Editor's Note: This Ramadan we will be exploring various names and attributes of Allah (S) in a series, which will be featured throughout the holy month. This post focuses on Al-Wadud.

“Even if our doubts span an entire ocean, the light of God’s wisdom can rise beyond the furthest horizons and illuminate our hearts with a deep sense of contentment." [A. Helwa, Secrets of Divine Love: A Spiritual Journey into the Heart of Islam]

There is a lightness and peace in knowing there are things you have no control of. And there is safety and comfort in knowing that all things are in control of Allah (S), who is Al-Hakim.

Of Allah’s (S) 99 names, Al-Hakim is one that has helped me put so many things into perspective and deepen and strengthen my faith by shaping my tawakkul, or trust, in Him. Honestly, it’s been easier to hold on to my faith and trust in many of His rules and teachings ever since understanding and appreciating Allah’s (S) ultimate wisdom and knowledge, which of course is tied to His benevolence and mercy.

At the surface level, Al-Hakim means “The All-Wise,” but there is so much more to it than that:

According to an-Nabulsi, Al-Hakim that Allah (S) “does the proper thing in the proper way in the proper place and the proper time.” Everything from Allah (S) is done with precision and absolute perfection and absolute wisdom. And He, in all His infinite wisdom, is the manager of our affairs, Alhamdulillah. And, He is not just Al-Hakim, He is ALL of His 99 names and attributes, like Al-Rahman Al-Raheem, Al-Wadud (and more!).

The name Al-Hakim is mentioned in the Quran about 100 times. In Surat Al-Baqarah, ayah 129 (among many other instances), Allah (S) refers to Himself as “Al-Aziz Al-Hakim” showing us that His power, strength, and might (Al-Azizi) is connected deeply to His wisdom. He is infinitely wise and infinitely powerful. Nothing can harm me except that He wills it, and if He wills it, then there is wisdom in it, even if I do not know/see it yet.

Again, it comforts me, and makes me feel held – which goes a long way in the moments you feel alone, confused, scared, or like there’s no way out from what you’re going through. Allah (S) is there. He wills. He knows. He says “be” and it is.

The Prophet (saw) once said:

So, how did understanding the meaning behind Al-Hakim change my life and deepen my trust and faith in Allah (S)? Simply speaking, it brings me comfort when things in life happen to me that I do not understand. Instead of my default being “Why?” It is much easier for me to say “Alhamdulillah” and acknowledge that this is the best thing that can happen to me – even if it is something hurtful or extremely challenging – because it is Allah (S) who allowed and decreed it to happen.

In Surat Al-Hadeed, Allah (S) says,

مَآ اَصَابَ مِنْ مُّصِيْبَةٍ فِى الْاَرْضِ وَلَا فِيْٓ اَنْفُسِكُمْ اِلَّا فِيْ كِتٰبٍ مِّنْ قَبْلِ اَنْ نَّبْرَاَهَا ۗاِنَّ ذٰلِكَ عَلَى اللّٰهِ يَسِيْرٌۖ

“No calamity occurs on the earth or among yourselves but it is inscribed in the Book [of Decrees] before We bring it into existence. Verily, that is easy for Allah. In order that you may not be sad over matters that you fail to achieve, nor rejoice because of that which has been given to you.” [Surah al-Hadeed, ayah 22]

Believing in Allah’s qadar (will) liberates the believer. When calamity or hardship afflicts us, knowing that it was already written, and we couldn’t have done anything to change it allows us to focus instead on how we’re going to react. It takes the pressure and the “what if I did this…” out of the equation. And what’s more, it gives us solace knowing that Al-Hakim ordained this. So when we respond, we respond accordingly to how Allah (S) would want us to respond – with beautiful patience.

Allah (S) being Al-Hakim also means He will not thrust any trial upon anyone unfairly. Holding on to this belief is so crucial in facing any hardship that comes our way. In Surat Al-Baqarah, Allah (S) says,

لَا يُكَلِّفُ ٱللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا ۚ

“Allah does not charge a soul except [with that within] its capacity.” [Quran, 2:286]

If Allah (S) is testing me with something, I know full well that I can handle it. I will not be thrust into anything that is beyond my capacity. Alhamdulillah. And from last week’s reflection, we know that Allah is also Al-Wadud, the most loving. So not only is He the most wise, there is love infused in everything He does for His creation. Perhaps whatever it is that I am going through right now will allow me to grow as a person – whether it’s my spirituality or character or faith. Or, perhaps what I am going through now will lead to good for others (which Allah (S) will also reward me for). It may also uncover some truths that would have otherwise remained hidden.

We are human, and admittedly it’s hard to have this consistent, strong tawakkul in the journey Allah (S) puts us on and whatever comes along the way. But I promise you there is a sweet relief and surrendering of the heart when we are able to say “Alhamdullilah” at whatever comes our way - be it good or difficult - and trust in Allah (S) as knowing what is perfect and right for us. Sometimes that means trusting that while we may never understand the long game, Allah (S) knows what is best, and maybe our reward will come in the hereafter.

In a lecture on this topic, I was reminded of the story of Prophet Yusuf (as), who went through years and years of tragedy, trials and heartbreak. If he hadn’t been kidnapped, he’d never have ended up in prison in Egypt and interpreted the dreams of two men, who led him to interpret the dream of the King, which led to Yusuf telling the King that there will be an economic financial social crisis in the country, and thousands of children would have starved to death. Yusuf suffered for years, but it ended up saving an entire country. Hindsight is always 20-20 though, right?

The hard part is accepting it, even when you do not know.

When you don’t know why something is happening to you, or in the world on a larger scale, trust and know that Allah (S) knows. He will not harm you or lead you astray. Submit not just “yourself” to Him, but your logic as well.

There is a difference between knowing Allah (S) decrees everything and appreciating it – and that’s what learning about Al-Hakim did for me. I now can more easily appreciate and say Alhmadulillah about situations that might have otherwise tested my faith.

May Allah (S) increase us in faith and grant us the gift of trusting in His wisdom, even when it is difficult, scary and painful. May He grant us the gift of hikma, and wisdom to understand that all that comes from Him is good for us, and may He grant us beautiful patience to get through any hardships we may face. Ameen.