The essence of Islaam is to accept no deity except Allaah. It is naturally important, then, to understand Allaah as precisely as possible within our limited abilities. This understanding is to be based only on the Qur'aan and Sunnah. Our understanding of the Lord of the universe is to be derived from no other sources beyond these two. We are not permitted to go beyond the description of Allaah contained in the Qur'aan and Sunnah, and we are also not permitted to deny anything in them concerning Him.Names of Allah
Allaah has given us some information regarding Himself through His names and attributes (al asmaa was sifaat). He has ordered Muslims to call upon Him using these names and attributes:
"And (all) the Most Beautiful Names belong to Allaah, so call on Him by them, and leave the company of those who belie or deny (or utter impious speech against) His Names..." [Qur'aan 7:180]He has revealed to us some of His names and attributes, however there are others that we have not been taught. This is based on the following saheeh hadeeth reported by Imaam Ahmad (translation adapted from www.islam-qa.com; see question 1392):
The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: 'There is nobody who is afflicted with distress or grief and who says: "Allaahumma inni 'abduka wa ibn 'abdika wa ibn amatika, naasiyati bi yadika maadin fiyya hukmuka 'adlun fiyya qadaa'uka, as'aluka bi kulli ismin huwa laka sammayta bihi nafsaka aw 'allamtahu ahadan min khalqika aw anzaltahu fi kitaabika aw asta'tharta bihi fi 'ilmi al-ghaybi 'indaka an taj'al al-Qur'aana rabee'a qalbi wa noor sadri wa jilaa'a huzni wa dhihaaba hammi (O Allaah, I am Your slave, son of Your slave, son of Your maidservant, my forelock is in Your hand, Your command over me is ever executed and Your decree over me is just. I ask You by every name belonging to You which You have named Yourself with, or which you revealed in Your Book, or which You taught to any of Your creation, or which You have preserved in the knowledge of the Unseen with You, that You make the Qur'aan the life of my heart and the light of my breast, and a departure for my sorrow and a release for my anxiety," - but Allaah will take away his distress and grief, and replace it with ease.' He was asked, 'O Messenger of Allaah, should we not learn it?' He said, 'Of course, whoever hears it should learn it.'Bukhaari reports the following from the Prophet (saas):
"Inna lillaahi tis3aatu wa tis3eenu isman, mi'ata illa waahidan, man a7Saaha dakhala aljanna..."A careful reading of this hadeeth shows that the Prophet (saas) did not mean that Allaah's names are restricted to a particular number. If the intention had been to restrict the number, then the wording would have been "Allaah's names are ninety-nine, whoever counts them shall enter Paradise...", or something similar. Therefore, the meaning of this hadeeth is that Allaah has ninety-nine names which if one counts, then one will enter Paradise. Al-Uthaimeen points out that by "counting", what is understood is memorizing the names and knowing their meanings, and ultimately worshipping Allaah accordingly.
"Allaah has ninety-nine names, 100 less one, whoever counts them shall enter Paradise..." [Saheeh Al-Bukhaari, Volume 8, Number 419]
No authentic enumeration of ninety-nine names has been reported from the Prophet (saas). The hadeeth which lists ninety-nine names (in Tirmidhi) is weak (da3eef). Shaikh-ul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah has written in his Al-Fataawa (volume 6, page 382) from the collection of Qaasim: "Its enumeration [in that hadeeth] is not from the words of the Prophet (saas), and this is the agreement of the scholars of the Prophet's ahadeeth." And before that, he writes (on page 379), "Al-Waleed narrated this hadeeth from some of his teachers from al-Shaam, as has been revealed by some of the chains of al-Waleed's ahadeeth." Ibn Hajar has said in Fath ul Bariy (volume 11, page 215, published by as-Salafiyyah), "The reason [for excluding this hadeeth] for the two shaikhs (Al-Bukhaari and Muslim) was not the lone reporting by al-Waleed only, rather it was also due to the differences in its text, the lack of consensus by the scholars on its status (id-tiraab), concealed reporters in its chains (tadlees), and probable interpolations by one or more of the reporters (idraaj)".
Since no enumeration of the names has been authenticated from the Prophet (saas), the pious predecessors (salaf) have differed on this issue, and different lists have been reported from them. Al-Uthaimeen, a modern scholar, has collected ninety-nine names from what appears in the book of Allaah Most High and the Sunnah of His Prophet (saas), and we present this list below. However, we note again that Allaah has more than ninety-nine names. Note also that Al-Uthaimeen does not claim that the ninety-nine names he chose are "the ninety-nine" which the Prophet (saas) was referring to in the hadeeth above.
In what follows, we first list some names
from the book of Allaah (arranged, with the exception of "Allaah", in alphabetical
order according to the English alphabet). The meanings are taken primarily
from the tafseer of al-Qurtubi, with some reliance on the tafseers of ibn
Katheer, at-Tabari, and al-Jalaalayn. Neither the list nor the meanings
are meant to be exhaustive; only Allaah knows the complete meanings in
particular. With each name, we have provided the first reference in the
Qur'aan to it in its definite form ("al-..." or "the..."). If no
definite form was found, then we provide the first reference to it in its
indefinite form.
Name | Meaning and Notes |
---|---|
Allaah
Qur'aan [1:1] |
There are several points to be made regarding
this name. From al-Qurtubi's tafseer of the basmalah in the Qur'aan, we
find the following related to the meaning of this name:
- Nothing else has this name; it is not
found in female or plural form.
Many scholars have said this name is derived, but have differed on what it is derived from: - some have said "ilaah", with the "alif-lam" replacing the "hamza". Seebawiyyah said similarly "Al-naas" comes from "Anaas".A group of scholars have said it is not derived, and that the "alif-laam" is an integral part of the name, and not the definite article. they say that the proof is that we call upon Him with "yaa Allaah", and we do not drop the "alif-laam" and say "yaa laah". Note that, for His other names like "ar-ra7maan", we say "yaa ra7maan". And Allaah knows best. |
ADH-DHaahir
Qur'aan [57:3] |
The Triumphant. "...And the Prophet (saas) has explained this verse better than any other person. He said, in Saheeh Muslim, '...Allaah, You are the First (al-awwal), for there was nothing before You, and You are the Last (al-aakhir), for there is nothing after You, and you are the Triumphant (aDH-DHaahir), for there is no one above You, and You are the Perspicacious [i.e. the One who is keenly discerning, from which nothing is hidden from His knowledge] (al-baatin), for there is nothing beyond You. Remove our debt, and relieve us from poverty.' He [the Prophet (saas)] meant the Triumphant (al-ghaalib) with aDH-DHaahir, and the All-Knowing (al-3aalim) with al-Baatin. And Allaah knows best." - From the tafseer of Al-Qurtubi for verse 57:3. |
Al-3aalim
Qur'aan [6:73] |
The One who knows all that is hidden from us and all that is known to us. |
Al-3aDHeem
Qur'aan [2:255] |
The Mighty One in His power, gravity, and eminence. |
Al-3afuww
Qur'aan [4:43] |
The One who forgives and pardons. Al-Qurtubi indicates that this quality is also indicative of Allaah being easy on His creation. |
Al-3aleem
Qur'aan [2:32] |
The One who is all-knowing about His creation. In [67:14], He says (translated) "Should not He who has created know?" |
Al-3aliy
Qur'aan [2:255] |
The One who is High above everyone in His power and status. Though al-Qurtubi states that the notion of physical placement is not the subject of this attribute, it is also known that Allaah is above His creation, and He is not everywhere. Rather, His knowledge and awareness encompasses all things. |
Al-3azeez
Qur'aan [2:129] |
The Mighty, Invincible, and Impenetrable One, who is capable of anything and triumphant over everything. |
Al-7aafiDH
Qur'aan [12:64] |
The Guardian and Protector. |
Al-7afeeDH
Qur'aan [11:57] |
A more intensive form of "al-7aafiDH". It means the One who is ever-mindful and constantly on guard. |
Al-7afiy
Qur'aan [19:47] |
The One who is extremely gracious and
responsive to His creation; He is the one who tends to our needs. Al-Uthaimeen
states that he considers this a name of Allaah in spite of being hesitant
due to its appearing only once in the Word of Allaah, in the saying of
Ibraaheem (as) "Truly He is to me ever Most Gracious (7afiyyan)" [19:47].
Ibn Katheer adds that this attribute particularly refers to Allaah's guiding of people to His sincere worship. He graciously responds to our deepest need: guidance from Him. |
Al-7akeem
Qur'aan [2:32] |
A more intensive form of the Arabic word "7aakim". Among its meanings are the Ruler or Sovereign, and the Judge. Some have also said that it means the One who prevents or stops corruption. |
Al-7aleem
Qur'aan [2:225] |
The One who is forbearing, mild, and gentle. He is patient, and He does not rush to punish His servants for their sins. |
Al-7ameed
Qur'aan [14:1] |
The Praiseworthy in all respects. Ibn Katheer writes that this name indicates that Allaah is the One who deserves praise in "all His deeds, sayings, laws, commands, and prohibitions." |
Al-7aq
Qur'aan [10:32] |
The Truth. According to al-Qurtubi, this
particular attribute has several associated meanings:
- Allaah truly exists, has always existed, and will always exist - Allaah is the only One who truly deserves worship - beyond Allaah, there is nothing else to follow except misguidance, error, and falsehood |
Al-7aseeb
Qur'aan [4:6] |
The Reckoner; that is, the One who will take account of all people's deeds, and who will reward or punish them accordingly. Al-Qurtubi points out that this is a warning in particular to those who deny Allaah: ultimately they will answer to Him for their deeds. |
Al-7ayy
Qur'aan [2:255] |
The Ever-Living One who has no beginning and no end, He lives and does not die. Some scholars point towards an alternate meaning; namely, that He gives life to everything else in his disposing of all matters and apportioning of all things. |
Al-a3laa
Qur'aan [87:1] |
The Most High One who is above all others. There is no one who is equal or even comparable to Him. He is also free from any supposed evil, and from what heretics and disbelievers may say about Him. |
Al-a7ad
Qur'aan [112:1] |
'A7ad' is an Arabic word derived from
'a7ada', to make into one. The derivation 'a7ad' means "one", and it is
typically used to mean "one of ...". In the Qur'aan, every
occurrence of 'a7ad' implicitly or explictly is an instance of the typical
usage of this word; i.e. it is used to refer to "one of you" or "one of
them" for example.
There is only one exception: verse [112:1]. In this verse, Allaah says (translated): "Say, He is Allaah, A7ad." Chapter 112 was revealed as a direct response to the polytheists asking Muhammad (saas) to explain the origin of Allaah. Given this context, the verse makes the clear point that Allaah is "One", and the remainder of the chapter makes it clear that this particular "One" is NOT one of a set: He is One, Unique, and He has no origin. Note that Allaah did not bother to use the definite article in front of this name, as in 'al-a7ad'. Rather, He simply said 'a7ad'. We can understand this by noting that there is no semantic difference between "the unique one" and "unique one". The fact is, He is 'a7ad' - One and Unique - and everything else is 'a7adu shay' - one of something. This name stresses the unique nature of Allaah, and emphasizes that nothing can be compared to Him - NOTHING. He has no partner, no child, no parent, and ascribing such to him is a huge monstrosity. |
Al-aakhir
Qur'aan [57:3] |
The Last. "...And the Prophet (saas) has explained this verse better than any other person. He said, in Saheeh Muslim, '...Allaah, You are the First (al-awwal), for there was nothing before You, and You are the Last (al-aakhir), for there is nothing after You, and you are the Triumphant (aDH-DHaahir), for there is no one above You, and You are the Perspicacious [i.e. the One who is keenly discerning, from which nothing is hidden from His knowledge] (al-baatin), for there is nothing beyond You. Remove our debt, and relieve us from poverty.' He [the Prophet (saas)] meant the Triumphant (al-ghaalib) with aDH-DHaahir, and the All-Knowing (al-3aalim) with al-Baatin. And Allaah knows best." - From the tafseer of Al-Qurtubi for verse 57:3. |
Al-akram
Qur'aan [96:3] |
The superlative form of "kareem" which means noblehearted, magnanimous, and generous (i.e. "the Most Noblehearted"). Some have said that it is specifically referring to the understanding, patience, and disregard - all traits of the noblehearted - which Allaah shows towards the ignorance of His servants. They base this on the events concerning the revelation of this particular name: the first verses of the Qur'an were 96:1-5, and they were sent to a man who could neither read nor write, Muhammad (saas). |
Al-awwal
Qur'aan [57:3] |
The First. "...And the Prophet (saas) has explained this verse better than any other person. He said, in Saheeh Muslim, '...Allaah, You are the First (al-awwal), for there was nothing before You, and You are the Last (al-aakhir), for there is nothing after You, and you are the Triumphant (aDH-DHaahir), for there is no one above You, and You are the Perspicacious [i.e. the One who is keenly discerning, from which nothing is hidden from His knowledge] (al-baatin), for there is nothing beyond You. Remove our debt, and relieve us from poverty.' He [the Prophet (saas)] meant the Triumphant (al-ghaalib) with aDH-DHaahir, and the All-Knowing (al-3aalim) with al-Baatin. And Allaah knows best." - From the tafseer of Al-Qurtubi for verse 57:3. |
Al-baari'
Qur'aan [59:24] |
The Originator and Innovator who brings new things into existence after He decrees them (see "al-khaaliq"). |
Al-baaTin
Qur'aan [57:3] |
The Perspicacious. "...And the Prophet (saas) has explained this verse better than any other person. He said, in Saheeh Muslim, '...Allaah, You are the First (al-awwal), for there was nothing before You, and You are the Last (al-aakhir), for there is nothing after You, and you are the Triumphant (aDH-DHaahir), for there is no one above You, and You are the Perspicacious [i.e. the One who is keenly discerning, from which nothing is hidden from His knowledge] (al-baatin), for there is nothing beyond You. Remove our debt, and relieve us from poverty.' He [the Prophet (saas)] meant the Triumphant (al-ghaalib) with aDH-DHaahir, and the All-Knowing (al-3aalim) with al-Baatin. And Allaah knows best." - From the tafseer of Al-Qurtubi for verse 57:3. |
Al-barr
Qur'aan [52:28] |
The One who is generous, kind, and beneficent. It has also been said that it refers to Him being true to His promise (in the context of reward). |
Al-baSeer
Qur'aan [17:1] |
The All-Seeing One who is a witness to
all actions and events. He is completely familiar with the details of all
that happens. In the context of our actions, He is the One who rewards
and punishes for the minutest action.
An alternative meaning to this name is that He is the One who gives sight to His servants. |
Al-fattaa7
Qur'aan [34:26] |
The Judge who, on the day of Judgement, will judge with truth. He will support those who were guided, and punish those who were in error. |
Al-ghaffaar
Qur'aan [38:66] |
The One who conceals and overlooks the sins of His creation. He turns in forgiveness to whoever repents, even to someone who has commited shirk (association of any type of partner with Allaah). |
Al-ghafuur
Qur'aan [10:107] |
The One who forgives the sins and mistakes of his servants. |
Al-ghaniy
Qur'aan [6:133] |
The One who is categorically without any needs whatsoever. In particular, He is not in need of His creation or any actions of His creation. Rather, we are completely in need of Him. |
Al-ilaah
Qur'aan [2:133] |
The only One deserving of worship. |
Al-jabbaar
Qur'aan [59:23] |
The Omnipotent, All-Powerful One who is
absolutely free of any weaknesses whatsoever. He can compel others, and
His power cannot be resisted.
Others have said that another possible meaning is the One who sets right or fixes. |
Al-kabeer
Qur'aan [13:9] |
The Great One; all others are less than Him. |
Al-kareem
Qur'aan [82:6] |
The One who is noble, generous, and gracious. |
Al-khaaliq
Qur'aan [59:24] |
The One who decrees the existence or creation of new things. At least two other names of Allaah, "al-baari'" and "al-muSawwir", are relevant to understanding how He characterizes himself as the Creator. |
Al-khabeer
Qur'aan [6:18] |
The One who is knowledgeable and well-acquainted with His creation and all that they do. |
Al-khallaaq
Qur'aan [15:86] |
The One who creates everything in the creation. He is not weakened or affected by this. See also "al-khaaliq". |
Al-laTeef
Qur'aan [6:103] |
The One who is to His creation gracious
and kind, friendly and gentle. Al-Qurtubi lists a number of contexts for
this attribute, including the following (there are more):
- the context of the wealth of this world - the context of understanding and benefitting from the Qur'aan - the context of Allaah's Mercy and Forgiveness And this meaning is bolstered by the verse in [42:19]: "Allaah is laTeef towards His slaves: He gives provision to whom He wills..." Ibn Katheer adds that another possible meaning to this attribute is the One who is well-aquainted with all things and deeds. Nothing is too subtle for Him: He can bring to light whatever is hidden, wherever it is hidden. And this meaning is bolstered by the verse in [31:16] where Luqmaan advises his son: "O my son! If it be (anything) equal to the weight of a grain of a mustard seed, and though it be in a rock or in the heavens or in the earth, Allaah will bring it forth. Verily, Allaah is laTeef, khabeer." |
Al-majeed
Qur'aan [85:15] |
The Glorified, Exalted One who is extolled and lauded by His creation. |
Al-maleek
Qur'aan [54:55] |
The King and Owner of all things. |
Al-malik
Qur'aan [59:23] |
The King who has power over all His creation.
He is the only true King in this life and the next, particularly on the
Day of Judgement as He says in the Qur'aan,
"To Whom is the Kingship that day? To Allaah, al-waa7id, al-qahhaar" [40:16] His Kingship is absolute and comprehensive; all others shall come before Him as weak and low, including the mortal kings and rulers of His creation. The following two ahadeeth illustrate this point: Saheeh Bukhaari, volume 6, book 60, number
336:
Saheeh Muslim, number 5339:
|
Al-mateen
Qur'aan [51:58] |
The Firm and Strong One. He is not in need of anything from His creation, and in fact we are completely in need of Him. |
Al-mawlaa
Qur'aan [2:286] |
The Benefactor and Supporter who provides
victory and protection to those who do what He has commanded and avoid
what He has forbidden. He is the One to whom we are supposed to turn to
for aid. We are especially warned not to seek aid from the disbelievers,
"O you who believe! If you obey those who disbelieve, they will send you back on your heels, and you will turn back (from faith) as losers. Nay, Allaah is your Mawlaa, and He is the Best of helpers." [3:149-150] |
Al-mu'min
Qur'aan [59:23] |
This name of Allaah has multiple meanings
revolving around the root word "aamana" which can mean either "to believe"
or "to make safe":
- the One who protects His allies and servants, as in [106:4]: "(He) Who has fed them against hunger, and has made them safe (aamanahum) from fear." - the One who compels others to believe Him; specifically He shows the Prophets His signs, He rewards the believers, and He punishes the disbelievers. His word is true, and He always fulfills His promise, hence He is to be believed. - the One who has testified to His own identity, namely [3:18]: "Allaah witnesses that there is no deity worthy of worship except Him." [3:18] |
Al-mu7eeT
Qur'aan [2:19] |
The One who encompasses or surrounds everything, such that nothing can escape from Him or elude Him. Some have said that it is the scope of His knowledge that is being alluded to with this name, as in {[66:12] "Allaah surrounds (comprehends) all things in (His) knowledge." Others have said it indicates He is the One who will destroy everything, as in Jacob's warning to his sons to protect Joseph's brother "...unless you are yourselves surrounded" - and by implication destroyed ([12:66]). |
Al-mubeen
Qur'aan [24:25] |
This attribute has a double meaning revolving around the notion of 'being clear'. First, it identifies Allaah as being the Clear and Manifest Truth. Second, it reflects His promise that He will make everything clear to us on the Day of Judgement. This will include the true magnitude of our actions, good and bad. |
Al-muhaymin
Qur'aan [59:23] |
The One who watches over and protects
His creation. This attribute can also mean the One who acts as a witness
over His creation and what they do. Both meanings are derived from the
root word "haymana" (to watch, to guard).
Al-Qurtubi mentions that others believe it means the One who is true to His word. |
Al-mujeeb
Qur'aan [11:61] |
The One who answers and accepts the worship
and supplications of His servants. To avoid confusion, the scholars often
quote the following ahadeeth in the context of this particular name:
Saheeh Muslim, Number 2214:
Saheeh Muslim, Number 6595:
|
Al-muqeet
Qur'aan [4:85] |
Al-Qurtubi has identified at least the
following three understandings of this particular name:
- the Master who is capable of anything, and who rewards and punishes His creation - the Sustainer and Supporter who gives strength and ability to His creation - the One who protects and witnesses over His creation. |
Al-muqtadir
Qur'aan [18:45] |
The Master who is capable of anything He wishes, without weakness, without fatigue. In the context of His punishment in particular, He cannot be resisted. |
Al-muSawwir
Qur'aan [59:24] |
The Shaper and Fashioner of the new things He creates, after He has decreed them and brought them into being (see "al-khaaliq" and "al-baari"). |
Al-muta3aaliy
Qur'aan [13:9] |
The Exalted, High One who is above His creation in irresistible power and might, and who is above whatever lies the disbelievers may say about Him. |
Al-mutakabbir
Qur'aan [59:23] |
The One who is proud, and for Allaah this
is not a negative trait as it is for His creation,
"Allaah Almighty said, 'Pride is My cloak,
and Glory is my wrap, so for he who competes with Me in either of these,
I will cast him into the fire."
Al-Qurtubi reports that others have understood this name to mean the Grand, Great One. |
Al-qaadir
Qur'aan [6:65] |
The One who is capable of doing anything He wills. See "al-qadeer". |
Al-qaahir
Qur'aan [6:18] |
The Irresistible, Over-Powering One. Al-Qurtubi points out that this attribute is especially distinct from "al-qaadir" in that Allaah can prevent His servants from achieving their desires (not just help and sustain them). |
Al-qadeer
Qur'aan [30:54] |
The Omnipotent, All-Powerful Master of all things. He can do whatever He wills, including bringing the dead to life. Moreover, every created being's capabilities are based entirely on whatever strength Allaah gives to it. Note that this attribute is a more intensive form of "al-qaadir". |
Al-qahhaar
Qur'aan [12:39] |
The Irresistible Subjugator who overpowers and defeats all things. Nothing can stand in front of Him except as His weak slave. |
Al-qareeb
Qur'aan [2:186] |
The One who is Close to His servants,
in the sense that He rewards obedience, and answers their supplications.
He is close to whoever is sincere in worship and who repents for his or
her sins.
Saheeh Bukhaari, Volume 9, Book 93, Number
502:
|
Al-qawiy
Qur'aan [11:66] |
The Strong One who is capable of doing what He wills. There is nothing capable of defeating Him or of thwarting His decree. |
Al-qayyuum
Qur'aan [2:255] |
The Caretaker who manages and regulates His creation. An alternative meaning is the Persistent, Everlasting One who does not change or end. Both meanings are supported in the Qur'aan, and both can be derived from the root word, "qaama". |
Al-qudduus
Qur'aan [59:23] |
The Pure One who is free of all defects. An alternative meaning, according to al-Qurtubi, is the One who is glorified and revered by the angels (i.e. the Holy One). A third meaning is the Blessed One. |
Al-waa7id
Qur'aan [12:39] |
The One, meaning He who is the only one deserving of worship. He has no partner, and He has no equal. |
Al-waarith
Qur'aan [15:23] |
The Inheritor who inherits the earth and all that is on it because all created life shall cease, leaving only Him, the Creator. Al-Qurtubi also points out that though Allaah owns all things, He entrusts to people wealth while they live. Some of these people accumulate debts that are terminated by their deaths. In those particular circumstances, Allaah is their inheritor. |
Al-waasi3
Qur'aan [2:115] |
The One who is Generous or Magnanimous towards His servants in their deen, and who does not hold them responsible for what is beyond their capabilities. Others have said it refers to the spaciousness and completeness of His knowledge, as in [20:98], "He encompasses everything in His knowledge." Similarly, others have said it refers to the scope of his Mercy, as in [7:156], "And my mercy encompasses all things." Other meanings include the One whose Forgiveness is wide, and the One who is Gracious to His creation. |
Al-waduud
Qur'aan [85:14] |
The One who loves whoever turns to Him in repentance from his or her sins. A related meaning is the One who loves His allies and friends (awliyaa') and expresses it through His forgiveness. A third alternative is He who is loved by His servants. |
Al-wahhaab
Qur'aan [3:8] |
The One who bestows mercy and success on His creation. He also grants conviction with Islam upon His believing servants who turn to Him. |
Al-wakeel
Qur'aan [3:173] |
The Disposer of affairs to whom all matters are entrusted. He manages the sustenance of His creation, and He watches over them. |
Al-waliy
Qur'aan [42:9] |
The Ruler who supports and guards His believing servants. Only He gives them success and victory. |
An-naSeer
Qur'aan [2:107] |
The Helper and Supporter who backs and strengthens the believers. |
Ar-ra'uuf
Qur'aan [2:143] |
The One who is Merciful and Compassionate. This form is more intensive than "Ar-ra7eem", i.e. "ar-ra'fa" is stronger than "ar-ra7ma" in the Arabic language. |
Ar-ra7eem
Qur'aan [1:1] |
The Merciful One. Al-Qurtubi mentions that there are some who believe it refers to Allaah being merciful to His believing servants by giving them guidance and forgiveness (see "ar-ra7maan" for more). |
Ar-ra7maan
Qur'aan [1:1] |
The (uniquely) Merciful One. This name
is more intensive than "ar-ra7eem", so much so that it is unique to Allaah:
no one else can be named using this adjective (i.e. we cannot call someone
"ra7maan"). It indicates that Allaah has no equal whatsoever in His Mercy:
Saheeh Muslim, Book 36, Number 6631:
Note that prior to Islaam, this name was not known to the Arabs. Al-Qurtubi also mentions that there are some who believe that this name refers to Allaah being merciful to everyone by giving them sustenance and wealth. |
Ar-raqeeb
Qur'aan [5:117] |
The One who closely watches over His creation. He is completely aware and knowledgeable of all that happens, including all that we may do in order to reward or punish us. |
Ar-razzaaq
Qur'aan [51:58] |
The Only Provider and Sustainer of His creation. He gives to everyone regardless of whether they accept Him or not. What He gives is understood to be anything which can be utilized, be it halaal or haraam. |
As-salaam
Qur'aan [59:23] |
Though the root word "salima" (and the
derivation "sallama") have many meanings, al-Qurtubi points out that the
scholars have agreed that the meaning of this attribute revolves around
"to be safe or sound" or "to greet". Based on this, scholars have identified
three possible meanings:
- the One who is free of defects, in Him, His attributes, His actions, and His speech - the One who greets His servants in Paradise, as in "[It will be said to them] 'Salaamun (peace be on you)', a Word from the Lord, Most Merciful." [30:36] - the One who protects His creation from oppression from Him |
AS-Samad
Qur'aan [112:2] |
At least four meanings have been ascribed
to this name. Al-Qurtubi believes the first one is the accurate one, whereas
ibn Katheer says all four are correct (i.e. the name has multiple meanings).
- the One to Whom the creation turns to for its needs and in times of calamity. Moreover, He is not in need of anyone or anything. - the Everlasting, Persistent One who does not beget and is not begotten - the One whose dominion is complete - the One who does not eat or drink |
As-samee3
Qur'aan [2:127] |
The One who listens and responds to our supplications and requests. |
Ash-shaakir
Qur'aan [2:158] |
The One who recognizes the obedience and worship of His believing servants by rewarding them. |
Ash-shaheed
Qur'aan [3:98] |
The Witness over everyone and their actions, for which He will either reward or punish them. |
Ash-shakuur
Qur'aan [35:30] |
The One who rewards the believing servants for their good deeds; in fact, He gives them even more than they deserve. Al-Qurtubi writes "He [Allaah] accepts the little from the good deeds, and He repays for it the great from the rewards." |
At-tawwaab
Qur'aan [2:37] |
The One who accepts the sincere repentance of His believing servants, and this means He forgives them. Note that He is the only One to whom repentance is due. |
Next we list some names from the authentic
Sunnah of the Prophet (saas):
Name | Meaning and Notes |
---|---|
Al-7akam | The true Judge. A reference is found in
the following hadeeth:
Sunan Abu Daawuud, Book 41, Number 4937:
|
Al-7ayiy | The One who is modest. A reference is
found in the following hadeeth:
Sunan Abu Daawuud, Book 31, Number 4001:
|
Al-baasiT | The Giver and Provider who lavishly extends
sustenance and wealth to His creation. A reference is found in the following
hadeeth:
Sunan Abu Daawuud, Book 23, Number 3444:
|
Al-jameel | The One who is beautiful and graceful.
A reference is found in the following hadeeth:
Saheeh Muslim, Book 1, Number 0164:
|
Al-jawwaad | The One who is generous and magnanimous.
A reference is found in the following hadeeth which al-Uthaimeen says is
hasan:
At-tirmidhi, Kitaab Sifat Al-Qiyaama wa
Ar-raqaa'iq wal-war3, Number 2419:
|
Al-mannaan | The Benefactor, the Generous One who is
kind and who gives generously from His bounty. A reference is found in
the following hadeeth:
Sunan Abu Dawuud, Book 8, Number 1490:
Note that the Prophet (saas) did not say that "al-mannaan" is Allaah's greatest name; the hadeeth does not explicitly identify which name is meant. |
Al-mu3Tiy | The Giver of wealth and knowledge. A reference
is found in the following hadeeth:
Saheeh Bukhaari, Volume 4, Book 53, Number
346:
|
Al-mu7sin | Al-Uthaimeen reports that this name is reported from Shaikh-ul-Islaam ibn Taymiyyah, though he was unable to confirm the reference: AT-Tabaarani in "Al-awsat", and Al-Haythamiy said its chain of narrators are reliable. |
Al-mua'khkhir | The One who delays or slows whatever He
wills. A reference is found in the following hadeeth:
Saheeh Bukhaari, Volume 2, Book 21, Number
221:
|
Al-muqaddim | The One who hastens or speeds whatever
He wills. A reference is found in the following hadeeth:
Saheeh Bukhaari, Volume 2, Book 21, Number
221:
|
Al-qaabiD | The One who takes and constricts the sustenance
and wealth of His creation. A reference is found in the following hadeeth:
Sunan Abu Daawuud, Book 23, Number 3444:
|
Al-witr | The One, Odd. A reference is found in
the following hadeeth:
Saheeh Bukhaari, Volume 8, Book 75, Number
419:
|
Ar-rabb | The Lord. A reference is found in the
following hadeeth:
Saheeh Bukhaari, Volume 6, Book 60, Number
372:
|
Ar-rafeeq | The One who is kind. A reference is found
in the following hadeeth:
Saheeh Muslim, Book 31, Number 6273:
|
As-sayyid | The Master. A reference is found in the
following hadeeth:
Sunan Abu Daawuud, Book 41, Number 4788:
|
As-subbuu7 | The Exalted One who is praised and glorified
extensively. A reference is found in the following hadeeth:
Saheeh Muslim, Book 4, Number 0987:
|
Ash-shaafiy | The Healer, the One who cures. A reference
is found in the following hadeeth:
Saheeh Bukhaari, Volume 7, Book 70, Number
579:
|
AT-Tayyib | The One who is pure and good. A reference
is found in the following hadeeth:
Saheeh Muslim, Book 5, Number 2214:
|
The two lists above capture what al-Uthaimeen chose: eighty-one names from the book of Allaah Most High, and eighteen from the Sunnah of the Prophet (saas). Along with these names, there are other names which are compound. These include "Malik ul mulk" and "Dhil jalaali wal ikraam". There are also other names found in the Sunnah.
And Allaah knows best!