Sufi Zikr: Divine Names Ya Qadir, Ya Muqtadir for Life Purpose

And a brief introduction to the 99 Divine Names

I’ll be sharing some Sufi audio zikrs led by Sufi Master and Guide Dr. David D. Peck (Sufi al-Hajj Daud). He is a teacher in the Sufi Ruhaniat lineage, which is a Universal Sufism branch that stems from the teachings of Hazrat Inayat Khan. Dr. Peck is also a unique spiritual teacher in that he is one of the few Mormon Sufis on the planet. You can listen to his podcast here (scroll down, bottom right) or read his history Substack Voyage Without a Harbor here.

The audio above contains a brief description and zikr of two of the 99 Divine Names that are used in Sufism to clear the ego (nafs) of attachments and connect to God.

These names come from Islam, and as a Christian I had previously been apprehensive of them after reading a website claiming that Allah was actually Satan and these 99 names “proved” this because some of the names are punitive and somewhat negative.

However, in my studies of Sufism, I have come to realize that the 99 Divine Names are actually just a new way to express different qualities or manifestations of God.

Similar qualities are expressed in the Vedic/Hindu tradition, only personified. In Sufism, the deistic images and personalities (Shiva, Krishna, Saraswathi) are taken away to focus on the essence. While most divine names are positive, a few represent powerful, destructive energies.

For example, Shiva, the “Destroyer,” is similar to the Divine Name Al-Qahhar, the Conqueror or Subdoer. The “negative” names are exceptionally potent divine energies that work to clear out negativity and blocks, but as such, they must be used carefully. Thus, the negative or powerful names are not evil, as that Christian website warned, but because these names are quite powerful, they shouldn’t just be thrown around willy nilly or used with negative intention.

Chanting or reciting the divine names is called “zikr.” Zikr can be extremely transformative and helpful in healing emotional blocks and spiritual wounds.

Here is some information on the names chanted in this audio:

Ya Qadir, Ya Muqtadir
(yaa KẠA-dir, yaa muk-TA-dir)

Focusing on the divine names of al-Qadir and al-Muqtadir, we can benefit from the strength of divine will and purpose they embody. Calling upon Ya Qadir and Ya Muqtadir in tandem can be a powerful remedy for feelings of insignificance, unworthiness, and helplessness. Repetitive prayer of these names can be a potent pathway for the spiritual explorer to comprehend their mission in life.

Here is more about al-Qadir from Physicians of the Heart:

Al-Qadir is a divine purpose, and it also means unlimited capacity. We have our own expectations about the course of events, but we should understand that one of the meanings of al-Qadir is “the overall course of events.” With al-Qadir, there is a feeling that all real strength in the universe is one. Everything in the universe is connected by this power.

By awakening to this unlimited power, we realize that there is both a path and a specific destination. This divine quality gives meaning and real purpose to everything in life. Realization of al-Qadir brings a great confidence that all things are possible. It naturally expresses power, spaciousness, endurance, proportionality, and value. It offers both the power to manifest and to contain manifestation.

And some information about al-Muqtadir:

Now al-Muqtadir is the One who places you on a particular path to God, enables you to firmly put your feet on that path, and keep going on that path, step by step. It brings the ability to actualize the divine purpose in your life. The power that is guiding you put you in this very specific situation, here and now. There are no mistakes, and nothing is ever wasted or lost.

Each soul is unique, with a unique purpose in life. That is the meaning of al-Muqtadir. Where all this leads is that each of us needs to recognize al-Qadir and lovingly engage our ability to fulfill it. The lover makes use of whatever power the Beloved has granted and uses it in the same wise and beautifully proportioned way that it came.

When you have truly surrendered to al-Qadir, you are able to do to your utmost capacity what wisdom requires to fulfill your destiny. Al-Qadir and al-Muqtadir both have to do with fulfilling or discovering your destiny. Al-Qadir makes you aware of the cosmic power behind all purposive activity. Al-Muqtadir puts your feet on the path of the particular activity that you need to fulfill your purpose. It is a process of discovery and fulfillment that recognizes and embodies divine strength.

I have prepared downloadable audio files of the zikr; one contains the brief talk and zikr and the other the zikr only so you can loop it. You can download for free (with optional donation) here: