Ar-Raqib
Allah is Ar-Raqib, He watches all and never forgets what He has created. Allah is a vigilant witness and acts as a guardian protecting the weak and innocent. He observes all thoughts, deeds and feelings.
From the root r-q-b which has the following classical Arabic connotations: to look, watch, be vigilant to expect, anticipate, await. To keep an eye on, detect, observe to be mindful of. To be a spy, scout, observer to regard, hold in consideration, and respect.
O mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from one soul and created from it its mate and dispersed from both of them many men and women. And fear Allah, through whom you ask one another, and the wombs. Indeed Allah is ever, over you, an Observer. (Quran 4:1)
I said not to them except what You commanded me – to worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord. And I was a witness over them as long as I was among them;
but when You took me up, You were the Observer over them, and You are, over all things, Witness. (Quran 5:117)
It is He who created the heavens and earth in six days and then established Himself above the Throne. He knows what penetrates the earth and what emerges from it and what descends from the heaven and what ascends therein;
and He is with you wherever you are. And Allah, of what you do, is Seeing. (Quran 57:4)
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Name: |
Ar-Raqib |
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Ar-Raqib in Arabic: |
الرَّقِيبُ |
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Arabic root: |
(ر ق ب) |
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Ar-Raqib meaning in English: |
The Watchful, The Watcher, The Observer, The Watchful One |
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Ar-Raqib meaning in Urdu: |
بڑا نگہبان |
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Appearance in the Quran: |
3 |
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Tasbeeh: |
The one who recites this name 7 times and do a Damm on himself, his property and family will come under the custody of Allah. |
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Asma ul Husna with similar meaning: |
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Ar-Raqib (The Watchful) pronunciation in Arabic is ar-raq-eeb. The Arabic word “Raqib” comes from the root (ر ق ب) (ra-qaf-ba). It has the following classical Arabic connotations: to look, watch, be vigilant to expect, anticipate, await, to keep an eye on, detect, observe, to be mindful of, to be a spy, scout, and observer to regard, hold in consideration, and respect.
Ar-Raqib essentially implies that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) is the One who sees what is hidden in the hearts. He is the One who charges every soul for what it earned and preserves all that is in the creation, regulating them with the best of organization and the most complete and perfect planning.
There are two ways to understand the proper Arabic meaning of Ar-Raqib in depth. The first is apparent from its direct translation: He sees and is the first to witness the deeds of all His servants. Nothing in ALL His creation is hidden from His sight. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) is well aware of the details of every matter. Knowing this, we should know our actions, motives, and ourselves.
This knowledge should inspire us to do what's right in all circumstances and work diligently to serve Allah's cause, seeking His approval. It is a constant reminder of Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) ever-watchful nature. Living mindfully of this attribute of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى), Ar-Raqib being at the forefront of our minds should make it easier to subdue the evil temptations from Shaytan and our Nafs (ego) - the two biggest enemies we face daily in our lives. While this definition does relate closely to some of the connotations of the root word (ر ق ب), it is just one of two more befitting of the name Ash-Shaheed, meaning "The Observing Witness."
The more accurate definition of Ar-Raqib elaborates on Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) nature of being "watchful,” just like a parent or guardian would be watchful over their child with love and care, not just in the sense of scrutiny or judgment. He did not create us for no reason to become preoccupied elsewhere. Imam al-Ghazali says of Ar-Raqeeb, "He is One who knows and protects."
That means if we were to become fully aware of the constant surveillance or presence of Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) watchful gaze, we would feel safe and secure. Along with this sense of security, the awareness of Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) presence and observance should make us very cautious with our actions. Like a child being looked after by a parent, it should make us avoid approaching things that have been forbidden by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).
The following verse of the Quran is a wonderful example in reference to the second meaning detailed above.
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ ٱتَّقُوا۟ رَبَّكُمُ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَكُم مِّن نَّفْسٍۢ وَٰحِدَةٍۢ وَخَلَقَ مِنْهَا زَوْجَهَا وَبَثَّ مِنْهُمَا رِجَالًۭا كَثِيرًۭا وَنِسَآءًۭ ۚ وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ ٱلَّذِى تَسَآءَلُونَ بِهِۦ وَٱلْأَرْحَامَ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ عَلَيْكُمْ رَقِيبًۭا ١ [4:1]
Translation: “O humanity! Be mindful of your Lord Who created you from a single soul, and from it He created its mate, and through both He spread countless men and women. And be mindful of Allah—in Whose Name you appeal to one another—and ˹honour˺ family ties. Surely Allah is ever Watchful over you.”
Understanding the significance of the attribute Ar-Raqeeb leads Muslims to become mindful while practicing the Deen of Islam. Ar-Raqib provides a thorough understanding of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) ) as the Watchful Guardian. In a concise word, it encompasses the knowledge of His omnipresence, wisdom, and vigilance over every facet of His creation, conveying the level of attentive care that is beyond our humble human comprehension.
Fostering mindfulness and accountability is a continuous goal for every practicing Muslim. Reflecting and contemplating the spiritual aspects of the name Ar-Raqib (The Watchful) benefits the believer, contributing to their flourishing Imaan (faith). It serves as a constant reminder to the struggling or the oppressors alike that, even in the unseen moments of life, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) is watchful, offering guidance, protection, and justice.
Forming a robust and heartfelt connection with the attributes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى), allows the believer to submit fully to Him. In recognizing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) as Ar-Raqib, believers become conscious of their actions and subsequently become inspired to align their actions with the principles of justice, accountability, and righteousness that are the core values of Islam.
This reminder can be infused into daily conversations and actions by a believer. The concept of being constantly under Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) watchful gaze can help believers act with mindfulness and integrity. With an active conscience, mindful believers will go on performing acts of kindness with sincere intentions, acknowledging Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) watchfulness. It can further contribute to creating a compassionate and just community.
Among the ninety-nine others, several names have similar meanings to Ar-Raqib (The Watchful). Al-Baseer, “The All-Seeing,” and Ash-Shaheed, “The Observing Witness,” are similar to the initial meanings of Ar-Raqib (The Watchful). These attributes reflect the comprehensive and attentive observance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).
Al-Hafeez, "The All-Seeing,” and Al-Muhaymin, “The Guardian, The Protector,” encompass the similar idea of Allah’s watchful care and vigilance. Along with Ar-Raqib (The Watchful), these names refer to the loving care and guidance that only Allah can provide His creation.
This specific word, Ar-Raqib, derived from its root word (ر ق ب) (ra-qaf-ba) has appeared a handful of times in the Quran. It is specifically referred to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) by Himself, reminding the believer of His watchfulness at ALL times.
مَا قُلْتُ لَهُمْ إِلَّا مَآ أَمَرْتَنِى بِهِۦٓ أَنِ ٱعْبُدُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ رَبِّى وَرَبَّكُمْ ۚ وَكُنتُ عَلَيْهِمْ شَهِيدًۭا مَّا دُمْتُ فِيهِمْ ۖ فَلَمَّا تَوَفَّيْتَنِى كُنتَ أَنتَ ٱلرَّقِيبَ عَلَيْهِمْ ۚ وَأَنتَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍۢ شَهِيدٌ ١١٧ [5:117]
Translation: “I never told them anything except what You ordered me to say: “Worship Allah—my Lord and your Lord!” And I was witness over them as long as I remained among them. But when You took me, You were the Witness over them—and You are a Witness over all things.”
لَّا يَحِلُّ لَكَ ٱلنِّسَآءُ مِنۢ بَعْدُ وَلَآ أَن تَبَدَّلَ بِهِنَّ مِنْ أَزْوَٰجٍۢ وَلَوْ أَعْجَبَكَ حُسْنُهُنَّ إِلَّا مَا مَلَكَتْ يَمِينُكَ ۗ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍۢ رَّقِيبًۭا ٥٢ [33:52]
Translation: “It is not lawful for you ˹O Prophet˺ to marry more women after this, nor can you replace any of your present wives with another, even if her beauty may attract you—except those ˹bondwomen˺ in your possession. And Allah is ever Watchful over all things.”