Nourishing our Souls with Gratitude and Divine Acknowledgment
In Islamic theology, Allah (God) is referred to by numerous names and attributes that reflect His various qualities and characteristics. One of my favourite names is Al-Hamid, which means “The Most Praiseworthy” or “The One who is Worthy of All Praise.”
Allah is called Al-Hamid because He possesses and embodies all praiseworthy attributes. As the sole creator and sustainer of our universe, He is perfect in His attributes and actions. For example, He is infinitely merciful, just, wise, compassionate, knowledgeable, and all-powerful. His actions and decrees are based on His perfect wisdom and justice. Hence, He is deserving of all our praise and gratitude.
Our life is deeply enriched when we acknowledge and praise Allah for His countless blessings, including the gift of life, faith, provision, guidance, forgiveness and other blessings.
All our good qualities, achievements, and blessings ultimately come from Allah and respectfully hence need be attributed to Him alone.
By recognizing Allah as Al-Hamid, we express our acknowledgment and gratitude for His infinite goodness, mercy, and wisdom.
The name Al-Hamid also shows us that Allah is free from any imperfection or deficiency. He is entirely worthy of all praise and worship, and His attributes are beyond comparison. Allah is the ultimate source of all goodness, and recognizing Him as Al-Hamid helps us establish a deep connection with our Creator and develop a sense of humility and gratitude.
Praising others
Every time a new technological invention occurs that benefits individuals and communities, acknowledgement and praise from the users whose lives are positively impacted is only natural.
For example, I remember when the computer was invented, communicating and processing information in new ways never before witnessed, everyone praised the inventor who conceived such intelligent ideas to create the brilliance of the computer processes.
SubhanAllah – Yet silently behind the mind and intelligence of each inventor is The One who created the mind and capacity for intelligence to begin with. The one who brings us to life, The Original Creator of the human mind, of intelligence, our strengths, language and so many innumerable wonders.
Hence, Praising Him, Allah (God) means honouring and respecting His Powers and infinite qualities that are the source of every single quality we think is ours but really is 100% from Him alone. Hence the only one who is really worthy of praise is our Creator, Al-Hamid, The Most Praiseworthy.
How can we praise other than God, when all is from Him?
He is the source of all creation and all perfection.
How I use this Great Name to enrich my life
Ya Hamid is one of my favourite names to meditate, reflect upon, recite and silently chant in my heart. I have found that when I praise Al-Hamid deeply in these ways:
- He shows us His most beautiful attributes in sublime ways, allowing us to witness and experience them in daily life
- It beautifies our words and actions and enlightens our day!
Written by Cynthia Aisha Meguid
Well-Being – Author, Educator, Consultant & Coach
