Abu Huraira reported God’s messenger as saying, “God Most High has ninety-nine names. He who retains them in his memory will enter paradise. He is God than whom there is no god, the Compassionate, the Merciful, the King, the Holy, the Source of Peace, the Preserver of security, the Protector, the Mighty, the Overpowering, the Great in Majesty, the Creator, the Maker, the Fashioner, the Forgiver, the Dominant, the Bestower, the Provider, the Decider, the Knower, the Withholder, the Plentiful Giver, the Abaser, the Exalter, the Honourer, the Humiliator, the Hearer, the Seer, the Judge, the Just, the Gracious, the Informed, the Clement, the Incomparably Great, the Forgiving, the Rewarder, the Most High, the Most Great, the Preserver, the Sustainer, the Reckoner, the Majestic, the Generous, the Watcher, the Answerer, the Liberal, the Wise, the Loving, the Glorious, the Raiser, the Witness, the Real, the Trustee, the Strong, the Firm, the Patron, the Praiseworthy, the All-Knowing, the Originator, the Restorer to life, the Giver of life, the Giver of death, the Living, the Eternal, the Self-sufficient, the Grand, the One, the Single, He to whom men repair, the Powerful, the Prevailing, the Advancer, the Delayer, the First, the Last, the Outward, the Inward, the Governor, the Sublime, the Amply Beneficent, the Accepter of Repentance, the Avenger, the Pardoner, the Kindly, the Ruler of the Kingdom, the Lord of Majesty and Splendour, the Equitable, the Gatherer, the Independent, the Enricher, the Depriver, the Harmer, the Benefiter, the Light, the Guide, the First Cause*, the Enduring, the Inheritor, the Director, the Patient.” *Or, 'the Incomparable' (al-badi').Tirmidhi and Baihaqi, in [Kitab] ad-Da'awat al-kabir, transmitted it, Tirmidhi saying this a gharib tradition.
The Excellence of Allah's Beautiful Names
This blessed tradition from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) establishes the immense virtue of learning and preserving the ninety-nine names of Allah. The promise of Paradise for one who commits them to memory demonstrates the spiritual significance of knowing Allah through His divine attributes.
Scholarly Commentary on the Names
The names enumerated represent Allah's perfect attributes of majesty (jalal) and beauty (jamal). "Al-Rahman" (The Compassionate) and "Al-Rahim" (The Merciful) emphasize Allah's all-encompassing mercy, while names like "Al-Jabbar" (The Compeller) and "Al-Mutakabbir" (The Supreme) reflect His absolute dominion.
Scholars explain that "retaining in memory" (ahsa-ha) implies not merely memorization but understanding their meanings, believing in them, and acting upon their implications through worship and righteous conduct.
Theological Significance
These names serve as the foundation of Islamic theology, guiding believers to proper understanding of divine unity (tawhid). Each name reveals aspects of Allah's relationship with creation - as "Al-Razzaq" (The Provider) sustains us, "Al-Ghaffar" (The Forgiver) offers hope for redemption.
The names are not limited to ninety-nine in reality, as Allah has innumerable attributes, but these represent the primary names through which He may be invoked and known.
Practical Implementation
The pious predecessors taught that one should reflect on these names during prayer, incorporate them in supplication, and allow them to transform one's character - knowing Allah as "Al-Halim" (The Forbearing) should cultivate patience, knowing Him as "Al-Rahim" (The Merciful) should inspire compassion.
This tradition, though transmitted as gharib (rare chain), has been accepted by scholars due to its profound spiritual benefits and alignment with Quranic teachings about Allah's beautiful names.