The Name Al-Wakeel is mentioned fourteen times in the Noble Qur’an.
Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala) says in Surat Aal-Imran (3:173):
“Those (hypocrites) who said unto the people (i.e. believers): ‘Verily the people (pagans) have gathered against you (a great army), therefore fear them.’ But it only increased them in faith, and they said: ‘Allaah Alone is sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us).’”
In Surat an-Nisa’ (4:81), Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala) says:
“So turn aside from them, and put your trust in Allaah. And Allaah is Ever All-Sufficient as a Disposer of affairs.”
Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala) also says in Surat al-An’am (6:102):
“Such is Allaah, your Lord! La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the Creator of all things. So worship Him (Alone), and He is the Wakeel (Trustee, Disposer of affairs, Guardian, etc.) over all things.”
Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala) says in Surat Hûd (11:12):
“But you are only a warner. And Allaah is Wakeel (Disposer of affairs, Trustee, Guardian, etc.) over all things.”
Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala) also says in Surat Yusuf (12:66):
“And when they had sworn their solemn oath, he said: ‘Allaah is the Witness over what we have said.'”
Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala) says in Surat al-Isra’ (17:2):
“And we gave Moses the Scriptures and made it a guidance for the children of Israel: ‘Take not other than Me as (your) Wakeel (Protector, Lord, or Disposer of your affairs).'”
And He (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala) says in Surat al-Muzzammil (73:9):
“(He Alone is) the Lord of the East and the West, “La ilaha illa Huwa” (None has the right to be worshipped but He). So take Him Alone as “Wakeel” (Disposer of your affairs).”
The Name Al-Kafeel is mentioned only once in the Noble Qur’an. Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala) says in Surat an-Nahl (16:91):
“And fulfil the covenant of Allaah when you have covenanted, and break not the oaths after you have confirmed them, and indeed you have appointed Allaah your Surety. Verily, Allaah knows what you do!”
The Meaning of the Name Al-Wakeel
Al-Farra’ explained Allaah’s statement, “Take Him Alone as ‘Wakeel’ (Protector, Lord, Disposer of your affairs),“ to mean that Allah is the Guarantor with what He has promised you with.” [Ma’ani al-Qur’an]
He (al-Farra’) also said regarding Allaah’s statement, “Take not other than Me as (your) Wakeel,“ that it means to take Allah as your Lord or Kaafi (Who suffices). [Ma’ani al-Qur’an]
Ibn Jarir said in regards to Allaah’s Statement, “Allaah Alone is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of Affairs (for us),” that Allaah is Suffucient for us and He is the Best Wakeel i.e. the Best Maula (Patron, Lord and Protector) for whomever He has allied and sponsored. Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala) has described (attributed) Himself in this manner because in the Arabic language the Wakeel is the One Who is entrusted to dispose the affairs of whom he has given the power of attorney (the full authorization to dispose his affairs). The people whom Allaah described in these verses gave the full authority to Allaah to dispose their affairs, put their trust in Him and relied on Him, so Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala) attributed Himself with accomplishing that for them saying: “The Best Wakeel (Disposer of affairs) for them is Allaah.“ [Jami’ul-Qur’an]
Ibn Jarir also said regarding Allaah’s statement, “And put your trust in Allaah and Allaah is Ever All-Sufficient as a Disposer of affairs,“ that it means to put your trust in Allaah by giving full authority to Him and entrusting Him in all your affairs, and Allaah is Sufficient for you as a Disposer of affairs, as a Protector and Supporter.” [Jami’ul Bayan]
Regarding Allaah’s statement, “He is Wakeel over everything,” He (Ibn Jarir) said that it means Allaah is All-Watcher over everything as He created all things and is the Protector of it. He provides all sustenance for the creation, disposing their affairs with His Ability.” [Jami’ul Bayan]
Al-Khattabi said after mentioning the statement of al-Farra’ that He is Al-Kaafi (the All-Sufficient); “He is Kafeel, Who guarantees the provision for His servants, discharging their affairs. The supplication of the Muslims, “Allaah is Sufficient for us and He is the Best Disposer of Affairs (for us)”, means He is the Best Surety, Who discharges our affairs.” [Sha’n ad-Du’a]
Accordingly, the Name al-Wakeel has three meanings:
- Al-Kafeel, the Surety, Maintainer, Supporter.
- Al-Kaafi, the All-Sufficient.
- Al-Hafeedh, the Protector or Maintainer.
The Meaning of the Name of Al-Kafeel
Ibn Jarir said as regards to the statement of Allaah, “Indeed you have appointed Allaah as your Surety,“ that it means you have made Allaah a Guardian and a Witness over you, Who watches who among you will fulfill the covenant of Allaah which he has promised to fulfill, and who is the one who will break it.” [Jami’ul-Bayan]
Al-Haleemi said: “When Allaah created the creation, He created him needy, and decreed for him to stay alive after removing his distress by giving him the provisions he needs in this life; He guaranteed the means by which he (the needy slave) will be saved and lives in this world.
There is no one who has the capacity to provide himself with sustenance. In fact, Allaah the Exalted provides for all humankind and all living creatures; He provides the sustenance for the fetuses in their mothers’ wombs; the birds leave in the morning with empty stomachs and return in the evening full, as do the insects and the beasts.” [Al-Minhaj]
Al-Qurtubu said: “Al-Kafeel means Shaheed (the Witness), Haafidh (the Maintainer, the Protector) and also Guarantor.” [At-Tafseer]
The impact of believing in these two Names
1- Allaah, the Exalted, is disposing the affairs of all the creation. He guarantees to provide them with sustenance and to make the sustenance reach them. He takes care of their interests and what benefits them in this life and the Hereafter.
Therefore, this Attribute encompasses great qualities such as His Life, Knowledge, Ability, Strength, Mercy, Wisdom, Generosity, fulfillment and truthfulness of His promises and so forth. It includes all of His Mighty Attributes which suit His Perfection and Grandeur.
Al-Qurtubi said: “Every believer should know that Allah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala) is the Guarantor for every necessary matter that should exist or is needed in this life. He (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala) is the One Who guarantees to make these necessary matters reach His slave either through the slave himself, or by creating in him the quench for thirst and fullness of stomach just as He creates for him the guidance in the hearts or via an angel or other than him entrusted with the matter.” [Al-Asna]2. The difference between the deputy of Allaah (appointment of the Creator as one’s Wakeel [Trustee]) and the appointment of the created one.
The creation may share the indications of some beautiful names with Allaah such as hearing, seeing, living and so forth. However, this does not mean resemblance in Attributes. The hearing of man is not comparable with the Hearing of the Most Beneficent. Similarly the sight, the knowledge, etc.
If there are some of the creation who can dispose of the affairs (are in charge) of the weak, orphans, needy, widows, this does not mean that they resemble Allaah in this Attribute. In fact, the one who is in charge of others, is himself in need of Allaah’s provision, Help, Mercy and Grace.
Ibn al-‘Arabi said: “The meaning of Al-Wakeel with regards to Allaah belongs to the highest rank.”
There are four rulings that are particular to the meaning of Al-Wakeel
- He is the only One Who maintains and protects the creation.
- He is the only One Who suffices them.
- His Ability to do that.
- All the matters, the good and evil, the harm and benefit occur by His Will.
There are three rulings related to the meaning of Wakeel:
First: One should free oneself from all matters and leave them to Allaah in order to attain Tawheed.
Second: One should not think that what he is asking for (from Allaah) is too much, because Al-Wakeel is Rich. Therefore, it is said that one of the signs of Tawheed is to have more children and put one’s trust in Allaah for their sustenance.
Third: If you know that your Wakeel is Rich, fulfils His promises, and Able, then turn away from the Duniya to worshipping Him Who is your Guardian.
The human wakeel is able to dispose the affairs of the one who has given him the power of attorney at times and will be incapable at other times. He would be rich at times and in need at other times; aware of somethings and unaware of other things; alive at one time and dead at another time. However, Allaah, the Exalted, is far above all these deficient attributes.
Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala) says in Surat an-Nisa’ (4:81):
“And put your trust in Allaah. And Allaah is Ever All-Sufficient as a Disposer of affairs.”
He (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala) also says in Surat Hûd (11:123):
“And to Allaah belongs the Ghaib (unseen) of the heavens and the earth, and to Him return all affairs (for decision). So worship Him (O Muhammad Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) and put your trust in Him. And your Lord is not unaware of what you (people) do.”
3- In calling Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala) by this Name, there is no deficiency as some people think.
Ibn al-Hassar said: “Some people thought that this Name is a deficient Name, which the Creator should not be named with! In fact, this is ignorance and rejection of the Texts. If they knew that the creation of all actions belongs to Allaah alone and none is able to do that on behalf of Allaah, then they would know that He is the only One Who deserves to be attributed with this Name. Whoever knows Allaah truly, then he truly will rely on Him in all his affairs and give Him the full authority in all his matters.
Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala) says in Surat al-Ma’idah (5:11):
“So fear Allaah. And in Allaah let believers put their trust.”
4- Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala) incites putting the trust in Him and relying on Him in all matters, and He (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala) made this action one of the attributes of the truebelievers who believe in Him.
He (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala) says in Surat al-Ma’idah (5:23):
“And put your trust in Allaah if you are believers indeed.”
And He (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala) says in Surat al-Anfal (8:2):
“The believers are only those who, when Allaah is mentioned, feel a fear in their hearts and when His Verses (this Qur’an) are recited unto them, they (i.e. the Verses) increase their Faith; and they put their trust in their Lord (Alone)”
He (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala) also says in Surat Yunus (10:84):
“Then put your trust in Him if you are Muslims (those who submit to Allaah’s Will).”
The Tawakkul (reliance on Him) increases as the faith increases and decreases as the faith decreases.How would the believer not put his trust in Allaah and rely on Him while,
“Allaah is the Creator of all things, and He is the Wakeel (Trustee, Disposer of affairs, Guardian, etc.) over all things.” [Surat az-Zumar 39:62]
And He (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala) is Al-Kaafi (All-Sufficient) for whomever puts his trust in Him and relies on Him in his affairs.
“Allaah is All-Sufficient as a Disposer of affairs.” [An-Nisa’ 4:171]
Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala) informed us about His Love for whoever is attributed with this character, saying (addressing His Prophet Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) in Surat Aal-Imran (3:159):
“Then when you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allaah, certainly, Allaah loves those who put their trust (in Him).”
He (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala) promised them with great and abundant reward, as He (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala) said in Surat ash-Shura (42:36):
“But that which is with Allaah (Paradise) is better and more lasting for those who believe (in the Oneness of Allaah, Islamic Monotheism) and put their trust in their Lord (concerning all of their affairs).”
He (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala) forbade His slaves to put their trust in other than Him. He is All-Sufficient for them and the best Wakeel (Trustee, Guardian and disposer of affairs).
He (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala) says in Surat al-Isra’ (17:2):
“Take not other than Me as (your) Wakeel (Protector, Lord, or Disposer of your affairs, etc).”
He (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala) also says in Surat al-Muzzammil (73:9):
“(He Alone is) the Lord of the east and the west, La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He). So take Him Alone as Wakeel (Disposer of your affairs).”
He (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala) says in Surat az-Zumar (39:38):
“Say: ‘Sufficient for me is Allaah; in Him those who trust (i.e. believers) must put their trust.'”
5- The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) and his Companions (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhum) have reached the utmost in their Tawakkul (reliance) on Allaah, turning to Him in all their affairs and giving Him the full authorization to dispose their affairs. And Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala) praised them for this in His Noble Book in many verses.
He (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala) says in Surat Aal-Imran (3:173:174):
“Those (i.e. believers) unto whom the people (hypocrites) said, ‘Verily, the people (pagans) have gathered against you (a great army), therefore, fear them.’ But it (only) increased them in Faith, and they said: ‘Allaah (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us).'”
“So they returned with Grace and Bounty from Allaah. No harm touched them; and they followed the good Pleasure of Allaah. And Allaah is the Owner of Great Bounty.”
Ibn ‘Abbas (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhuma) narrated(the saying): “‘Allaah (Alone) is Sufficient for us and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us),‘ was said by Abraham (Ibraheem ‘Alayhissalam) when he was thrown into the fire; and it was said by Muhammad (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) when they (i.e. hypocrites) said, ‘Verily, the people (pagans) have gathered against you (a great army), therefore, fear them,’ but it (only) increased them in Faith and they said: ‘Allaah (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us).‘” (3:173) [Al-Bukhaari]
Similarly, the same attitude was shown in the battle of the trench when the believers showed the Tawakkul (put their trust in Allaah and relied on Him), and they entrusted the matter to Him. Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala) mentioned about them in Surat al-Ahzab (33:22-23):
“And when the believers saw Al-Ahzab (the Confederates), they said: ‘This is what Allaah and His Messenger (Muhammad Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) had promised us, and Allaah and His Messenger (Muhammad Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) had spoken the truth, and it only added to their faith and to their submissiveness (to Allaah).'”
“Among the believers are men who have been true to their covenant with Allaah [i.e. they have gone out for Jihad (holy fighting), and showed not their backs to the disbelievers], of them some have fulfilled their obligations (i.e. have been martyred), and some of them are still waiting, but they have never changed (i.e. they never proved treacherous to their covenant which they concluded with Allaah) in the least.”
6- The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) related a wonderful story (regarding this chapter) to His Companions about two men fromBani Isra’el. Al-Bukhaari (Rahimahullaah) reported that Abu Hurairah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, “An Israeli man asked another Israeli to lend him one thousand dinars. The second man requested witnesses, and the former replied, ‘Allaah is sufficient as a witness.’ The second said, ‘I want a surety’, and the former replied, ‘Allaah is sufficient as a surety.’ The second said, ‘You are right,’ and lent him the money for a certain period.
The debtor went across the sea, and when he finished his job, searched for a conveyance so that he might reach in time for the repayment of the debt, but he could not find any. So, he took a piece of wood and made a hole in it, inserted in it one thousand dinars and a letter to the lender, and then closed (i.e. sealed) the hole tightly. He took the piece of wood to the sea and said, ‘O Allaah! You know well that I took a loan of one thousand dinars from so-and-so. He demanded a surety from me but I told him that Allaah’s Guarantee was sufficient and he accepted Your Guarantee. He then asked for a witness and I told him that Allaah was sufficient as a Witness. No doubt, I have tried hard to find a conveyance so that I could pay back his money but could not find any, so I hand over this money to You.’ After saying this, he threw the piece of wood into the sea till it went out far, and then he went away. Meanwhile he continued searching for a conveyance in order to reach the creditor’s country.
One day the lender came out of his house to see whether a ship had arrived bringing his money, when all of a sudden he saw the piece of wood in which his money had been deposited. He took it home to use as fire-wood, butwhen he sawed it, he found his money and the letter inside. Shortly after that, the debtor came bringing another one thousand dinars to him and said, ‘By Allaah, I have been trying hard to get a boat so I could bring you your money, but failed to get one before the one I have come by.’ The lender asked, ‘Have you sent something to me?’ The debtor replied, ‘I have told you I could not get a boat other than the one I have come by.’ The lender said, ‘Allaah has delivered on your behalf the money you sent in the piece of wood, so you may keep your one thousand dinars and depart guided on the right path.'” [Al-Bukhaari]
Sources:
📚 An-Nahj al-Asma Fii Sharh Asma-u-Allaahil-Husna by Shaikh Muhammad al-Humood an-Najdi
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