Meaning & Explanation
As-Sami' is the One who hears all sounds and words, whether spoken or whispered, in any language, at any time. He hears the prayers of His servants, the cries of the oppressed, and even the footsteps of an ant. Nothing escapes His hearing.
Quran References
3 versesContext: Ibrahim's dua while building the Ka'bah
رَبَّنَا تَقَبَّلْ مِنَّا إِنَّكَ أَنتَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ
“Our Lord, accept this from us. Indeed, You are the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing”
Context: Allah hears the believers
إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَسْمَعُ مَن يَشَاءُ
“Indeed, Allah hears whom He wills”
Context: Allah heard her complaint even whispered
قَدْ سَمِعَ اللَّهُ قَوْلَ الَّتِي تُجَادِلُكَ فِي زَوْجِهَا
“Indeed Allah has heard the speech of the woman who argues with you about her husband”
Exemplifying Story
hadithHajar's Cry in the Desert
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari
When Ibrahim left Hajar and baby Isma'il in the barren valley of Makkah with only a pouch of dates and water, she asked: "Did Allah command you to do this?" When he said yes, she replied: "Then He will not abandon us." The water ran out, and baby Isma'il cried from thirst. Hajar ran between Safa and Marwah seven times seeking help. As-Sami' heard the cry of the infant, and the angel struck the ground, causing the well of Zamzam to spring forth - a well that flows to this day.
As-Sami' hears the desperate cry of His servants even in the most desolate places. He responds when we call upon Him with sincerity.