NI’MAH - نعمة

Literally and etymologically: Derived from the Arabic root n-‘-m (ن - ع - م), which denotes ease, comfort, delight and abundance. It signifies a bountiful gift, a benefaction, or a state of true well-being and bliss. Etymologically and in terms of its haqiqah, it is essentially linked to i‘nâm (إِنْعَام) — the active, intentional act of bestowing favour and grace — and directly points to al-Mun‘im (الْمُنْعِم), a name of Allah, the Bestower of ni’mahs. It also shares the same root with the word al-An‘âm (الأَنْعَام), which refers to the livestock graciously subjugated for human benefit, as they embody one of the primary physical manifestations of Allah's ni‘mah. Thus, a ni‘mah is not merely a passive benefit or physical provision, but a direct manifestation of this merciful bestowal (i‘nâm) flowing from al-Mun‘im. In literal terms, it encompasses all essential provisions of life, including sustenance (rizq), food and clothing.

As an Islamic Term: Any blessing, favour and grace bestowed by Allah — principal among them the ultimate gift of hidâyah — along with all essential material and ma’nawî provisions that Allah mercifully supplies to sustain and nurture all creation including human life, as well as to elevate man.

An excerpt from the Risale-i Nur regarding this haqiqah:

Furthermore, الحمد للّٰه‌ (Alhamdulillah) is repeated in four surahs in the Qur'an1 , each repetition refers to one of the essential and foundational ni’mahs: the first creation2 , its sustained existence3 , the second creation4 in the âkhirah and its ensuing sustained existence thereafter5 .

Signs of Miraculousness (41)