Reflecting on the Names of Allah

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He is Allah, the Planner, Executer, and Fashioner of creation. His are the names most beautiful. Whatever is in the heavens and the earth extols His Glory. He is the Most Mighty, the Most Wise.” [ al-Hashr 59:24]. The 99 Names of Allah represent the highest level of spirituality and closeness to Allah in Islam. Knowing these names is an important aspect of a Muslim’s faith, as it allows them to better understand the magnificence and perfection of Allah. It helps Muslims build a stronger relationship with Him and increases their spiritual understanding and appreciation for His limitless attributes. Furthermore, each name is used for a specific purpose or goal in life, such as guidance, protection, strength, knowledge and wisdom. Reciting these names can bring about inner peace, comfort and assurance that one is always under the protection of Allah (SWT). The Hearer, The One who Hears all things that are heard by His Eternal Hearing without an ear, instrument or organ. 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)

Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the day and night, there are signs for people of reason”

These Names appear in the Qur’an and are seen as a means to gain greater understanding and closeness to Allah. Examples of these Names include al-Rahman (the All-Compassionate), al-Wadud (the Most Loving), al-Aziz (the Most Mighty), al-Hafiz (the Protector), al-Wahhab (the Bestower) and ar-Razzaq (the Provider). Arabic The Sublime One, The Beneficent, The One who is attributed with greatness of Power and Glory of status. They are a part of the whole 99 Divine Names of Allah s.w.t. that can be found in the hadith reported by the companion Abu Hurairah r.a.

Muslims believe that these names are the manifestation of Allah’s divine presence and His perfection. Each name is believed to have a special significance and to describe the Power and majesty of Allah. Allah s.w.t. guides us in the path of knowing Him by revealing His Divine Names and Attributes. He introduces Himself through these Names to help us know Him and draw us closer. In other words, He did not leave us to wander aimlessly in existence. An example would be the verse: Serves as a potent reminder that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) is always near and watching everything we say and do (Al-Raqeeb: The Watchful). The special property of the human soul is knowledge of reality; and the more honourable the object of knowledge is, the more delightful the knowledge of it is. There is nothing more honourable than Allah s.w.t, nor anything more majestic”Thank you for inviting me to learn Your names and share this experience with those who have looked forward to my sharing every other day. I took my time with this book. In fact, the Prophet s.a.w. also informed us a specific merit for whoever recites the following set of daily invocations which includes the Names of Allah: Scholars differ regarding the meaning of ‘ ahsoha’ translated as ‘know’ above. Sheikh Hasanain Makhluf wrote a book entitled ‘The Beautiful Names of Allah’, mentioning three views.

This book provides a comprehensive explanation for Allah's names and attributes. The author has effectively defined the attributes of Allah in such a way to ensure sufficient detail is provided for the reader, without excessively analysing and over complicating the topic. Although there are 99 Names mentioned here, it doesn't mean that Allah s.w.t. has only 99 Names. Imam An-Nawawi commented: Such are the Beautiful Names that describe to us about Allah s.w.t. The explanation to each these Names can be found in many books and commentaries. Scholars such as Imam Al-Bayhaqi, Imam Al-Ghazali and Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim have all written books that became sources of reference for many. More recent books such as 'Reflecting on the Names of Allah' by Jinan Yousef is also a must-read. I am truly hooked to this book.An eye opener to all the Names of Allah written in such detailed but readable, some examples to make the readers understand better but still strictly based on the Quran and Sunnah.

4 Benefits of knowing about the 99 Divine Names

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.