Al-Matin
Allah is Al-Matin meaning His power is steadfast. It is the same as it was yesterday and as it will remain tomorrow. He is ever constant, firm, and loyal.
From the root m-t-n which has the following classical Arabic connotations: to be strong, stout, firm, hard to be solid, robust to be steadfast, certain, sure to possess any quality in a strong degree the hard outer or apparent part of something elevated and hard ground
Indeed, it is Allah who is the [continual] Provider, the firm possessor of strength. (Quran 51:58)
The thunder glorifies His praises, as do the angels in awe of Him. He sends thunderbolts, striking with them whoever He wills. Yet they dispute about Allah. And He is tremendous in might. (Quran 13:13)
But you will never find in the way of Allah any change, and you will never find in the way of Allah any alteration. (Quran 35:43)
|
Name: |
Al-Matin |
|
Al-Matin in Arabic |
الْمَتِينُ |
|
Arabic root: |
(م ت ن) |
|
Al-Matin Pronunciation |
Al-Ma-Teen |
|
Al-Matin meaning in English: |
The One with extreme, uninterrupted Power |
|
Al-Matin meaning in Urdu |
محکم، استوار |
|
Appearance in the Quran: |
1 time |
|
Al-Matin Benefits |
Reciting this name might help the believer with his trials and difficulties. It may especially help nursing mothers who want to increase their inadequate milk production. |
|
Tasbeeh: |
Reciting 100 times after completing each obligatory prayer may help a Muslim gain more strength |
|
Asma ul Husna with similar meaning: |
|
‘Al-Matin’ or ‘Al-Mateen’ describe the One with extreme and absolute Power. This is the sort of power that does not change or waver like everything else in the world. Presidential terms, kingdoms, and empires may have a life cycle, but the same doesn’t apply to Allah’s Power. Another way of saying this is that He is the One who possesses all Honor and all Might. These include the power to prevent things, to conquer, or just plain physical strength.
Allah also doesn’t allow any part of His creation to come close to the kind of Power He possesses. He remains in control of all creation at all times. Since we are His creation, too, we remain dependent upon Him and are nothing compared to His greatness. ‘Al-Matin’ also means that Allah’s power is unchanging and steadfast. It is perfect as it is and will stay the same forever. Of course, the same applies to all of His Divine Attributes.
‘Al-Matin’ comes from the root mim-ta-nun (م ت ن). These root letters hold the connotation of being solid, strong, firm, and stout, to have a substantial quality: hard, elevated ground, hard ground. ‘Al-Matin’ appears only once in the Holy Qur’an as a name and attribute of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). When it does, it’s grouped with another name, ‘Al-Qawiyy.’ Both these names have strength as the primary meaning.
We may understand ‘Al-Matin’ as denoting how Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) is not just Strong but that His strength is unlimited. Nothing and no one can shake His strength or cause Him to become tired. Below is a single instance of Al-Matin as a name of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) in the Qur’an:
إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ هُوَ ٱلرَّزَّاقُ ذُو ٱلۡقُوَّةِ ٱلۡمَتِينُ
English Translation:
"Indeed, it is Allah who is the [continual] Provider, the firm possessor of strength." — (Qur'an 51:58)
As believers, we can greatly benefit by studying and understanding the concept of ‘Al-Matin.’ With this Name, we can recognize how important it is to remain firm. Life can be good or bad, but we have to retain our belief and faith in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). It is also essential to maintain our daily prayers and routine as Muslims and not fall into despair.
When we understand the name ‘Al-Matin’ more, we realize it reassures us. While everything else around us–all the support systems, the family structure, or the group of old friends–might waver at times, Allah never will. We need to have tawakkul that Allah is there, listening to our duas and always protecting us. Of course, our efforts must remain steadfast to earn a reward for the Hereafter.
We can use this name as an invocation after each of our daily prayers. If someone wants to get rid of his troubles, they might want to include some recitation of this name, especially in their duas.
While the name ‘Al-Matin’ appears a single time in the Qur’an, there are other Quranic verses where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) uses the word ‘Matin’ for denoting firmness. For instance, we have the following verse:
وَأُمۡلِي لَهُمۡۚ إِنَّ كَيۡدِي مَتِينٌ
English Translation:
"And I will give them time. Indeed, My plan is firm." — (Qur'an 68:45)
Here, the translation tells us that Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) plan is firm. The details of each plan may not be clear to us immediately. We also have to remain steadfast in the belief that Allah’s plans are the best and He will carry them out in the fittest manner.
We can try to incorporate the anime and attribute ‘Al-Matin’ in our daily lives by remaining consistent and patient in our deen. Throughout our lives, we will be tempted and distracted by many things. We may also feel vulnerable in our position as Muslims when speaking out against injustice or when trying to do good things while the whole world is doing something else. As an example, a Muslim woman in a non-Muslim country might feel oppressed when she veils herself when other women wear revealing clothing.
Whenever we feel this way, we can take inspiration and strength from ‘Al-Matin.’ Along with reciting this name frequently, we can remember that our Lord is the most steadfast one. With this knowledge, we have to be faithful as well.
To stay firm in our faith means to keep steady on what Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) has told us to do. Plus, we also need to remain firm on what Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) has planned. For instance, we can’t expect to avoid the hardness of the winter. What we can do is remain firm and solid about preparing for them. Our belief should be that if Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) has sent us a trial, He has also sent us the strength to deal with it.
There is a strong symbolism and spiritual connection to the Name ‘Al-Matin.’ However, this is one of the names that is exclusively for Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) alone. The virtues associated with this name include firmness, strength, steadfastness, solidness, and so on. If someone wants their child to have such virtues, they can name him ‘Abdul Matin’ or ‘Abdul Mateen.’ These names mean ‘Subject/Servant of the Firmest.’
Names similar to ‘Al-Matin’ include ‘Al-Qawiyy’ (The Strong One), ‘Ar-Razzaq’ (The Total Provider), and ‘Al-Aziz’ (The Almighty).
Al-Qawiyy refers to the perfect strength and power of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). Al-Matin describes some attributes of this power–it is unwavering, robust, and unshakeable.
‘Al-Matin’ and ‘Ar-Razzaq’ have also been paired, meaning that Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) provision is completely firm. No force can weaken, disrupt, or decrease it. Similarly, Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) power and strength cannot be resisted by anything nor counteracted by any rebellion. Al-Matin helps us reflect on the prediction of this Power.
وَأُمۡلِي لَهُمۡۚ إِنَّ كَيۡدِي مَتِينٌ
English Translation:
"And I will give them time. Indeed, my plan is firm." — (Qur'an 7:183)
Anas (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) said, "The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, most frequently said, "O Allah, O Overturner of hearts, make my heart firm in Your deen." [Sahih (Al-Albani) Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 683]
It was narrated from Al Bara bin Azib (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) that the Prophet said: "Allah will keep firm those who believe, with the world that stands firm in this world, and in the Hereafter. This was revealed concerning the torment in the grave. It will be said to him (the deceased: 'Who is your Lord?' and he will say: 'My Lord is Allah and my Prophet is Muhammad. That is what is (the meaning of) His saying: Allah will keep firm those who believe, with the word that stands firm in this world, and in the Hereafter". [Sahih (Darussalam) Sunan an-Nasa'i 2057]