AL-QAHHĀR (القهار) in Islam
Definition
AL-QAHHĀR (القهار), translated as “The Dominant” or “The Subduer,” is one of the ninety-nine names of God in Islam. This name signifies God’s absolute power and control over all creation, emphasizing His ability to prevail over any force.
Qur’anic Reference
AL-QAHHĀR is explicitly mentioned in the Qur’ān, Sūrah Ar-Ra’d (13:16):
<p>“قُلْ مَن رَّبُّ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ قُلِ ٱللَّهُۚ قُلْ أَفَٱتَّخَذْتُم مِّندُونِهِۦٓ أَوْلِيَآءَ لَا يَمْلِكُونَ لِأَنفُسِهِمْ نَفْعًۭا وَلَا ضَرًّۭا ۚ قُلْ هَلْ يَسْتَوِى ٱلْأَعْمَىٰ وَٱلْبَصِيرُ أَمْ هَلْ تَسْتَوِى ٱلظُّلُمَـٰتُ وَٱلنُّورُۗ أَمْ جَعَلُوا۟ لِلَّهِ شُرَكَآءَ خَلَقُوا۟ كَخَلْقِهِۦ فَتَشَـٰبَهَ ٱلْخَلْقُ عَلَيْهِمْۚ قُلِ ٱللَّهُ خَـٰلِقُ كُلِّ شَىْءٍۢ وَهُوَ ٱلْوَٟحِدُ ٱلْقَهَّـٰرُ”</p>
<p>“Say, ‘Who is the Lord of the heavens and the earth?’ Say, ‘Allah.’ Say, ‘Have you then taken (for worship) protectors other than Him, such as have no power either for good or for harm to themselves?’ Say, ‘Is the blind equal with the one who sees? Or, is the darkness equal with the light? Or, do they assign to Allah partners who created (anything) as He created, so that the creation seemed alike to them?’ Say, ‘Allah is the Creator of all things; He is the One, the Irresistible.’”</p>
Etymology
The term AL-QAHHĀR (القهار) comes from the root “ق ه ر” (Q-H-R), which signifies dominance, subdual, and irresistible power.
- Arabic: الْقهْار
- Turkish: El-Kahhâr
Theological Significance
In Islamic theology, the name AL-QAHHĀR underscores the omnipotent nature of God. It reflects God’s exclusive and unparalleled authority to govern all existence, ensuring that nothing can happen without His will or command.
Takeaways and Conclusion
The name AL-QAHHĀR serves as a reminder of God’s overwhelming power, encouraging believers to submit to His will. It acts both as a comfort, showcasing His protection and authority, and as a caution, emphasizing His ability to subdue all adversity and overcome any rebellion.
Further Studies
- “The Study Quran: A New Translation and Commentary” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr
- “God and His Attributes” by Ayatullah Murtadhā Muṭahharī
- “Divine Names: The 99 Healing Names of the One Love” by Rosina-Fawzia al-Rawi
Understanding AL-QAHHĀR in its Qur’anic context helps Muslims appreciate a pivotal aspect of their faith, enriching their spiritual perspective on God’s transcendent control and unmatched jurisdiction over all that exists.
