The meaning of Allaah’s name al-Haafiz

The name al-Haafiz is mentioned in the verse in which Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“He said: ‘Can I entrust him to you except as I entrusted his brother [Yoosuf (Joseph)] to you aforetime? But Allaah is the Best to guard (Haafiz), and He is the Most Merciful of those who show mercy’”

[Yoosuf 12:64]

Allaah also calls Himself al-Hafeez in several places in the Qur’aan. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“Surely, my Lord is Guardian over all things (Hafeez)”

[Hood 11:57]

al-Khattaabi said in Sha’n al-Du’aa’ (67-68): “Al-Hafeez means al-Haafiz. Both are active participles but the form Hafeez carries a more intensive meaning, as in the words al-Qadeer (All-powerful) and al-‘Aleem (All-knowing). He guards or keeps the heavens and the earth and everything therein, so that they will remain for as long as they are to remain, and will not disappear. This is like the verses (interpretation of the meaning): 

‘and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them’

[al-Baqarah 2:255] 

‘And to guard against every rebellious devil’

[al-Saffaat 37:7]

He is the One Who protects His slaves from destruction and calamity and disaster, as He says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“For him (each person), there are angels in succession, before and behind him. They guard him by the Command of Allaah”

[al-Ra’d 13:11]

He keeps the records of His slaves’ deeds, and he keeps a record of what they say; He knows their intentions and what is in their hearts. Nothing is hidden from Him. 

He protects His close friends (awliya’) from falling into sin, and he guards them against the plots of the Shaytaan so that they will be safe from his evil and his temptation.” 

Al-Sa’di said in his Tafseer (18): “Al-Hafeez is the One who protects that which He has created, and Whose knowledge encompasses that which He has brought into existence. He protects His slaves from falling into sin and disaster, and He takes care of them in all situations. He records the deeds of His slaves and the reward or punishment for that.”.