Quran JournalThe reference collection
Names of Allah

As-Sami‘ (The All-Hearing)

Reflection:

As-Samī‘ (ٱلسَّمِيع) means the One who hears all things — every sound, every word, every whisper of the heart. His hearing is not limited by distance, volume, or language; He hears both what is spoken aloud and what remains unuttered in the soul. Belief in As-Sami‘ cultivates awareness and sincerity — every prayer, complaint, and cry for help is heard instantly, perfectly, and compassionately. To know As-Sami‘ is to speak with purpose, pray with conviction, and find comfort in the truth that no plea ever goes unheard.

Qur’anic References:

  1. Al-Baqarah 2:127 – Ibrahim and Isma‘il supplicate while building the Ka‘bah: “Our Lord, accept from us; indeed, You are the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.”
  2. Al-Baqarah 2:256 – “Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.” — affirming His awareness of all belief and compulsion.
  3. Al-Imran 3:35 – The mother of Maryam prays, dedicating her child to Allah; He is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.
  4. An-Nisa 4:134 – Whoever desires reward in this world and the next — Allah is All-Hearing, All-Seeing.
  5. Al-An‘am 6:13 – “To Him belongs whatever dwells in night and day; He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.”
  6. Al-Anfal 8:17 – “It was not you who threw when you threw, but Allah threw.” — He is As-Sami‘, Al-‘Alim; aware of every act and intent.
  7. Al-Mumtahanah 60:1 – Allah warns believers about alliances; He is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.
  8. Al-Mujadila 58:1 – “Allah has indeed heard the statement of the woman who argues with you concerning her husband…” — a direct proof that He hears even the unheard.
  9. Al-Hajj 22:61 – “Indeed, Allah is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing.” — affirming His perception of both plea and justice.
  10. Al-Ghafir 40:20 – “Allah judges in truth, while those invoked besides Him cannot judge anything; indeed, Allah is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing.”

Notes:

  • As-Sami‘ appears about 45 times, often paired with Al-‘Alim (All-Knowing) or Al-Basir (All-Seeing) — showing the total awareness of Allah over all dimensions of existence.
  • Al-Mujadila (58:1) is unique — Allah personally affirms hearing the plea of one oppressed woman, proving the nearness of His listening.
  • Classical scholars teach that Allah’s hearing is without instrument or limit, distinct from creation, encompassing sound, silence, and intention alike.
  • To embody As-Sami‘ is to become a person who listens with patience, empathy, and justice, hearing others as Allah hears His servants — fully and without haste.

← Back to all contents