He, may Allah Most High have mercy on him, said: “The Withholder, the Expander; the Abaser, the Exalter; the Bestower of Honor, the Humiliator; the Preventer, the Giver; the Bringer of Harm, the Benefactor.”

“These noble names form contrasting pairs and should only be used to praise Allah with each name joined to its counterpart, for absolute perfection lies in the combination of both attributes. He withholds provision and takes spirits and souls; He expands provision, extends mercy, and opens hearts. He exalts those who uphold knowledge and faith and abases His enemies. He bestows honor upon those who obey Him—and this is true honor, for whoever obeys Allah is honored even if he is poor and has no supporters. He humiliates those who disobey Him and His enemies, subjecting them to humiliation in this world and the Hereafter. Even if a disobedient person displays the outward trappings of honor, his heart is filled with humiliation, though his immersion in desires may leave him unaware of it. All true honor lies in obeying Allah, and humiliation lies in disobeying Him:

‘Whomever Allah humiliates, none can honor.’ 1

‘Whoever desires honor—then all honor belongs to Allah.’ 2

‘Honor belongs to Allah, His Messenger, and the believers.’ 3

He, the Exalted, is the Preventer, the Giver: none can give what He withholds, and none can withhold what He gives4. He, the Exalted, is the Benefactor, who grants whomever He wills among His servants benefits