المستعان
al-Mustaʿān
Topic
A divine name meaning the One whose help is sought, and whose help alone is finally effective.
What it means
Al-Mustaʿān is the One whose help is asked, from the root ʿ-w-n, to help. The Quran uses it in the words of Jacob, “God is the one whose help is sought against what you describe” (12:18), and in the verse, “Our Lord is the Merciful, the one whose help is sought” (21:112). The same root is in the Fatiha: “You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help” (1:5). Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have told Ibn Abbas, “When you ask, ask God; when you seek help, seek help from God” (al-Tirmidhi). Muslims recite the Fatiha many times a day, and with it renew the statement that help comes from God alone.
Often misunderstood as
It does not forbid asking people for help in ordinary matters; it teaches that final help rests with God.
Term and Arabic as listed in Ismail al Faruqi, Toward Islamic English (International Institute of Islamic Thought, 1995), p. 41, listed as AL MUSTAʿĀN. The definition is restated here.