Names of God in Islam

Introduction

Names of God - In Islamic theology, the names of God, or Asma’ al-Husna (أسماء الحسنى), denoting “the most beautiful names,” are the entities through which Muslims describe God’s attributes and perfections, following the encouragement provided by the Quran (7:180; 17:110; 20:8). These names furnish a multifaceted image of God’s nature, encapsulating His totality through specific traits such as His might, love, and mercy.

Etymology and Translations

• Arabic: أسماء الله الحسنى (Asma’ Allah al-Husna)
• Turkish: Allah’ın Güzel İsimleri

Qur’anic Basis

The concept of the names of God is rooted in specific Quranic verses:

• [Quran 7:180]: “And to Allah belong the best names, so invoke Him by them…”
• [Quran 17:110]: “Say, ‘Call upon Allah or call upon the Most Merciful. Whichever [name] you call - to Him belong the best names…’”
• [Quran 20:8]: “Allah - there is no deity except Him. To Him belong the best names.”

Categories of Names

1. Names of Power:

   • Al-Khaliq (الخالق) - The Creator
   • Al-Malik (الملك) - The Sovereign
   • Al-‘Alim (العليم) - The All-Knowing

2. Names of Love and Mercy:

   • Al-Wadud (الودود) - The All-Loving
   • Ar-Rahman (الرحمن) - The Most Gracious
   • Al-Ghafur (الغفور) - The All-Forgiving

Devotional Use

The 99 names are frequently memorized and invoked in daily prayers and supplications. They serve as both a way to praise and connect with the Divine. Many Muslims strive to know and remember these names, believing that doing so will bring them closer to understanding God’s essence.

Names in Personal Contexts

Names of God are also customarily used in the composition of Muslim proper names:

• Male Names: Prefixed by Abd (عبد - slave/servant), e.g., Abd al-Rahman (عبد الرحمن) - “Servant of the Merciful”
• Female Names: Prefixed by Amat (أمة - female servant), e.g., Amat al-Rahman (أمة الرحمن) - “Female servant of the Merciful”

Further Studies

Recommended Books

1. “The Ninety-Nine Beautiful Names of God” by Ghazzali (Al-Ghazali)
2. “Divine Names: The 99 Healing Names of the One Love” by Rumi
3. “Names of Allah” by Imam Suyuti

Key Takeaways

• The 99 names of God offer a comprehensive portrayal of Allah’s attributes.
• Qur’anic mentions underline their spiritual significance.
• Frequently used in devotion, prayer, and naming to express reverence.

Conclusion

The names of God in Islam encompass various attributes that establish a complex understanding of the Divine, balancing both awe-inspiring power and encompassing mercy. They continue to foster a deeper spiritual relationship with God through reflection, memorization, and invocation.