Al-Wadūd (الودود)
Definition and Significance
Al-Wadūd (الودود), translated as “The Loving One” or “The Beloved One,” is one of the ninety-nine special attributes (Asma’ul Husna) of God in Islam. This attribute emphasizes God’s immense and encompassing love for His creation.
Etymology
- Arabic: الودود (Al-Wadūd)
- Turkish: El-Vedûd
The root word “wadd” (ودّ) in Arabic means “love” or “affection.” Thus, Al-Wadūd signifies the One who possesses and manifests unconditional love and affection towards His creation.
Occurrences in the Qur’an
Al-Wadūd occurs twice in the Qur’an, highlighting God’s loving nature in different contexts.
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Surah Hud (سورة هود), 11:90
<p>“My Lord is Merciful and Loving (ودود).”</p>
This verse underscores God’s dual nature of being both merciful and loving, reinforcing the interconnectedness of divine attributes.
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Surah Al-Buruj (سورة البروج), 85:14
<p>“He is the Forgiving, the Loving (ودود).”</p>
In this verse, the attribute of being forgiving is juxtaposed with being loving, emphasizing that divine love is accompanied by forgiveness.
Theological Implications
The attribute of Al-Wadūd has profound theological implications:
- Divine Compassion: It illustrates God’s boundless compassion and care for all living beings.
- Encouragement for Human Behavior: Muslims are encouraged to emulate this divine attribute in their interactions, promoting love and affection among themselves.
Further Studies
For a deeper understanding of Al-Wadūd and other divine attributes, consider these books:
- “Names of Allah” by Harun Yahya
- “Knowing Allah’s Names and Attributes” by Ali Al-Timimi
- “Asma’ul Husna: The Beautiful Names of Allah” by Abdur Raheem Kidwai
Takeaways
- Al-Wadūd is a reminder of God’s encompassing love and compassion.
- This attribute appears in the Qur’an to signify God’s Loving nature, combined with mercy and forgiveness.
- Muslims are encouraged to embody this divine love in their daily lives.
Conclusion
Understanding Al-Wadūd (الودود) enriches the Islamic appreciation of God’s loving nature. This attribute not only deepens the theological comprehension of God’s essence but also serves as a moral directive for believers to exhibit love and compassion in their lives.
