Understanding Allah’s Name Al‑Mu‘ṭī — The Giver: Wisdom in Divine Giving and Withholding

Understanding Allah’s Name Al‑Mu‘ṭī — The Giver: Wisdom in Divine Giving and Withholding” Khutbah delivered by Shaykh Anwar Mady at the Jurgens Centre on Friday, April 3rd, 2026, this khutbah focuses on the profound meanings behind one of Allah’s beautiful names: Al‑Mu‘ṭī (The Giver). The Shaykh explains that although this name does not appear in the Qur’an, it is authentically established in the Sunnah. He highlights that true giving belongs only to Allah, while the Prophet ﷺ merely distributes what Allah has decreed. The khutbah explores: 1. The Philosophy of Divine Giving and Withholding Allah gives both believers and non‑believers in this worldly life, but He gives the Hereafter only to those He loves. Giving is not always a sign of honour, nor is withholding necessarily a sign of rejection. Sometimes Allah withholds out of mercy, protecting the believer from what may lead them astray. A believer should ask Allah only for provisions that draw them closer to Him, not those that distract from worship. 2. Stories Illustrating Righteous Responses to Provision The Shaykh relays several moral stories: A devout maidservant who viewed her night worship as a sign of Allah’s love, despite lacking worldly possessions. The father of Imam Ibn al‑Mubarak, whose honesty in a pomegranate orchard led to a blessed marriage and a righteous child. These stories highlight how taqwā (piety) invites divine favour and how worldly deprivation can hide spiritual elevation. 3. Teachings from Ibn al‑Qayyim and Other Scholars Classical scholars emphasize that: Allah may give while actually depriving (if the gift distances the servant from Him). Allah may deprive while truly giving (if the withholding brings the servant closer to His door). Provision is distributed not according to intelligence or skill, but according to divine wisdom and precise measure. 4. Encouragement to Trust Allah’s Measure Believers are reminded of the Qur’anic truth: “Perhaps you dislike something while it is good for you…” (Qur’an 2:216) Thus, dua’ should be made according to Allah’s measure—His infinite generosity—not one’s limited expectations. 5. Closing Appeal: Awareness of Al‑Aqsa and Palestinian Prisoners Shaykh Anwar concludes by urging Muslims to remain conscious of: The closure of Al‑Masjid al‑Aqsa, The hardship of Palestinian prisoners, The duty to educate ourselves and our children about the significance of Al‑Aqsa. He reminds the congregation that Al‑Aqsa is central to the Ummah, not a local or national issue. The khutbah ends with dua’ for liberation of Al‑Aqsa, relief for the oppressed, and Allah’s abundant giving according to His limitless bounty.