Alternative Spelling:
Al-Qadir / Al-Qaadir / Al-Qader / Al-Kadir / Al-Qaadiru
Meaning of Al-Qadir
- Absolute Ability - Allah’s power is complete and unconstrained; nothing can impede what He wills.
- Measured Decree - From the same root as qadar (measure/decree), His power operates with precise determination, never random or haphazard.
- Power with Wisdom - His might is always guided by knowledge and mercy, never arbitrary or unjust.
- Creation and Re-creation - He brings forth from non-existence, transforms states, and revives after death, all by His command.
- Hope and Reliance - Recognizing Al-Qadir nurtures optimism, du‘a, and trust even when means seem absent.
- Human Limits - Our capacities are a gift from the All-Powerful, reminding us to strive while relying on Him alone.
Examples of Al-Qadir
- When facing an impossible deadline, organize your means and sincerely ask, “Ya Qadir, enable me and bless my effort.”
- In illness, seek treatment and place your heart’s trust in the One able to heal perfectly and swiftly.
- Before major decisions, pray two raka‘at of istikhara, trusting Al-Qadir to determine the best outcome.
- When resources are scarce, remember that provision is by His measure; act responsibly and rely upon His power to open new paths.
- Teach children that real strength belongs to Allah, cultivating humility and gratitude for any ability we possess.
- During community projects, plan professionally while invoking Al-Qadir to remove barriers and unite hearts.
Root of Al-Qadir
- Root - Q-D-R (ق د ر) conveying meanings of measuring, determining, apportioning, and possessing ability/power.
- Core senses - to measure precisely (qadara), to decree (qaddara), to be able/competent (qadara ‘ala), and at times to constrain in measure (qadara ‘alayhi rizqahu).
- Related nouns - qadar (decree), qadr (measure; also the Night of Decree), taqdīr (determination/ordainment).
- Related Names - Al-Qadeer (The All-Powerful in an intensive form) and Al-Muqtadir (The Supremely Omnipotent), showing gradations of emphasis.
- Form - Qādir is the active participle (fā‘il pattern), denoting the One who possesses and exercises ability.
Duahs using Al-Qadir
English: “O Al-Qadir, grant me ability to obey You, strength to leave sin, and success in what pleases You.”
Arabic: “اللهم يا قادر، امنحني القدرة على طاعتك، والقوة لترك المعصية، والتوفيق لما يرضيك.”
English: “O Al-Qadir, decree for me good, ease my affairs, and open doors from Your power and mercy.”
Arabic: “اللهم يا قادر، اقضِ لي الخير ويسّر أمري، وافتح لي الأبواب من قدرتك ورحمتك.”
English: “O Al-Qadir, heal our sick and remove our hardships; indeed, You are Able over all things.”
Arabic: “اللهم يا قادر، اشفِ مرضانا وارفع عنا الكرب، إنك على كل شيء قدير.”
Mentions of Al-Qadir in Qur'an & Hadith
“Say, ‘He is the All-Powerful to send upon you a punishment from above you or from beneath your feet…’”
Surah Al-An'am
“Do you not know that Allah is over all things capable?”
Surah Al-Baqarah
“…that you may know that Allah is over all things capable and that Allah has encompassed all things in knowledge.”
Surah At-Talaq
“Indeed, Allah is over all things Powerful.”
Surah Fatir
Reflections & Lessons from Al-Qadir
- Power belongs to Allah - Human power is borrowed and limited; true might is His alone.
- Strive and rely - Take the best means then entrust the outcome to Al-Qadir, balancing effort with tawakkul.
- Hope over despair - No situation is beyond His ability; even closed doors can be opened by His command.
- Measured living - Accept that everything has a divinely set measure; pace goals and expectations with realism and faith.
- Ethical responsibility - Use any authority or skill you have as a trust from the All-Powerful, not for arrogance or harm.
- Patience and gratitude - Be patient when constrained and grateful when empowered, knowing both states are by His wise decree.
Virtues Linked to Al-Qadir
- Strengthens tawakkul by recognizing Allah’s absolute ability behind every cause and effect.
- Nurtures steadfast du‘a, since nothing is too great for the All-Powerful to grant.
- Instills humility and curbs ego by seeing one’s talents as measured gifts, not self-made entitlements.
- Builds resilience and optimism in trials, combating despair and fatalism.
- Encourages ethical use of influence, aligning personal power with divine guidance.
FAQs: Al-Qadir
What is the difference between Al-Qadir, Al-Qadeer, and Al-Muqtadir?
All derive from Q-D-R (measure, power). Al-Qadir denotes the One who possesses and exercises power; Al-Qadeer is an intensive form stressing all-encompassing power; Al-Muqtadir emphasizes overwhelming, supreme dominance. They complement, not contradict, one another.
Can I supplicate by saying “Ya Qadir”?
Yes. Calling upon Allah by His Names is encouraged. You may say, “Ya Qadir” or “Allahumma ya Qadir,” coupled with sincere requests and reliance on Him.
Is it permissible to name a child ‘Abd al-Qadir?
Yes. Names like ‘Abd al-Qadir (servant of the All-Powerful) are praiseworthy. This name is well-known in Islamic history, e.g., ‘Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani.
How does belief in Al-Qadir relate to Qadar (Divine Decree) and human choice?
Allah has measured and decreed all things with perfect knowledge and power, yet He granted humans a real, limited will within His encompassing will. We are accountable for our choices, while outcomes ultimately rest with Al-Qadir.
Are there specific numbers for reciting this Name for certain outcomes?
No authentic text fixes a specific number for guaranteed worldly outcomes. Remembering Allah by His Names is virtuous, but avoid unfounded prescriptions. Ask Al-Qadir with sincerity, lawful means, and trust in His wise decree.
