AL-MUḤṢĪ (المحصى): The Divine Counter
Definition: AL-MUḤṢĪ (المحصى), meaning “The Counter,” is one of the 99 beautiful names of Allah in Islam. It signifies Allah’s attribute of counting, enumerating, and recording everything—each deed, action, word, and even intention of every being.
Etymology: The Arabic term “Al-Muḥṣī” (المحصى) derives from the root “ḥ-ṣ-y” (حصى), which means to count or to enumerate. This root emphasizes the capacity to meticulously record and account for all things.
Background: In Islam, the belief in Allah’s omniscience and precise record-keeping is fundamental. The Qur’an frequently alludes to God’s ability to count and account for every matter. For instance, in Sūrah al-Furqān (25:58), Allah says, “He who created the heavens and the earth and whatever is between them in six days; then He established Himself above the Throne—the Most Merciful, so ask about Him one well informed.”
Cultural Differences and Similarities: Similar to other monotheistic religions, such as Christianity and Judaism, the Islamic view of God includes an all-knowing aspect — He who is aware of all actions and events. However, in Islam, this attribute is explicitly articulated and revered as Al-Muḥṣī, embedding the sense of divine accountability deeply within the spiritual and everyday life of a Muslim.
Synonyms:
- The Enumerator
- The Recorder
- The Reckoner (close in meaning but more aligned with the name Al-Ḥāsib)
Antonyms:
- The Forgetter (not applicable to divine attributes but contrasting to the concept)
Related Terms:
- Al-ʿAlīm (العليم): The All-Knowing
- Al-Ḥāfiẓ (الحفيظ): The Preserver
- Ash-Shahīd (الشهيد): The Witness
- Al-Latīf (اللطيف): The Subtle, The Kind
- Al-Khabeer (الخبير): The All-Aware
Exciting Facts:
- The 99 names of Allah, including Al-Muḥṣī, are often recited in liturgical and devotional practices, aiding Muslims in developing a deeper connection with the divine.
- Learning and internalizing these names fosters personal development among Muslims, encouraging virtuous living by remembering Allah’s vigilance and justice.
Quotations:
- Qurʾān, Sūrah Yā Sīn (36:11): “Verily, We will resurrect the dead, and We write that which they send before and their traces, and all things We have enumerated in a clear register.”
- Ibn Taymiyyah: “To call upon Allah through His various names is to understand and witness His majesty and mercy within the world’s fabric.”
References:
- Qurʾān: Verses related to Allah’s enumeration (Sūrah Yā Sīn, 36:11; Sūrah al-Aʿlā, 87:6).
- Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim: Collections of Hadith focusing on the attributes and names of Allah.
- Classical Islamic Theology: Works of Al-Ghazali and Ibn Taymiyyah dealing with the names and attributes of Allah.
Suggested Literature:
- “The 99 Names of Allah: Meaning and Benefits” by Fitzroy Morrissey
- “Al-Ghazali’s Alchemy of Happiness”
- “The Divine Names: The 99 Healing Names of the One Love” by Rosina-Fawzia al-Rawi
📚 Quizzes to Deepen Your Understanding:
🌟 May you find inspiration in the depth and beauty of these divine attributes and let them guide you toward a more conscious and devoted life.
Author: Ibrahim Al-Yafai
Published on: October 11, 2023
