Fatwa #2579024 September 2013Canada
The Difference between the words Hawle and Quwwate
Question
Will you please explain the difference in meaning between the words "HAWLA" and "QUWWA" from LA HAWLA WA LA QUWWATA ILLA BILLAH? The English translations of the words seem very similar and I don't know what the difference is.
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
Rasullullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) said:
فعن أبي موسى الأشعري رضي الله عنه أن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: (يا عبدالله بن قيس ألا أدلك على كنـز من كنوز الجنة فقلت بلى يا رسول الله قال: قل: "لا حول ولا قوة إلا بالله
“Oh Abdullah Bin Qais! Should I not show you a treasure from the treasures of Jannah? I replied: Why not oh Messenger of Allah. He said: Say “La Hawla Wa La Quwwate Illa Billah” (Saheeh Muslim, Hadeeth # 6802, 6804, 6808)
The word “Hawle” means “There is no power in repelling evil” and Quwwate” means “There is no power in acquiring any good” except in Allah.[1]
Mufti Ismail Desai
Darul Iftaa
Durban, South Africa
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.