Al-Qadir — The All-Powerful
الْقَادِرُ
Name 69 of the ninety-nine. The Able, The Capable
Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ is Al-Qaadir (in Arabic: الْقَادِرُ), the most powerful with the ability to measure out everything.
The root
From the root qaf-dal-ra (ق د ر), which has the following classical Arabic connotations: to measure something, to make manifest the measure of something, to distribute or apportion (as though by measure), measure-out to decree, to ordain, to decide a matter (as though measuring it to fit), to exercise thought in preparing something, to make use of reason (measuring out), to have the power, to…
Reflection
Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ gives without measure and is able to overcome every obstacle. The believer benefits from knowing Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ is Al-Qadir. Just as when you need help moving, you call on friends or family that are able to help. You don't call on people who are not reliable, unavailable, or overseas.
Similarly, Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ is Al-Qadir - the all-powerful, the all-able, the one who can assist you no matter the circumstance. Sometimes we say Insha-Allah, but we don't believe it. We don't have enough conviction. Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ knows no limitations, but perhaps He may limit us based on the ones we self-impose.
By setting the bar too low, He may fulfill our du'a, so we miss out on all the other gifts He could've given us. " — ( Qur'an 3:165 ) After the battle of Uhud, which was a great loss, the believers weaker in faith had begun questioning how they could lose when Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ and His Messenger ﷺ were on their side.
" This reminds us that we must move towards certain things we've asked for. We have to take some responsibility in our du'a. Otherwise, we may fall victim to the same tragedy that occurred on the battlefield. The loss of Uhud was due to impatience. They were not disciplined, lured by material wealth, and abandoned their stations.
And so, just as Al-Qadir has the power to make them victorious, He also has the power to bring about their defeat. He can do anything He wishes. The implied lesson is if you make du'a for knowledge, Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ may give you the cognitive mental ability.
Al-Qadir: The All-Powerful (69 / 99 Names of Allah) Help support us this Ramadan. Donate → Home Companion Series Du'as 99 Names of Allah Prophet Stories Prayer Times Qibla Direction Tasbih Counter Islamic Games