Names of Allah
Al-Matin
Al-Matīn
The Firm, the Authoritative — strong and steadfast, whose power never wanes.
What does Al-Matin mean?
Al-Matin is one of the 99 Names of Allah, meaning "The Firm," "The Steadfast in Strength". It complements Al-Qawiyy: where Al-Qawiyy affirms perfect strength, Al-Matin affirms that this strength is utterly firm and unshakable — never weakened by exertion, never exhausted by giving, never wavering in the face of anything. His power is solid and absolute.
The Meaning in Depth
Created strength can be intense but unstable, or steady but limited. Al-Matin unites intensity with perfect stability: a might that is both overwhelming and immovable. He sustains the entire universe without the least fatigue, fulfils every promise without fail, and His decree is carried out with unshakable firmness. This name appears in the Quran describing the firmness of His strength: "the firm Possessor of strength" (Dhu al-Quwwa al-Matin) (51:58).
Al-Matin in the Quran
- "Indeed, it is Allah who is the [continual] Provider, the firm Possessor of strength (Dhu al-Quwwa al-Matin)." (51:58)
The name appears in this verse, describing a strength that is steadfast and unyielding, paired with His role as the constant Provider.
Living by This Name
Al-Matin gives the believer firm assurance: the One they rely on never weakens, never tires of their requests, and never fails in His support. Where human helpers grow weary or fall short, Al-Matin is unshakable. This name builds steadfastness (thabat) in the believer's own heart — strength of faith that does not waver under trial, drawn from leaning on the Firm.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Al-Qawiyy and Al-Matin differ?
They are closely paired. Al-Qawiyy affirms the perfection of God's strength; Al-Matin affirms its firmness, stability, and inexhaustibility. One emphasises the greatness of the power, the other its unshakable steadiness. Together they portray a might that is both supreme and absolutely firm.
How does Al-Matin help in trials?
It reassures the believer that the support of Allah is firm and never fails. Human help may run out or weaken, but the One who is Al-Matin is steadfast — so the believer's reliance, when placed in Him, rests on the firmest of all foundations.
Etymology & origin
Al-Matin (المتين) is from the root M-T-N (م-ت-ن), meaning "firmness, solidity, and unshakable strength". A matn is the strong, firm core of a thing. Al-Matin is the Firm, the Steadfast in strength: the One whose power is not only complete but utterly stable, never wavering, never exhausted, never failing.
References
- Quran:
- 51:58
- Hadith:
- Muslim 2664 (the strong believer; rely on Allah and do not be helpless); Bukhari 7405 (Allah's firm support); Muslim 2577 (giving never diminishes Allah's firm dominion); Tirmidhi 3522 (the dua: O Firm One, keep my heart firm)
Related terms
Al-Aziz
The Almighty, the Invincible — possessing absolute might and honor that nothing can overcome.
Al-Qadir
The Capable — whose power extends over everything, capable of all things.
Al-Qawiyy
The Most Strong — possessing absolute strength that nothing can weaken.
Al-Qayyum
The Self-Subsisting — who exists by Himself and sustains all of existence.
Ar-Razzaq
The Provider — who creates and distributes sustenance for all living beings.