Ar-Rafi — The Elevating One
الرَّافِعُ
Name 23 of the ninety-nine. The Exalter, The One who raises whoever He willed
Allah is Ar-Rafi (in Arabic: ٱلْرَّافِعُ).
The root
From the root ra-fa-ayn (ر ف ع), which has the following classical Arabic connotations: to raise or elevate something, to uplift, to take it up, to make high, to exalt, make honorable, make eminent, to bring a thing near.
Reflection
The believer benefits from the knowledge of this name. It re-affirms the reality that Ar-Rafi is the one we should rely upon. Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ is high above all, so whatever it is you wish to be increased in, call upon this name. Only Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ can increase your ranks; there is no other.
Be detached from your wrong-doings. Your wrong-doings are not you. Similarly, avoid the goal seeking to be raised because it creates a trap for yourself. What happens if you don't feel your status being elevated? Do you lose hope and motivation and stop seeking it from Allah? Imam Zarruq writes, "Whosoever comes to understand that He is Al-Khafid Ar-Rafi does not place his trust in any of his states, and he settles with no reliance on any component of his knowledge or any action of his.
" The one who worships Allah because they understand only He is worthy of worship, regardless of their emotional state or in success or poverty.
Where it appears
[1] Sahih Muslim 2996 & Riyad as-Salihin 1846