Verse of the Quran

A verse which stops me in my tracks every time I come across it is when Allah (swt) reminds us of our weakness and our complete dependence upon him;

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ أَنتُمُ الْفُقَرَاءُ إِلَى اللَّهِ ۖ وَاللَّهُ هُوَ الْغَنِيُّ الْحَمِيدُ 

“O mankind, you are those in need of Allah, while Allah is the Self-sufficient (rich), the Praiseworthy” (35:15)

A question one may ask however is; Why does Allah (swt) specifically use the name الْحَمِيدُ (praiseworthy) after الْغَنِيُّ (self-sufficient) in this verse?

Imām al-Qurṭubi explains that being self-sufficient in itself does not necessitate that one will benefit others, *unless* they are generous.

If someone is generous, then no doubt the recipients will be grateful and will praise the giver. 

The name الحميد (the praiseworthy) therefore, is a subtle indication that not only is Allah self-sufficient and rich, but continuously *generous* to his creation… Al Hameed – The Most Praiseworthy