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Wednesday 29 May 2019

99 Attributes of Allah: Al Barr - The Gracious Benefactor


Al Barr is one the 99 attributes of Allah. This simple four lettered attribute is loaded with immense meanings which very rightly describe the kindness, righteousness and being the ultimate Gracious Benefactor. It conveys the meaning that everything in existence benefits from Allah’s generosity and goodness.

This attribute of Allah is used in the Surah At Toor, 52:28:

اِنَّا كُـنَّا مِنۡ قَبۡلُ نَدۡعُوۡهُ​ ؕ اِنَّهٗ هُوَ الۡبَـرُّ الرَّحِيۡمُ  
Truly, we did call unto Him from of old: truly it is He, the Benevolent, the Merciful. 
البَرّ  Al-Barr in Arabic is written with a baa and a raa and a shahadah on the raa to stress on raa, Al-Barr is closely related to the Arabic word for piety, birr (with an i). It refers to every form of charity, generosity, and kindness that we as people can carry out. Al Barr also means the One Who treats His creation with  extreme kindness, Who does not interrupt His fine treatment of them and Who rectifies their affairs for them.

From the root b-r-r which has the following classical Arabic connotations:
  • to be devoted, affectionate, gentle
  • to be just and proper, honest, truthful
  • to have regard for the circumstances of another
  • to be beneficent, to bestow bountiful gifts
  • to reward for service, recompense
  • to behave courteously, to do good
  • to be benign, gracious, kindly
  • to be pious, virtuous, righteous
  • to be ample, extensive
As Allah is immensely kind to us despite our misdeed and thanklessness to Him for his gracious benevolence, likewise we also need to be kind and giving when it comes to our relations and undertaking with others. This not only applies to human beings, but to all creatures other creatures.

This kindness might come in the form of our personal behavior, our sharing of our wealth, giving assistance with our abilities and our influence, or praying to Allah on their behalf. We need to especially consider the disenfranchised, the widows and orphans, and the poor.

The Prophet of Allah (peace be upon us) has been quoted as saying:
There was a merchant who used to extend credit to people. If he found one of his customers to be in straightened means, he would say to his assistants: “Forgive them their debt, perhaps Allah will forgive us.” Allah did forgive him. (Sahih al-Bukhari 2078 ; Sahih Muslim 1562)
So while we look for the kindness and benevolence, we at our end should also exhibit the same to others so that those who are not as gifted as we, can also sustain themselves with ease. So when the One who bountifully bestows the gifts of tolerance, gentleness, goodness and kindness, the One who is ever-merciful and compassionate, we must emulate His attribution in our daily lives so that what we have is shared with have-nots for it is becomes our essential duty to take care and look after them.

You may refer to our post "99 Attributes of Allah" for complete list of 99 attributes of Allah Almighty with meaning and explanation.

Author's Note: The data above has been collected from the references as given below. If any one differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

Photo | References: | Main Source:  Wikipedia | Other Sources : | 1 | 2 | 3 | 
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