What is the meaning of the name Al-Mu’min?

Allah says in the Quran:

“To Allah belongs all of the beautiful names, so call on Him with them, worship Him through them.” [1]

This Divine name Al Mu’min is mentioned only once in the Quran, in Surah Al-Hashr,

“The Sovereign, the Holy, the Bestower of peace, the Granter of security.”[2]

The basic meaning of Al Mu’min is derived from a root which has two possible forms; either from emaan or from aman. Both of these are possible sources for the meaning of Al Mu’min. As such, the meaning of the root emaan is belief and confidence. In the case of aman, its meaning is security and safety. So the name will obviously contain both elements.

Relative to Allah, the divine name means the One who assures His creatures that He will not deal unjustly with them.

“And your Lord will not oppress anyone.”[3]

It also means that He is the Bestower of security from His punishment. He is the one who can provide security for the believer from punishment which he would face if he commits sins, if he disobeys Allah, etc. And of course, Allaah can provide that security based on him doing certain things since that security will not be arbitrary security. Allah gives that security to particular individuals. As He said in Surah an-Naml;

“Whoever brings a good deed will have better than it in reward, and they will be secured from the terror on that Day.” [4]

So Allah tells us here what will bring the security that is in His name Al Mu’min – [the answer is] good deeds. This is the guarantee, if we do good deeds, meaning the good deeds which Allah have prescribed.

References:

[1] Qur'an 7: 180

[2] Qur'an 59:23

[3] Qur'an 18:49

[4] Qur'an 27:89