Eleven Attributes of the Slaves of the Most Gracious

Author: Abu Muslih Ari Wahyudi

أُوْلَئِكَ يُجْزَوْنَ الْغُرْفَةَ بِمَا صَبَرُوا وَيُلَقَّوْنَ فِيهَا تَحِيَّةً وَسَلَاماً

“Those are the ones who will be rewarded with the highest place in heaven, because of their patient constancy: therein shall they be met with salutations and peace, Dwelling therein;- how beautiful an abode and place of rest!” (QS Al-Furqaan [25] : 75)

Allah explains characteristics of the model servants to us whose good deeds to be followed. They are those who are known as Ibaad Ar-Rahman (The slave of The Most Gracious). Allah describes eleven attributes of them which are mentioned in detail in the Qur’an. Here are the explanation which we derived from Taisir Al-Karim Ar-Rahman (published by Mu’assasah ar-Risalah, pg. 586-588) by Syeikh As-Sa’di – may Allah have mercy on him [Commentary of Al-Furqon 63-77) with some addition from other sources, may this be beneficial to the readers.


First attribute:

Humility and address the ignorant with mild words and gentleness

Allah says:

وَعِبَادُ الرَّحْمَنِ الَّذِينَ يَمْشُونَ عَلَى الْأَرْضِ هَوْناً وَإِذَا خَاطَبَهُمُ الْجَاهِلُونَ قَالُوا سَلَاماً

“And the slaves of the Most Beneficent (Allah) are those who walk on the earth in humility and sedateness, and when the foolish address them (with bad words) they reply back with mild words of gentleness.” (Al-Furqaan [25] : 63)

The slave of The Most Gracious (Ibadur-Rahman) are those who walk on this life with humility before Allah and other creatures. They show sedateness and wisdom. Always shows humility before Allah and gentleness to His slaves. If ignorant people address them badly, it would not cause them to replay in the same manner or in sinful act. For these manner they are praised, which are gentleness and sedateness. They reply ignorance in kindness. They even willing to forgive the foolish ones for their ignorance. This indicates their amazing endurance to hardship which could raise them in this noble character.

Ibn Katsir – may Allah have mercy on him – said in his tafsir about “Those who walk on the earth with humility and sedateness.” meaning that they walk with dignity and humility, not with arrogance and pride. (Tafsir Al-Qur’an Al-‘Azim, VI/27).


Second Attribute:

Observing the night prayer sincerely

Allah says:

وَالَّذِينَ يَبِيتُونَ لِرَبِّهِمْ سُجَّداً وَقِيَاماً

“And those who spend the night before their Lord, prostrate and standing. (Al-Furqaan : 64)

The slaves of The Most Gracious are those who observe the night prayer while doing it sincerely to their Lord and humble themselves before Him. It is like Allah’s saying in other verse: “Their sides forsake their beds, to invoke their Lord in fear and hope, and they spend (charity in Allah’s Cause) out of what We have bestowed on them. No person knows what is kept hidden for them of joy as a reward for what they used to do.” (As-Sajdah [32]: 16-17)


Ibn Katsir – may Allah have mercy on him – said in his tafsir about ‘those who spend the night before their Lord, prostrate and standing’ “meaning (they spend their night in) worshipping and obeying Him.” (Tafsir Al-Qur’an Al-‘Azim, VI/28).


Third Attribute

Invoke to Allah to be averted from hell.

Allah says:

وَالَّذِينَ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا اصْرِفْ عَنَّا عَذَابَ جَهَنَّمَ إِنَّ عَذَابَهَا كَانَ غَرَاماً إِنَّهَا سَاءتْ مُسْتَقَرّاً وَمُقَاماً

“And those who say: "Our Lord! Avert from us the torment of Hell. Verily! Its torment is ever an inseparable, permanent punishment. Evil indeed it (Hell) is as an abode and as a place to dwell.” (Al-Furqaan [25] : 65-66)

The slaves of The Most Gracious are those who invoke to Allah to be distanced from reasons that would lead them to hellfire. They always seek forgiveness against every sin they have done, for if they were not to repent from those sins they will be thrown in torment and punishment. Whereas this torment is really daunting, and everlasting torment like a winding debt which torment the mind of the one who is in debt but could not repay it back.

“Evil indeed it (Hell) is as an abode and as a place to dwell.”

It shows their submission and obedience before Allah The Most High, and how they need the assistance of Allah. They realize that they could not bear the torment. It also reminds them of Allah’s blessing on them, that is when a great calamity and sorrow which torment the soul cast away, then their heart full of joy and happiness when they are save from an evil torment.


Fourth attribute

Neither extravagant nor niggardly.

Allah says:

وَالَّذِينَ إِذَا أَنفَقُوا لَمْ يُسْرِفُوا وَلَمْ يَقْتُرُوا وَكَانَ بَيْنَ ذَلِكَ قَوَاماً

“And those, who, when they spend, are neither extravagant nor niggardly, but hold a medium (way) between those (extremes).” (Al-Furqaan [25]:67)

The slaves of The Most Gracious are those who spend charity on Allah’s cause, whether being obligatory of recommended. Obligatory charity such as zakah, paying fine or penalty (kafarah), and giving basic necessities for one’s family. They do not exceed the limit in giving charity. Do not spend in extravagant so as to neglect other charity which is compulsory to them. They neither become sitngy or niggardly. So is the way they spend, in between extravagant and niaggardly. They spend in proper matters in proper ways, neither harm themselves nor others, which indicate their being just with what they have.

Ibn Katsir – may Allah have mercy on him – said in his tafsir about ‘those, who, when they spend, are neither extravagant nor niggardly’ it means ‘They are not extravagant, spending more than they need, nor are they miserly towards their families, not spending enough on their needs. But they follow the best and fairest way. The best of matters are those which are moderate, neither one extreme nor the other.’ (Tafsir Al-Qur’anul ‘Azhim, VI/29)


He also quoted from Iyas ibn Mu’awiyah who said: “Everything which exceed the limit of Allah’s divine is extravagant.” Other scholar said, “What is meant by extravagant is spend in violation of Allah’s rule.” While Hasan al-Bashri said: “There is no extravagant in spending on the path of Allah.” (Tafsir Al-Qur’an Al-‘Azhim, VI/29)


Fifth Attribute

Do not invoke other deity along with Allah.

Allah says:

وَالَّذِينَ لَا يَدْعُونَ مَعَ اللَّهِ إِلَهاً آخَرَ

“And those who invoke not any other ilah (god) along with Allah…” (QS Al-Furqaan [25] : 68)

The slaves of The Most Gracious are those who worship Allah alone (at-tauhid), being sincere in religion and obedience to Him. They abandon all form of polytheist (syirik) and turn to monotheist (tauhid). Put their body and soul for Allah only and turn away from dependence of their hearts from everything beside Him.

Imam Ahmad said, Abu Mu’awiyah narrated to us, Al-A’masy reported to us on Syaqiq on Abdullah i.e. Ibn Mas’ood. Ibn Mas’ood – may Allah please with Him – said, “The Messenger of Allah – peace be upon him – was asked what are the major sin? He said: “You appoint a rival to Allah when He has created you.” He asked, “Then what? He said: “You kill your child for fear that he may eat with you.” He said, “Then what?” He said: “You commit adultery with your neighbor’s wife.” Abdullah said: “Then Allah revealed, confirming that: “And those who invoke not any other god along with Allah....” (Reported by Bukhari in the Book of Tafsir/4477/Al-Fath, Muslim in the Book of Eeman/86/Abdul Baqi, quoted from Tafsir Al-Qur’an Al-‘Azhim, VI/29).


Sixth Attribute

Do not kill without just reason

Allah says:

وَلَا يَقْتُلُونَ النَّفْسَ الَّتِي حَرَّمَ اللَّهُ إِلَّا بِالْحَقِّ

“...nor kill such life as Allah has forbidden, except for just cause...” (Al-Furqaan [25] : 68)

Life which is forbidden to be killed is the life of Muslims and kafir mu’ahad, dzimmi and musta’man. Kafir mu’ahad is unbeliever who have security agreement with the Muslims, whether it is with government or individual Muslim. As for kafir dzimmi is unbeliever who become citizen under Islamic ruling and obey the rule and pay jizyah (tax). As for kafir musta’man is unbeliever who granted security or political security by a Muslim country.

These types of disbeliever can not be fought against, rather The Messenger of Allah (shallallahu alaihi wasallam) once said: ““Whoever kill one kafir mu’ahad, he will not able to smell the smell of paradise and indeed it fragrance could be smelt from the distance of forty years journey. (Related by al-Bukhari in the Book of al-Jizyah wal Muwaada’ah, the chapter of Man qatala mu’ahadan bighairi jurmin, no. 3166 from Abdullah ibn Amr). In another naration he (shallallahu alaihi wasallam) said: "Whoever killed a Mu'ahid (a person who is granted the pledge of protection by the Muslims) shall not smell the fragrance of Paradise though its fragrance can be smelt at a distance of forty years (of traveling)." (Related by al-Bukhari in the Book of Blood Money (Ad-Diyaat), the chapter of Itsmu man qatala dzimmiyan bighairi jurmin, no, 3166 on the authority of Abdullah ibn Amr). As for that which is permissible according to divine legislation are to kill those who kill other people (qishah), those who commit adultery while engage in marital status with his/her partners (by throwing with stones), those who apostate from the religion, disbeliever who are permitted to be killed such as people who attack Muslim country (kafir harbi). (Refer to the Explanation of Arba’in by Syaikh Shalih Alu Syakih, p. 63).


Seventh Attribute

Do not commit adultery.

Allah says:

وَلَا يَزْنُونَ وَمَن يَفْعَلْ ذَلِكَ يَلْقَ أَثَاماً يُضَاعَفْ لَهُ الْعَذَابُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ وَيَخْلُدْ فِيهِ مُهَاناً

“...nor commit illegal sexual intercourse and whoever does this shall receive the punishment. The torment will be doubled to him on the Day of Resurrection, and he will abide therein in disgrace;” (QS Al-Furqaan : 68-69)

The slave of The Most Gracious are people who guard their private parts exept for their wives or their slaves. The Messenger of Allah (shallallahu alaihi wasallam) once asked his companions, “What do you think about fornication?” They said: “Allah and His Messenger has made it forbidden so it will stay as such until the Day of Judgement.” So The Messenger of Allah (shallallahu alaihi wasallam) said to his companions: ”Verily, if a man commit adultery with ten women it would be easier for him than commit adultery with the wife of his neighbour.” And he asked again, “And what do you think about burgle?” They said: “Allah and His Messenger have made it forbidden and it will be forbidden.” So he said: “Indeed, if a man commit burglary in ten houses it would be easier for him than commit burglary against his neighbour’s property.” (An authentic hadith by Syaikh Albani in Shahihul Jaami’, 54030; quoted from Tafsir Al-Qur’an al-Adhim VI/130)


Eighth Attribute

Repent, having firm belief (eeman) and performing righteous deeds.


Allah says:

إِلَّا مَن تَابَ وَآمَنَ وَعَمِلَ عَمَلاً صَالِحاً فَأُوْلَئِكَ يُبَدِّلُ اللَّهُ سَيِّئَاتِهِمْ حَسَنَاتٍ وَكَانَ اللَّهُ غَفُوراً رَّحِيماً وَمَن تَابَ وَعَمِلَ صَالِحاً فَإِنَّهُ يَتُوبُ إِلَى اللَّهِ مَتَاباً

“Except those who repent and believe (in Islamic Monotheism), and do righteous deeds, for those, Allah will change their sins into good deeds, and Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. And whosoever repents and does righteous good deeds, then verily, he repents towards Allah with true repentance.” (QS Al-Furqaan : 70-71)

That are people who repent from evil deeds and other sins in accordance to the requirements of the above verse, i.e. 1) leave all the evil deeds immediately; 2) feel remorse of sins which have been committed; 3) very determine not to fall into the same sins, 4) belief in Allah with the right belief , which demands him to leave every kind of evil deeds and requires him to act on obedience; 5) doing righthous deeds, acting legislated deed and sincere intention hoping for Allah’s pleasure and reward to meet His face.

Imam Nawawi, may Allah have mercy on him, said: “Scholars said: Repetance is obligated for every sin that has been done.” (Syarh Riyadu Ash-Shalihin, 1/56). He also said: “It has three pillars: leave it completely, feel remorse of the evil deeds, and have a strong intention not to fall on that evil deed ever. If the evil deeds is concern others right, then there is the fourth pillar which is free himself from people whose rights are violated. The core of repentance is remorse, and that is the greatest pillar.” (Syarh Shahih Muslim, IX/12).

He, may Allah have mercy on him, also said: “...They (the scholars) agreed that repentance from every evil deed is obligated, and (they also agreed) that repentance should be done sooner and must not be postpone, whether the sin falls under major sin or minor sin. Repetance is one of the greatness principal in the religion of Islam and a very emphasizing rule in it…” (Syarh Shahih Muslim, IX/12)

And Allah The Most High said:

(Interpretation of the meaning) “Say: "O my Slaves who have transgressed against their souls! Despair not of the Mercy of Allah. for Allah forgives all sins: for He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (QS Az-Zumar [39] : 53)


Ninth Attribute

Do not witness falsehood and abandon all meaningless talk and action.

Allah The Most High says:

وَالَّذِينَ لَا يَشْهَدُونَ الزُّورَ وَإِذَا مَرُّوا بِاللَّغْوِ مَرُّوا كِرَاماً

“And those who do not witness Az-Zuur (falsehood), and if they pass by some evil play or evil talk, they pass by it with dignity. “ (QS Al-Furqaan [25] : 72)

Falsehood (az-Zuur) here refers to forbidden sayings and actions. This term encompass various issues, such as associating partners with Allah (syirik), worshiping idols, lies, disobedience, disbelief, immorality, song, disbeliever celebration days, gathering of alcoholic, false witness, etc. (See Tafsir Ibn Kathir, VI/33).

The slave of The Most Gracious stays away from any gathering where forbidden speeches and actions occur, such as mocking Allah’s verses and signs, false discussion, backbiting, titling, disgracing someone, accuse someone of fornicating without evidence, make fun of Allah’s legislation, forbidden song, drink alcohol, wearing silk (for male –ed), hanging or display images of living creature, and so on. If they do not attend gathering where Az-Zuur or falsehood occurs, surely they will not speak and act upon it. Bearing false witness is the first one categorized of being az-Zuur.

“…and if they pass by some evil play or evil talk..” Al-Laghwu refers to useless speech, which is not consists of something that benefit the religion nor for the life in this world, such as the speech of ignorant people and the likes.

“…they pass by it with dignity. “

The slave of The Most Gracious purified their soul and maintain their dignity by not involving in those false speech. They believe despite that no sin occurs, talking in matters which consists no good in it is from the act of ignorant from humanity values and honor point of view. So they choose to stay away from them.

In Allah’s saying:

(Interpretation of the meaning): “…and if they pass by some evil play or evil talk…” indicates that they do not intend to attend and listen to those falsehood, rather it happen coincidently, so they keep their honor by stay away from it.


Tenth Attribute

Do not fall deaf and ignorant when they are reminded of Allah’s verses and signs.

Allah The Most High says:

وَالَّذِينَ إِذَا ذُكِّرُوا بِآيَاتِ رَبِّهِمْ لَمْ يَخِرُّوا عَلَيْهَا صُمّاً وَعُمْيَاناً

“And those who, when they are reminded of the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of their Lord, fall not deaf and blind thereat.” (QS al-Furqaan [25] : 73)

The slave of The Most Gracious are those who do not turn away from those admonition. They do not shut their ears in order not to listen. They do not close their eyes and heart from comprehending those admonition like people who believe in those admonition but do not confirm it. If they are reminded of it, they act as described in Allah’s saying (interpretation of the meaning):

“Only those believe in Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), who, when they are reminded of them fall down prostrate, and glorify the Praises of their Lord, and they are not proud.” (QS As-Sadjah [32] : 15)


The slave of The Most Gracious accept those admonitions completely with needs, obedience and submission. You will find they have open ears, waking hearts, which cause their faith to increase and their trust to complete. Those admonitions raise their spirit, they feel joy and happy in accepting it. This is the attribute of a believer, as Allah describes in His saying:

(Interpretation of the meaning) “The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, feel a fear in their hearts and when His Verses (this Quran) are recited unto them, they (i.e. the Verses) increase their Faith; and they put their trust in their Lord (Alone).” (QS al-Anfaal [8] : 2)

As for disbeliever, they are not affected by Allah’s sayings. Rather they persist in their disbelief and misguidance. This is as described in Allah’s saying:

(Interpretation of the meaning) “And whenever there comes down a Soorah (chapter from the Quran), some of them (hypocrites) say: "Which of you has had his Faith increased by it?" As for those who believe, it has increased their Faith, and they rejoice. But as for those in whose hearts is a disease (of doubt, disbelief and hypocrisy), it will add suspicion and doubt to their suspicion, disbelief and doubt, and they die while they are disbelievers..” (QS At-Taubah [9] : 124-125)

Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And remind (by preaching the Quran, O Muhammad r) for verily, the reminding profits the believers.” (QS Adz-Dzariyat [51] : 55). In this verse Allah inform us that admonition will be of benefit of the believers. This is since their soul contain faith, fear of Allah ((khasiyah), wishing back to Allah (inabah), and obedience in following Allah’s pleasure. These encourage them to take benefit from those reminders and could place admonitions to them in its proper place (i.e. implement it as good as they can). This is similar to Allah’s saying (interpretation of the meaning): “Therefore remind (men) in case the reminder profits (them). The reminder will be received by him who fears (Allah),” (QS Al-A’la [87] : 9-10)

As for those whose heart does not have faith nor readiness to take admonitions, so any reminder given to those people will be of no benefit to themselves. The likes of moisture and salty land could not be turned fertile by rain. Such people will not have faith until they see painful punishment, we seek refugee to Allah from it.


Eleventh Attribute

Supplicate to Allah to bestow righteous wives and offspring, and make them as example of godfearing people.


Allah says:

وَالَّذِينَ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا هَبْ لَنَا مِنْ أَزْوَاجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّاتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعْيُنٍ وَاجْعَلْنَا لِلْمُتَّقِينَ إِمَاماً أُوْلَئِكَ يُجْزَوْنَ الْغُرْفَةَ بِمَا صَبَرُوا وَيُلَقَّوْنَ فِيهَا تَحِيَّةً وَسَلَاماً خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا حَسُنَتْ مُسْتَقَرّاً وَمُقَاماً قُلْ مَا يَعْبَأُ بِكُمْ رَبِّي لَوْلَا دُعَاؤُكُمْ فَقَدْ كَذَّبْتُمْ فَسَوْفَ يَكُونُ لِزَاماً

“And those who say: "Our Lord! Bestow on us from our wives and our offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes, and make us leaders of those who have taqwa. Those will be rewarded with the highest place (in Paradise) because of their patience. Therein they shall be met with greetings and the word of peace and respect. Abiding therein; excellent it is as an abode, and as a place to dwell. Say (O Muhammad r to the disbelievers): "My Lord pays attention to you only because of your invocation to Him. But now you have indeed denied (Him). So the torment will be yours for ever (inseparable permanent punishment)." (QS Al-Furqaan [25] : 74-77)

Ibn Kathir – may Allah have mercy on him – said about them: “those who ask Allah to bring forth from their loins offspring who will obey Him and worship Him and not associate anything in worship with Him.” (Tafsir Al-Qur’an Al-‘Azhim, VI/34)

If we ponder on the states and attributes of the slave of the Most Gracious, we might come to know the lofty of their aspiration and status. They could not feel content except that their children obey and submit themselves to their Lord, have knowledge and act accordingly. Although this supplication for is directed to good for wives and offspring, this supplication is also for their own good. It is because this supplication would be back to themselves. Therefore in the supplication they say “bestow” for them. Furthermore, the benefit of this supplication will be back to all Muslims, for beneficence of wives and offspring will bring benefit to those who interact with them.

The slaves of The Most Gracious also supplicate to Allah “…and make us leaders of those who have taqwa.” Ibn `Abbas, Al-Hasan, As-Suddi, Qatadah and Rabi` bin Anas said: "Leaders who would be taken as examples in good.'' Tafsir Al-Qur’an Al-‘Azhim, VI/35).

Meaning, the slave of The Most Gracious always seek to achieve this high status, which is the status of shiddiqin and the prefect rank of righteous slaves. This is the status of leadership in religion. They seek to be leaders of those who have taqwa, whether in speech or action, so that they are worthy to be followed, and their action result in peace. Therefore people good doer will walk following them. They receive and spread guidance.

Supplication to get something also means seeking everything which is the conditions of it. Whereas the status of being the leader in religion could not be achieved except with patient and faith. The likes of Allah’s saying (interpretation of the meaning):

“And We made from among them (Children of Israel), leaders, giving guidance under Our Command, when they were patient and used to believe with certainty in Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.). “ (QS As-Sadjah [[32] : 24)

May Allah grant us of being from among of the slaves of The Most Gracious

Abridged and translated from the original source “Sebelas Karakteristik Ibaadur Rahman