Al-Wadūd (The Most Affectionate)
Our Lord, as we see beautiful things around us,
this inspires love within our hearts
and encourages us to have dreams and wishes.
And indeed all our wishes and hopes come from none but You.
Our Lord, the Most Affectionate, is the One Whom the pious people love and to Whom the fearful and distressed turn for refuge and security.
He loves those who frequently repent and purify themselves. He is the Most Generous and the Most Bountiful of all those who are generous and bountiful.
Our Lord, Your giving is the most generous, Your mercy is the most vast, and Your refuge is the firmest, and You are with us when we are alone and the source of support when we are few and weak -Exalted are You!
We will talk here about Allah’s name “Al-Wadūd”.
Allah Almighty says:
{...Indeed, my Lord is Most Merciful, Most Affectionate}
[Surat Hūd: 90]
He also says:
{And He is the All-Forgiving, the Most Affectionate,the Owner of the Throne, the Most Glorious.}
[Surat al-Burūj: 14-15]
“Wadūd” is derived from “wudd”, which means love
Our Lord, Exalted be He, shows affection towards His close servants by making them know Him and His sublime attributes.
His affection is particularly shown to His close and pious servants. He facilitates for them the means whereby they win His love and affection. Indeed, their hearts are attracted to His affection. As He mentions to them His beautiful names and great attributes, people with sound and untainted hearts feel inclined to love Him.
My Lord, my heart was empty before I loved You.
I used to engage in play and diversion with people.
Yet when Your love called my heart, it responded.
And ever since, it never leaves Your court.
Allah is the Most Affectionate. He endears Him self to sinners among His servants and shows affections to the repentant among them, facilitating for them the means by which they can attain His forgiveness and pardon, and shows them the signs of His vast mercy.
Allah Almighty says:
{Say: “O My ser vants wh o have transgressed against themselves, do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, He is the All - Forgiving, the Most Merciful.”}
[Surat az - Zumar: 53]
He also says:
{...And My mercy encompasses all things...}
[Surat a l - A‘rāf: 156]
Our Lord, Exalted be He, shows affection to His servants through His great favors and blessings, both apparent and hidden. He brought them into existence, gave them life, sustains their existence, reforms their affairs, and guides them to faith and Islam, which is the greatest of all blessings.
He is the Most Affectionate One. He loves them and they love Him. And He rewards them for their love for Him.
Indeed, this is utmost benevolence from Allah, the Bestower of favors.
