Names of Allah
Al-Muqit
Al-Muqīt
The Maintainer, the Nourisher — who provides sustenance and maintains all creation.
What does Al-Muqit mean?
Al-Muqit is one of the 99 Names of Allah, meaning "The Nourisher," "The Maintainer," "The Sustainer of all". It carries several connected senses: the One who provides the precise nourishment (qut) every creature needs to live; the One who has power over all things; and the One who watches over and maintains everything, withholding nothing that His creatures require.
The Meaning in Depth
While Ar-Razzaq emphasises provision in the broadest sense, Al-Muqit highlights the apportioned, life-sustaining nourishment measured out to each creature — and the power and watchfulness behind that sustaining. Not a single living being is forgotten; the food of every creature, from the largest to the smallest, is determined and delivered by Al-Muqit. He maintains the order of the universe and the life within it, never tiring, never overlooking.
Al-Muqit in the Quran
- "...And Allah is, over all things, a Maintainer (Muqit)." (4:85)
This is the verse in which the name appears, affirming His power over and maintenance of all things.
Living by This Name
Al-Muqit frees the believer from anxiety over sustenance: the One who feeds every creature will not forget you. It cultivates trust (tawakkul) and contentment, knowing that one's nourishment is measured out by the Maintainer. It also inspires gratitude for every meal and breath, and generosity in feeding others — for the believer who feeds the hungry reflects, in a small way, the care of Al-Muqit, the Nourisher of all.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Al-Muqit and Ar-Razzaq?
Both relate to provision. Ar-Razzaq is the Provider in the widest sense, including wealth, knowledge, and every blessing; Al-Muqit emphasises the specific, apportioned nourishment (qut) that sustains life, joined with power and watchful maintenance over creation. They complement each other beautifully.
How does Al-Muqit encourage trust in provision?
Knowing that the Maintainer measures out the sustenance of every living thing — never forgetting the smallest creature — assures the believer that their own provision is guaranteed by Him. This dissolves anxiety, encourages lawful effort with trust, and inspires gratitude and generosity.
Etymology & origin
Al-Muqit (المقيت) is from the root Q-W-T (ق-و-ت), relating to "qut" — nourishment, sustenance, the food that maintains the body. It also carries the sense of having power and being a witness or maintainer over a thing. Al-Muqit is the Nourisher and Maintainer: the One who provides the sustenance of every creature and watches over and maintains all things.
References
- Quran:
- 4:85
- Hadith:
- Tirmidhi 2344 (reliance like the birds — provision is guaranteed); Bukhari 6473 (Allah's provision for all creatures); Muslim 2664 (the strong believer relies on Allah); Ibn Majah 4164 (provision will reach the servant as surely as death)
Related terms
Al-Hafiz
The Preserver — who protects and preserves all of creation, recording every deed.
Al-Qadir
The Capable — whose power extends over everything, capable of all things.
Al-Wasi'
The All-Encompassing — whose mercy, knowledge and bounty encompass everything.
Ar-Razzaq
The Provider — who creates and distributes sustenance for all living beings.
Tawakkul
Reliance on Allah — placing full trust in Allah for the outcome of affairs while taking the necessary means; a fruit of strong faith.