Asma’ daughter of Yazid reported the Prophet as saying, “God’s greatest name is in these two verses, ‘And your God is one God; there is no god but He, the Compassionate, the Merciful’ [Qur'an, ii, 163.], and the beginning of Al 'Imran, ‘A.L.M. God, there is no god but He, the Living, the Eternal’ [Qur'an, iii. 1.]” Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah and Darimi transmitted it.
Exposition of the Hadith on God's Greatest Name
This noble tradition from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), transmitted by Asma' bint Yazid and recorded in Mishkat al-Masabih 2291, directs us to two specific Qur'anic passages containing Allah's Greatest Name (al-Ism al-A'zam).
The First Verse: Surah al-Baqarah (2:163)
"And your God is one God; there is no god but He, the Compassionate, the Merciful." This verse establishes tawhid (divine unity) in its purest form, combining negation ("there is no god") with affirmation ("but He") followed by two of Allah's most comprehensive names: al-Rahman (The Compassionate) and al-Rahim (The Merciful).
Scholars note that al-Rahman signifies Allah's universal mercy encompassing all creation, while al-Rahim denotes His specific mercy for believers. Together, they represent the totality of divine mercy, making this combination particularly potent in supplication.
The Second Passage: Beginning of Surah Al 'Imran (3:1-2)
"A.L.M. God, there is no god but He, the Living, the Eternal." The mysterious letters (Alif Lam Mim) preceding the divine declaration serve to emphasize the Qur'an's inimitable nature. The verse then reaffirms divine unity and introduces two essential attributes: al-Hayy (The Living) and al-Qayyum (The Eternal).
Al-Hayy denotes Allah's perfect, eternal life encompassing all knowledge and power, while al-Qayyum signifies His self-subsistence and His sustaining of all existence. These names together represent Allah's complete independence and His total sovereignty over creation.
Scholarly Commentary on the Greatest Name
Classical scholars differ on whether the Greatest Name is specifically "Allah" or one of the other divine names mentioned in these verses. Imam al-Ghazali suggests that the Greatest Name is not a single word but the comprehensive meaning conveyed through these combinations of divine attributes.
What makes these passages special is their combination of Allah's essential name with His attributes of mercy, life, and self-subsistence - representing the totality of divine perfection. When these names are invoked with proper presence of heart and understanding, they have special potency in securing divine response to supplication.
Practical Application in Devotion
The wise Muslim should frequently recite these verses in their prayers and supplications, particularly during times of need and devotion. One should reflect upon their meanings and approach Allah through these comprehensive descriptions of His perfect attributes.
This teaching demonstrates the Prophet's guidance in directing us to the most effective means of drawing near to Allah and having our supplications accepted, by calling upon Him through the names and attributes He Himself has highlighted as most comprehensive and majestic.