Comprehensive Definition
AL-MUNTAQIM (المنتقم) is one of the 99 Names of Allah, known as “The Avenger.” It signifies Allah’s attribute of inflicting justified retribution on those who do grave injustice and oppress others. Though Allah is Most Merciful and Compassionate, He also wields His justice against transgressors when continued injustice and wrongdoing occur without repentance.
Etymology
The Arabic term “المنتقم” comes from the root “ن–ق–م,” which translates to “taking vengeance” or “inflicting retribution.” Linguistically, it conveys the concept of justice being served and wrongs being righted.
Qurʾānic Background
This divine attribute is referenced in several Qurʾānic verses, emphasizing Allah’s balance of mercy and justice:
- Sūrah التوبة (At-Tawbah) 9:52: “Say, ‘Do you await for us except one of the two best things while we await for you that Allah will afflict you with punishment from Himself or at our hands? So wait; indeed, we along with you are waiting.’”
- Sūrah السجدة (As-Sajdah) 32:22: “And who does more wrong than one who is reminded of the verses of his Lord; then he turns away from them? Indeed We will take retribution from the criminals.”
Context & Significance
The attribute AL-MUNTAQIM showcases balance within divine attributes, where justice complements mercy. While Allah’s primary traits include compassion and forgiveness, AL-MUNTAQIM ensures that persistent wrongdoers do not continue unchecked.
Cultural Dimensions
Differences and Similarities:
- Islamic Traditions: AL-MUNTAQIM stresses retribution aligned with divine justice, no human parallel.
- Other Religions: Justice features prominently in global religious concepts, such as the Old Testament’s portrayal of divine vengeance.
Synonyms
- Al-Jabbar (The Compeller)
- Al-‘Adl (The Just)
Antonyms
- Al-Ghaffar (The All-Forgiving)
- Ar-Rahim (The Merciful)
Related Terms
- Al-‘Adl (العدل): The Just — emphasizes Allah’s fairness in avenging and rewarding.
- At-Tawwab (التوّاب): The Acceptor of Repentance — highlights Allah’s readiness to forgive those who turn back to Him before invoking retribution.
Exciting Facts
- Balance of Attributes: Al-Muntaqim’s role within the divine names highlights how Allah’s attributes balance one another, embodying perfect justice and mercy.
- Usage in Supplications: Muslims invoke different names of Allah, including AL-MUNTAQIM, in their prayers for protection against oppression.
Quotations from Notable Writers
- Imam Al-Ghazali: “Divine vengeance serves a greater justice, a rectification in the cosmos where wrongs are righted, and truth prevails.”
References & Further Studies
- Books:
- “The 99 Names of God in Islam” by Daniele Bassi.
- “Divine Names: The 99 Healing Names of the One Love” by Laleh Bakhtiar.
- Articles:
- Online Islamic Theology portals: Several reputable websites discuss the layers of meaning within each of the 99 Names of Allah.
- Qurʾān: Interpretive reading of relevant verses in different Tafsir (commentary) sources.
Thought-Provoking Quizzes
In seeking to understand AL-MUNTAQIM, we explore not just a name but a balance of divine justice ensuring that retribution aligns with cosmic justice and morality. The study of AL-MUNTAQIM reveals a layer of Islamic theology where mercy is firmly balanced with justice to maintain the world’s moral fabric.
Fatimah Al-Hakim, October 4, 2023.
“In the mosaic of divine attributes, justice tempers mercy to sustain the equilibrium of existence.”
