Ar-Raqeeb
The Watchful
Prophetic Traditions
الإِحْسَانُ أَنْ تَعْبُدَ اللَّهَ كَأَنَّكَ تَرَاهُ فَإِنْ لَمْ تَكُنْ تَرَاهُ فَإِنَّهُ يَرَاكَ
“Ihsan (excellence) is to worship Allah as if you see Him, and if you do not see Him, then indeed He sees you.”
The famous Hadith of Jibreel defines ihsan—the awareness that Ar-Raqeeb is always watching is the foundation of spiritual excellence.
Scholarly Insights
Muraqabah (watchfulness of Allah) is the fruit of knowing that Allah sees you, hears you, and knows your innermost thoughts. It is the station that produces ihsan in worship and sincerity in all deeds.
Supplications
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ خَشْيَتَكَ فِي الْغَيْبِ وَالشَّهَادَةِ
Allahumma inni as'aluka khashyataka fil-ghaybi wash-shahadah
“O Allah, I ask You for fear of You in private and in public.”
Living With This Name
- 1
Practice muraqabah—be conscious that Ar-Raqeeb watches your every action, word, and thought.
- 2
Let awareness of Ar-Raqeeb prevent you from sins committed in private.
- 3
Improve the quality of your worship by remembering that Ar-Raqeeb observes your sincerity.
- 4
Be honest in all dealings, knowing that Ar-Raqeeb is the perfect Witness to every transaction.