Qur’anic Foundation
Prophetic Hadiths
Hadith 1 (Bukhari & Muslim): Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
Hadith 2 (Ibn Majah, Ahmad): The Prophet ﷺ said: “Allah has ninety-nine names, whoever memorizes them will enter Paradise. He is odd (single) and loves odd numbers.”
Hadith 3 (Tirmidhi): Abu Hurairah reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Allah has ninety-nine names, one hundred except one. He who enumerates (and believes in) them will enter Paradise. And He is Witr (odd) and loves the odd number.”
The 99 Names of Allah
Below is the complete list of the Asma-ul-Husna with Arabic, English transliteration, Urdu translation, and concise meanings.
May Allah bless us with understanding and practice.
Calling Upon Allah by His Names
Imam Ibn Qayyim (رحمه الله) said: “The key to answered du’a is calling upon Allah with His names and attributes. Each name carries a specific meaning that corresponds to the supplication.”
Du’a with the Names
The Prophet ﷺ would often supplicate using the names of Allah. Among the most comprehensive du’as:
Reflection & Practice
Memorizing the 99 names is not merely an intellectual exercise; it is a journey to knowing Allah (ma’rifah). Each name unveils an aspect of His majesty, mercy, and justice. Incorporating them into daily du’a, prayer, and contemplation transforms the heart and strengthens tawheed.
May Allah grant us the ability to know Him by His names and attributes, and to live by them. آمين.
The 99 Names of Allah, known as Asma ul-Husna (Arabic: أسماء الله الحسنى), are the beautiful names and attributes of God in Islam. Each name represents a unique attribute of Allah, such as Ar-Rahman (The All-Merciful), Ar-Rahim (The All-Beneficient), and Al-Malik (The Absolute Ruler).
Reciting the 99 Names of Allah brings numerous spiritual benefits including increased faith, protection from harm, forgiveness of sins, relief from difficulties, and drawing closer to Allah. Each name has specific benefits as mentioned in Islamic traditions.
The first name of Allah is Ar-Rahman (الرَّحْمَنُ) meaning "The All-Merciful." This name emphasizes Allah's infinite mercy and compassion for all of creation.
The greatest name of Allah (Ism al-Azam) is believed by many scholars to be 'Allah' itself. Some also consider names like Ar-Rahman, Ar-Rahim, Al-Hayy, and Al-Qayyum to be among the greatest names. When called upon by this name, Allah responds to supplications.
The 99 Names of Allah are derived from various verses of the Holy Quran. While not all 99 names appear explicitly in the Quran, many of them are mentioned. For example, Ar-Rahman appears 57 times, Ar-Rahim appears 115 times, and Al-Malik appears 3 times in the Quran.
The 99th name of Allah is As-Sabur (الصَّبُور) meaning "The Patient One." This name represents Allah's infinite patience and forbearance with His creation, giving them time to repent and return to Him.
Yes, it is highly recommended to recite the 99 Names of Allah daily. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'Allah has ninety-nine names, one hundred minus one. Whoever enumerates them will enter Paradise.' (Sahih Bukhari). This includes memorizing, understanding, and calling upon Allah by these names.
The names of Allah related to forgiveness include Al-Ghaffar (The Forgiving), Al-Ghafur (The Forgiver and Hider of Faults), Al-Afuw (The Forgiver), and At-Tawwab (The Guide to Repentance). Reciting these names is beneficial for seeking forgiveness from Allah.