Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ is Al-Matin (in Arabic: ٱلْمَتِينُ), meaning His power is steadfast. It is the same as it was yesterday and will remain tomorrow. He is ever-constant and firm.
Arabic Root:
From the root mim-ta-nun (م ت ن), 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.
The names Al-Qawiyy (The Strong) and Al-Matin (The Firm) are often grouped together for being closely related in their meaning. The distinction is Al-Qawiyy refers to Allah’s strength, He possesses perfect power. Al-Matin/Al-Mateen is an extension of His strength but focuses on its intensity. It refers to the quality of being solid, unwavering, and unshakable. When this name is paired with the name Ar-Razzaq, it means His provision is firm.
Nothing disrupts its flow – no force can disrupt or weaken it. When paired with the name Al-Qawiyy, it means His strength is firm. Nothing can challenge or cause Him difficulty. So, it is generally stated that Al-Matin is the perfection of His power, and it can’t be counteracted or resisted.
Innal laaha Huwar Razzaaqu Zul Quwwatil Mateen
English Translation:
“Indeed, it is Allah who is the [continual] Provider, the firm possessor of strength.”(Qur’an 51:58)
There is only one instance of the name Al-Mateen in the Qur’an. There are many other verses where Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ describes His plan as being firm. We can’t comprehend the nuances and intricacies of His plans, but we know His plans are without flaws and will be acted out. “And you see the mountains, thinking them rigid, while they will pass as the passing of clouds. [It is] the work of Allah, who perfected all things. Indeed, He is Acquainted with that which you do.” (Qur’an 27:88) and “Allāh has written [i.e., decreed], ‘I will surely overcome, I and My messengers.’ Indeed, Allāh is Powerful and Exalted in Might.” (Qur’an 58:21)
Wa umlee lahum; inna kaidee mateen
English Translation:
“And I will give them time. Indeed, my plan is firm.”(Qur’an 7:183)
Wa umlee lahum; inna kaidee mateen
English Translation:
“And I will give them time. Indeed, My plan is firm.”(Qur’an 68:45)
Reflection:
The believer benefits from learning about how Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ is Al-Mateen. We recognize the importance of remaining firm in both the good and the bad. We must understand in life, we are either coming out of some difficulty or heading towards one. It’s going to happen; life is a joyful experience mixed with some sadness. It’s the way of life for everyone – to believe otherwise would be naïve. We don’t think anything can ever go wrong when things are going well. And when things are bad, we feel as though they will remain bad forever.
We must try our best to be firm in our patience and in our deen. Anas 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.”[1] Firmness in faith means flexibility with what Allah has planned for us. The trials of life are not unique to us; many have gone through something similar. Don’t ask how to avoid the winters. That’s not a possibility. Instead, we need to learn how to prepare and handle them.
Some winters will be short, others will be long, and they will regularly come after fall. When it comes, remember firmness and resolve in Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ. Say, “la hawla wala quwwata illa billahil aliyyil azim”, “there is no power and no strength except with Allah.” Be firm in your faith and trust that whatever test Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ has given you that it is within your capacity to solve.
It was narrated from Al Bara bin Azib 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 revelated 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”. [2]
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