❖ Is It Permissible to Say “Allah is Ḥāḍir wa Nāẓir”? Sharʿī Clarification
Source: Fatāwā Rāshidiyyah, p.157
◈ The Question
In many writings today, including some works of the Ahl al-Ḥadīth, the phrase “Allah is Ḥāḍir wa Nāẓir (present and watching)” is used.
But according to the position of the Salaf, Allah is above His Mighty Throne (ʿArsh), while His power operates everywhere, and His knowledge encompasses all things.
So, is it permissible to use the words Ḥāḍir wa Nāẓir for Allah?
◈ Principles to Keep in Mind
1. Use of Language and Expressions
- Using familiar words in a given language to express Qur’ānic and Sunnah meanings is not objectionable.
- People better understand their own language and idioms.
2. Commonly Used Words
- Many words are widely used for Allah without being mentioned explicitly in Qur’an and Sunnah, such as:
- “Khudā”
- “Dhanī” (Owner)
- “Pāk” (Holy)
These are accepted because their meanings correspond to attributes found in revelation.
3. Match of Meanings
- “Khudā” = “al-Qayyūm”
- “Dhanī” = “Mālik” or “Mawlà”
- “Pāk” = “al-Quddūs”
Thus, expressions like “Khudā-bakhsh”, “Allah Pāk”, etc., are valid since they convey correct meanings.
◈ Allah’s Knowledge and Accompaniment
Allah is established above the Throne, yet:
﴿وَهُوَ مَعَكُمْ أَيْنَ مَا كُنتُمْ ۚ وَاللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ بَصِيرٌ﴾ [al-Ḥadīd: 4]
"He is with you wherever you are, and Allah sees all that you do."
- “Nāẓir” corresponds to this seeing.
- “Maʿiyyah” (withness) does not mean Allah’s physical presence everywhere, but His knowledge and power.
◈ Meaning of “Ḥāḍir”
- Just as “maʿiyyah” does not imply bodily presence, “ḥāḍir” too refers to Allah’s knowledge, not physical omnipresence.
- It simply conveys that Allah’s knowledge surrounds His creation.
◈ Problems if Only Qur’anic Terms Are Allowed
① Language would be restricted:
- Words like “Allah Pāk,” “Parwardigār,” etc., used for centuries, would become impermissible.
② Understanding attributes would be blocked:
- If one asks what “Ghafūr” or “Karīm” means, explanation would be forbidden.
- This would hinder people’s comprehension of Allah’s attributes.
◈ Summary
- Saying “Allah is Ḥāḍir wa Nāẓir” is permissible.
- It reflects the meaning of the Qur’anic verse:
﴿وَهُوَ مَعَكُمْ أَيْنَ مَا كُنتُمْ ۚ وَاللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ بَصِيرٌ﴾ [al-Ḥadīd: 4]
- The phrase should be understood as Allah’s knowledge and awareness, not physical presence.
- If taken with the correct belief, this expression is valid and within Sharʿī bounds.
ھذا ما عندی واللہ أعلم بالصواب
