Benefits: Concerning the Names of Allah (Mighty and Majestic) and Their Categories

The Shaykh : It is derived from this hadith that al-Rahman is among the Names of Allah, and it has a ruling associated with it, which some scholars call the effect (athar). The Names of Allah the Exalted are of two categories: those that are inherent (lazim) and those that are transitive (muta'addi). The inherent ones indicate only the Name and the attribute, such as al-Hayy (the Living). Al-Hayy does not have an object distinct from Allah (Mighty and Majestic); rather, it is an inherent attribute. Al-Hayy means the Possessor of life, al-'Azim (the Mighty) means the Possessor of might, al-Jalil (the Majestic) means the Possessor of majesty, and the like. These are inherent Names, and faith in them is established by affirming the Name and affirming the attribute. There are transitive Names, meaning they have a connection to the created beings. For faith in these, it is necessary to believe in the Name, the attribute, and the ruling that follows from this Name and attribute. Some say the effect (athar), such as al-Rahman, which indicates the Name and the attribute, which is mercy, and indicates the ruling, which is that He shows mercy, as in the hadith: and as in the Noble Qur'an: Is al-Sami' (the All-Hearing) of the first category or the second? That is, is it one that has a ruling or one whose ruling does not extend? It has a ruling, as evidenced by the saying of Allah the Exalted: Now, is al-Hakim (the Wise) transitive or non-transitive? We say that as for wisdom (hikmah), it is non-transitive, but as for judgment (hukm), it is transitive. Allah the Exalted said: Now, al-Bukhari (may Allah have mercy on him) brought this hadith, and Allah knows best, to indicate that al-Rahman is a transitive Name that relates to the created beings. In the hadith, there is an exhortation to mercy, and it is recommended (mustahabb) for a person to be merciful to creation. Now, does mercy relate only to people, or also to animals? It relates even to animals. So, a person who finds in his heart mercy for people and for animals should be glad of good news that he is among those whom Allah (Mighty and Majestic) shows mercy to. Paradise is the mercy of Allah, and its people are the merciful: And if you find in your heart harshness toward one who deserves mercy, you must treat this harshness and turn it into mercy. The causes of mercy are many: among them is poverty, among them is youth, among them is illness, and among them is kinship. That is, it has many causes. You show mercy to this one because he is a small child, you show mercy to him because he is an orphan, you show mercy to this man because he is poor, because he is sick. So, if you find in yourself mercy for one who deserves mercy, know that you are successful, if Allah wills.