Al-Asma al-Husna (The Beautiful Names of Allah)

Definition

Al-Asma al-Husna (الأسماء الحسنى) are the Beautiful Names of Allah. The Prophet said: 'Allah has ninety-nine names, one hundred minus one. Whoever memorizes and acts upon them will enter Paradise' (Sahih al-Bukhari 2736). These names describe Allah's attributes of perfection and are a means of knowing Him.

Categories of Names

The names of Allah can be grouped by theme: Names of Majesty (Jalal): Al-Jabbar (The Compeller), Al-Qahhar (The Subduer), Al-Aziz (The Almighty). Names of Beauty (Jamal): Ar-Rahman (The Most Merciful), Al-Wadud (The Most Loving), Al-Latif (The Subtle). Names of Perfection (Kamal): Al-Alim (The All-Knowing), Al-Hakim (The All-Wise), As-Samad (The Eternal Refuge).

Aqeedah Principles

Ahl us-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah affirm all of Allah's names and attributes as they appear in the Quran and authentic Sunnah, without distortion (tahrif), denial (ta'til), likening them to creation (tamthil), or asking how (takyif). This is the position of the Salaf and is the safest path in matters of Allah's attributes. Each name implies an attribute, and each attribute implies an action where applicable.

Making Dua by Allah's Names

Allah says: 'To Allah belong the most beautiful names, so call upon Him by them' (Quran 7:180). Muslims are encouraged to learn Allah's names and use them in supplication, matching the name to the request, such as asking Ar-Razzaq for provision and Ash-Shafi for healing.