Ar-Rafi'

What does Ar-Rafi mean?

Ar-Rafi is one of the 99 Names of Allah, meaning "The Exalter," "The One who raises". It affirms that Allah raises in rank, honour, and status whom He wills — elevating the believers and the righteous, raising the humble, and exalting the truth and its people. It is the counterpart of Al-Khafid (the Abaser); together they declare that all elevation and abasement are by His will alone.

The Meaning in Depth

Ar-Rafi raises in many ways: He raised the heavens without pillars (13:2), raised certain prophets in rank above others, raises the believers in degrees through knowledge and faith (58:11), and lifts the humble servant who lowers themselves for His sake. True elevation is not in worldly status but in nearness to God — and that elevation is entirely His gift. He raised Idris to a high station (19:57) and raised Isa to Himself (4:158).

Ar-Rafi in the Quran (related meaning)

• "...Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees." (58:11)
• "...[The Hour] will bring down [some] and raise up [others]." (56:3)
• "The Exalter of degrees, Owner of the Throne." (40:15)

Living by This Name

Ar-Rafi teaches the believer to seek elevation from its true source — through faith, knowledge, humility, and righteous deeds, not through pride or worldly rank. The Prophet ﷺ said: "No one humbles himself for the sake of Allah except that Allah raises him" (Muslim 2588). The believer who lowers themselves before God is raised by Ar-Rafi, while the one who exalts themselves is brought low. It fills the heart with hope: God can elevate any humble servant to the highest ranks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does one earn elevation from Ar-Rafi?

Through faith, beneficial knowledge, humility, and righteous action. The Quran says Allah raises the believers and the people of knowledge in degrees (58:11), and the Prophet ﷺ taught that humbling oneself for Allah leads to being raised by Him (Muslim 2588). True rank is nearness to God, granted by Ar-Rafi.

How are Ar-Rafi and Al-Khafid balanced?

They are an inseparable pair governing all rise and fall: Ar-Rafi raises the humble and the truthful; Al-Khafid lowers the arrogant and the false. Both operate by perfect justice, and on the Day of Judgement the Hour itself "brings down and raises up" (56:3), revealing the full meaning of both names.