Understanding the Ninety-Nine Names of Allah: Al-Muhaymin

Al-Muhaymin means “an overpowering authority”.  Think a parent who sets rules for the child’s best interest. Recall, of course, that Allah is absolutely dissimilar from His creation and yet He Sees and Hears everything. One facet of Allah’s overpowering authority is that He controls the various trusts a human being has been given.

One of the greatest trusts humans have been given is the heart which must be authoritatively guarded for it is the greatest of the human faculties. It is through the heart that one ultimately attains cognizance of Allah.  If one has attained a mastery over their own heart, they should strive to protect other peoples’ hearts if they are given permission by a Sheik to be a guide.  Even if one has not attained this level, they may still help others spiritually by advising towards good and forbidding against evil in ways that are best.  However, among the other faculties that must be controlled are one’s sight, speech, emotions, etc.  Though there is a great amount of flexibility in what is allowed, there is still the comprehensive interest of obedience to Allah.

Beyond ourselves, there are those who we have been given authority over.  Anyone who has children must use their authority to protect them from falling into evil.  People who have employees or have been placed in managerial positions must prevent their subordinates from falling into unscrupulous business practices.  The list goes on.

May Allah allow us to control ourselves and allow us to use the authority we have been given over others in a positive manner.

Allah’s Impoverished Servant,
-Ibraheem Shakfeh