One of Allah’s (swt) names is Ar-Raqeeb. It is important for us to know all the shades of meaning of this name, so that we are able to invoke to Allah (swt) using it appropriately.
The One Who looks, watches, observes, and is vigilant. He is the One Who watches over all of His creation, including the stars and planets in the galaxies. He records the deeds of His servants. He misses nothing whatsoever, neither a look nor a thought.
The One Who erects in order to care for something. Ar-Raqeeb is the One Who takes charge, which includes protecting, maintaining, and preserving. Every creation that walks or crawls on land, swims in the sea, or flies in the sky is protected and its needs are taken care of by Ar-Raqeeb.
The One Who holds in consideration and respect. Vigilance is of two types: 1) general vigilance is done for of all of creation and 2) special vigilance is for the special servants of Ar-Raqeeb to protect them from the attacks of devils.
Here is a beautiful example of belief in Ar-Raqeeb.
Abdullah ibn Zayd ibn Aslam narrated from his father from his grandfather, who said: “When I was accompanying Umar ibn al-Khattab (rtam) on his patrol of Madinah at night, he felt tired, so he leant against a wall. It was the middle of the night, and (we heard) a woman say to her daughter: ‘O my daughter, get up and mix that milk with some water.’ The girl said: ‘O Mother, did you not hear the decree of Ameer al-Mumineen (chief of the believers) today?’ The mother said: ‘What was that?’ The girl said: ‘He ordered someone to announce in a loud voice that milk should not be mixed with water.’ The mother said: ‘Get up and mix the milk with water; you are in a place where Umar cannot see you.’ The girl told her mother: “I cannot obey Him (Allah) in public and disobey him in private.’ ” (Sifat as-Safwah and Wafiyat al-Ayan and cited by Ibn al-Jawzi in Ahkam an-Nisa)
This is an example of how we should understand and be aware of Ar-Raqeeb. This young girl was upright in her deeds, in public and private, because she believed that Allah (swt) was observing her at all times. The fifth Rightly-Guided Caliph Umar Ibn Abdul-Azeez descended from her.
Allah (swt) chooses to mention His attribute Ar-Raqeeb also in relation to Nikah: “O humankind, 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.” (An-Nisa 4:1)
Ar-Raqeeb is vigilant about all our deeds done in private and in public: “So he who has done an atom’s weight of good shall see it. And he who has done an atom’s weight of evil shall see it.” (Az-Zalzalah 99:7-8)
How Can We Live by this Name?
- Know that you are never alone.
Repeat to yourself: “Allah (swt) is looking at me; Allah (swt) is watching me.” Remind yourself that Allah (swt) is watching your every move – feel His presence and converse with Him. Make Dua to Him to keep your intentions pure and your deeds upright. You become cautious when someone you look up to is watching you – so what about Allah (swt)? - Mind your words.
Some of us might stay away from major sins, such as adultery and interest, but we commit thousands of minor sins, whether online or offline. Be inspired by Ar-Raqeeb to mind every word you speak and ask yourself: does this speech please Allah (swt) or make Him angry? The messages that I type out or forward – will they please or displease Allah (swt)? Allah (swt) says: “Man does not utter any word except that with him is an observer prepared [to record].” (Qaf 50:18)
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