The servant’s share of Allah’s name “Al-Wadud” is reflected in loving for others what he loves for himself.

His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, Prof. Ahmad Al-Tayyeb said that the name of Allah “Al-Wadud” means: the Most Loving, and it is permissible to describe Allah's servants with it. In this case, the word “wadud” reflects the servant’s love for obeying Allah and his hatred for disobeying Him, exalted be He. On the other hand, Allah’s love for His servants is manifested in granting them success in obeying and thanking Him. The Grand Imam explained that it is permissible for the servant to supplicate and beseech Allah with the name of Allah “Al-Wadud” in times of prosperity and adversity, as the name is consistent in its meaning with what has befallen the servant, or what they supplicate to Allah for.

During the sixth episode of his Ramadan program “Imam Al-Tayyeb,” the Grand Imam explained that the servant’s share of Allah’s name “Al-Wadud” (The Most Loving) is embodied in loving for others what one loves for oneself. The Prophet (PBUH) has set a good example for us in embodying this trait, including what happened when his front tooth was broken and his face was wounded on the Day of Uhud, his companions were greatly distressed by this, and they said: “Why don’t you curse them!” He replied: “I was not sent to curse, but I was sent as a caller and a mercy. O Allah, forgive my people, for they do not know.” This is a higher rank that only those characterized by love can attain. It is narrated on the authority of Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) that: “If you want to be with those close to Allah, maintain ties with those who cut you off, give to those who withhold from you, and forgive those who wrong you.” This saying gives an eloquent description of the meaning of love.

The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar explained that a servant can practice such qualities little by little, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, in fulfillment of the saying of Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal: “A servant should walk towards God in fear and hope,” while prioritizing hope over fear in times of adversity, and fear over hope in times of prosperity. He emphasized that supplication is extremely important for a servant, as it connects them to the Lord, as we find that all of prayer is supplication, the opening surah of the Quran is a supplication, and prostration is supplication. All this confirms the importance of being constantly connected to Allah Almighty through supplication.