The word “Qadeer” originates from “Qudrat” and it means a person who wills and does the work exactly as per the demand of wisdom not a little or a little more. This is why this attribute can be connected to God only. As a rule the attribute of omnipotence is spoken for God only. When the power of others is described it always has limitation and restrictions because the other may be powerful in one sense but is definitely dependent for others. (1)

This word has been derived from “Qadr” It means an estimate, and the aim and purpose of something. This word is attributed to God because God can do anything according to His estimates and can bestow any measure upon his servants.(2)

“Qadeer” and “Qadir” are both the attributes of God and have been derived from “Taqdeer” and assessment. “Qadir” denotes action and “Qadeer” is a hyperbole but “Moqtadir” is a greater hyperbole. (3)

The origin of “Yajeza” is “A’joz” it means the rear of something. “Ajz” means to be behind someone or to lag behind. It is also used for slothfulness in doing some work and ‘Qudrat” is just its opposite. “Mo’jiz” is he who subdues others and “A’juz” is used for a very old lady who is totally incapacitated and this is also certified by the famous dictionaries like Maqayis-ol-Loghata and Mafuradat. (4)

The origin of “wase’” is Se’a” and “Wasa’” and it means broadness and width opposite of which are insufficiency and poverty. This is used for house, situations and deeds also and is often used for strength, power, gift and vastness.

God is “Wase’” because of the great sustenance and kindness because they include all humans. This can also used to describe how He encompasses everything by his knowledge and this again is used for the existence of everything. “Wase’” a great Bestower and unlimited knowledge. “Musa’” means who has vastness and has been used for god in the Qura’n. Some linguists have taken it to mean the power and the beneficent (5) but it has other means too that need not be discussed here.(6)

1. Mafuradat Raghib for the origin of the word “Qadr”

2. Maqayis-ol-loghat For the origin of the word “Qadr”

3. Lisan-ol-Arab for the origin of the word “Qadr”

4. Maqayis-ol-Loghat, Mafuradat Raghib, and Lisan-ol-Arab.

5. Same as above

6. See Tafsir Al Amthal for verse 47 of Surah Naaziat.