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Short Lessons
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What are the 99 Names of Allah?

1Beautiful Names, extensive meaning

The Qur'an says: 'To Allah belong the most beautiful Names, so call upon Him by them' (Qur'an 7:180). These Names describe Allah's attributes — His mercy, power, knowledge, greatness — so that we can know Him and relate to Him. Understanding a Name is a way of knowing Allah more deeply.

2The number 99

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have said: 'Indeed Allah has ninety-nine Names — whoever preserves (memorises and acts upon) them will enter Paradise' (Sahih al-Bukhari 2736; Sahih Muslim 2677). Scholars differ on exactly which names make up the list, and the hadith itself has variant texts. In practice, the 99 commonly published names all come from the Qur'an and hadith.

3Not just to memorise

Most scholars emphasise that 'preserving' the Names means more than memorising them — it means understanding them, calling upon Allah by them, and reflecting their meanings (like mercy, patience and justice) in one's own character. Where scholars differ on the meaning or application of a particular Name, this platform notes the difference and encourages consulting qualified scholars.

Source & verification

Qur'an 17:110 & 59:22–24; Jami' at-Tirmidhi (Hadith #3507)

Note · The famous narration listing 99 names is reported in Jami' at-Tirmidhi; scholars note the list is the subject of some textual variation between narrations.

Educational summaries are not a substitute for qualified scholarship. For rulings and complex questions, consult a scholar you trust.

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