Names of God in Islam
Divine attributes revealed in Quran and hadith.
The Names of God in Islam (Arabic: أَسْمَاءُ ٱللَّٰهِ ٱلْحُسْنَىٰ, romanized: ʾasmāʾu l-Lāhi l-ḥusnā, lit. 'God's Beautiful Names') are the names that each contain attributes of God in Islam, implied by the respective properties. Some names are known only from the Quran or hadith, while others can be found in both sources, although most are found in the Quran. These names are traditionally enumerated as 99 in number, to which is added the highest Name (al-ism al-ʾaʿẓam), the Supreme Name of God.
- field
- Islamic theology
- known_for
- The 99 Beautiful Names of God
- primary_source
- Quran and hadith
Lore & Background
Allāh is the Arabic word referring to God in Abrahamic religions, thought to be derived by contraction from al-ʾilāh, meaning 'the god'. In Islamic usage, Allah was considered God's most unique, proper name, referred to as Lafẓ al-Jalālah (The Word of Majesty). Some Muslims may use different names such as Rabb, Ar-Rahman, or 'God' in English. The Quran refers to the attributes of God as 'most beautiful names'.
Reader's Guide
The Names of God in Islam hold significant spiritual and theological importance, serving as a means for Muslims to connect with God. They are commonly called upon during prayers, supplications, and remembrance. Different sources give different lists of the 99 names; the most commonly known list is based on the one found in the Jamiʿ at-Tirmidhi (9th century) narrated by al-Walid ibn Muslim. However, al-Tirmidhi noted this version was unusual. Various early Muslim exegetes, including Jaʿfar al-Sadiq, Ibn Hazm, and al-Qurtubi, gave their own versions. There is no universal agreement on the number of names; many scholars state Allah has an infinite number of names, with only a few revealed in the Quran and Hadiths. The concept of tawqif requires that names of God be established by evidence and direct reference in these sources.
Did You Know?
- The phrase 'Allāhumma' used at the beginning of prayers in Islam is thought to be the Arabic pronunciation of the Hebrew word 'Elohim'.
- The name Yahweh/Jehovah is unknown in Islam, though the Quran frequently connects itself to Jehovah.
- Some names attributed to God in Islamic culture create problems in translation from a personal god to a universal and transcendent god, such as al-Mutakabbir (The Proud Oneself) and al-Muntaqim (The Avenger).
- Muslims of non-Arab origins may use other names in their own languages, such as Khuda in Persian, Bengali, and Urdu, or Tangri in Ottoman Turkish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 99 Names of God in Islam?
The 99 Names (al-Asma al-Husna, meaning 'God's Beautiful Names') are a traditional list of divine attributes in Islamic theology, each one highlighting a distinct quality of God. They are drawn primarily from Quranic passages and prophetic traditions, with the majority appearing in the Quran itself.
What is the Supreme Name (al-ism al-a'zam) in Islam?
The Supreme Name is regarded as the highest of God's names, referenced as an addition beyond the traditional count of 99. Its precise identity is not definitively fixed in the sources, and scholars have debated which specific name it corresponds to.
Why are the Names of God important in Islamic theology?
The Names provide the main framework through which Muslims articulate and reflect on God's attributes, since God's ultimate essence is considered beyond full human grasp. They shape prayer, devotional practice, and theological discourse by offering accessible points of connection with the divine.
How many Names of God are there in Islam?
The widely recognized traditional count is 99, as established in hadith literature, with the Supreme Name (al-ism al-a'zam) sometimes mentioned as an additional, highest name. The exact list can vary slightly across different scholarly traditions, but 99 remains the most commonly cited number.
More in Islamic Traditions And Concepts 1-21
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