Al-Matīn (المتين)
Definition
Al-Matīn (المتين) translates to “The Strong” or “The Firm.” This is one of the ninety-nine names or attributes of Allah, which are also known as Asma’ul-Husna (أسماء الله الحسنى). It signifies God’s unwavering strength and firmness. This attribute denotes the unshakable, rock-solid nature of Allah’s power.
Etymology
The term “Al-Matīn” originates from the Arabic root م-ت-ن (m-t-n), which means to be strong, firm, or solid. The name implies an enduring and unyielding quality.
Qur’anic Reference
The name Al-Matīn occurs in the Qur’an in Surah Adh-Dhariyat (51:58):
<p>“إِنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ الرَّزَّاقُ ذُو الْقُوَّةِ الْمَتِينُ”<br> “Indeed, it is Allah who is the [continual] Provider, the firm possessor of strength.”</p>
Significance
- Attributes of Strength: Al-Matīn emphasizes Allah’s absolute power and the firmness in His decree. Unlike human strength, which can waver, Allah’s strength is eternal and unchangeable.
- Reassurance to Believers: For Muslims, understanding and recognizing Al-Matīn provides comfort and reassurance that Allah’s support and provisions are dependable and firm.
- Guidance in Daily Life: This attribute encourages Muslims to develop both inner and outer strength rooted in their faith, trusting in Allah’s unwavering power to support them in times of hardship.
Turkish Translation
In Turkish, Al-Matīn is rendered as “El-Metin”, reflecting similar strong and firm connotations.
Books for Further Studies
- “The Ninety-Nine Names of Allah” by Ghazi Bin Muhammad - A comprehensive guide on the attributes of Allah.
- “Al-Ghazali on The Ninety-nine Beautiful Names of God” by Abu Hamid Al-Ghazali - Offers an in-depth theological and philosophical exploration of Asma’ul-Husna.
- “Names of Allah” by Shaykh Tosun Bayrak - An excellent resource that delves into the meanings and implications of various names of Allah in the Sufi context.
Takeaways
- Faith in Firmness: Believers derive strength and assurance from knowing that Allah is Al-Matīn, whose power and resolve are absolute.
- Tranquility Through Reflection: Reflecting on this attribute can bring tranquility, fostering a sense of security that transcendent strength is always supporting them.
- Moral and Spiritual Strength: Encourages Muslims to build moral and spiritual fortitude inspired by the divine attribute of strength.
Conclusion
The understanding of Al-Matīn (المتين) is pivotal for Muslims seeking to comprehend the nature of divine strength and firmness. By embracing this attribute, believers anchor their faith in Allah’s unwavering support and endless provision, thus nurturing a life of resilience and steadfastness.
By structuring the information in this markdown format, we’ve created a comprehensive and well-rounded dictionary entry for the term “Al-Matīn,” offering insight into its meaning, significance, and use in the Islamic context.
