Al-Qaadir, Al-Qadeer, Al-Muqtadir (The Able)

Source:

An-Nahj al-Asma Fii Sharh Asma Allahu al-Husna by Shaikh Muhammad an-Najdi

The Name Al-Qaadir is mentioned in the Noble Qur’an twelve times, five times of which are in the plural form. Allaah says in Surat al-An’aam (6:65):

“Say: ’ He has power to send torment on you from above or from under your feet, or to cover you with confusion in party strife, and make you to taste the violence of one another.’ See how variously We explain the Ayat (proofs, evidence, lessons, signs, revelation, etc.), so that they may understand.”

Allaah (Ta’ala) also says in Surat al-Mu’minoon (23:95):

“And indeed We are Able to show you [O Muhammad (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)] that with which We have threatened them.”

Allaah (Ta’ala) also says in Surat Ya-Seen (36:81)

“Is not He Who created the heavens and the earth Able to create the like of them? Yes, indeed! He is the All-Knowing Supreme Creator.”

In Surat al-Mursalat (77:20-23), Allaah (Ta’ala) says

“Did We not create you from a despised water (semen)? Then We placed it in a place of safety (womb) for a known period (determined by gestation)? So We did measure; and We are the Best to measure (the things).”

The Name of Allaah Al-Qadeer is mentioned forty five times in the Qur’an.

Allaah (Ta’ala) says in Surat al-Baqarah (2:20):

“And if Allaah willed, He could have taken away their hearing and their sight. Certainly, Allaah has power over all things.”

In Surat al-Baqarah (2:148), Allaah (Ta’ala) says:

“Wheresoever you may be, Allaah will bring you together (on the Day of Resurrection). Truly, Allaah is Able to do all things.”

In Surat an-Nisaa’ (4:149), Allaah (Ta’ala) says:

“Whether you (mankind) disclose (by good words of thanks) a good deed (done to you in the form of a favor by someone), or conceal it, or pardon an evil, verily, Allaah is Ever Oft- Pardoning, All-Powerful.”

In Surat al-Ma’idah (5:40), Allaah (Ta’ala) says:

 “He punishes whom He wills and He forgives whom He wills. And Allaah is Able to do all things.”

In Surat al-An’aam (6:17), Allaah (Ta’ala) says:

 “And if Allaah touches you with harm, none can remove it but He, and if He touches you with good, then He is Able to do all things.”

In Surat al-Hajj (22: 6), Allaah (Ta’ala) says:

 “That is because Allaah: He is the Truth, and it is He Who gives life to the dead, and it is He Who is Able to do all things.”

In Surat Faatir (35:44), Allaah (Ta’ala) says:

 “Allaah is not such that anything in the heavens or in the earth escapes Him. Verily, He is All-Knowing, All-Omnipotent.”

In Surat al-Mulk (67: 1), Allaah (Ta’ala) says:

 “Blessed be He in Whose Hand is the dominion; and He is Able to do all things.”

The Name of Allaah Al-Muqtadir is mentioned four times in the Noble Qur’an.

Allaah (Ta’ala) says in Surat al-Kahf (18:45):

 “And Allaah is Able to do everything.”

In Surat az-Zukhruf (43:41-42), Allaah (Ta’ala) says:

 “And even if We take you [O Muhammad (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)] away, We shall indeed take vengeance on them. Or (if) We show you that wherewith We threaten them, then verily, We have perfect command over them.”

In Surat al-Qamar (54:42), Allaah (Ta’ala) says:

 “(They) belied all Our signs, so We seized them with a Seizure of the All-Mighty, All-Capable (Omnipotent).”

In Surat al-Qamar (54:54-55), Allaah (Ta’ala) says:

 “Verily, the Muttaqun (the pious) will be in the midst of Gardens and Rivers (Paradise) in a seat of truth (i.e. Paradise), near the Omnipotent King (Allaah, the One, the All-Blessed, the Most High, the Owner of Majesty and Honor).”

The meaning of the Names with regards to Allaah (Azza wa jall)

The Name Al-Qaadir:

Az-Zajjaj said: “Allaah is Al-Qaadir (All-Able) over what He wills, nothing escapes Him and nothing can make Him fail. In contrast, compare the one who is able among us humans – even if he deserves this attribute – firstly, this ability is given to him as a trust from Allaah (Ta’ala) and secondly, in one state he is able while in another state he is incapable. Allaah (Ta’ala) is the One Who is Able; neither does incapacity befall Him nor does anything escape Him.” [Tafseer al-Asmaa’]

Al-Khattabi said: ”Al-Qaadir is derived from al-Qudrah, i.e. the ability over things. Allaah (Ta’ala) has described Himself in Surat al-Ahzaab (33:27) that He is Omnipotent, Able to do everything He wills, no incapacity (failure) or slackness can overtake Him.

“And Allaah is Able to do all things.” [33:27]

Al-Qaadir could also mean the One Who estimates the thing. (Qaddartu ash-shay’) and (Qadartuhu) have the same meaning, like His statement in Surat al-Mursalat (77:23):

 “So We did measure, and We are the Best to measure (the things).”

According to this meaning, His following statement will be interpreted as that he (Prophet Yunus ‘Alayhissalaam) thought that Allaah would not decree the punishment or the sin upon him; it is not permissible for a Prophet of Allaah to think that Allaah is unable to take an action in any state.

[Sha’n ad-Du’aa]

 “And (remember) Dhan-Nun (Jonah), when he went off in anger, and (he) imagined (thought) that We shall not punish him (i.e. the calamites which had befallen him)!” [Al-Anbiyaa’ 21:87]

Al-Haleemi said: “Allaah (Ta’ala) says in Surat al-Qiyamah (75:40):

 “Is not He (Allaah Who does that) Able to give life to the dead? (Yes! He is Able to do all things).”

And He (Ta’ala) says in Surat al-Ahqaaf (46:33):

“Yes, He surely is Able to do all things.”

This indicates that nothing can make Allaah fail or find Him incapable; everything is easy for Him as He wills, because His Actions are apparent. (Logically when we see an action it is apparent that the doer is able and not incapable).” [Al-Minhaaj]

Al-Baihaqi said: “Al-Qaadir is the One Who has full ability and the ability is an attribute which is intrinsic to His Essence.” [Al-E’tiqaad]

The  Name Al-Qadeer

Ibn Jarir said regarding Allaah’s statement in Surat al-Baqarah (2:20):

 “And if Allaah willed, He could have taken away their hearing and their sight. Certainly, Allaah has power over all things.”

Allaah (Ta’ala) described Himself, the Exalted, in this verse as having the ability over all things. He (Ta’ala) has warned the hypocrites against His control (effect) and strength. He (Ta’ala) has informed them that He encompasses them and has the power to take away their sight and hearing. Then He (Ta’ala) says: “Fear Me, O you hypocrites! Beware of deceiving Me, or deceiving My Messenger and My believing slaves. I am Able to inflict you with my Wrath and other matters.” [Jami’ul-Bayaan]

Ibn Jarir said regarding Allaah’s statement in Surat al-Baqarah (2:106):

 “Whatsoever a Verse (revelation) do We abrogate or cause to be forgotten, We bring a better one or similar to it. Know you not that Allaah is Able to do all things. “

“Don’t you know O Muhammad that I am Able to substitute (amend) whatever I have abrogated and changed of My laws and My obligatory acts which I have enjoined upon you with what is better and more beneficial for you and My believing slaves, whether in this life or in the Hereafter, or exchange in its place something similar to it in goodness and benefit and similar in its ease upon you and them. Know O Muhammad that I am Able over this matter and over all things.” [Jami’ul-Bayaan]

Al-Haleemi said: “Al-Qadeer is the One Whose Ability (Strength) is perfect, not blemished with incapacity in any aspect.” [Al-Minhaaj]

Shaikh as-Sa’dee (Rahimahullaah) said: ”Al-Qadeer is the One Who has complete and perfect Power and Ability. By it He disposes all the affairs; by it He fashions and perfects the creation; by it He brings to life and causes death and by it He will resurrect the servants for their recompense, rewarding the one who did good with His good and punishing the one who worked evil with His Hellfire. The One Who, when He wills a thing to be merely says to it: ”Be!” and it is. By His Power and Ability He turns the hearts and directs them to whatsoever He wills and wants.” [Tayseer al-Kareem]

Al-Muqtadir

In his interpretation of Allaah’s statement in Surat al-Qamar (54:55):

“near the Omnipotent King (Allaah, the One, the All-Blessed, the Most High, the Owner of Majesty and Honor)”,

Ibn Jarir said: ”Near the King Who is Able to do all things as He wills and He is Allaah, the Owner of Power, the Most Strong, the Blessed, the Exalted.” [Jami’ul-Bayaan]

Az-Zajjaj said: “Al-Muqtadir is an exaggerated and intensive expression for the attribute of Ability. Basically, in the Arabic language any addition to the verb (action) indicates an increase (addition) in the meaning.” [Tafseer al-Asmaa’]

The difference between these Names

Az-Zajjaj said: “Al-Qadeer is more eloquent and intensive in describing ability than Al-Qaadir, because Al-Qaadir is a participle of the word Qadara, Yaqdir; while Al-Qadeer is from Fa’eel which is one of the exaggerative expressions.” [Ishtiqaq al-Asmaa’]

Ibn al-Atheer said: “Al-Qaadir is a participle of Qadara, Yaqdir, and Al-Qadeer is for exaggeration and Al-Muqtadir is an even more intensive and exaggerated form.” [An-Nihayah]

The impacts of believing in these Names

1. All the Muslims and other nations agree that Allaah is Able and has power over all things; nothing escapes Him, whether it be in the heavens or in the earth. Allaah (Ta’ala) says in Surat Faatir (35:44):

 “Have they not travelled in the land, and seen what was the end of those before them- though they were superior to them in power? Allaah is not such that anything in the heavens or in the earth escapes Him. Verily, He is All-Knowing, All-Omnipotent.”

Nothing makes Allaah fail nor is any request missed by Him; rather, He has the full and complete ability over it and this is one of the continual Attributes of his Essence. Allaah is always attributed with strength and ability since it is established by Him.

The meaning of Qudratu-Allaah (i.e. Allaah’s Ability): His Ability or Action. The Action of Allaah is of two kinds:

1-  Intransitive

2-  Transitive

These two types of actions are mentioned in Surat al-Hadeed (57: 4)

 “He it is Who created the heavens and the earth in six Days and then rose over (Istawa) the Throne (in a manner that suits His Majesty).”

Shaikhul-Islam ibn Taymiyyah (Rahimahullaah) explained this, saying, “Istiwaa’ (rising over the Throne), coming on the Day of Resurrection for judgment among the creation, the descent to the lowest heaven and so forth are all intransitive verbs (actions) which do not need an object; they are established by the Doer, whereas creating, providing, giving life, causing death, granting and preventing, guidance, victory and revelation, etc. are transitive (to an object).”

People differed regarding the Actions of Allaah (Ta’ala). The Salaf (predecessors) and the Imaams of the Sunnah affirmed both actions (the transitive and the intransitive) to Allaah (Azza wa jall) by the way each action is indicated in the Qur’an. Allaah (Ta’ala) has informed us about His Noble Self; that He has created the heavens and the earth in Six days and then He rose over the Throne (in a manner that suits His Majesty).

The Jahmiyyah (one of the deviated sects who deny the Attributes of Allaah) deny the Ability of Allaah regarding these actions; they claim (and Allaah is above what they attribute Him with) that He is not omnipotent over all things. Allaah (Ta’ala) says in Surat al-An’aam (6:91):

 “They did not estimate Allaah with estimation due to Him.”

Ibn ‘Abbaas (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhuma) said that this verse was revealed about the disbelievers, because (in opposition) whoever believes that Allaah has power over all things, then he has estimated Allaah with estimation due to him.” [Ibn Tarir in his Tafseer]

Regarding Allaah’s statement:

“They did not estimate Allaah with estimation due to Him”,

the interpreters said, that they did not know Him as He truly deserves, nor did they magnify and glorify Him as He truly deserves and they did not describe Him as He truly He deserves. Allaah (Ta’ala) has used this description of not having estimated Him justly,  in three verses in the Qur’an: first: in refuting the Mu’attilah (deniers of Allaah’s Names and Attributes), second: in refuting the Mushrikeen (the polytheists) and third: in refuting the claim of deniers who deny the concept that Allaah sent down Books by revelation (inspiration) to any human being.

He (Ta’ala) says in Surat al-An’aam (6:91)

“They did not estimate Allaah with estimation due to Him when they said: ‘Nothing did Allaah send down to any human being (by inspiration).’”

In Surat al-Hajj (22:73-74), Allaah (Ta’ala) says:

 “Verily, those on whom you call besides Allaah cannot create (even) a fly, even though they combine together for the purpose. And if the fly snatches away a thing from them, they will have no power to release it from the fly. So weak are (both) the seeker and the sought.

They have not estimated Allaah His Rightful Estimate. Verily, Allaah is All-Strong, All-Mighty.”

In Surat az-Zumar (39:67), Allaah (Ta’ala) says:

“They made not a just estimate of Allaah such as is due to Him. And on the Day of Resurrection the whole of the earth will be grasped by His Hand and the heavens will be rolled up in His Right Hand. Glorified be He, and High be He above all that they associate as partners with Him!”

Al-Bukhaari reported that ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ood (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) said: “One of the rabbis came to the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and said: ‘O Muhammad! We learn that Allaah will put the heavens on one finger, the earth on one finger, the trees on one finger, the water and dust on one finger, and the rest of creation on one finger, and then He will say: ‘I am the King.’’ The Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) smiled so broadly that his molars could be seen, in confirmation of what the rabbi said. Then the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) recited:

“They made not a just estimate of Allaah such as is due to Him. And on the Day of Resurrection the whole of the earth will be grasped by His Hand.”

Abu Hurairah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated: “I heard the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) say: ‘Allaah will grasp the earth and roll up the heavens in His Right Hand, then He will say: “I am the King, where are the kings of the earth?” then He will say: “Where are the tyrants? Where are the arrogant ones?” [ Muslim]

Muslim reported that when the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was on the pulpit he said: “The Compeller, the Blessed, the Most High will seize His heavens and earth with both of His Hands and He will clench His Fist and then open and close it. Then He will say: ‘I am the Compeller! Where are the tyrants? Where are the arrogant?’ The Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) turned to his right and to his left, until I (the narrator) saw the pulpit moving from below and I thought what if it falls with the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) on it?”

It is reported in the Sunan on the authority of ‘Awf ibn Maalik al-Ashja’ee (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) that he said: “Once I established the night prayers with the Messenger of Allaah. When he (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) recited Surat al-Baqarah he (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) did not pass a verse that comprises mercy but he (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) paused and asked (Allaah) for His Mercy, and he did not pass by a verse that comprises or talks about torment but he (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) paused and sought refuge in Allaah, and then he (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) bowed (the duration being) as long as he stood (Qiyaam), saying in his Rukoo’,

سُبْحَانَ ذِي الجَبَرُوتِ والمَلَكُوتِ والكِبْرياءِ والعَظَمَة

Subhaana Dhil-Jubarooti wal-Malakooti wal-Kibriyaa’i wal-‘Adhamah.

“How perfect is He Who has all Power, Kingdom, Magnificence and Supremacy.”

Then he (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) prostrated (Sujood) and prolonged his prostration (the duration being) as long as his Qiyaam (standing), then he said the same supplication that he said in his Rukoo’. Then he (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) stood up and recited Surat Aal-‘Imraan and then he recited another Surah.” [Reported by Abu Dawoud, an-Nasa’i and at-Tirmidhi]

Also Allaah (Ta’ala) said in a Qudsi Hadeeth: “Greatness (Grandeur) is My Izaar and Pride is My cloak. Whoever competes with Me regarding one of them, shall be tormented.” [Muslim]

Those who deny Allaah’s Attributes (i.e. the Jahmiyyah and others) of the deviated sects, do not estimate Allaah (Ta’ala) with an estimation that is His due. They claim that He (Ta’ala) does not grasp a thing nor does He roll it; rather, that He is not Able to do any of these Actions. They do not affirm His Ability in any action, or speech by His will, nor do they affirm His Ability of descending or sending down anything. They are a people who are the farthest away from believing in Allaah’s Ability and the fact that He has power over everything.

[Allaah is far above what they claim] If He is not able then He would not be Strong nor could He have created everything. Therefore, they are of those about whom Allaah says in Surat al-Hajj (22:73-74):

 “So weak are (both) the seeker and the sought. They have not estimated Allaah His Rightful Estimate. Verily, Allaah is All-Strong, All-Mighty.”

[Majmoo’ al-Fatawa-in summary]

2. The existence of the enumerable creations, with their different forms and kinds, are a clear proof and an apparent sign that indicate the perfect Ability of Allaah (Ta’ala).

Shaikhul-Islam ibn Taymiyyah (Rahimahullaah) said in a long quote: “Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala) is Just and He never oppresses. His Justice is His Benevolence to His creation. Everything that He has created is a kind of benevolence to His servants. Therefore, He deserves to be praised in all states.”

    In Surat an-Najm (53:42-54), Allaah mentions the different aspects of His Ability such as,

 “And that to your Lord (Allaah) is the End (Return of everything). And that it is He (Allaah) Who makes (whom He wills) laugh, and makes (whom He wills) weep.

And that it is He (Allaah) Who causes death and gives life.

And that He (Allaah) creates the pairs, male and female

from Nutfah (drops of semen-male and female discharges) when it is emitted.

And that upon Him (Allaah) is another bringing forth (Resurrection).

And that it is He (Allaah) Who gives much or a little (of wealth and contentment).

And that He (Allaah) is the Lord of Sirius (the star which the pagan Arabs used to worship).

And that it is He (Allaah) Who destroyed the former ‘Aad (people).

And Thamud (people). He spared none of them.

And the people of Nuh (Noah) aforetime. Verily, they were more unjust and more rebellious and transgressing [in disobeying Allaah and His Messenger Nuh (Noah) ‘Alayhis- salaam].

And He destroyed the overthrown cities [of Sodom to which Prophet Lut (Lot) was sent].

So there covered them that which did cover (i.e. torment with stones).”

Then Allaah (Ta’ala) says in verse (53:55):

 “Then which of the Graces of your Lord (O man!) will you doubt?”,

to signify that these blessings, such as the destruction of the ancient people who belied their Messengers, are proofs and signs of His Ability and Wisdom. His Blessings upon the believers and His giving support and triumph to His Messengers, by fulfilling the Message that they were sent with, indicates that happiness lies in following them and wretchedness is in opposing them. These signs and warnings are considered some of His greatest blessings.

This is similar to what He (Ta’ala) has mentioned in Surat ar-Rahmaan.

Every creature is one of His favors and bounties, and that is from many aspects, for example:

Every creature is an indication of Allaah’s Existence, His Oneness, His Ability, and so forth; and faith, knowledge and the remembrance of the Lord are attained by it. This blessing is the best blessing that Allaah has bestowed upon His believing slaves in this world. Moreover, there are benefits in His creations other than them just being an indication of the existence of Allaah, as Allaah (Ta’ala) says after mentioning any blessing of His:

 “Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (Jinn and Mankind) deny?” [55:13, 16, 18, 21,…]

He (Ta’ala) also says in Surat an-Najm (53:55):

 “Then which of the graces of your Lord (O man!) will you doubt?”

All of the blessings are signs which indicate or point to Allaah’s Noble Self, His Oneness, His Attributes and the meaning of His Names. Every sign (Ayah) is comprised of an introduction (definition), guidance and indication (designation) of the Lord, His Ability, His Wisdom, His Mercy, His Religion; and of these, guidance is the best of blessings.

  There are benefits in every creature as well as in the creation of the sun, the moon, the clouds, the rain, the animals and the plants. These are all His signs and in them are great blessings for His servants. It is therefore necessary to remember (reflect) and be grateful to Allaah. Allaah (Ta’ala) says in Surat al-Furqan (25:62):

 “And He it is Who has put the night and the day in succession, for such who desires to remember or desires to show his gratitude.”

He (Ta’ala) says in Surat Qaaf (50: 8):

 “An insight and a reminder for every slave who turns to Allaah in repentance.”

When the slave witnesses Allaah’s blessings bestowed upon him, this will remind him to thank Allaah for them. The human selves are naturally created to love the one who does good to them and Allaah (Ta’ala) is the Bestower and the Benevolent (Benefactor). There is no blessing that the creation enjoys but it is from Him.

Allaah (Ta’ala) dispraised those who disbelieved after their belief as He (Ta’ala) says in Surat al-An’aam (6:63):

“Say (O Muhammad Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam): ‘Who rescues you from the darkness of the land and the sea (dangers like storms), …’” i.e. regarding the removal of distress.

And regarding the blessings, He (Ta’ala) says in Surat al-Waqi’ah (56: 82):

 “And instead (of thanking Allaah) for the provision He gives you, you deny (Him by disbelief).”

And that is by seeking rain through the stars instead of attributing this blessing (of rain) to Allaah (Ta’ala).

3. The people disputed in their interpretation of Allaah’s Statement in Surat al-Baqarah (2:20):

 “Certainly, Allaah has power over all things.”

Ibn Taymiyyah (Rahimahullaah) said: “Allaah (Ta’ala) has power even over matters which He does not do as He informed us in Surat al-Waqi’ah (56:68-82):

 “Then tell me about the water that you drink,”

till His statement in verse 82:

 “And instead (of thanking Allaah) for the provision He gives you, you deny (Him by disbelief).”

He (Ta’ala) told us that if He willed, He would make the water salt (and undrinkable), but He (Ta’ala) did not do that.

Similarly when He (Ta’ala) said in Surat as-Sajdah (32:13):

“And if We had willed, surely We could have given every person his guidance.”

In Surat Yunus (10:99), He (Ta’ala) says:

 “And had your Lord willed, those on earth would have believed, all of them together.”

In Surat al-Baqarah (2:253), He (Ta’ala) says:

 “If Allaah had willed, they would not have fought against one another.”

In many verses Allaah (Ta’ala) mentions that had He willed, He could and would have done many things but He did not do them. If Allaah were to have no power over them, then even if He had willed, He would not have been able to do them.

The other matter concerning this issue is that Allaah has power over all things, including the actions of the slaves and other than their actions[1], and it also includes His actions as He (Ta’ala) says in many verses such as in Surat Ya-Seen (36:81):

 “Is not He Who created the heavens and the earth, Able to create the like of them? Yes indeed! He is the All-Knowing Supreme Creator.”

In Surat al-Qiyamah (75:40), He (Ta’ala) says:

 “Is not He (Allaah Who does that) Able to give life to the dead? (Yes! He is Able to do all things).”

His Ability over men in particular is mentioned in many verses such as:

“And indeed We have created man.” [50:16]

In Surat al-Balad (90: 5), He (Ta’ala) says:

“Does He think that none can overcome him?”

Allaah’s Power over them is stated in the Book (the Qur’an) and the Sunnah.

In the Book, in Surat az-Zukhruf (43:41), Allaah (Ta’ala) states that He has power over them:

“And even if We take you (O Muhammad Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) away, We shall indeed take vengeance on them.”

Allaah (Ta’ala) made it clear that He has power over them. He states in Surat Qaaf (50:45):

“And you (O Muhammad Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) are not the one to force them (to believe).”

And in Surat al-Ghashiyah (88:22), He says:

“You are not the dictator over them.”

According to the previous verses, Allaah (Ta’ala) is the Lord and the Compeller Who has the power and full authority over them; this implies that He has power over them.

In the Sunnah, Al-Bukhaari (Rahimahullaah) reported on the authority of Hudhaifah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) that he said: “I heard Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) saying, ‘Once there was a man on his death-bed, who, upon losing every hope of surviving, said to his family: ‘When I die, gather for me a large heap of wood and make a fire (to burn me). When the fire eats my meat and reaches my bones, and when my bones have burnt, take and crush them into powder and wait for a windy day to throw it (i.e. the powder) over the sea.’ They did so, but Allaah collected his particles and asked him: ‘Why did you do so?’ He replied: ‘For fear of you.’ So Allaah forgave him!” [Al-Bukhaari]

The man was mistaken when he thought that Allaah would have no power to collect his scattered particles and punish him. However, He (Ta’ala) empowered him and forgave him his ignorance and the mistake that he committed.

Also it is reported by Muslim on the authority of Abu Mas’ood (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu), that he said: “Once I was beating a slave of mine when I heard a voice from behind saying: ‘You should know Abu Mas’ood, Allaah is more capable over you than you over him.’ I looked and saw he was the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).”

This Hadeeth clearly indicates Allaah’s Ability and Strength upon the slave and also affirms ability of the slave. There are many verses which indicate and affirm ability of the slave, such as Allaah’s Statement in Surat at-Taghabun (64:16):

 “So keep your duty to Allaah and fear Him as much as you can.”

And the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said to ‘Imraan ibn Husain (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu): “Offer Salaat (prayer) standing and if you cannot do that, offer Salaat (prayer) sitting, and if you cannot do even that, then offer Salaat (prayer) lying on your side.” [Al-Bukhaari]

The Qur’an also indicates that the doing or the effect of an action of the slave are also included in Allaah’s Ability over them.

Allaah (Ta’ala) told Nuh (‘Alayhissalaam) to construct a ship in Surat Hud (11:37):

 “And construct the ship under Our Eyes and with Our revelation.”

Allaah (Ta’ala) then mentioned that the ship is a created object, though it is constructed by the sons of Adam, but Allaah made it one of His signs and proofs. He (Ta’ala) says in Surat Ya-Seen (36:41)

 “And an Ayah (Sign) for them is that We bore their offspring in the laden ship [of Nuh (Noah)].”

In Surat as-Saffaat (37:95-96), Allaah (Ta’ala) says:

 “He (Ibraheem ‘Alayhis-salaam) said: ’Do you worship that which you (yourself) carve, while Allaah has created you and what you make?’”

Allaah (Ta’ala) mentioned here that He is their Creator and the Creator of the idols which they carved with their hands. If Allaah is the Creator of the doing/effect of the action of the slave then this indicates implicitly that He is the Creator of the actions of the slaves.” [Majmoo’ al-Fatawa abbreviated]

Therefore, Allaah has power over all things.