What does the name As-Samad mean?

"As-Samad" means Allah, the One on whom all creation depends in its needs, while He Himself needs nothing.

Where does this name occur in the Quran?

In Surah Al-Ikhlas, verse 2: "Allahu-s-Samad." This surah declares Allah's oneness and freedom from need in the purest form.

Al-Asma al-Husna

The One on whom all things depend, while He Himself needs nothing

Arabic

الصَّمَد

Transliteration: aṣ-Ṣamad
Meaning: "As-Samad" means the One to whom all creation turns in its needs, while He Himself needs nothing. Everyone is in need of Him; He is in need of no one. He was not born and does not give birth; He is eternal, everlasting and absolutely independent. This name is mentioned in Surah Al-Ikhlas together with Allah's oneness.

«Allah is As-Samad (the One on whom all things depend, who needs nothing).»

Explanation

The One everyone turns to
"Samad" means the One turned to, the One sought refuge in, at a moment of need. Every being facing hardship turns to Him, whether consciously or not. He, in turn, meets every need without needing anything Himself.
The subject of Surah Al-Ikhlas
Surah Al-Ikhlas presents Allah's essence in its purest form: He is One (Ahad), He is Samad, He was not born and does not give birth, and He has no equal. This surah has been equated to a third of the Quran (Bukhari, 5015).

This page is based on Quran verses and authentic hadith sources.

QuranSurah Al-Ikhlas, 2
This verse states that Allah is Samad.
HadithSahih Bukhari, 5015
This hadith mentions that Surah Al-Ikhlas is equated to a third of the Quran.
Classical sourceTDV İslam Ansiklopedisi, "Esmâ-i hüsnâ"
Academic source for the explanation of the name As-Samad.

Other Names with closely connected meanings.

Common questions about this Name.

What does the name As-Samad mean?
"As-Samad" means Allah, the One on whom all creation depends in its needs, while He Himself needs nothing.
Where does this name occur in the Quran?
In Surah Al-Ikhlas, verse 2: "Allahu-s-Samad." This surah declares Allah's oneness and freedom from need in the purest form.