The 99 names of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) remind believers of His uniqueness, supremacy, and compassion. They motivate us to worship and love Him above everything else. They reassure us that the All-Mighty always watches over us and protects us during hardship and turmoil. The 99 Names of Allah denote the highest level of closeness and spirituality to Allah in Islam. Every time we recite these beautiful Asma-ul-Husna, our connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) becomes stronger, and we are blessed with immense reward and humility.
Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) says in Surah Al-A’raf: “Allah has the most excellent names. So, call on Him by His names and shun those who distort them. They shall soon be requited for their deeds.” [al-Araf 7:180]
Tawhid is the first pillar of Islam and establishes that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) is the One and only God. He has various unique attributes, and the 99 Names of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) in Islam are a means of representing and glorifying all His divine virtues. As Muslims, we must uphold Tawhid in harmony with Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) beautiful names, as is mentioned repeatedly in the Holy Quran:
“Allah – there is no god but He. His are the most excellent names”. [Ta’Ha 20:8].
“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 Asma-ul-Husna have been recited and memorized by believers since early times to invoke harmony, safety, and blessings in their lives. Each sacred title holds immense power and provides a deep understanding of Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) divine being. Reciting the Asma-ul-Husna meaningfully helps believers feel comfort during emotional, physical, and spiritual distress. These glorious names intensify our faith, provide us hope, and help us stay close to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).
Abu Huraira (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) reported the Prophet (ﷺ) as saying: “There are ninety-nine names of Allah; he who commits them to memory would get into Paradise. Verily, Allah is Odd (He is one, and it is an odd number), and He loves odd number.” [Sahih Muslim 2677a, Book 48, Hadith 5].
Names Reflecting His Exclusiveness and Uniqueness |
| Al-Wahid (The One) Al-Awwal (The First) Al-Akhir (The Last) Al-Baqi (The Everlasting) Al-Ghani (The Self-Sufficient; The Rich Beyond Need) Al-Haqq (The Truth; The Real) Al-Khaliq (The Creator) Al-Muheet (All-Pervading; The All-Encompassing) Al-Wahhab (The All-Giving) Al-Mukmil (He Who Perfects) Al-Mutakabbir (The Superb; He Who Reveals His Greatness in All) Al-Qareeb (The One Who Is Nearby) Al-Qayyum (The Eternal) As-Salam (The All-Peace) As-Samad (The Everlasting Refuge and Sustainer) Al-Warith (The Inheritor) Al-Wasi (The All-Embracing; The Boundless) Al-Kafi (The Sufficient One) Al-Noor (The Light) |
Names Reflecting His Strength and Greatness |
| Al-Azeem (The All-Glorious) Al-Aziz (The All-Mighty) Al-Haiyy (The Living) Al-Jabbar (The Compeller) Al-Kabeer (The Great) Al-Mateen (The Firm) Al-Mueed (The Restorer) Al-Muhiyy (The Giver of Life) Al-Mumeet (The Taker of Life) Al-Muqaddim (The Promoter) Al-Muqtadir (The Prevailing) Al-Qadir (The All-Powerful) Al-Qawiy (The Strong) Al-Wasi (The All-Embracing; The Boundless) |
Names Reflecting His Dominion Over All Things |
| Al-Adl (The Just; The Equitable) Al-Fasil (He who Distinguishes, Decides, and Settles) Al-Hakam (The Judge) Al-Makir (The Best Planner) Al-Malik (The Sovereign; The King) Malik-ul-Mulk (The Lord of the Kingdom) Al-Mawla (The Protector, The Master) Al-Mumin (The Giver of Peace and Tranquility) Al-Muqtadir (The Prevailing) Al-Qahhar (The Dominant; The Subduer; The All-Conquering; The Crusher) Al-Raqeeb (The Watchful) Zuljalal wal-Ikram (The Lord of Majesty and Generosity) Al-Razzaq (The All-Provider) |
Names Reflecting His Wisdom and Knowledge |
| Al-Aleem (The All-Knowing) The Al-Baseer (The All-Seeing) Al-Hakeem (The All-Wise) Al-Khabeer (The All-Aware) As-Sami (The All-Hearing) Ash-Shaheed (The Witness) Al-Wajid (The Finder) |
Names Reflecting His Mercy and Compassion |
| Al-Rahman (The Most Gracious) Al-Raheem (The Most Merciful) Al-Afuw (The Pardoner) Al-Barr (The Beneficent; The All-Good) Al-Basit (The Expander) Ad-Dafi (The Remover of Tribulations) Ad-Da'I (The Caller) Al-Fattah (The Opener) Al-Ghafoor (The Forgiving) Al-Hadi (The Guide) Al-Haleem (The Lenient) Al-Jami (The Gatherer) Al-Kareem (The Generous) Al-Mubashir (The Giver of Good News) Al-Mudhheek (He Who Brings Laughter) Al-Mughni (The Enricher) Al-Muizz (The Honourer) Al-Mujeeb (The One Who Answers All) Al-Muqaddim (The Promoter) Al-Muqallib-Al-Qulub (The Turner of Hearts) Al-Muqsit (The Just) Al-Mutahhir (He Who Cleanses from Spiritual Evil) Al-Muyassir (He Who Makes Things Easier) Al-Muzakkee (He Who Purifies His servants of Faults and Shame) Al-Nafi (The Beneficent) Al-Rafi (The Exalter) Al-Rasheed (The Guide) Al-Rauf (The Gentle) As-Saboor (The Forbearing) Ash-Shafee (The Healer; The Affectionate) Ash-Shakoor (The Appreciative) Al-Tawwab (The Acceptor of Repentance) Al-Wadud (The Loving) |
Names Reflecting His Accountability and Punishment |
| Ad-Dar (The Afflictor) Al-Baith (The Resurrector) Al-Haseeb (The Reckoner) Al-Khaafid (The End of Tyranny) Al-Mani (The Withholder) Al-Muakhir (The Deferrer) Al-Mubki (He Who Brings Tears) Al-Muhsi (The Reckoner) Al-Mumeet (The Life-taker) Al-Muntaqim (The Avenger) Al-Muzill (The Humiliator) Al-Qabid (The Seizer; The Restrictor) |
Names Reflecting His Nobility and Magnificence |
| Al-Aliy (The Highest) Al-Azeem (The All-Glorious) Al-Hameed (The Praiseworthy) Al-Jaleel (The Majestic) Al-Majeed (The Glorious) Al-Majid (The Noble) Al-Muta'ali (The All-Exalted) Al-Quddus (The Holy; The All-Pure) Zuljalal wal-Ikram (The Lord of Majesty and Generosity) |
Names Reflecting His Support and Protection |
| Al-Hafeez (The Guardian; The Preserver) Al-Malja (The Refuge) Al-Muhaymin (The Protector) Al-Mumin (The Giver of Peace and Tranquillity) An-Nasir (The Helper; The Supporter) Al-Raqeeb (The Watchful) As-Samad (The Everlasting Refuge and Sustainer) Al-Wakeel (The Trustee) |
Names Reflecting His Originality and Novelty |
| Al-Badee (The Innovative Creator) Al-Bari (The Maker) Al-Khaliq (The Creator) Al-Mubdi (The Originator) Al-Musawwir (The Shaper) Al-Muzayyin (The Adorner) |
Names Reflecting His Portrayal |
| Al-Batin (The Hidden) Al-Lateef (The Subtle) Al-Noor (The Light) Al-Wasi (The All-Embracing; The Boundless) Al-Zahir (The Evident) |
Here are some easy methods to memorize the 99 names of Allah with meaning:
Download audio or video of Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) 99 Names recited in a subtle melody. It is easier to recall and memorize words when they are associated with a melody and patterns of sound.
Many of Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) names have similar meanings, for instance, the Merciful and the Kind). Other words originate from a common root word, for instance, the Forgiving and the Forgiver). Some words, such as the Forgiving and the Punisher, are also opposite in meaning. Making clusters of these words can make them easier to memorize; most melodies are also made using this technique.
Listen, recite, and write the Names of Allah repeatedly to ensure you memorize them. You can listen to or recite them while commuting or before going to sleep, and you can write them while sitting at your workstation during breaks. This is also a great way to incorporate the Dhikr of Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) names in your daily routine.