Al-Ghani

Allah is Supreme, the Greatest, He is absolutely independent. He is in no need of anyone. Instead, it is mankind who needs Him. Allah is the richest, the wealthiest, and entirely self-sufficient. This glorious attribute of Allah is represented by His name Al-Ghani. The name stems from the root of غ ن ي, which has Arabic connotations that mean to be independent of wants and needs, to be self-sufficient, to be able to do everything without relying on others' abilities or help', and to be wealthy and rich.

Al-Ghani has been mentioned in the Quran 18 times. The name is highly similar to another one of Allah's names, which is why it is often seen paired with the latter in explanation of its meaning. However, since Al-Mughni is not mentioned in the Quran, it is not always accepted by scholars as one of Allah's names. The word Ghani in Arabic is often used to refer to someone healthy or rich. Allah says in Surah Al-Imran:

لَقَدْ سَمِعَ اللہُ قَوْلَ الَّذِيْنَ قَالُوْۗا اِنَّ اللہَ فَقِيْرٌ وَّنَحْنُ  اَغْنِيَاۗءُ۝۰ۘ سَنَكْتُبُ مَا قَالُوْا وَقَتْلَھُمُ الْاَنْۢبِيَاۗءَ بِغَيْرِ حَقٍّ۝۰ۙ  وَّنَقُوْلُ ذُوْقُوْا عَذَابَ الْحَرِيْقِ۝۱۸۱

Laqad samiAAa Allahu qawla allatheena qaloo inna Allaha faqeerun wanahnu aghniyaon sanaktubu ma qaloo waqatlahumu alanbiyaa bighayri haqqin wanaqoolu thooqoo AAathaba alhareeqi

Verily Allah heard the saying of those who said, (when asked for contributions to the war): "Allah, forsooth, is poor, and we are rich!" We shall record their saying with their slaying of the prophets wrongfully and We shall say: Taste ye the punishment of burning! (3:181)

Allah's attribute of wealth has also been referred to in the following Hadith:

"O My servants, were the first of you and the last of you, the human of you and the jinn of you to rise in one place and make a request of Me, and were I to give everyone what he requested, that would not decrease what I have, any more than a needle decreases the sea if put into it."

The Hadith teaches the believers the extent of Allah's richness, and it is beyond their comprehension. Even if every creation of Allah – be it jinns or humans were to ask Allah for their desires, and He would give it to them, it would deplete his richness equivalent to dipping a needle in the ocean and putting out some water through it, which amounts to nothing. Therefore, Allah is entirely self-sufficient and does not rely on anyone else to provide or bless His creation with what they need or require.

Allah is Al-Ghani, and his ability to provide His creation with things can never be diminished. Allah's blessings extend to everything one could need and want. Allah provides His creation with health, knowledge, influence, power, wellness, financial gains, and much more. Moreover, Allah is self-sufficient. He does not need anything from His creation, be it humans or jinns. Instead, it is His creation that is entirely reliant on Him for everything – from health to financial gains.

"But one who had knowledge of the letter said: "I will bring it to you in the twinkling of an eye." When Solomon saw it before him, (he said): "This is by the grace of my Lord that He may test me whether I am grateful or I am thankless. Yet if one is grateful, he is grateful for himself, and if one is thankless, then surely my Lord is unconcerned and magnanimous." – (27:40)

Significance of Al-Ghani

Al-Ghani is an important reminder for believers to always remain humble no matter how much wealth or richness they are blessed in this worldly life, as there is no one richer or wealthier than Allah. Moreover, it also emphasizes the fact that whatever blessings they may have come from Allah and no one else. Therefore, one should refrain from being arrogant and proud and always thank and praise Allah. Allah says in Surah Ibraheem:

And Moses said: "What if you and all the people of the world deny? God is unconcerned and worthy of praise." (14:8)

It is recommended to recite Al-Ghani 1200 times in one sitting or 10000 times every week for 10 consecutive weeks if one is looking for prosperity and success in life. Especially if you are struggling with poverty, unable to pay debts, or have concerns regarding your financial status – recite Al Ghani to help get relief from financial difficulties.

One can recite the following dua:

Allahumma inni as’alukal-huda wat-tuqa wal-‘afaf wal-ghina

"O Allah, I beg You for guidance, taqwā (piety), chastity, and self-sufficiency." (Ibn Majah)

If you recite dhikr everyday, make sure to include the mention of Al-Ghani in your recitation routine. Reciting the names of Allah is likely to bring you countless rewards and blessings. Set a fixed time that is solely dedicated to reciting dhikr to ensure you don't forget to recite dhikr. Ghani is a common name for Muslim boys around the world.

Names of Allah with Similar Meanings

Al-Mughni is the closest name of Allah to Al-Ghani. Al-Mughni means the fulfiller of needs, the one who gives wealth, and the emancipator. It stems from the Arabic root of غ ن ي (the same root as Al-Ghani). This root also means to be free of wants and needs and to be self-sufficient. However, Al-Mughni is not mentioned in the Quran.

Al-Qayyum is another name with a similar meaning to Al-Ghani. Al-Qayyum means that Allah is self-subsisting and self-existing. This also implies a similar attribute to Al-Ghani – that Allah is self-sufficient and does not need anyone to rely on. Al-Qayyum stems from the Arabic root ق و م and has been mentioned several times in the Quran.

Allah says in the Quran:

Allahu la ilaha illa huwa alhayyu alqayyoom

Allah! There is no god save Him, the Alive, the Eternal – (3:2)