Attributes of Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ):

The purpose of this page is to provide a categorization of the ninety names of Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) to explore related names. For example, grouping the names by their attributes, i.e., Names of Mercy, Power, Oneness, etc.

You can select any attribute, and it will filter the list. You're also able to select multiple attributes if you like.

Note: These groupings are meant to serve as an educational tool. Other categorizations may exist; for example, others have included names of everlastingness or non-resemblance. Some names can be interpreted as belonging to multiple categories. We've categorized the names of Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) by the 13 most commonly mentioned attributes.

Select Attribute:

Names of Mercy and Compassion
Names of Knowledge or Wisdom
Names of Power or Might
Names of Perfection
Names of Nobility, Majesty or Glory
Name of Sublimity and Benevolence
Names of Guardianship or Support
Names of Creation
Names of Oneness and Uniqueness
Names of Existence
Names of Dominion
Names of Allah's Will

There are currently 99 Names being displayed with the attribute(s) selected.

# Arabic: Pronunciation: Transliteration: Name Meaning:
1 Ar-Rahman volume_up Ar-Rahman (The Beneficent)
He who wills goodness and mercy for all His creatures
2 Ar-Raheem volume_up Ar-Raheem (The Merciful)
He who acts with extreme kindness
3 Al-Malik volume_up Al-Malik (The King)
The Sovereign Lord, The One with the complete Dominion, the One Whose Dominion is clear from imperfection
4 Al-Quddus volume_up Al-Quddus (The Most Sacred / The Most Holy)
The one who is pure, so far removed of any imperfection. He has no shortcomings, evil is not attributed to Him.
5 As-Salam volume_up As-Salam (The Giver of Peace)
The One who is free from every imperfection. It is because He is free of any defect that one who is with Him experiences tranquility.
6 Al-Mumin volume_up Al-Mumin (The Infuser of Faith)
The One who witnessed for Himself that no one is God but Him. And He witnessed for His believers that they are truthful in their belief that no one is God but Him
7 Al-Muhaymin volume_up Al-Muhaymin (The Guardian)
The One who witnesses the saying and deeds of His creatures.
8 Al-Aziz volume_up Al-Aziz (The Mighty One)
The Strong, The Defeater who is not defeated
9 Al-Jabbar volume_up Al-Jabbar (The All Compelling)
The One that nothing happens in His Dominion except that which He willed
10 Al-Mutakabbir volume_up Al-Mutakabbir (The Dominant One)
The One who is clear from the attributes of the creatures and from resembling them.
11 Al-Khaliq volume_up Al-Khaliq (The Creator)
The One who brings everything from non-existence to existence
12 Al-Bari volume_up Al-Bari (The Evolver / The Maker)
The Maker, The Creator who has the Power to turn the entities.
13 Al-Musawwir volume_up Al-Musawwir (The Flawless Shaper)
The One who forms His creatures in different pictures.
14 Al-Ghaffar volume_up Al-Ghaffar (The Great Forgiver)
The Forgiver, The One who forgives the sins of His slaves time and time again.
15 Al-Qahhar volume_up Al-Qahhar (The All-Prevailing One)
The Dominant, The One who has the perfect Power and is not unable over anything.
16 Al-Wahhab volume_up Al-Wahhab (The Supreme Bestower)
The One who is Generous in giving plenty without any return. He is everything that benefits whether Halal or Haram.
17 Ar-Razzaq volume_up Ar-Razzaq (The Total Provider)
The Sustainer, The Provider.
18 Al-Fattah volume_up Al-Fattah (The Opener)
The Solver, The Reliever, The Judge, The One who opens for His slaves the closed worldly and religious matters.
19 Al-Alim volume_up Al-Alim (The All-Knowing One)
The Knowledgeable; The One nothing is absent from His knowledge
20 Al-Qabid volume_up Al-Qabid (The Restricting One)
The Constrictor, The Withholder, The One who constricts the sustenance by His wisdom and expands and widens it with His Generosity and Mercy.
21 Al-Basit volume_up Al-Basit (The Extender)
The Englarger, The One who constricts the sustenance by His wisdom and expands and widens it with His Generosity and Mercy.
23 Ar-Rafi volume_up Ar-Rafi (The Elevating One)
The Exalter, The Elevator, The One who lowers whoever He willed by His Destruction and raises whoever He willed by His Endowment.
24 Al-Mu volume_up Al-Mu'izz (The Honourer-Bestower)
He gives esteem to whoever He willed, hence there is no one to degrade Him; And He degrades whoever He willed, hence there is no one to give Him esteem.
25 Al-Muzil volume_up Al-Muzil (The Abaser)
The Dishonourer, The Humiliator, He gives esteem to whoever He willed, hence there is no one to degrade Him; And He degrades whoever He willed, hence there is no one to give Him esteem.
26 As-Sami volume_up As-Sami (The All-Hearer)
The Hearer, The One who Hears all things that are heard by His Eternal Hearing without an ear, instrument or organ.
27 Al-Baseer volume_up Al-Baseer (The All-Seeing)
The All-Noticing, The One who Sees all things that are seen by His Eternal Seeing without a pupil or any other instrument.
28 Al-Hakam volume_up Al-Hakam (The Impartial Judge)
The Judge, He is the Ruler andThe Judge, He is the Ruler and His judgment is His Word. His judgment is His Word.
29 Al-Adl volume_up Al-Adl (The Embodiment of Justice)
The Just, The One who is entitled to do what He does.
30 Al-Lateef volume_up Al-Lateef (The Knower of Subtleties)
The Subtle One, The Gracious, The One who is kind to His slaves and endows upon them.
31 Al-Khabir volume_up Al-Khabir (The All-Aware One)
The One who knows the truth of things.
32 Al-Haleem volume_up Al-Haleem (The Clement One)
The Forebearing, The One who delays the punishment for those who deserve it and then He might forgive them.
33 Al-Azeem volume_up Al-Azeem (The Magnificent One)
The Great One, The Mighty, The One deserving the attributes of Exaltment, Glory, Extolement, and Purity from all imperfection.
34 Al-Ghafoor volume_up Al-Ghafoor (The All-Forgiving)
The All-Forgiving, The Forgiving, The One who forgives a lot.
35 Ash-Shakur volume_up Ash-Shakur (The Acknowledging One)
The Grateful, The Appreciative, The One who gives a lot of reward for a little obedience.
36 Al-Aliyy volume_up Al-Aliyy (The Sublime One)
The Most High, The One who is clear from the attributes of the creatures.
37 Al-Kabeer volume_up Al-Kabeer (The Great One)
The Most Great, The Great, The One who is greater than everything in status.
38 Al-Hafiz volume_up Al-Hafiz (The Guarding One)
The Preserver, The Protector, The One who protects whatever and whoever He willed to protect.
39 Al-Muqeet volume_up Al-Muqeet (The Sustaining One)
The Maintainer, The Guardian, The Feeder, The One who has the Power.
41 Al-Jaleel volume_up Al-Jaleel (The Majestic One)
The Sublime One, The Beneficent, The One who is attributed with greatness of Power and Glory of status.
42 Al-Karim volume_up Al-Karim (The Bountiful One)
The Generous One, The Gracious, The One who is attributed with greatness of Power and Glory of status.
43 Ar-Raqib volume_up Ar-Raqib (The Watchful One)
The Watcher, The One that nothing is absent from Him. Hence, it’s meaning is related to attribute of Knowledge.
44 Al-Mujeeb volume_up Al-Mujeeb (The Responding One)
The Responsive, The Hearkener, The One who answers the one in need if he asks Him and rescues the yearned if he calls upon Him.
45 Al-Wasi volume_up Al-Wasi (The All-Pervading One)
The Vast, The All-Embracing, The Knowledgeable.
46 Al-Hakeem volume_up Al-Hakeem (The Wise One)
The Wise, The Judge of Judges, The One who is correct in His doings.
47 Al-Wadud volume_up Al-Wadud (The Loving One)
The Most Loving, The Most Affectionate, The Beloved
48 Al-Majeed volume_up Al-Majeed (The Glorious One)
The Most Glorious One, The One who is with perfect Power, High Status, Compassion, Generosity and Kindness.
50 Ash-Shaheed volume_up Ash-Shaheed (The All Observing Witness)
The Witness, The One who nothing is absent from Him.
51 Al-Haqq volume_up Al-Haqq (The Embodiment of Truth)
The Truth, The True, The One who truly exists.
52 Al-Wakeel volume_up Al-Wakeel (The Universal Trustee)
The Trustee, The One who gives the satisfaction and is relied upon.
53 Al-Qawiyy volume_up Al-Qawiyy (The Strong One)
The Most Strong, The Strong, The One with the complete Power.
54 Al-Matin volume_up Al-Matin (The Firm One)
The One with extreme Power which is un-interrupted and He does not get tired.
55 Al-Waliy volume_up Al-Waliy (The Protecting Associate)
The Protecting Friend, The Supporter.
56 Al-Hameed volume_up Al-Hameed (The Sole-Laudable One)
The Praiseworthy, The praised One who deserves to be praised.
58 Al-Mubdi volume_up Al-Mubdi (The Originator)
The One who started the human being. That is, He created him.
59 Al-Muid volume_up Al-Muid (The Restorer)
The Reproducer, The One who brings back the creatures after death.
60 Al-Muhyi volume_up Al-Muhyi (The Maintainer of life)
The Restorer, The Giver of Life.
61 Al-Mumeet volume_up Al-Mumeet (The Inflictor of Death)
The Creator of Death, The Destroyer, The One who renders the living dead.
62 Al-Hayy volume_up Al-Hayy (The Eternally Living One)
The Alive, The One attributed with a life that is unlike our life and is not that of a combination of soul, flesh or blood.
63 Al-Qayyum volume_up Al-Qayyum (The Self-Subsisting One)
The Self-Subsisting, The Self-Existing One upon Whom all others depend
64 Al-Wajid volume_up Al-Wajid (The Pointing One)
The Perceiver, The Finder, The Rich who is never poor. Al-Wajid is Richness.
65 Al-Maajid volume_up Al-Maajid (The All-Noble One)
The Glorious, He who is Most Glorious.
66 Al-Wahid volume_up Al-Wahid (The Only One)
The Unique, The One, The One without a partner.
67 Al-Ahad volume_up Al-Ahad (The Sole One)
The One.
68 As-Samad volume_up As-Samad (The Supreme Provider)
The Eternal, The Independent, The Master who is relied upon in matters and reverted to in ones needs. He is the only one a person should turn to when feeling helpless.
69 Al-Qadir volume_up Al-Qadir (The All-Powerful)
The Able, The Capable, The One attributed with Power.
70 Al-Muqtadir volume_up Al-Muqtadir (The All Authoritative One)
The Powerful, The Dominant, The One with the perfect Power that nothing is withheld from Him.
71 Al-Muqaddim volume_up Al-Muqaddim (The Expediting One)
The Expediter, The Promoter, The One who puts things in their right places.
72 Al-Muakhkhir volume_up Al-Muakhkhir (The Delayer)
The Postponer, He Who Puts Far Away. He makes ahead what He wills and delays what He wills.
73 Al-Awwal volume_up Al-Awwal (The Very First)
The First, The One whose Existence is without a beginning.
74 Al-Akhir volume_up Al-Akhir (The Infinite Last One)
The Last, The One whose Existence is without an end.
75 Az-Zaahir volume_up Az-Zaahir (The Perceptible)
The Manifest, The Conspicuous, The Evident
76 Al-Baatin volume_up Al-Baatin (The Imperceptible)
The Hidden, The Secret One, The Inner One, The Knower of Hidden Things
77 Al-Wali volume_up Al-Wali (The Holder of Supreme Authority)
The Governor, The One who owns things and manages them.
78 Al-Mutaali volume_up Al-Mutaali (The Extremely Exalted One)
The Most Exalted, The High Exalted, The One who is clear from the attributes of the creation.
79 Al-Barr volume_up Al-Barr (The Fountain-Head of Truth)
The Source of All Goodness, The Righteous, The One who is kind to His creatures
80 At-Tawwab volume_up At-Tawwab (The Ever-Acceptor of Repentance)
The Acceptor of Repentance, The Oft-Forgiving, The Acceptor of our Return
82 Al-Afuw volume_up Al-Afuw (The Supreme Pardoner)
The Pardoner, The Forgiver and The Eliminator of Sins.
83 Ar-Rauf volume_up Ar-Rauf (The Benign One)
The Most Kind, The Tenderly Merciful, The Clement and Compassionate
84 Malikul-Mulk volume_up Malikul-Mulk (The Eternal Possessor of Sovereignty)
The One who controls the Dominion and gives dominion to whoever He willed.
85 Dhul-Jalaali-Wal-Ikram volume_up Dhul-Jalaali-Wal-Ikram (The Possessor of Majesty and Honour)
The Lord of Majesty and Bounty.
86 Al-Muqsit volume_up Al-Muqsit (The Just One)
The Equitable, The One who is Just in His judgment.
87 Al-Jami volume_up Al-Jami (The Assembler of Scattered Creations)
The Gatherer, The One who gathers the creatures on a day that there is no doubt about, that is the Day of Judgment.
88 Al-Ghaniy volume_up Al-Ghaniy (The Self-Sufficient One)
The One who does not need the creation.
89 Al-Mughni volume_up Al-Mughni (The Enricher)
The Emancipator, The Fulfiller of Needs, The Bestower of Wealth.
92 An-Naafi volume_up An-Naafi (The Bestower of Benefits)
The Creator of Good, The Benefiter, The Propitious, The Auspicious
93 An-Noor volume_up An-Noor (The Prime Light)
The Light, The One who guides.
94 Al-Hadi volume_up Al-Hadi (The Provider of Guidance)
The Guide, The Leader, The Guide of the Right Path
95 Al-Badi volume_up Al-Badi (The Unique One)
The Wonderful Originator, The Unprecedented and Incomparable Inventor
96 Al-Baaqi volume_up Al-Baaqi (The Ever Surviving One)
The Everlasting, The Ever-Enduring, The Ever-Present
97 Al-Warith volume_up Al-Warith (The Eternal Inheritor)
The Heir, The One whose Existence remains.
98 Ar-Rasheed volume_up Ar-Rasheed (The Guide to Path of Rectitude)
The Guide to the Right Path, The One who guides.
99 As-Sabur volume_up As-Sabur (The Extensively Enduring One)
The Patient, The One who does not quickly punish the sinners.

99 NAMES OF ALLAH

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99 Names of Allah
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1. Ar-Rahman
الرَّحْمَنُ
2. Ar-Raheem
الرَّحِيمُ
3. Al-Malik
الْمَلِكُ
4. Al-Quddus
الْقُدُّوسُ
5. As-Salam
السَّلاَمُ
6. Al-Mumin
الْمُؤْمِنُ
7. Al-Muhaymin
الْمُهَيْمِنُ
8. Al-Aziz
الْعَزِيزُ
9. Al-Jabbar
الْجَبَّارُ
10. Al-Mutakabbir
الْمُتَكَبِّر
11. Al-Khaliq
الْخَالِقُ
12. Al-Bari
الْبَارِئُ
13. Al-Musawwir
الْمُصَوِّرُ
14. Al-Ghaffar
الْغَفَّارُ
15. Al-Qahhar
الْقَهَّارُ
16. Al-Wahhab
الْوَهَّابُ
17. Ar-Razzaq
الرَّزَّاقُ
18. Al-Fattah
الْفَتَّاحُ
19. Al-Alim
اَلْعَلِيْمُ
20. Al-Qabid
الْقَابِضُ
21. Al-Basit
الْبَاسِطُ
22. Al-Khafid
الْخَافِضُ
23. Ar-Rafi
الرَّافِعُ
24. Al-Mu'izz
الْمُعِزُّ
25. Al-Muzil
ٱلْمُذِلُّ
26. As-Sami
السَّمِيعُ
27. Al-Baseer
الْبَصِيرُ
28. Al-Hakam
الْحَكَمُ
29. Al-Adl
الْعَدْلُ
30. Al-Lateef
اللَّطِيفُ
31. Al-Khabir
الْخَبِيرُ
32. Al-Haleem
الْحَلِيمُ
33. Al-Azeem
الْعَظِيمُ
34. Al-Ghafoor
الْغَفُور
35. Ash-Shakur
الشَّكُورُ
36. Al-Aliyy
الْعَلِيُّ
37. Al-Kabeer
الْكَبِيرُ
38. Al-Hafiz
الْحَفِيظُ
39. Al-Muqeet
المُقيِت
40. Al-Haseeb
الْحسِيبُ
41. Al-Jaleel
الْجَلِيلُ
42. Al-Karim
الْكَرِيمُ
43. Ar-Raqib
الرَّقِيبُ
44. Al-Mujeeb
ٱلْمُجِيبُ
45. Al-Wasi
الْوَاسِعُ
46. Al-Hakeem
الْحَكِيمُ
47. Al-Wadud
الْوَدُودُ
48. Al-Majeed
الْمَجِيدُ
49. Al-Ba'ith
الْبَاعِثُ
50. Ash-Shaheed
الشَّهِيدُ
51. Al-Haqq
الْحَقُ
52. Al-Wakeel
الْوَكِيلُ
53. Al-Qawiyy
الْقَوِيُ
54. Al-Matin
الْمَتِينُ
55. Al-Waliy
الْوَلِيُّ
56. Al-Hameed
الْحَمِيدُ
57. Al-Muhsi
الْمُحْصِي
58. Al-Mubdi
الْمُبْدِئُ
59. Al-Muid
ٱلْمُعِيدُ
60. Al-Muhyi
الْمُحْيِي
61. Al-Mumeet
اَلْمُمِيتُ
62. Al-Hayy
الْحَيُّ
63. Al-Qayyum
الْقَيُّومُ
64. Al-Wajid
الْوَاجِدُ
65. Al-Maajid
الْمَاجِدُ
66. Al-Wahid
الْواحِدُ
67. Al-Ahad
اَلاَحَدُ
68. As-Samad
الصَّمَدُ
69. Al-Qadir
الْقَادِرُ
70. Al-Muqtadir
الْمُقْتَدِرُ
71. Al-Muqaddim
الْمُقَدِّمُ
72. Al-Muakhkhir
الْمُؤَخِّرُ
73. Al-Awwal
الأوَّلُ
74. Al-Akhir
الآخِرُ
75. Az-Zaahir
الظَّاهِرُ
76. Al-Baatin
الْبَاطِنُ
77. Al-Wali
الْوَالِي
78. Al-Mutaali
الْمُتَعَالِي
79. Al-Barr
الْبَرُّ
80. At-Tawwab
التَّوَابُ
81. Al-Muntaqim
الْمُنْتَقِمُ
82. Al-Afuw
العَفُوُ
83. Ar-Rauf
الرَّؤُوفُ
84. Malikul-Mulk
َمَالِكُ ٱلْمُلْكُ
85. Dhul-Jalaali-Wal-Ikram
ذُوالْجَلاَلِ وَالإكْرَامِ
86. Al-Muqsit
الْمُقْسِطُ
87. Al-Jami
الْجَامِعُ
88. Al-Ghaniy
ٱلْغَنيُّ
89. Al-Mughni
ٱلْمُغْنِيُّ
90. Al-Mani
اَلْمَانِعُ
91. Ad-Darr
الضَّارَ
92. An-Naafi
النَّافِعُ
93. An-Noor
النُّورُ
94. Al-Hadi
الْهَادِي
95. Al-Badi
الْبَدِيعُ
96. Al-Baaqi
اَلْبَاقِي
97. Al-Warith
الْوَارِثُ
98. Ar-Rasheed
الرَّشِيدُ
99. As-Sabur
الصَّبُورُ
An introduction to the ninety names of Allah?

Why even begin to learn the ninety names of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ ?

Take a second to guess what subject is the most repeated in the entire Qur’an? Did you guess the day of resurrection? Or maybe marriage? Perhaps various chapters describing what paradise is like? Given this is a page dedicated to the 99 names Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ you might’ve figured out that we’re alluding to the correct answer, which is in fact the names of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ.

The attributes of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ is the most repeated subject in the entire Qur’an. It’s very hard to go by a page where we don’t learn something about Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ. We read about how he is the most kind, the most merciful, the most wise, the knower of everything, the see-er of all that you do, free from all wants, worthy of all praise. Imam Al-Shafi’i mentioned, “Whatever the Umma says is merely a commentary on the tradition of the Prophet ﷺ, and whatever the traditions of the Prophet say is merely a commentary on the Qur’an, and whatever the Qur’an says, it is a mere commentary on the excellent names of Allah.”

It can seem like memorizing the names of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ is not a rigorous academic pursuit. It can seem basic, but the reality is knowing the names of Allah is a strong foundation of tawhid. Part of believing in Allah and his oneness is to know his names and attributes. Being able to paint a clear picture of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ, having that clarity starts with knowing his essence, and we can start this journey by a study of His names.

Is it possible you could love and respect someone you do not know at all? It’s hard to have a deep connection with a random stranger across the world who you do not know. That’s not to say you can’t have respect for that person or be empathetic towards their struggle. But as you converse with them, and learn about their background, his or her upbringing, passions, or interests, you begin to establish a deeper connection. Similarly, the more you engage and learn the names of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ, the more you’ll love, fear, respect, and obey Him. Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ is close to us, “And We have already created man and know what his soul whispers to him, and We are closer to him than [his] jugular vein” (50:16) The million-dollar question is what effort have we made to be close to Him? These names were revealed, so we could learn about Him and deepen our connection with our creator. But like with any relationship, the strongest and most enduring relationships require effort and hard work.

We must note, that these names are not superficial either. Some of the names of Allah may seem similar, but they are not synonymous. Each name represents a unique attribute. They highlight some virtue or value that is noble in Islam. To know them is a source of knowledge. What’s even greater is to try and integrate them into your life to be lived and emulated to the best of your ability.

When we come to understand the ninety names of Allah, we can begin to see the world in a new light. If we understand how Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ is Al-Alim (the all-knowing), Al-Hakeem (the wise one), and Al-Muqsit (the just one) we would come to understand that whatever happens to a believer, that whatever Allah decrees would be good for him or her. Suhaib reported that Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said: Strange are the ways of a believer for there is good in every affair of his and this is not the case with anyone else except in the case of a believer for if he has an occasion to feel delight, he thanks (God), thus there is a good for him in it, and if he gets into trouble and shows resignation (and endures it patiently), there is a good for him in it. [3] If you believe in Allah and know his attributes you would not question, complain, or curse the world around you when faced with a difficult situation. Knowing the beautiful names of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ and understanding what they mean would help you, it would guide you to endure patiently. They would bring you comfort and give you peace.

There is nothing greater than Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ. Therefore a study of his attributes will be one of the greatest pursuits you can undertake.

Where does asmaul husna come from?

The meaning of Asma ul husna is the beautiful names of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ. This idea of his beautiful names and attributes is mentioned directly from the Qur’an as well as corroborating hadith.

Say to them (O Prophet!): “Call upon Him as Allah or call upon Him as al-Rahman; call Him by whichever name you will, all His names are beautiful. Neither offer your Prayer in too loud a voice, nor in a voice too low; but follow a middle course.” (17:110)

“Call upon your Lord in humility and privately; indeed, He does not like transgressors. And cause not corruption upon the earth after its reformation. And invoke Him in fear and aspiration. Indeed, the mercy of Allah is near to the doers of good.” (7:55-56)

Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet said: “Indeed, Allah has ninety-nine Names, whoever counts them shall enter Paradise.” [4,2]

“Be mindful of Allah and He will protect you. Be mindful of Allah and you will find Him before you. When you ask, ask Allah, and when you seek aid, seek Allah’s aid.” [5]

What we also learn from this, is a study of the ninety names of Allah is also a study of du’a or of ibadah (meaning worship). They were revealed to us so we can be mindful of them when we call upon Him.

Best way to memorize the ninety names of Allah?

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “Allah has ninety-nine names, i.e., one-hundred minus one, and whoever knows them will go to Paradise.” [1]

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah has ninety-nine Names, i.e., one hundred minus one, and whoever believes in their meanings and acts accordingly, will enter Paradise; and Allah is witr (one) and loves ‘the witr’ (i.e., odd numbers).[2]

The hadith mentions that the one who memorizes the 99 names of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ will enter Jannah. People often read this with skepticism as they take it literally, they question and doubt, “that’s it, that’s all I have to do to go to heaven?” Because of a lack of trust among people we’ve developed a sixth sense, “if it sounds too good to be true, it’s probably because it is.” But Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ knows best, learning the 99 names of Allah may be some deciding factor for you to enter paradise – but it’s not to say we can neglect all mandatory acts. It is my understanding of this hadith and of hadith in general, that exaggeration was a tool used by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as a teaching mechanism to emphasize the great rewards to Bedouin Arabs. During this time, education wasn’t mandatory, for effective communication among both the illiterate and literate, analogies, metaphors, and hyperbole were used to emphasize the importance of a thing. Allah knows best, but it’s probably not enough to just learn the names of Allah and disregard all your other duties as a Muslim. 

As you start this beautiful journey, it may begin with rote memorization. But gradually make the effort to ‘believe their meanings and act accordingly. This is where a deeper understanding and connection with Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ is established. It’s best to tackle this in chunks, if I lined up 99 people and asked you to remember each one of their names, that seems like quite the challenge. But if I shrunk them down to a smaller group of five, I know you could do it. Do the same with the ninety names of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ. Start with five and no more, randomly throughout the day ask yourself, what were the five names of today? Once you firmly grasp the five then add to it. In just twenty days you could say you know all ninety names of Allah. This is a more digestible approach. We recommend taking the 99 names of Allah quiz as a fun and interactive way to learn the 99 names of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ and test your knowledge.

The names of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ are not limited to the 99 names.

It’s important to state that the names of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ are not just limited to these ninety names. It is understood that the hadith, “Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah has ninety-nine Names, i.e., one hundred minus one.”[2] highlight or emphasize these names in particular for the special purpose in that “whoever believes in their meanings and acts accordingly, will enter Paradise” [2] Similarly, if someone was to say they have ninety dollars it does not imply that’s all they have. To support to the view of having more than ninety names this hadith is often referenced, bn Mas’ud reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace, and blessings be upon him, said,

“If any Muslim is afflicted with distress and makes this supplication, then his supplication will be answered: O Allah, I am your servant, the son of your servant, the son of your maidservant. My forelock is in your hand, your command concerning me prevails, and your decision concerning me is just. I call upon you by every one of the beautiful names with which you have described yourself, or which you have revealed in your Book, or you have taught to any of your creatures, or which you have chosen to keep in the knowledge of the unseen with you, to make the Quran the delight of my soul, the light of my heart, and to remove my sadness and dispel my anxiety.” The Prophet said, “If he says this, Allah will remove his affliction and replace it with joy and happiness.” They said, “O Messenger of Allah, should we not learn it?” The Prophet said, “Yes, whoever hears it should know it.” [6]

The phrase, “or which you have chosen to keep in the knowledge of the unseen with you” teaches us that there are names kept unknown. There are works dedicated by other scholars that exceed ninety names.

References

[1] Sahih al-Bukhari 2736
[2] Sahih al-Bukhari 6410
[3] Sahih Muslim 2999
[4] Jami at-Tirmidhi 3508
[5] Jami at-Tirmidhi 2516
[6] Musnad Ahmad 3704