Believing in the name “the Watchful” motivates Muslims to adhere to piety and avoid indecencies.

The Grand Imam reveals why the name “Al-Raqeeb” (the Watchful) violates rules of morphology?

His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, Prof. Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, affirmed during his speech today in the seventeenth episode of the program “Imam al-Tayyeb” that Allah’s name, “Al-Raqeeb” (the Watchful), is one of the beautiful names established in the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet. He cited the verse: “And Allah is ever Watchful over all things” (Quran, 33:52), and the verse: “Surely, Allah is ever Watchful over you” Quran, 4:1). In addition, the name comes in the hadith of Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, which includes the ninety-nine names agreed upon by Muslim scholars. He explained that this name is evidence of Allah’s vast knowledge that encompasses everything and His constant supervision over His creation.

In response to a question about the morphological pattern of the name “Al-Raqeeb” (“The Watchful”), the Grand Imam explained that the Arabic pattern “Faʿeel” can sometimes carry the meaning of “Fāʿil” (the doer), as in ‘Aleem means ‘Alim (Knower) and Samee‘ means Sami‘ (Hearer). However, the name “Al-Raqeeb” does not follow this typical linguistic pattern; instead, it was divinely established as Al-Raqeeb. He stated, “If we applied the standard linguistic rule, the form would have been ‘Rāqib’, but the revealed texts used ‘Raqeeb’, so we held firmly to it and disregarded analogy.” He clarified that the name uniquely conveys the meaning of divine oversight, which is comprehensive and unlike any human form of monitoring.

His Eminence pointed out that the name “Al-Raqeeb” combines the two attributes of absolute knowledge and divine preservation. He explained that Allah Almighty knows things in their state of existence and non-existence, and that no matter distracts Him from another. He cited the verse: “With Him are the keys of the unseen” (Quran, 6:59), and the verse: “he [man] does not utter a single word without an ever-present watcher” (Quran, 50:18). The Grand Imam emphasized that believing that divine knowledge is limitless represents a basis for the Muslim’s faith that Allah is aware of everything, small or great.

The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar concluded his speech by advising Muslims to benefit from this noble name in their practical lives, calling for heeding Allah's orders in secret and in public, and holding the self accountable, which is considered the “most hostile of enemies.” He said, “A person who senses the meaning of the divine watcher will not do anything that angers Allah.” He warned against the whispers of Satan and the evil-commanding self, emphasizing that belief in the name “the Watchful” motivates Muslims to adhere to piety and avoid indecencies, in fulfillment of the Almighty's saying: “And He is with you wherever you are” (Quran, 57:4).