| I have selected a granite background for the name to suggest the rock-solid quality of Allah's faithfulness that is implied in this name. |
The root here, which is apparently ا م ن a-m-n has the meanings
to be secure, safe, free from fear
to be quiet, tranquil
to grant protection, safeguard
to be trusted, trustworthy
to believe in
It seems like most commentators on this name have focused on the aspect of protection, while I have focused on the aspect of faithfulness. But it is in being faithful to us and to His word that God does protect us.
I am also struck by the idea that God is the Infuser of faith, that in some mysterious way he instills faith into our hearts. Before I came to faith in Jesus, I struggled with it for some time. I knew that my parents would not be happy if I ended up as a Christian (they were Unitarian-Universalists). I didn't want to disappoint them, but I wanted to find truth for myself. And the day came when I realized that things had so changed in my mind and heart that if I said I did not believe in Jesus, I would sense that I was lying. Somehow God had infused faith into my heart.
As I thought about this name, a song came.
As I have thought about this song, and as I have engaged in singing it, it seems to me that the structure of the song as well as the words tells me something about the faithfulness of God. Because this song is almost like breathing, it can be sung (and I find myself singing it) almost like a chant, that continues on and on without a break. And that is the way it is with the steadfast faithfulness and protective love of God--it continues on and on like the waves of the ocean. Like our breath, it is there even when we are unaware of it.
As I thought about this name, a song came.
Al-Mu'min
Al-Mu'min, you are faithful
Al-Mu'min, you are true
True to your word and true to your people
We can depend on you
Al-Mu'min
Al-Mu'min, make us faithful
Al-Mu'min, make us true
True to your word and true to your people
Help us depend on you
Al-Mu'min
As I have thought about this song, and as I have engaged in singing it, it seems to me that the structure of the song as well as the words tells me something about the faithfulness of God. Because this song is almost like breathing, it can be sung (and I find myself singing it) almost like a chant, that continues on and on without a break. And that is the way it is with the steadfast faithfulness and protective love of God--it continues on and on like the waves of the ocean. Like our breath, it is there even when we are unaware of it.
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