While about 35 attributes of Allah have been mentioned directly by Allah in the Qur'an, the remaining attributes have been derived from various verses from Qur'an and qualities of Allah by Muslim scholars over a period of time. These attributes are generally used while making a supplication and selecting a particular attribute which goes by the need of a supplicatory. For example, if someone seeks repentance and forgiveness, he supplicates using attribute Al-Ghafur (الغفور) - The Forgiving, The Pardoner and Ar Rahim (الرحيم) - The Most Merciful.
Our readers may visit our post: 99 Attributes of Allah, to get to know the entire list of 99 Attributes of Allah and their meaning/explanation.
Even otherwise, many Muslim scholars believe that reciting the 99 Names can bring peace and spiritual fulfillment, while also helping to build a stronger relationship between believers and their creator. Therefore, it is important for Muslims to understand their meanings and significance when engaging in prayer or contemplation. And this is the very theme of a Hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is mentioned in This Hadith is mentioned in Sahi al-Bukhārī (Book 80 - Invocations / كتاب الدعوات / Chapter 68: Allah has one hundred Names less one / باب لِلَّهِ مِائَةُ اسْمٍ غَيْرَ وَاحِدٍ ) as Hadith 6410, given herein under:
Narrated by Abu Huraira: Allah has ninety-nine Names, i.e., one hundred minus one, and whoever believes in their meanings and acts accordingly, will enter Paradise; and Allah is witr (one) and loves 'the witr' (i.e., odd numbers).
Arabic Text:
حَدَّثَنَا عَلِيُّ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، حَدَّثَنَا سُفْيَانُ، قَالَ حَفِظْنَاهُ مِنْ أَبِي الزِّنَادِ عَنِ الأَعْرَجِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، رِوَايَةً قَالَ " لِلَّهِ تِسْعَةٌ وَتِسْعُونَ اسْمًا، مِائَةٌ إِلاَّ وَاحِدًا، لاَ يَحْفَظُهَا أَحَدٌ إِلاَّ دَخَلَ الْجَنَّةَ، وَهْوَ وَتْرٌ يُحِبُّ الْوَتْرَ ".
Thus, by reflecting on the attributes attributed to Allah through these Names, we, our dear brothers and sisters in Islam, can draw closer to Him and further appreciate His mercy, love and wisdom.
In fact, these 99 Attributes of Allah provide us with insights into Allah’s divine qualities and how these effect our lives. And as advised by the Prophet in above quoted Hadith, one should not only remember these 99 attributes, but also understand the meaning of each attribute. This would solidify our faith in Allah by knowing His immense grasp over our lives which is exhibited by each of His attributes.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.
Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.
You may visit our post: Collections of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Rewards for more Hadiths on specific subject of Rewards.
Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given below. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors. If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.
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