Meaning & Explanation
An-Nafi' is the One who creates all benefit and grants what truly helps His servants. Every good that reaches anyone comes from Him. He knows what truly benefits each person and provides accordingly, even if we cannot see the benefit.
Quran References
2 versesContext: True benefit is in Allah's guidance
قُلْ إِنَّ هُدَى اللَّهِ هُوَ الْهُدَىٰ
“Say: Indeed, the guidance of Allah is the only guidance”
Context: Only Allah truly benefits
وَيَعْبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ اللَّهِ مَا لَا يَضُرُّهُمْ وَلَا يَنفَعُهُمْ
“And they worship besides Allah that which neither harms them nor benefits them”
Exemplifying Story
hadithThe Prophet's Dua for Beneficial Knowledge
Reference: Sunan Ibn Majah, Sahih Muslim
The Prophet ﷺ would pray: "Allahumma inni as'aluka ilman nafi'an, wa rizqan tayyiban, wa amalan mutaqabbalan" (O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, good provision, and accepted deeds). He also sought refuge from knowledge that does not benefit. A companion asked: "O Messenger of Allah, which supplication is most heard?" He replied: "In the last part of the night and after the prescribed prayers." An-Nafi' provides true benefit when we ask sincerely. Not all knowledge benefits - only knowledge acted upon and shared.
An-Nafi' grants what truly benefits. Not all that glitters is gold, and not all knowledge or wealth benefits. Ask for what truly benefits your akhirah.