Meaning & Explanation
Al-Muqtadir is the One who determines all things according to His power and wisdom. He is the Prevailing Determiner whose power is always actualized. He determines the measure of all things and nothing can escape His determining will.
Quran References
2 versesContext: Allah's determining power over all
وَكَانَ اللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ مُّقْتَدِرًا
“And Allah is ever, over all things, Perfect in Ability”
Context: Allah's determined punishment
كَذَّبُوا بِآيَاتِنَا كُلِّهَا فَأَخَذْنَاهُمْ أَخْذَ عَزِيزٍ مُّقْتَدِرٍ
“They denied all Our signs, so We seized them with a seizure of the Exalted in Might, the Perfect in Ability”
Exemplifying Story
quranThe Destruction of Previous Nations
Reference: Surah Al-Qamar 54:41-42
Throughout Surah Al-Qamar, Allah recounts how He determined the destruction of nations who rejected their prophets: the people of Nuh drowned, the people of Ad were struck by violent wind, the people of Thamud were destroyed by a single blast, and the people of Lut were showered with stones. After each account, Allah says: "And We have certainly made the Quran easy for remembrance, so is there any who will remember?" Al-Muqtadir determined each nation's fate according to their deeds. His determining power is absolute.
Al-Muqtadir determines the fate of nations and individuals. No power can prevent His determination. This should inspire both awe and hope - awe of His power, hope in His mercy.