As-Sami

The One who hears everything as it truly is. Allah Almighty says: "Indeed, Allah is Hearing and Seeing." (Ghafir, 20) "And ever is Allah Hearing and Seeing." (An-Nisa, 134) Among Allah Almighty's affirmative attributes is As-Sami', the All-Hearing. His hearing is not by means of an ear but through a power particular to Him. Allah Almighty hears and takes account of the voices of humans, animals and all beings in the universe at one and the same moment. He hears equally every word spoken, whether hidden or open. His hearing encompasses all sounds. He never confuses the voices of creatures with one another, nor is He ever bewildered. Hearing the voice of one does not prevent Him from hearing the voice of another. The multitude of those who call upon Him neither confuses nor misleads Him. Four meanings are intended by sam' (hearing): 1. Hearing in the sense of knowing and perceiving; this kind of hearing relates to sounds. "Certainly has Allah heard the speech of the one who argues with you concerning her husband and directs her complaint to Allah." (Al-Mujadila, 1) "Allah has certainly heard the statement of those who said, 'Indeed, Allah is poor, while we are rich.'" (Al 'Imran, 181) 2. Hearing in the sense of understanding and comprehending; this is hearing with regard to meanings. "O you who have believed, say not [to Allah's Messenger], 'Ra'ina' but say, 'Unzurna' and listen." (Al-Baqarah, 104) 3. Hearing in the sense of answering and granting what is asked. Such is the supplication said when rising from bowing in prayer: "Sami'allahu liman hamidah" (Allah hears the one who praises Him). 4. Hearing in the sense of accepting and complying. "[They are] avid listeners to falsehood..." (Al-Ma'idah, 41) Allah Most High commands us to "hear," to "listen" and to "comply," and informs us that the glad tidings belong to those who do so.

The noble name As-Sami' is recited 180 times as "Ya Sami', jalla jalaluhu" so that one's word may be heeded among people and one's supplication may be accepted by Almighty Allah. Whoever recites the noble name As-Sami' 500 times on a Thursday after the forenoon (duha) prayer, his supplication is answered. Whoever recites it very frequently does not suffer ailments of the ear.