Definition
AL-ḤASĪB (الـحـسـيـب), one of the ninety-nine attributes of God in Islam, represents “The Reckoner,” emphasizing God’s role in taking divine account of all actions, thoughts, and deeds, particularly on the Day of Judgment.
Etymology
The Arabic term AL-ḤASĪB (الـحـسـيـب) is derived from the root ḥ-s-b (ح-س-ب), which means “to count,” “to reckon,” or “to take account.” This root is the basis from which the term constructs the essence of divine meticulousness and accountability.
Background
The title AL-ḤASĪB occurs in the Qurʾān three times, each illustrating a unique aspect of God’s reckoning:
- Sūrah 4:6: “And sufficient is Allah as Reckoner [Ḥasīb].”
- Sūrah 4:86: “Indeed, Allah is ever, over all things, an Accountant [Ḥasīb].”
- Sūrah 33:39: “Sufficient will be Allah as Reckoner [Ḥasīb].”
These attest to God’s ability to evaluate and judge all matters with ultimate justice and fairness.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Across diverse Islamic cultures, the acknowledgment of AL-ḤASĪB fosters a consciousness of divine scrutiny and emphasizes moral accountability. A believer’s awareness that every action is observed and noted cultivates a sincere commitment to ethical conduct.
Similarities:
- Sunni and Shi’a traditions both recognize AL-ḤASĪB but might narrate distinct hadiths to illustrate its nuances.
- Universally, Muslims use this attribute to reaffirm their faith in God’s fair justice, often invoking it in daily prayers and reflections.
Differences:
- Certain Sufi traditions may interpret AL-ḤASĪB through a metaphysical lens, reflecting on the attribute as encapsulating an inner spiritual state of constant self-reckoning in God’s presence.
- Cultural practices might vary; for example, some communities commemorate the concept through poetry, song, or other artistic expressions resonant with specific cultural motifs.
Synonyms
- The Accountant (Qayyim, قابل)
- The Judge (Ḥakim, حاكم)
- The Evaluator (Muḥāsib, محاسِب)
Antonyms
- Indifferent (Lā mabālī, لا يبالي)
- Unaware (Ghafīl, غافل)
Related Terms
- Al-‘Ādil (العادل): The Just
- Al-Jawwād (الجواد): The Generous
- Al-‘Alīm (العليم): The All-Knowing
Exciting Facts
- The doctrine of AL-ḤASĪB is not merely theological but extends into Muslim lifestyle and law, influencing economic practices like ensuring fairness in trade and honesty in dealings.
- The invocation of AL-ḤASĪB predates Islam, finding echoes in pre-Islamic poetry and tribal customs of justice and retribution.
Quotations from Notable Writers
- Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya: “To know God as AL-ḤASĪB is to embody an eternal vigilance over one’s actions, for His accounting spares none.”
- Rumi: “God counts beyond the worldly reckoning, where the soul finds its true measure.”
Suggested Literature
- “Ninety-Nine Names of Allah: A Journey Through Their Most Beautiful Meanings” by Samiya Ibn Yusuf
- “Al-ḥisāb: God’s Accounting System in the Qurʾān” by Abdul Hakeem Saeed
For further studies and inspiration, consider referencing “The Names of God in Islam” by Tosun Bayrak, which provides an expansive look at the divine attributes and their spiritual implications.
Quiz Section
By striving to live in awareness of AL-ḤASĪB, may you cultivate a life of accountability, fairness, and spiritual consciousness.
Samiya Ibn Yusuf
October 04, 2023
“Reflect deeply on the Reckoner, for in His gaze, everything is always perfectly accounted for.”
