What is the meaning of Allaah’s name al-Waasi’ (the All-Sufficient for His creatures’ needs; the All-Embracing)?
Praise be to Allah.Allaah encompasses all of His creation
with His care, blessings, generosity and kindness. Allaah is the Self-Sufficient
Whose provision is sufficient for all of His creatures. There is no
one who does not eat from His provision; no one is able to eat from
anything other than His provision. His Mercy encompasses all things
and He fulfils every need. He is the One Who gives much; He has sufficient
means to respond to the requests of all, and He encompasses all things
as He says (interpretation of the meaning):
“all
things He comprehends in His knowledge”
[Ta-Ha
20:98 – Yusuf ‘Ali’s translation of the meaning]
Al-Waasi’
may include meanings that are not implied by the name al-Ghaniy. It
is said (in Arabic), Waasi’ al-Fadl and Waasi’ al-Rahmah, meaning that
His mercy encompasses all things and His knowledge encompasses all things.
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“
‘Our Lord! You comprehend all
things in mercy and knowledge’”
[Ghaafir
40:7]
This
name implies that nothing is beyond Him, nothing is hidden from Him,
His knowledge and power are vast, may He be glorified.
Allaah
is the One Whose attributes are immense, as is all that is connected
to them. No one can praise Him sufficiently; He is as He has praised
Himself. His might, power and dominion are vast, and He is Great in
bounty and goodness, and Most Generous.