Al-Muhaimin

Al-Muhaimin is derived from Haimana. This word is used for a bird when it spreads its wings to cover its young ones in order to protect them. Allah Ta'ala is called Al-Muhaimin because He covers His creatures under his immense grace in order to protect them all from whatever may harm them and indispose them.

To grant protection depends on knowledge because a person may want to help someone but may not be able to do so because he does not know where the person, who is in difficulty, is. Or he may not be able to help him because he doesn't know if he is in difficulty or not. Similarly, if a person comes to know of a person who is in a problem and is in need of help, he may not be able to take him out of his difficulty because he does not have the ability to do so. Therefore, to be able to provide protection at all levels and for everyone, it is necessary to have the knowledge of everything and every place and to have the absolute power to execute it. This leads us to understand that the attribute of Al-Muhaimin requires both the attribute of علم (omniscience) and قدرة (absolute power) because without these two attributes, protection cannot be assured. Thus, Allah Ta'ala is Al-Muhaimin because He knows who is in what difficulty and where he is and He has all the ability and power to grant him protection. Therefore, Allah Ta'ala is the Protector and the guarantor of the universe who guarantees each atom of this universe its protection and its need.

A person who believes in this attribute must not hesitate to practice his Deen in whatever circumstance he finds himself in, merely out of the fear of a person because he knows that he is under the protection of Al-Muhaimin who constantly guarantees his security and salvation. This protection is visible and it manifests more in those who remain in the obedience of Allah Ta'ala. Therefore, obedience and submission to Allah Ta'ala guarantees security and eternal salvation.

[English version of "Al-Mouhaimeen" – Al Jamiat – Vol.4 No.10]