدّي وهَزْلي وخَطَئي وعَمْدي وكلُّ ذلك عندي. اللهُمَّ اغْفِر لي ما قدَّمْتُ وما أخَّرْتُ، وما أسْرَرْتُ وما أعْلَنْتُ وما أنت أعْلَمُ بِهِ منّي، أنت المُقَدِّمُ وأنت المُؤَخِّرُ وأنت على كلِّ شئٍ قَدير.
“O Allaah! Forgive my sins and my ignorance and my exceeding the limits (i.e. all my great sins), and what You know better than I. O Allaah! Forgive the wrong I have done jokingly or seriously, and forgive all my accidental and intentional errors, and I confess I committed such mistakes and offences. O Allaah! Forgive my past sins which I did openly or secretly, and also my future sins. You are the One Who makes things go ahead and You are the One Who delays them, and you are the Omnipotent.” [Al-Bukhaari-Kitab of Da’waat (the Book of Invocations no. 6399)]
2- ‘Ali (Radia-Allaahu ’anhu) reported: “When the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was in Salaat (prayer), he used to supplicate towards the end of prayer after the Tashahhud, but before the Tasleem (concluding salutations):
اللهُمَّ اغْفِر لي ما قَدَّمْتُ وما أخَّرْتُ، وما أسْرَرْتُ وما أعْلَنْتُ، وما أسْرَفْتُ وما أنت أعْلَمُ بِهِ منّي، أنت المُقَدِّمُ ، وأنت المُؤَخِّرُ، لا إله إلا أنت.
‘O Allaah! Forgive my former and latter sins which I have done [or have yet to do], both secretly and openly, and those I have done excessively (exceeding the limits), and the faults of mine about which You have better knowledge than me. You Alone can send whomever You will forward, and You Alone can send whomever You will backward. None has the right to be worshipped but You.’” [Muslim]
Ibn ‘Abbaas (Radia-Allaahu ’anhuma) narrated that whenever the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) got up at night to offer the Tahajjud prayer he used to say:
اللهُمَّ لك الحمدُ، أنت قيِّمُ السماوات والأرضِ ومَن فيهن، ولك الحمدُ، أنت نورُ السماوات والأرض ومَن فيهنّ، ولَكَ الحمدُ أنت مَلِكُ السماوات والأرضِ ومن فيهنّ، ولَكَ الحمدُ، أنت الحَقُّ، ووعْدُكَ الحقُّ، ولِقاؤُكَ حقٌّ، وقُوْلُكَ حقٌّ، والجَنَّةُ حقٌّ، والنارُ حَقٌ، والنبيون حقٌّ، ومحمد حقٌّ، والساعةُ حقٌّ، اللهُمَّ لَكَ أسْلَمْتُ، وبِكَ آمَنْتُ، وعليك تَوَكَّلْتُ، وإليك أنَبْتُ، وبِك خاصَمْتُ، وإلَيْكَ حاكَمْتُ، فاغْفِر لي ما قَدَّمْتُ وما أخَّرْتُ، وما أسْرَرْتُ وما أعْلَنْتُ، أنت المُقَدِّمُ، وأنت المُؤَخِّرُ، لا إله إلا أنت، أو لا إله غيرُكَ.
“O Allaah! All the praises are for You; You are the Holder of the heavens and the earth and whatever is in them. All the praises are for You; You are the Light of the heavens and the earth and whatever is in them; You are the King of the heavens and the earth and whatever is in them. All the praises are for You; You are the Truth and Your Promise is the truth and the Meeting with You is the truth. Your Words are the truth and Paradise is the truth and Hell is the truth and all the Prophets (’Alayhum-us-salaam) are the truth. And Muhammad (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) is the truth, and the Hour (Day of Resurrection) is the truth. O Allaah! I surrender to You, I believe in You and depend on You. I repent to You, and with Your Help I argue (with my opponents, the disbelievers) and I take You as a Judge (to judge between us). Please forgive my past and future sins; whatever I concealed and whatever I revealed. You are the One Who makes (some people) progress (go) forward and (some) regress (go) backward; there is none who has the right to be worshipped but You (or, there is no deity other than You).”
[Sufyaan said that ‘Abdul Kareem Abu Umaiyya added to the above, ‘Wa laa haula wa laa quwwata illa billaah’ (There is neither might nor power except with Allaah)]. [Al-Bukhaari- Book of Tahajjud, no. 1120]
The meaning of the two Names with regards to Allaah (Ta’ala)
Al-Khattabi said: “Al-Muqaddim is the One Who puts things in their right places. He brings forward whomever He wills and hinders or puts backward whomever He wills. He presented (wrote or set ahead) the preordained decrees before He created the creation. He is the One Who gives precedence or priority to whom He loves among His Awliyaa’ (close believing slaves) over others from among His slaves. He raises some of His creation above others, and brings forward whomever He wills by guiding them to a precedent status; and He delays or hinders whomever He wills and moves them back from their ranks and causes them to lag behind. He is the One Who delays a thing from its expected time, knowing the wisdom behind the consequences of that.
There is no Muqaddim (who can bring forward) what He (Ta’ala) has hindered and moved backward, and there is no delayer (who can move backward) what He has set forth and made precedent (brought forward).
Al-Baihaqi said: ‘Joining these two Names is better than separating them.’” [Sha’n ad-Du’a]
Al-Hulaimee said: “Al-Muqaddim is the One Who gives the high ranks. And Al-Mu’akhkhir is the One Who moves backward or drives away from the high ranks.” [Al-Minhaj]
Ibn al-Atheer said: “One of the Names of Allaah is Al-Muqaddim, He Who gives precedence to things and puts them in their places so that whoever deserves to be preceded (presented forth), He will give him precedence (bring him forward). And Al-Mu’akhkhir is the One Who moves things backward and puts them in their places and it is the opposite of the Muqaddim.” [An-Nihayah]
An-Nawawi (Rahimahullaah) said: “He is the One Who brings forward whomever He wills of His creation to His Mercy by His Guidance, and He detains whomever He wills from that (Mercy and Guidance) as a means of disgracing him.” [Sharh Muslim by an-Nawawi]
The Impact of believing in these two Noble Names:
1- Al-Muqaddim and Al-Mu’akhkhir are two Names of Allaah which have opposite meanings and should not be separated from each other, like His joined Names Al-Mu’izz and Al-Muthil, Al-Khaafid and Ar-Raafi’, Al-Qaabid and Al-Baasit, and Al-Maani’ and Al-Mu’tee, and so forth.
He (Subhaanahu wa Ta’ala) is the One Who brings some things forward, putting them ahead of other things, either by universal precedence or legal and moral precedence. E.g. universal precedence is bringing some of creation into existence before other creation, or like the means having precedence over its causes, or the conditions having precedence over their causes.
As for legal precedence: it is e.g. the preference of the Prophets (‘Alayhum-us-salaam) over the rest of the humans, and the preference of some prophets over other prophets, and the preference of some servants over others.
He (Subhaanahu wa Ta’ala) is the One Who detains (puts back) some things over other things either by time or by Shar’ (Islamic Law). Bringing forward and detaining (keeping back) are practical Attributes of Allaah which are both subject to His will and wisdom. They are also essential Attributes. This means that Allaah’s Dhaat (Essence) is attributed with this and they are called practical attributes due to what results from them of Actions and Utterances.
2- Al-Qurtubi commented on the Hadeeth narrated by Ibn ‘Abbaas (Radia-Allaahu ’anhuma) saying: “The Imaams authenticated it and the whole Ummah are in consensus in regards to them (these two Names), and it is not permissible to invoke (with) one without the other, as said by al-Hulaimee.
The meanings of both of them are clear, and they are of His practical Attributes. He is the One Who raises whomever He wills, and brings down whomever He wills; He honors whomever He wills, and humiliates whomever He wills; He brings close whomever He wills and keeps far whomever He wills. Whoever is precedent and presented forth, has attained high ranks, and whoever is put back and detained is returned to the lowest depth.
Al-Hulaimee said: “Al-Muqaddim is the One Who grants high ranks and Al-Mu’akhkhir is the One Who drives away from the high ranks. He (Ta’ala) honored His prophets and Awliyaa’ (close, chosen believing slaves) by bringing them close, and guiding them. While He has disgraced His enemies by keeping them far away and setting a barrier (veil) between Him and them.
He is the One Who pre-ordained all decrees before creating the creation; He has brought forward whom He loves of His Awliyaa’ over other slaves, and He has raised the creation over each other in degrees,
“He cannot be questioned as to what He does, while they will be questioned.” [Surat al-Anbiyaa’ 21:23]
Everything is possible and it is just with regards to its time, description, and the rest of its state, in accordance to the Will of the Creator (Subhaanahu wa Ta’ala). Precedence and detainment could also mean the precedence of the existence of some things before other things and the delay of the existence of some things before other things.
They could also mean bringing forward and precedence of some existing things in ranks and nobility (honor) over other things and putting back some other things more than others.
Accordingly, the thing could be preceded in both existence and nobility, and it could be preceded in existence but detained from nobility and honor. And it could be delayed in existence but preceded in honor and nobility like Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) who was the last of the Prophets and the most honored and noble among them.
Also like the species of human (mankind) whom Allaah brought into existence after many of His creation, and Allaah honored him over many of His creations. On the other hand, Allaah preceded (brought forth) Iblees into existence before many existing things and he is the evilest of them all. It could happen that some existing things join precedence in existence and honor like the Throne, the Kursiyy, the Pen, the intellect, which is the first creation, and they are all honored by Allaah.” [Al-Kitab al-Asna]
3- It is obligatory upon every adult to believe that Allaah is Al-Muqaddim and Al-Mu’akhkhir in all respects. He precedes whomever He wills and detains (puts back) whomever He wills of creation, in rank or low rank below the creation, and Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’ala) is Able to do everything.
Therefore, it is a must upon man to bring forward what Allaah brought forward and gave precedence to, and to put back what Allaah put back. He (Subhaanahu wa Ta’ala) is Ar-Raafi’, Al-Khaafid Who raises and brings down; so he honors whomever Allaah has honored due to his obedience to Allaah from among his believing brothers. And he forsakes (abandons) whomever Allaah has humiliated because of their disobedience to Him. However, if he returns to Allaah in repentance, then He will be kind to him and bring him forward according to his degree. [Summarized- paraphrased- Al-Kitab al-Asna]
Whoever wills that Allaah raises him and gives him precedence, let him hasten to obey Allaah and perform what pleases Him, and seek nearness to Him as much as he can with what He loves and is pleased with; because this is the way of attainment of precedence to the noble rank and to the rank of good, mercy and honor in this world and the Hereafter.
And whosoever lags behind, slackens from taking the means of honor and nobility and shows laziness in performing what Allaah has obliged him with of duties, transgresses the limits of Allaah and procrastinates (delays) the repentance; he is the one delayed from the degrees of good and reward, and he will be put back in pain and torment.
Abu Sa’eid al-Khudri (Radia-Allaahu ’anhu) narrated that when Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) perceived a tendency among his Companions to stand in the back rows, he said to them: “Come forward and be close to me and let those who come after you, follow your lead. If people continue to fall behind (i.e. in acquiring virtues), Allaah puts them behind.” [Muslim]
Commentary: This Hadeeth tells us that the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) disliked those who occupied a place in the rear rows in congregational Salaat, and exhorted people to find a place in the front rows for the reason that by virtue of that place they could closely observe his manner of offering Salaat and emulate him, while people in the rear rows could emulate those who were in front of them. In this connection, he used a sentence which has become common and can also apply to other matters besides Salaat. One should not lag behind in acquiring knowledge and practice and in matters of merit and honor because those who lag behind in such matters are also pushed back by Allaah, while those who strive hard to acquire merit and honor are helped by Allaah and He makes their way convenient. This Hadeeth also stresses the need to stand close to the Imaam and has an inducement for excelling each other in virtues.
It is said that the meaning of “Allaah puts them behind,” is from His Mercy.
‘Aishah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha) narrated that Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “There are people who stay late from joining the first row until Allaah will put them back in Hell-Fire.” [Saheeh al-Jamie’, no. 7694]
Therefore, the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) urged the Sahaabah (Companions) to come forward to the first row and race to it, and come early to the Masaajid. He (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “If people knew about (the reward for) what is in pronouncing the Adhaan and standing in the first row (in congregational prayer), and they could not get that except by drawing lots, they would draw lots to get that, and if they knew (the reward of) the Dhuhur prayer (in the early moments of its stated time) they would race for it (go early); and if they knew (the reward of) ‘Isha and Fajr (early morning) prayers in congregation, they would come to offer them even if they had to crawl.” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
Allaah (Ta’ala) says in Surat Aal-‘Imran (3:133):
And march forth in the way (which leads to) forgiveness from your Lord, and for Paradise as wide as the heavens and the earth, prepared for al-Muttaqeen (the pious).
And He (Ta’ala) says in Surat al-Hadeed (57:21):
“Race with one another in hastening towards forgiveness from your Lord (Allaah), and Paradise the width whereof is as the width of heaven and the earth, prepared for those who believe in Allaah and His Messengers. That is the Grace of Allaah which He bestows on whom He is pleased with. And Allaah is the Owner of Great Bounty.”
Whoever is racing to perform good deeds in this worldly life, he would be of the foremost to enter Paradise in the Hereafter, and the people in this matter are of different degrees.
In the Hadeeth which describes those who cross the Siraat (the bridge), Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “… and the first of you will pass like lightning.” I said [i.e. Abu Hurairah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu)]: “May my father and mother be sacrificed for you, what is like the movement of lightning?” The Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Have you not seen how lightning goes and returns in the twinkling of an eye?”
[The] next (group will pass) like the passing of the wind, next like the passing of a bird, and next with the speed of a running man, according to the quality of their deeds. (During all this time) Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) will remain standing at the bridge saying: ‘O Lord! Keep (them) safe, keep (them) safe,’ till men’s deeds are so weak that a man will come who will only be able to crawl. On both sides of the bridge, pronged flesh hooks, placed under command, will be hung and will seize those about whom they receive command, some people being lacerated and escaping and others being thrown violently into Hell.” [Reported by Muslim on the authority of Abu Hurairah (Radia-Allaahu ’anhu)]
The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) mentioned the one who was delayed from entering Paradise until all the people of Paradise had entered their dwellings and he remained behind. He (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said about him:
“When Allaah finishes judging His slaves; there will be left a man facing the Fire, and he is the last to enter Jannah. He will say: ‘O My Rabb! Turn my face away from the Fire, for its heat hurts me and its blaze scorches me.’ He will then supplicate to Allaah as long as Allaah wishes. Then Allaah will say: ‘Would you ask more than that if I grant your wish?’ He would say: ‘I would not ask You more than this,’ and he would give his Rabb covenants and promises as Allaah wishes, and so He would turn his face away from the Fire.”
“When he faces Jannah and sees it, he will remain silent as long as Allaah wishes him to. Then he will say: ‘O My Rabb! Bring me closer to the gate of Jannah.’ Allaah will say to him: ‘Did you not give covenants and promises that you would not ask for anything besides what I had given you. Woe to you! O son of Adam, how treacherous you are!’ He will say: ‘O my Rabb!’ and continue to supplicate to Allaah until He says to him: ‘If I grant you that, perhaps you will ask for more.’ He will reply: ‘No, by Your Greatness,’ and he will give his Rabb promises and covenants as Allaah wishes. He then brings him to the gate of Jannah.”
“When he stands at the gate of Jannah, it opens before him, and he sees the goodness and the joy in it. He remains quiet as long as Allaah wants. He then says: ‘O my Rabb, admit me to Jannah.’ Allaah says: ‘Have you not given covenants and promises that you would not ask for anything more than what I granted you? Woe to you! O son of Adam, how treacherous you are!’ and he would say: ‘O my Rabb! I do not wish to be the most wretched of Your creatures.’ He continues invoking Allaah until Allaah laughs. When Allaah laughs at him, He says: ‘Enter the Jannah.’ When he enters it, Allaah says: ‘Make wishes.’ He asks his Rabb and wishes until Allaah reminds him of such and such (things). When his wishes are exhausted Allaah says: ‘That is for you and the like of it too.’”
‘Ata’ ibn Yazid said: Abu Sa’eid al-Khudri was with Abu Hurairah (Radia-Allaahu ’anhuma) and he did not reject anything from the Hadeeth narrated by him, until when Abu Hurairah said that which Allaah said to the man: ‘and the like of it too.’ Abu Sa’eid said: ‘And ten times the like of it too,’ O Abu Hurairah!” Abu Hurairah said: “I do not remember except the words: ‘that is for you and the like of it too.”’ Abu Sa’eid said: “I bear witness that I memorized from the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) his words: ‘that is for you and ten times the like of it too.’” Abu Hurairah said: “That man will be the last to enter Jannah.”
Source:
📚 An-Nahj al-Asmaa Fee Sharh Asmaa’u-Allaahul-Husna, by Shaikh Muhammad al-Humood an-Najdi
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