The Benefactor and the Harmer: Are they names or attributes of Allah? Is there a hadith regarding them?
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The questioner : O esteemed Shaykh, among the terms applied to Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) are "The Benefactor" and "The Harmer." Are they names or attributes? Is there a hadith regarding them?
The Shaykh : The hadith that lists the names of Allah is weak. "The Benefactor" and "The Harmer" are not among the names of Allah, but rather they are among the attributes of Allah (Mighty and Majestic). He is the One in whose hand is benefit and in whose hand is harm. This is not a name, nor is it an attribute that is mentioned in isolation. Rather, it is said: "The Benefactor and the Harmer" together. If one says only "The Benefactor," there is no harm. However, in "The Benefactor and the Harmer," it is implied that Allah (Mighty and Majestic) holds all matters in His hand, both benefit and harm. In any case, they are not among the names of Allah, but rather they are only among the descriptions by which Allah is described.
The Shaykh : The hadith that lists the names of Allah is weak. "The Benefactor" and "The Harmer" are not among the names of Allah, but rather they are among the attributes of Allah (Mighty and Majestic). He is the One in whose hand is benefit and in whose hand is harm. This is not a name, nor is it an attribute that is mentioned in isolation. Rather, it is said: "The Benefactor and the Harmer" together. If one says only "The Benefactor," there is no harm. However, in "The Benefactor and the Harmer," it is implied that Allah (Mighty and Majestic) holds all matters in His hand, both benefit and harm. In any case, they are not among the names of Allah, but rather they are only among the descriptions by which Allah is described.