Indexed OCR Text

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42- AL-KARIM: 'The Benevolent,' 'The Gracious.' He bestows much. He never ceases to
give, nor do His treasures exhaust. This name requires of a person to continue to give
property and wealth to fellow. Creatures without commitment. He must help them in all
possible ways. He must avaoid bad maners and evil deeds.
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone repeats this name while lying down on his bed till he
falls asleep, then the angels pray for him (al.S. S1) (May Allah give you honour). It is said
that Sayyiduna Ali aran+, used to recite this name very often. This is why the people pray
for him (4,41;)$) may Allah raise you in honour.
43 - AR-RAQIB: 'The Watcher.' He looks after everything. Some say: "The knower of the
affairs and deeds of the creatures.' This name demands of a person that, and the time, he
must have Allah in mind and not ask, or pray to, anyone besides Him. Also, he should not
slacken, in the least, in looking after those over whom Allah has made him in-charge.
According to a hadith (tradition): "All of you are shepherds, meaning watchers, and all of
you will be questioned concerning your flock, meaning those under your charge." You will
be asked how you discharged your duty.
Qurharyri ales, said that the awliy hold that Allah's remembrance should be supreme at
the heart with the conviction that Allah observes one's affairs. So, a person should turn to
Allah in all circumstances and fear His punishment. Hence one who is so engaged - in
muraqibah (meditation) - abandons all that is contrary to Shari'ah (Islamic law), more than
one who forsakes them from fear of Allah. As for one who listens to his heart (acting on
the correct dictates of the conscience), not a moment of his goes without remembering
Allah and obeying Him because he knows well that Allah will question him for each
moment and each deed whether the minutest or the greatest.
Someone dreamt about a righteous man after his death. He disclosed that Allah had
forgiven him by His mercy but did call for a full account of his life so much so that he had
picked up a grain of wheat form a friend's shop before iftar (consummating fast) and split
it, but realized suddenly that it did not belong to him, so replaced it. He was questioned
about it and the equivalent of the splitting of wheat was taken away from his piety.
Clearly, one who is aware that he will have to account for very little things too in
Allah's court will never waste his life in wrong and false doings, and in wasteful
pursuits and negligence.
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone recites this name seven times and blows on his wife, his
children and his property on their four sides, then he will be secure from enemies and trials
(on their account).
44 - AL-MUJIB: 'The Responsive.' 'He grants the prayer of the needy.' This name calls on the
person to obey Allah's commands 'to do' or 'not to do' and to help the needy get their wants.
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone repeats this name very often and makes supplication
thereafter, then his prayer gets a quick response. If he writes it and keeps it with himself
then Allah will keep him safe.
45 - AL-WASI: "The Vast.' "The Ample Giving.' 'He possesses a vast knowledge and
disburses his blessings to all.' This name requires a person to create expansion in his
knowledge, generosity, awareness and manners. He must meet others with o cheerful face,
and not fret over worldly affairs.

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CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone recites this name very often and constantly, Allah will
make him content.
46 - AL-HAKIM: 'The Wise.' 'The Secure.' A person must adopt the praiseworthy
attributes mentioned in Allah's Book and endeavour to follow them in the best way. He
must make all his affairs strong and secure and must refrain from foolishness. He must not
do anything unless sanctioned and commanded by Allah, so that he will reflect His
attribute Al-Hakim.
Dhun Novn Misri ales, heard of a man of the Maghrib (west) famed for his knowledge and
wisdom. So, he went to meet him. There, he sat at his door for forty days. The man would
go for the salah (prayer) to the mosque but seemed worried. He never looked towards
Dhun Noon als,. Fed up with this condition, he confronted the man, one day, "I am here
for the last forty days but you neither look at me nor speak to me. Do proffer me some
advice and tell me some wise words that I may remember." He said, "will you follow
that?" He said, "Yes, if Allah enables me, certainly." Then, the is an said to him this very
wise saying, "Do not befriend the world. Be pleased with poverty. Regard trial as a
blessing, denial as a grant and do not lbe affable with others besides Allah Regard disgrace
as honour, death as real life, obedience and worship as the means of your honour, and trust
(in Allah) as your livelihood."
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone's task defies him, he must recite this name constantly.
Insha Allah (if Allah wills), he will accomplish his task.
47 - AL-WADUD: "The Most :Loving.' 'He befriends the obedient creatures.' 'Is the
Beloved in the hearts of the awliya (friends/saints).' This name calls upon a person to like
for others what he likes for himself and the he will be kind to them to the best of his ability.
This is similar to the saying of the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم, "None of you is a true
believer unless he loves for his brother what he loves for himself."
Allah's friends are they on whom He has mercy, praises them and bestows on them good.
The creatures regard Allah as their friend by respecting Him and their hearts are filled with
awe and might of Him. According to a hadith (tradition), "Allah says, 'Of My friends, the
great friends is he who worships without being given.' 'He does not worship with hope of
a grant but only for My pleasure.'
CHARACTERISTICS: If a husband and wife are at loggerheads, this name should be
recited on some eatable one thousand and one times and fed to the partner who is
responsible for the dispute. Insha Allah (if Allah wills), they will begin to love one another.
48 - AL-MAJID: 'The Glorious,' "The Majestic.' The same things are required of a person
as are required for the name Al-Azim(33).
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone suffers from blisters on his feet, syphilis, leprosy, or the
like, he must fast during the days of bid (thirteenth fourteenth and fifteenth of every lunar
month) and recite this name frequently at the time of iftar (comsummating fast)
(consummating fast), blow on water and drink it. Insha Allah (if Allah wills), he will be
cured. If anyone is not respected by his contemporaries or members of the same sex then
he or she must recite this name every morning ninety-nine times and blow over oneself.
49 - A-BA'ITH: 'The Resurrector.' He will raise the dead to life. He awakens the hearts of
the neglectful. This name calls on a person to teach the ignorant and advice them to give

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up interest in the world and crave for the blessings of the hereafter. They should then
begin with themselves and pass on the teachings to others.
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone recites this name one hundred and one times with his
hand on his chest while he lies down to sleep then Allah will give life to his heart.
50 - ASH-SHAHID: 'The Omnipresent.' 'The Witness.' 'Knower of the obvious and the
unseen.' Qnshayri altas, said that the Sufis (mysties) are happy and content only He sees
and watches their affairs. Only He knows all their doings. He says:
آوَلَمْ يَكْفٍ بِرَبِّكَ اَنَّهُ عَلَى كُلِّ شَىْءشَهِيدْ
{Does it not suffice in regard to your Lord that He is Witness over everything?}
This name requires that a person should not be seen at a place where it is disallowed by his
Lord for him to be seen and he should not be missing from the place where his Lord has
commanded him to be. He should be convinced that Allah knows about him and sees him
better than he himself does. He should not present his needs to others besides Allah. He
should always side with the truth and the true
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone's son is disobedient, or daughter is not righteous,
then he should put his hand on their forehead, get them to raise their face towards
heaven and he should recite Ya Shahid (su) twenty-one times. Allah will make them
obedient and righteous.
51 - AL-HAQQ: 'The True.' He is truly in power with sovereignty and is worthy of
worship. This name calls upon a person who realizes Allah's supremacy to abandon the
remembrance and demand of the creatures. He must bind himself to speak the truth and
abide by the truth and nothing else.
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone has lost something, he must write this name on the four
corners of a piece of paper and the name of that thing in the centre of ;that thing in the
centre of that paper. At mid-night, with the piece of paper in his palm, let him look at the
sky and pray to Allah by virtue of this name and its blessing for the recovery of that thing.
Insha Allah (if Allah wills), he will receive it intact or some part of lit. If a prisoner recites
this name at midnight bare-headed one hundred and sixty times, Allah will get him
released.
52 - AL-WAKIL: 'The Trustee.' He helps. Allah says
وَكَفَى بِاللُّهِ وَكِيْلًا
{And Allah suffices for a guardian.) (4:171)
وَعَلَى اللَّهِ فَتَوَكَّلُوْا إِنْ كُنْتُمْ مُؤْمِنِيُنَّ
(And put your trust in Allah, if you are believers.}(5 : 23)
{And whosoever puts his trust in Allah, so He will suffice him.)(65:3)
.
وَمَنْ يَتَوَقَّلُ عَلَى اللّهِفَهُوَ حَسْبُه
وَتَوَقَّلُ عَلَى الْخَيِّ الَّذِى لَايُؤْتُ
{And put your trust in the Ever-Living Who dies not.}(25:58)

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وَتَوَكَّلُ عَلَى الْعَزِيْزِ الرَّحِيْمِ
(And put your trust in the Mighty, the merciful.}(26:217)
This name calls on a person to help the weak and the disabled. He must fulfil their needs
as though he is their guardian.
CHARACTERISTICS: If lightning is likely to strike or there is fear of damage through
water and fire, then this name may be repeated very often. If anyone recites this name too
many times at a fearful and dangerous place then he will be fearless and out of danger.
53, 54 - AL-QAWIY:
"The Powerful,' 'The Strong.'
AL-MATIN:
"The Firm.'
These names require a person to overcome land suppress his base desires. He should be
firm in enforcing Shari'ah (Islamic law) commands.
CHARACTERISTICS: If a strong enemy confronts anyone, then he must knead some
flour and make out of it one thousand and one capsules. Then, he must pick them up one
at a time and recite ( 4) (ya Qawiy) and cast them against the supposed enemy with
intention of defence, Allah will cause his enemy to be defeated. If this name is recited very
often on the night preceding Friday, then forget fullness will be cured. If a child has been
weaned but it is restless then this name should be written down and given to the child to
drink. If a breast-feeding mother has insufficient milk then she must be made to drink this
name after writing it down. She will have abundant milk.
If anyone craves for authority in government, then he should recite the name Al-Matin
three hundred times in an early hour of a Sunday with intention to get his desire. Insha
Allah (if Allah wills), he will get it.
55 - AL-WALIY: 'The Protecting Friend.' 'The Patron.' He befriends the believers.
This name calls upon a person to keep company of Muslims and try to help further the
religion. He must endeavour to fulfill the needs of Allah's creatures.
Qushayri an das, said that the portents of Allah are that when Allah befriends anyone, He
causes him always to follow good and pious, blessed ways, so much so that if he succumbs
to human weaknesses and intends to commit a wrong, Allah preserves him from
perpetrating wrong. If he does commit the wrong, then Allah does not allow him to persist
but enables him to repent and came out of it. This is why it is said:
إِذَا أَحَبَّ اللَّهُ عَبْدًا لَوْ يُفْرَّهِ ذَنْبُ
(When Allah loves anyone, sin does not harm him.)
If he tends to slacken in worship, then Allah causes him to occupy himself in worship. This
is a sign of a person's good fortune. However, the opposite condition spells his
wretchedness.
Another sign of Allah's friendship is that He creates in the hearts of His awliya
(friends/saints) love for a person so that they have an amazing relationship with him and
are kind to him to an amazing degree.
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone recites this name very often then he will become aware
of the secret thoughts of Allah's creatures. If anyone's wife or female slave possesses an
undesirable character and habit that hurts him then, before going to them, he must recite

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this name very often. Allah will correct their ways.
56 - AL-HAMID: "The Praiseworthy.' He praises Himself of is praised. This name calls on
a person to praise Allah always. He grows in him perfect qualities or develops himself
such that he is lauded and praised.
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone recites this name very often then his deeds will be
approved. If anyone indulges in indecent speech and cannot control himself then he must
write this name on a bowl, or recite on it ninety times, and use it always for drinking water.
Insha Allah (if Allah wills), he will be cured of his habit.
57 - AL-MUHSIY: 'One Who records.' 'His knowledge embraces everything and He
knows the number of His creatures.' This name calls on a person not to be neglectful
whether he is moving about or stationary but each of his moments should be occupied in
remembering Allah. "The dwellers of paradise will regret the moments that passed
without remembering Allah." He must be conscious of how he conducts himself. This
name also demands of him to count Allah's blessings on him and express gratitude to
Allah and think of himself as helpless and dependent, and count his sins and be asharied of
himself and repent.
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone recites this name one thousand and one times on
Thursday night (meaning Friday night according to lunar calendar), then Allah will
preserve him from punishment of the grave and of the hereafter.
58, 59 AL-MUBDIY, AL-MU'ID: "The originator', 'The Reproducer,' "The Restorer.'
These names call upon a person to turn to Allah in all his affairs the first time and again
too. He must try to grow pieties and if he falls short in any piety, he must repeat it.
CHARACTERISTICS: If a woman fears that she might have a miscarriage or that her
pregnancy might prolong, then her husband must recite the name Al-Mubdiy ninety times
and move his forefinger round her belly. Insha Allah (if Allah wills), she will not have a
miscarriage and will deliver without difficulty.
If anyone recites this name constantly, then he will utter only what is correct and what
earns reward.
If a relative or any other person is missing, then when the members of the household have
slept, recite this name in the four corners of the house seventy times and say, "O Mu'id (4
) cause so-and-so to return to me or let me have news of him." You will learn of him
within seven days, or he will return. If anyone has lost something then he must recite this
name Al-Mu'id very often. Insha Allah (if Allah wills), he will find it.
60, 61 - AL-MUHYI, AL-MUMIT: "The Giver of life, the Giver of death.' Allah revives
hearts through light of faith and gives life to body. He also causes it to die and lets hearts
fall into negligence and so into death.
These two names call on a person to enliven the creatures by benefiting them with
knowledge, and by getting them to seek Allah's forgiveness. And he should cast base
desires and devil's promptings to death. He should not long for life or death but submit to
Divine decree and make this supplication as taught by the Prophet Muhammad ,call:
اَلُّهُوَّ أَحْيِنِى مَاكَانَ الْحُوةُ خَيْرًّا لِّ وَ تَوَقَِّى إِذَا كَانَتِ الْوَفَاةُ خَيْرًا لِّيِ وَ اجْعَلِ الْحُوَةَ زِيَاءَةً فِ كُلِّ خَيْرٍ

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وَاجْعَلِ الْمَوْتَ رَاحَةً مِنْ كُلِّ شَرٍ
(O Allah cause me to live as long as life is good for me and cause me to die when
death is good for me. And let life be a means of increase of every good, and let
death be a relief from every evil.)
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone is afflicted by grief, hardship or possibility of losing a
limb, then he must recite this name Al-Muhyi seven times, Allah will give him relief. If
anyone has pain in a vein (or in some parts of his body), he must recite this name for seven
day. If anyone recites it regularly then his heart will be lively and body strong.
If anyone falls victim to his base desires and is drawn away from abiding by Shari'ah
(Islamic law) then before he goes to sleep, he must put his hand on his chest and recite Al-
Mumit till sleep overtakes him. Allah will cause his self to obey him.
62 - AL-HAYYI: 'The Ever-Living.' This name requires a person to live by remembering
Allah and to give up his life in His path. Thus, he may attain martyrdom in Allah's path
and live for ever.
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone is ill then he must recite this name very often, or another
person must recite it on him. Some people say that he must stare at him - or keep his eyes
straight - and recite if often. Allah will give him cure. If anyone recites it seventy times
every day then he will have a long life and his spiritual life will become strong.
63 - AL-QAYYUM: 'The self-Subsisting.' He also keep the creation alive land watches it.
A person is required by this name to be absolutely independent of all besides Allah.
Qushayri ales, said that if anyone is convinced that Allah is Al-Qayyum then he absolves
himself loft h burden of planning and occupation and lives his life in comfort. So, he will
neither be stingy nor esteem any worldly valuable.
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone recites this name very often at the time of dawn then
people will hold him to be dear. If anyone recite it very many times then his affairs will be
settled well.
...
64 - AL-WAJID: 'The perceiver.' 'The Inventor.' He is the Independent , not in need of
anyone. This name calls on a person to try to acquire a high degree of perfection in what is
necessary to be able to do without all besides Allah.
CHARACTERISTICS: If this name is recited with every morsel of food then that will be
light in his stomach. If he recites it in solitude then he will gain self-sufficiency.
65 - AL-MAJID: "The Most Excellent.' 'The Noble.' This name demands of a person the
same thing as the previous name (Al-Wajid).
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone recites this name to such an extent in solitude that he
faints then Divine radiance will be apparent on his heart. If anyone continues to recite it
very often then he will seem glorious to the creatures.
66, 67 AL-WAHID, AL-AHAD: 'The One.' "The Peerless.' These names call upon a person
to become unique and singular in worship just as his God is Alone. He must adopt
qualities that are matchless.
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone feels uneasy in privacy and when alone, then he must
recite this name one thousand and one time, Insha Allah (if Allah wills), his heart will be at

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peace. He will come near to Allah.
If anyone craves for a son, then he must write it down and keep it with him. Allah will
bestow him, a son.
68 - AS-SAMAD: "The Independent.' The Eternal Support (of creation).' He dependents
on none but all depend on Him. This name calls on a person to turn to Allah alone for all
his needs. He should not worry about his provision, but rely on Allah. He must abstain
from the unlawful and not long for the world's adornments and even for its lawful things.
He should try to help Allah's creatures.
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone prostrates himself at the time of dawn or midnight and
recites this name one hundred and fifteen times, Allah will make him truthful. He will not
become a pray of an oppressor. One who recites this name very often will not go hungry. If
anyone recites it while he has made ablution then he will become independent of the creatures.
69, 70 AL-QADIR, AL-MUQTADIR: 'The Capable or The Able.' 'The Prevailing. The
Dominant.' He is Powerful and He demonstrates His Power. This name demands of a
person that he should be able to prevent himself from lustful desires.
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone makes ablution and at every limb which ablution covers
he calls the name Al-Qadir then he will never be nabbed by an oppressor and no enemy
will ever subdue him.
When faced with a difficult task, this name must be repeated forty-one times, the task will
be accomplished easily, insha Allah (if Allah wills).
If anyone recites the name Al-Muqtadir regularly then negligence gives way to compliance.
If anyone who arises from sleep recites it twenty times then all his work will be
accomplished by Allah's leave.
" 71, 72 AL-MUQADDIM, AL-MUAKHKIR:
'The Expeditor.' "The Promoter.' 'He who
advances.' 'The Retarder.' 'He Who puts back.' He lets friends advance nearer to His court
and puts back enemies from His mercy.
These two names call upon a person to keep ahead in doing piety and make himself better
than others and keep those people dear who are near to Allah. And, he must put back the
base self, the devils and those who have been rejected by Allah. He must abide by the rules
and laws in all his affairs, like doing first what is most necessary and Allah has expedited
it, and doing last of all that which is least necessary.
CHARACTERISTICS: If a warrior recites Al-Muqaddam or writes it down with him, then
no one will be able to hurt him in battle. One who recites it very often will become
obedient to Allah.
If anyone recites Al-Muakhkhar one hundred times then he will not find peace with other
than Allah. He who recites it one hundred times every day will have all his tasks
accomplished. He who recites it forty-one times will have an obedient soul.
73, 74 AL-AWWAL, AL-AAKHIR: 'The First.' "The Last.' These names call upon a person to
hasten to obey Allah's commands and to worship Him and to sac rife his life for Allah's sake.
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone does not have a male child then he must recite this name
Al-Awwal forty times every day for forty days. He will have his desire. Some authorities
say that for a son, affluence or any other desire, he must recite this name one thousand
times each night for forty Thursday nights (preceding Friday). Insha Allah (if Allah wills)

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he will get his desire.
If anyone lives his last days and has spent a sinful life then he must make the name Al-
Aakhir his constant petition. Insha Allah (if Allah wills), he will have a pious ending.
75, 76 - AZ-ZAHIR, AL-BATIN: "The Manifest.' "The Hidden.' His creation is evidence of
His perfect attributes. And He is concealed in His Being and ancientness.
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone recites the name Az-Zahir five hundred times after the
salah (prayer) of ishraq, Allah will make his eyes bright and radiant. If anyone fears a
windstorm, rain or cyclone, he must recite this name very often. There will be peace and
security. If it is inscribed on the walls of the house, they will be safe.
If anyone recites Ya Batin (¿but) thirty-three times every day, Allah will make him know the
secrets. If he repeats it constantly, then whosoever sees him will become his friend.
77 - AL-WAALI: "The Omnipotent.' 'He Who exercises authority over everything.' The
demands of this name on a person are as of Al-Wakil.
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone writes this name on an old earthen pitcher, fills it with
water and strikes it at the wall of his house, then his house and walls will be safe from rain
and other kinds of trouble and will be well inhabited.
This aim can also be achieved by reciting this name three hundred times.
If this name is recited eleven times to subjugate someone, that person will become his
follower, obedient to him.
78 - AL-MUTA'ALI:
"The Most Exalted.' This name calls on a person to do what has
been stated against Al-Aliyey.
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone recites this name very often then he will overcome
whatever difficulty he faces. A pregnant woman will not face the travails of childbirth if
she recites this name during her pregnancy.
79 - AL-BARR: 'He treats kindly.' This name calls upon a person to give kind treatment to
his parents, teachers, religious elders, relatives and all associated with him.
CHARACTERISTICS: This name should be recited during cyclones, windstorms,
rainstorms, etc. If this name is recited seven hundred times and a child is placed under
Allah's protection, it will remain safe from all trails till adulthood. If an alcoholic and an
adulterer recite it seven times every day, Allah will turn them away from these sins.
80 - AT-TAWWAB: 'The oft-Returning.' 'The Relenting.' He accepts repentance.
Tawabah (repentance) actually means 'to return.' When it is used for a creature, it means
'to return from sin, or turn away from it.' It is to be ashamed for having committed a sin
and to return to Allah. When this word is used for Allah, it implies that He turns with
mercy and enablement towards the creature. When a person commits a sin, Allah enables
him to repent making him realize that he is liable to be punished. And, when he repents to
Allah, Allah turns towards him with His mercy and forgives him. Hence, the fact is that
Allah's tawabah (relenting) precedes the creature's Tawbah (repentance). Without Allah's
relenting, the creature does not repent. Hence, it is said:
تَابَ عَلَيْهِمْ لِيَتُوبُوا
{He relented towards them, so that they might repent} (9:118)

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Hence, a person should always hope for Allah's mercy and be convinced that his
repentance will be accepted. He must not be pessimistic. He must forgive others their
lapses and accept apologies of others as many times as they make. Not only that, he must
also reward them. He must himself repent to Allah and be ashamed of his sins. He must
not delay repentance but submit to the command:
عَجِلُوا التُّوبَةَ قَبْلَ الْمُوتِ
(Hurry to make repentance before death.)
Here is a didactic account. There was a minister of a kingdom. His name was Eesa ibn
Eesa. Once, he was going somewhere with a group of riders as normally happens. The
people asked each other about him. An old woman was sitting on the path and she heard
the people ask about him, so she remarked, "They ask, 'Who is he?' who can he be? He is a
creature who is rejected by the Divine sight and is being tried in this condition (lost in
worldly glory)." Eesa ibn Eesa heard her, returned post-haste to his dwelling, abandoned
his minstership, repented to Allah, gave up all worldly ambitions and went to Makkah and
settled there.
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone recites this name three hundred and thirty times after the
salah (prayer) of chaast, Allah will cause him to make a perfect repentance (where after all
sins are forgiven). If anyone repeats this name much too often, then all his affairs are
concluded in a very right manner and he will not 'be at peace without obedience and
worship. Allah will forgive a person his sins if he prays after the salah (prayer) of chaast,
insha Allah (if Allah wills):
اللَّهَّ اغْفِرْ لِيْ وَتُبُ عَلَّ إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ التَّوَّابُ الرَّحِيمُ
81 - AL-MUNTAQIM: 'He Who takes retribution.' He punishes the disbelievers and the
rebels. This name binds a person to avenge his main enemies, his base soul and the devil.
The greatest of these enemies lis the nafs amarah (baser self) that should be punished by
subjecting it to severe hardship. Bayazid Bustami altas, was once diverted from his nightly
routine of worship. He punished his soul by depriving it of water for one your.
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone cannot cope with his enemy, then he must recite this
name for three Fridays manning. His enemy will become his friend.
If this name is recited at midnight for some purpose then that will be achieved.
(81A) According to a version, another sahabi sal+, other than Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah
us an o) reported here a name of Allah, AL-MUN'IM: "The Bestower.' "The benefactor.' If
anyone recites it constantly then he will never be dependent on any other person.
82 - AL-AFUW: 'He Who pardons.' 'The Mild.' This name calls on a person to observe the
same things as he is required to do by Al-Ghafur.
Shaykh (Great religious Scholar) Abdul Haq als, writes in his sharh (explanatory book) on
Asma ul Husna that Al-Afuw Who obliterates sins is very near in meaning to Al-Ghafur,
yet Al-Afuw ic more deeper and eloquent than Al-Ghafur, because ghufran means 'to
conceal' so Al-Ghafur (or Al-Ghaffar) is to conceal sins. Al Afuw,. On the other hand, is to
erase and means 'to forgive sins and obliterate them.'
So, a person may have sinned much, yet he is much hopeful of Allah's forgiveness because
of His attribute Al-Afuw. This is why it is disallowed to disgrace any sinner because it is
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not unexpected that Allah may forgive him and erase his sins all at once, for observing the
limits and commands of Shari'ah (Islamic law).
This name calls upon a person to ignore shortcomings of people and to forvie them. They
should fall under the purview of
اَلْكَاظِمِيْنَ الْغَيْظَ وَالْعَافِيْنَ عَنِ النَّاسِ
{(who) restrain their anger and are forgiving towards mankind- And Allah loves the
good-doers.} (3:134)
CHARACTERISTICS: If a person has committed many sins then he must make this name
his continuous petition. Insha Allah (if Allah wills), all his sins will be forgiven.
83 - AR-RAUF: 'He Who is full of pity,' 'The Affectionate.' A person is required by this
name to follow the same guidance as under Ar-Rahim.
It is said that the nighbour of a person was very evil. When he died, he did not offer his
funeral salah (prayer). Later, someone else saw him in his dream and he disclosed to him
that Allah had forgiven him but he should say to the man who did not offer his funeral
salah (prayer):
لَوْ أَنْتُمْ تَمْلِكُوْنَ خَزَآئِنَّ رَحْمَتِ رَتٍ إِذَّا لَّاَ مُسَكُتُؤْ خَشِيَةَ الْإِنفَاقِ
{If it were you who owned the treasures of the mercy of my Lord, you would
certainly withhold them for fear of expending.} (17:100)
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone intends to free an oppressed person from the grip of an
oppressor then he should recite this name ten times. The cruel one will accede to his
recommendation.
If anyone recites it constantly, then his heart will become mild. He will make friends and
others will befriend him.
84- MAALIK UL-MULK: 'The Owner of Sovereignty.' 'The Eternal Soveign.' This name
demands jof a person what is mentioned against Al-Malik.
Shah Walide, said, "O man! Keep to one gate. Only Allah's gate, so that very many gates
are opened for you. And, bow down your neck before only one King, meaning Allah, so
tht very many necks are bowed before you." Allah says:
وَإ ◌ِنْ شَىْءٍ إِلَّ عِنْدَنَا خَزَائِنُه
{There is not a thing but its treasures are with Us.] (15:21)
CHARACTERISTICS: He who recites this name constantly will be happy. His ambitions
will conclude very well. The characteristics of the next name Dhul Jalali wa al-Ikram are
the same.
85 - DHUL JALALI WA AL-IKRAM: 'The Lord of Majesty and Bounty.' He who
recognizes Allah's Majest should humble himself before Him. He who recognizes His
Bounty Should be graeful to Him. No one else beside Him may be obeyed or beseeched for
one's needs. A person should try to attain greatness and be kind to Allah's creatures.
86 - AL-MUQSIT: 'The Just, The Equitable.' This name calls upon a person to do the same
things as the name Al-Adl call on him.
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from the devil's temptations. If he recites it seven hundred times then he will get his
desires fulfilled.
87 - AL-JAMI: 'The Gathers.' "The Assembler.' He will assemble the people on the day of
resurrection. This name calls on a person to embrace knowledge, deeds and perfections of
soul and body. He should be lost in thought of Allah, and get peace of heart through dhikr
(hallowing of Allah), and develop an awareness of the attributes of Allah and inculcate them.
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone relatives are dispersed then he must have a bath at the
time of chaast, raise his face towards the sky and recite this name ten times, withdrawing
one finger inwards each time. Then he should wipe his hands on his face. Insha Allah (if
Allah wills), in a short period of time they will all come together.
88 - AL-GHANI: 'The Self-Sufficient.'
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone is greedy and insatiable then he must touch each of his
limbs and recite Al-Ghani stroking the limb with his hand from up to down. Allah will
deliver him of the evil. He who recites this name seventy times every day will have his
wealth and property blessed and he will never become helpless.
89 - AL-MUGHNI: "The Enricher.' These names call upon a person to be absolutely free
of all creatures and mindless, and depend only on Allah for all his needs.
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone recites this name one thousand times every Friday for
ten consecutive Fridays then he will be independent of the creatures.
90 - AL-MANI: "The Withholder.' He restrains His salves from loss and destruction of this
world and religion. This name calls upon a person to withhold his self and nature from base
desires and so make himself immune to destruction and loss of the religion and the world.
CHARACTERISTICS: If husband and wife disagree, then this name should be recited
twenty times while approaching the bed. Allah will remove anger and disagreement.
(89A) In his Sherh (explanatory book) Asma ul-Husna, Shaykh (Great religious Scholar)
Abdul Haq Muhaddith Dalawi av>, has mentioned before the name Al-Mani, the name
AL-MUTI, 'The Giver.' He has explained the two names: 'He gives what He wishes to
whom He wishes and withholds, what He wishes from whom He wishes.'
لَا مَانِعَ لِمَا أَعْظَى وَلَا مُعْطِئْ لِمَا مَنّةَ
(There is no one to withhold what He gives and no one to give what He withholds.)
Thus, when a person knows that Allah alone gives and withholds, he must hope for His
.grant and fear His withholding.
This name demands of a person to grant to Allah's pious slaves and the deserving and not
give to the sinners and cruel people. He must grant his heart and soul the light of presence
and obedience and restrain his self and nature from desires and greed.
The tradition of Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah s &n +, does not mention Al-Mu'ti. So,
withholding would imply rejection and destruction.
Shaykh (Great religious Scholar) Abdul Haq ales, writes the characteristic of Al-Mu'ti that
if anyone continues to pray (3)LJ,biju) (O Bestower on the supplicants) very much then he
will not depend on other for his needs.
91, 92 AL-DAARR, AN-NAAFI: 'He Who distresses.' "The Benefactor.'
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Qushayri Àla>, said that these names point out that everything is in Allah's hands. He who
submits to His decree will find a life of ease and comfort. He who does not submit will face
difficulty and distress. Allah says:
مَنِ اسْتَسْلَمَ لِقَضَائِىْ وَصَبَرَ عَلَى بَلّائِى وَشَكَّرَ عَلَى نِعَمَانِى كَانَ عَبْدِىُ حَقًّا وَمَنْ لَّمْ يَسْتَسْلِمْ لِقَضَّائِىْ وَلَمُ
يَصْبِرْ عَلَى بَلَائِئْ وَلَمْ يَشْكُرُ عَلى نِعَمَآئِى فَلْيُطلُبُ رَبًّا سِوَائِئُ
"He who accepts My decree and endures My trial and gives thanks for My bounties
in My true slave. But, he who does not accept My decree, does not show patience in
the face of My trial and does not thank Me for My blessings, let him find a Lord
other than Me."
In his sharh (explanatory book) Asma ul Husna, Shaykh (Great religious Scholar) Abdul
Haq at , has explained both these names Ad-Daarr and An-Naafi. Only Allah is the
Master of good and bad, profit and loss. Only He is the Greator of cure of pain, grief and
anxiety in summer and winter, during a dry and a moist spell. If should not be supposed
that medicine heals by itself, poison kills, food satiates and water quenches thirst. Rather,
all these things are to what we have been accustomed. Allah has made them a means. He
can grow them without these means, and He may not let them grow in spite of these
means. In the same way, all things of the higher world and the lower world are simply a
means and causes following Allah's perfect Power. All these things relative to eternity are
as pen is in the hands of one who writes. Hence, a person must know all losses and profits
as Allah's decree. He must know that the world of causes (and means) is subject to His
Power. He must be obedient to the command and decree of Allah and entrust all his affairs
to Him so that he leads a life that is safe from the creatures and satisfied.
It is reported that Prophet Musa praiade complained to Allah of severe toothache once. He
was instructed to apply a certain grass on his teeth. He complied and was relieved of the
pain. After a period of time, he had toothache once again, so he used the same grass but
this time the pain increased instead of vanishing. He pleased, "O Lord, this is the same
grass that you had prescribed but this time the pain has aggravated." He was reminded,
"Last time you had turned to Me. This time you turned to the grass while I am the One
Who cures."
These names demand of a person to obey the commands of Allah and the instructions of
Shari'ah (Islamic law) to tackle the enemies of Islam. He must help the creatures of Allah.
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone repeats the name Ad-Daar one hundred times on the
nights preceding Friday, Allah will give him peace at the station desired by him. He will
attain the degree of nearness. If anyone travels by boat or ship and recites the name An
Nafi forty one times every day, Insha Allah (if Allah wills) he will never suffer harm.
If he recites it forty one times while beginning his tasks then all his tasks will be concluded.
according to his desire.
93 - AN-NUR: 'The Light.' He brightens the heavens with the stars, the earth with the
Prophets and the ulama (Scholars) and the hearts of the Muslims with light of awareness and
obedience. A person is required by this name to make himself radiant with faith and awareness.
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone recites on Friday morning surah an-Nur seven times and
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If anyone repeats this name every morning, his heart will be radiant.
94 - AL-HADI: 'The Guide.' This name calls on a person to guide Allah's creatures to the
right path Shaykh (Great religious Scholar) Abdul Haq al dos, has explained it in Sharh
(explanatory book) Asma ul Husna. 'It means to show the path and take to the destination
and the objective. Hence, Allah is the Guide of all who go on the paths. He is the Guide if
anyone is on a worldly path and also when he walks the path of the hereafter.'
In short, Allah guides in a number of ways and there is no limit to His kinds of guidance.
الَّذِىْ أَعْظَى كُلَّ شَىْء خَلْقَهُ ثُؤَّ هَذی
{Who gave everything its creation, then guided (it)}(20:50)
He is the One Who guides the new-born to suckle its mother.
However, the best and the
most glorious guidance is the one that leads to Allah and to the great blessing of His sight,
and to create in the inside of the chosen ones the light of Divine enablement search of the
mysteries that is a means of guidance to awareness and obedience.
The most fortunate of all the creatures with a share of this name Al-Hadi are the Prophets
They guide.رحمهم الله (and the ulama (Scholars رحمهم الله (the awaliya (Allah's friends , عليهم السلام
Allah's creatures to the straight path. The chief of the Prophets, the seal of the Messengers
gale ano is the true reflection of this name. He is the greatest and the highest ranked
guide in this universe.
إِهْدِنَا الضَّرِاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيْمَ صِرَاطَ الَّذِيْنَ آَنْعَمُتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَّا الضَّالِّيْنَ
Dhun Nun Misri ale>, said that three things count among the high qualities of the saintly people.
i.
To bring the depressed and grieved to broadness of heart and happiness.
ii.
To remind the neglectful of Allah's blessings.
iii.
To guide the Muslims with the pronouncement of monotheism to the true path
which is to divert their hearts from the world to religion and from the thought of
livelihood to the hereafter.
CHARACTERISTICS: Allah will raise to the degree of the possessor of awareness one
who puts his hands up, looks towards the sky and recites the name Al-Hadi very of ten and
wipes his hands on his eyes and face.
95 - AL-BADI: "The Originator.' 'The Deviser.'
He who makes the sunnah(Practice of Holy Prophet Muhammad , le at o) his amir
(decider)over his speech and deeds has a mind, thought and tongue moulded in wisdom
and Shari'ah (Islamic law). But, he who makes desires his amir (decider) over his speech
and deeds practices bid'ah or innovation.
Qurayshi said that our path is based on three principles:
(i)
To follow the noble Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم in manners and deeds, and in food
and drink that should be lawful.
(ii)
To speak the truth always.
(iii)
To form a sincere intention for all deeds.
He also said that if anyone has a soft corner for an innovator then Allah removes the
sweetness of sunnah(Practice of Holy Prophet Muhammad ,, le a .) from his deeds. If
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CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone becomes grieved or faces a difficult task then he must recite
يَا بَدِيُعَ السَّمْوَاتِ وَالْآَرْضِ
Seventy thousand times, or one thousand times. Insha Allah (if Allah wills), he will be
relieved of his grief and his task will be accomplished.
If anyone makes ablution, faces the qiblah and recites it till he goes to sleep then he will
dream of what he wishes to see.
96 - AL-BAQI: 'The Eternal.' 'The Everlasting.'
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone recites this name one hundred times on Thursday night
regularly, then all his deeds will be accepted and he will not be afflicted with sorrow or grief.
97 - AL-WARITH: 'The Supporter,' 'He Who remains after all that exists will perish and
Master of all creation.'
Warith means that when all who exist will perish, all the remaining properties whose
owners have died will revert to Him. This meaning is in the context of the literal
implication of wraith, otherwise the fact is that only Allah is the absolute Owner of
everything in the universe, from infinity to eternity, without any change. All things are His
without partnership of anyone and He alone is the Rear Owner and Master of all things.
Those with insight always hear (with their conscious ears)
لِمَّنِ الْمُلْتُ الْيَوْمَ لِلّهِ الْوَاحِدِ الْقَهَّارِ
Hence, a person should not worry about his property and inheritance. Rather, he must be
convinced that he has to leave behind everything and go away form the world. This is why
it is said:
مُؤْتُوْا قَبْلَ آَبْ تَمُؤْتُوْا
(die before you die)
This name calls upon a person to use his life to perform deeds that are among the ever
remaining righteous deeds, like learning and teaching, perpetual charity, and soon. He
must acquire as much as possible of religious knowledge. He will then become an heir to
the Prophetsعليه السلام in the real sense.
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone recites this name at the time of sunrise one hundred
times then he will not go through grief or sorrow.
He who recites it very often will have all his tasks done well for him.
98 - AR-RASHID: 'The Guide to the right path.' Some people say that He guides His
creature's soul to obey and worship Him. He guides his heart to His forgiveness and his
spirit to His love. The sign that Allah guides anyone is that He inspires him to rely on, and
entrust all his affairs to, Him.
It is reported of Ibrahim ibn Adhama >, that one day he was hungry. So, he gave
something that he possessed to a man with instruction to pledge it and get him some food.
But, as he came out, he encountered a man with a donkey asking about Ibrahim ibn
Adhama >). He said , "Forty thousand dinars are loaded on this beast. They are his
inheritance from his father's legacy. I am his slave and have brought this property to him."
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à said, "If you speak the truth then I set you free it you really are My slave and this wealth
belongs to me. I also present to you these forty thousand dinars. Now, go away from me."
When the man departed, Ibrahimal-, said, "My Lord, I had prayed to You only for bread
but You granted me these many dinars. I swear by You, if You let me die of hunger now, I
shall not ask You for anything."
CHARACTERISTICS: If a person is undecided about something then after the salah
(prayer) of isha but before he goes to sleep, he must recite this name one thousand times.
He will be informed of the correct course of action.
If anyone recites this name constantly then all his affairs will conclude without effort from
him whatsoever.
99 - AS-SABUR: "The Most Fore bearing.' He is not hasty in punishing the sinners.
The word sabr means patience and sabur is 'not to hurry in seizing a sinner and in
punishing him.' Sabur is nearer in meaning to halim (clemency) but they are differenct in
that sabur involves forebearance at the moment but ultimately there is a seizing and
punishment while halim is absolute forebearance.
Some people say that As-Sabur is He Who inspires a person with patience in his time of
difficulty. He is Allah alone who gives patience in different ways like when opposing evil
temptations, engaging in strenuous worship, etc. Hence, a person should always ask Allah
for patience in difficulty, grief, etc. He must keep away from disobeying Him.
This name calls on a person not to make haste in doing anything. Rather, he must do it
calmly and in a composed, dignified manner. He must seek Allah's protection in every grief.
رَبَّنَا أَفْرِءُ عَلَيْنَا صَبْرًّا وَثَّبِّتْ أَقْدَامَنَا وَانْصُرُنَا عَلَى الْقَوْمِ الْكَافِرِينَ (2:250)
يَآَ آَيُّهَا الَّذِيْنَ امَنُوا اصْبِرُوْا وَصَابِرُوْا وَرَابِطُوْا وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهُ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُوْتَ (3:200)
A very deep meaning saying it attributed to a Shaykh (Great religious Scholar), "Sip the
wine of patience. If you are killed, you are shahid (martyr). If you are spared, you are
sa'eed (fortunate)."
CHARACTERISTICS: If anyone is grieved or burdened with hardship, he must recite this
name thirty-three times. He will have internal satisfaction.
To quieten enemies, please the rulers and gain acceptance of the people, this name should
be recited at midnight or at noon regularly. This is very effective.
This completes the exegesis of the hadith (tradition) of Abu Hurayrah e a +, in the
Miahkat about the ninety-nine names of Alla. Mulla Ali Qari anas, says that there are more
names besides these in the Quran and the ahadith (tradition). Those in the Quran are:
Ar-Rab, Al-Akram, Al-A'la, Al-Hafiz, Al-Khaliq, As-Satir, As-Sattar, Ash-Shakir, Al-Aadil,
Al-Allam, Al-Ghalib, An-Nazir, Al-Faliq, Al-Qadir, Al-Qarib, Al-Qahir, Al-Kafil, Al-Kafi,
Al-Munir, Al-Muhit, Al-Maalik, Al-Mawla, An-Nasir, Ahkam ul Hakimin, Arhamour-
Rahimin, Ahsan ul Khaliqin, Dhul Fadl, Dhul-Tawl, Dhul Quwah, Dhul Ma'rij, Dhul Arsh,
Rafi ud Darajat, Qabil ut-Tawwab, Al-Fa'alul lima yureed, Makhrajul hayya min al-Mayyit.
These names are from the ahadith (tradition): Al-Hannan, Al-Mannan, Al-Mugith.
Moreover, the heavenly Books, like the torah, give more names of Allah.

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THE GREAT NAME
(٢٢٨٩) وَعَنُ بُرَيْدَةَ أَّ رَسُولَ اللّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ سَمِعَ رَجُلًا يَقُولُ اللَّهُؤَّ إِِّ أَسْئَلُ بِأَنَّكَ أَنْتَ
اللَّهُ لَّا إِلهَ إِلَّ أَنْتَ الََّحَدُ الشَّمَّدُ الَّذِى لَمْ يَلِدٌ وَلَمْ يُؤْلَدٌ وَلَمْ يَكُنُ لَّهُ كُفُوَّا أَحَدْ فَقَالَ دَعَا اللهُ بِاسْمِهِ
الْأَغْظَمِ الَّذِى إِذَا سُئِلَ پ، آخلی وَإِذَا دُعی پہ آجاب(رواه الترمذى وابوداود)
2289. Sayyiduna Buraydah رضى الله عنه narrated that Allah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم heard
a man pray:
اللّهُؤَّ إِعْ أَسْتَلُ بِأَنَّكَ أَنْتَ اللهُ لَا إِلهَ إِلَّ أَنْتَ الََّحَدُ الشَّمَدُ الَّذِى لَمْ يَلِدُ وَلَمْ يُؤْلَدُ وَلَمْ يَكُنُ لَّهُ كُفُوَّا أَحَدْ
(O Allah, I ask You by virtue of Your, indeed Your, being Allah. There is no God
besides You Who are the One, the Independent, who begets not nore was begotten,
and there is none co-equal with Him.)
He (Allah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم) said, "He has prayed to Allah with His greatest
name, by which, when He asked, He gives and, when supplicated, He answers."1
COMMENTARY: The more correct thing is that the ism a'zam or the greatest name is
concealed among Allah's names. No one knows it specifically. It is like the laylatulqadr (a
specific valuable night). Most of the ulama (Scholars) say, however that the ism a'zam is
the name 'Allah'. Sayyiduna Sayid Abdul Qadir Jilani altas, said that this is so on condition
that when the tongue utters 'Allah,' the heart should concur and have the concept of no one
else besides Him. This name will have the effect of the greatest name only it there is
nothing else in the heart besides Allah when He is called.
There are many opinions of the ulama (Scholars) about the ism a'zam. At the conclusion of
this chapter, we shall enumerate the names which the ulama (Scholars) have called Ism
a'zam according to their studies.
'Being asked' (J-) and 'supplicated' (+) have been distinguished by the scholars. The
former is 'to want' (sacl(al) (O Allah, give me) and He gives in response. The latter
(supplication) is to call, like, "O Allah" and He accepts the call, as He says on someone's
call (لبيك عبدى) (Here am I, My salve).
(٢٢٩٠) وَعَنْ أَنْسٍ قَالَ كُنْتُ جَالِمًا مَعَ الَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ فِى الْمَسْجِدِ وَرَجُلْ يُعَلِّى فَقَالَ اَللَّهُوَّ إِنِّي
أَسْأَلُكَ بِأَّ لَكَ الْخَمْدَ لَا إِلهَ إِلَّ أَنْتَ الْحَتَّاكُ الْمُنَّاكُ بَدِيْعُ السَّمْوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ يَا ذَا ◌َجُلَالِ
وَالْإِكْرَامِ يَاعَنُ يَاقَيُّومُ اسْأَلَّكَ فَقَالَ النَّبِىُّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ دَعَا اللّهَ بِاسْمِهِ الْأَعْظَمِ الَّذِى إِذَا دُعِىَ بِهِ
آجَابَ وَ إِذَا سُئِلَ پ اغلى- (رواه الترمذى وابوداود والنسائى وابن ماجة)
2290. Sayyiduna Anas رضى الله عنه narrated that while he was sitting with the Prophet
Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم in the mosque a man offered the salah (prayer) and prayed
(after that)
اللُّهُذَّ إِّ أَسْأَلُكَ بِأَثّ لَكَ الْحَمْدَ لَا إِلهَ إِلَّ أَنْتَ الْخُتَُّ الْمَنَّانُ بَدِيْعُ السَّمْوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ يَا
1 Tirinidhi # 3486, Abu Dawud # 1493, Ibn Majah # 3857, Musand Ahmad # 23103

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ذَا ◌ُجُلَالٍ وَالْإِكْرَامِ يَاحُ يَاقُومُ
(O Allah, I ask You-and, indeed, praise belongs to You. There is no God besides
You, Al-Hannan (Who bestows favour). Al-Mannan (The Beneficent), The
Originator of the heavens and the earth. O Lord of Majesty and Bounty, O The
Ever-Living, O The self-Subsisting, I ask you.}
The Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم said thereafter, "He has supplicated Allah by
virtue of His greatest name by which when supplicated He answers, and when
asked He gives."1
(٢٢٩١) وَعَنْ أَسْمَاء بِئْتِ يَزِيْدَ أَّ النَّبِيَّ صَلَى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ إِسْمُ اللّهِ الْآَعْظَلِمُ فِى هَاتَيْنِ الْأُيَتَيْنِ
قِلُهُكُمْ إِلَهْ وَاحِدْ لَا إِلهَ إِلَّ هُوَ الرَّحْمِنُ الرَّحِيُهُ وَفَاتِحَةُ الِ عِمْرَانَ الَّ اللَّهُ لَا إِلهَ إِلَّ هُوَ الْحَىُّ الْقَيُّومُ.
(رواه الترمذى وابو داود وابن ماجة والدارمى)
صلى الله narrated that the Prophet Muhammad رضى الله عنه Sayyidah Asma bint Yazid .2291
jule said, "The greatest name of Allah is found in these two verses:
وَ إِلهُكُمْ إِلَهْ وَاحِدْ لَا إِلهَ إِلَّ هُوَ الرَّحْمنُ الرَّحِيمُ
{And your God is One God. There is no God but He, the Compassionate, the
Merciful} (2:163)
And the opening of Aal Imran
الَّ اللّهُ لَ إِلهَ إِلَّ هُوَ الْحُّ الْقَيُّوهُ
{Alif Laam Meem, Allah! There is no God but He, the Ever-Living, the self-
subsisting.}(3:1)2
عليه السلام PRAYER OF PROPHET YOUNUS
(٢٢٩٢) وَعَنْ سَعْدٍ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ دَعْوَةُ ذِى النُّوْنِ إِذَا دَمَا رَبَّهُ وَهُوَ فِيْ بَطْنٍ
المُؤْتِ لَا إِلهَ إِلَّ أَنْتَ سُبْحَانَكُ إِنْ كُنْتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِيْنَّ لَمْ يَدُهُ بِهَا رَجُلْ مُسْلِمْ فِي شَىءٍ إِلَّ اسْتَجَابَ لَه
(رواه أحمد والترمذى)
. 2292. Sayyiduna Sa'd رضى الله عنه narrated that Allah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "The
supplication of Dhu an-Nun(Younus) (> Jude while he was in the belly of the fish:
لَا إِلهَ إِلَّ أَنْتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِّ كُنْتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِيْنَ
{There is no God but You. You are without blemish. I am one of the wrong-doers,}
Is such that if a Muslim uses it (to supplicate Allah), surely he will get an answer."3
COMMENTARY: Allah had sent Sayyiduna Younus (> Jialeto Ninewah to guide its people.
They rejected his preaching and refused to believe. So, Allah revealed to him that he
1 Abu Dawud # 1495, Nasai # 1300, Ibn Majah # 3858, Musand Ahmad # 3-120 Tirmidhi.
2 Tirmidhi # 3489, Abu Dawud # 1496, Ibn Majah # 3855
3 Tirmidhi # 3516, Musand Ahmad # 1-170

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should warn the citizens of Ninewah that, after a three day respite, they would be
punished. He conveyed to them the warning and himself departed from the city. At the
appointed time, a dark cloud could be seen approaching the city. Gradually, it came over
the city and stopped moving. Something like smoke came out of it. When they observed
the impending punishment, the people took their women, children and animals to the
wilderness. There, they separated children from their mothers and young of the animals
from their mothers, and began to cry loudly. They raised their voices and cried bitterly,
repenting from disbelief and sin and expressing their faith. They called out
لَا حَىُّ حِيْنَ لَا إِلهَ إِلَّ أَنْتَ
(O The Living ever since there was no living being. There is no God but You.)
So, Allah put off the punishment that has threatened them.
After some time, Prophet Younus (> Jinle came towards the city to see what had happened.
He saw that everything was safe and the people were alive, going around their chores. He
felt very ashamed that he was proved wrong and had lied, but he did not know that the
punishment had been upon them and was removed. He did not think it wise to go to the
city, so he turned back to the river and boarded a ship to go to the other side of the river.
However, the ship seemed not to budge, try as they may. The members of the crew said,
"It looks as though a runaway slave is among us who has fled from his master. They drew
lots among the passengers. The name of Prophet Yunus (>JI 4,le was drawn and he
conceded, "Indeed, I am that runaway slave." So saying, he leaped into the river and a fish
swallowed him on Allah's command Allah Commanded the fish to keep him well
preserved in its belly. The fish swam with him across the Nile, the Euphrates and the
Tigris. He continued to pray to Allah.
لَا إِلهَ إِلَّ أَنْتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِّ كُنْتُ مِنَ الظُّلِمِيْنَ
(O Allah, You are the Worshipped, the Ruler and the Absolute. You are without
blemish. I have wronged myself by departing from my people without your
permission.)
Hence, Allah answered his prayer and commanded the fish to cast him out at the banks of
Nasibayn, a city of Shaam.
SECTION III
الفَضلُ الثَّالِثُ
RESEARCH ON THE GREATEST NAME
(٢٢٩٣) عَنْ بُرَيْدَةً قَالَ دَخَلْتُ مَعَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ الْمَسْجِدَ عِشَاءُ وَإِذَا رَجُلْ يَقْرَأُ وَيَرْفَهُ
صَوْتَهُ فَقُلْتُ يَا رَسُولَ اللّهِ أَتَقُولُ هَذَا مُرَاءٍ قَالَ بَلُ مُؤْمِنْ مُنِيْبُ قَالَ وَأَبُوْ مُؤْعَى الَّأَشْعَرِىُّ يَقْرَأُوَيَرْ فَهُ
صَوْتَّةُ فَجَعَلَ رَسُولُ اللّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَتَّسَمَّغُ لِقِرَاءَ تِهِ ثُمَّ جَلَسَ أَبُوُ مُوْسِى يَدْعُوْ فَقَّلَ اَللَّهُوَّ إِنِِّ
أُشْهِدُكَ أَنَّكَ أَنْتَ اللهُ لَّا إِلهَ إِلَّ أَنْتَ أَحَدًّا صَهَدًّا لَمْ يَلِدٌ وَلَهُ يُؤْلَدٌ وَلَمْ يَكُنُ لَّهُ كُفُوَّا أَحَدْ فَقَالَ رَسُوْلُ
اللّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ لَقَدْ سَأَلَ اللّهُ بِاسْمِهِ الَّذِى إِذَا سُئِلَ بِهِ أَخْلَى وَإِذَا دُعِىَ بِهِ أَجَابَ قُلْتُ يَا رَسُولَ
اللهِ أُخْبِرُهُ بِمَا سَمِعْتُ مِنْكَ قَالَ نَعَوْ فَأَخْبَرْتُهُ بِقَوْلِ رَسُوْلِ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ فَقَالَ لِ أَنْتَ أَلْيَؤُهُ

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◌ِىْ أٌَ صَدِيْقُ حَدَّثْتَنِى بِحَدِيْثٍ رَسُولِ اللّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ(رواه رزين)
2293. Sayyiduna Buraydah sin, narrated that he entered the mosque with Allah's
Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم for the salah (prayer) of isha. Behold! A man was reciting the
Quran (in salah (prayer)), his voice raised. He said, "O Messenger of Allah, will
you say that this man is a hypocrite?" He said, "Rather, a believer who repents (his
voice raised unintentionally)." Abu Musa Al-Ash'ary(Who was the reciter in a loud
voice) recited and his voice was raised. Allah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم began to
listen to his recitation. Then Abu Musa ucan », sat down to pray, saying:
اللّهُذَّ إِّى أُشهِدُكَ أَنَّكَ أَنْتَ اللَّهُ لَا إِلهَ إِلَّ أَنْتَ أَحَدًّا صَمَّدًّا لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُؤْلَدٌ وَلَمْ يَكُنُ لَّهُ كُفُوَّا أَحَدْ
فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ لَقَدْ سَأَلَ اللّهَ بِاسْمِهِ الَّذِى إِذَا سُئِلَ بِهِ أَعْلَى وَإِذَا دُعِىَ بِهِ آَجَابَ قُلْتُ
يَا رَسُولَ اللهِ أُخْبِرُهُ بِمَا سَمِعْتُ مِنْكَ قَالَ نَعَمْ فَأَخْبَرْتُهُ بِقَوْلِ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ فَقَالَ إِىُ
أَنْتَ الْيَوْمَ لِيْ آَمْ صَدِيقٌ حَدَّثْتَنِى بِحَدِيْثِ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ
(O Allah, I call You to witness that You, surely You, are Allah. There is no God but
You, Alone, Independent, who begets not nor was begotten and there is none co-
equal with Him.) On that, Allah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "Indeed, he has
asked Allah with His name by which if asked, He grants and if supplicated, He
answers." Buraydahuch+, asked, "O Messenger of Allah, may I inform him what
I heard from You?" He said, "Yes." So, he informed him what Allah's Messenger
had said. And, he said to him, "As of today, you are my true brother صلى الله عليه وسلم
1". صلى الله عليه وسلم because you narrated to me a hadith (tradition) of Allah's Messenger
COMMENTARY: We did say earlier that there are many opinions about the isma'zam (the
greatest name) of Allah.
Some ulama (Scholars) have said that the name 'Allah' itself is the greatest name.
Some say that (بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم) is the greatest name.
And so other say: (هو) (huwa, He), (لا اله الا الله) - the kalimah tawhid, (الحى القيوم al-Hayyul
Qayyum) - (مالك الملك Maalikul Mulk) (la ilaha illAllah)
Some have said:
اللَّهُ الَّذِى لَا إِلهَ إِلَّ هُوَ رَبُ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيْمُ
Imam Zayn ul-Aabidinwat +, is said to have prayed to Allah to disclose to him the greatest
name. He was told in a dream that it is (anyıdry)
Some ulama (Scholars) say that it is concealed in the asma ul-husna.
Some others say that it is („,Ut) (O Allah).
Some of the predecessors said that if anyone said (1) then he has prayed to Allah by all
His names. Hasan Busri att, said something of this sort.
Some authorities say that (J1) (Alif Laam Meem) is the greatest name of Allah. Others like
Imam (leader) Ja'far Sadiq As an +, said that if a person remembers Allah with any of His
1 Razin

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beautiful names in such a way that he is lost with it and he has no thought inwardly of any
thing whatsoever but this name, then that name itself is the greatest name. Any prayer
made by virtue of it will be answered.
When Abu Sulayman Durraniales, asked a shaykh (Great religious Scholar) about it, he
put to him a counter question, "Do you know your heart?" He answered in the affirmative
and the shaykh (Great religious Scholar) advised, "When you observe that your heart is
turned towards Allah and your eed. That is the greatest name."
(اطع الله يعطيكـ) :about the ism a'zam. He said write down رحمه Some one asked Abu Ar-Rabid
(Obey Allah, He will grant you your prayer). He meant to say that obedience to Allah is in
itself the ism a'zam, because that makes Allah kind and He accepts.
He also reported a sufi's saying (بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم) is like the saying (كن) 'Be.' Just as Allah said'
Be' and creates everything He wishes, so a creature has the basmalah. When he begins
anything with it (بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم), that thing is accomplished by its blessings.
Some scholars say that the supplication encompasses all opinions. Every name that the
religious authorities have named as the ism a'zam (greatest name) is found in this supplication:
اَللّهُوَّ إِنْ أَسْئًا لُكَ بِأَّ لَكَ الْحَمْدَ لَا إِلهَ إِلَّ أَنْتَ يَاحَتَُّ يَا مَنَُّ يَا بَدِيْعَ السَّمْوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ يَا
ذَّالْجُلَالِ وَالُِّكْرَامِ يَا خَيْرَ الوَارِثِيْنَ يَا أَزْحَمَ الرَّاحِمِيْنَ يَا سَمِيَُّ الدُّعَاءِ يَا اَللَّهُ يَا اَللَّهُ يَا عَالِمُ يَا سَمِيُهُ يَا
عَلِيُمُ يَا حَلِيُهُ يَا مَالِكَ الْمُلْكِ يَا مَالِكُ يَا سَلَامُ يَا حَقُّ يَا قَدِيُهُ يَا قَائِمُ يَا غَنِىُ يَا مُحِظُ يَا حَكِيْمُ يَا عَلُِّّ یَا
قَاهِرُ يَا رَحُمِنُ يَارَجِيُهُ يَا سَرِئُهُ يَاكَرِئُمُ يَا مَنُفِى يَا مُعِْى يَا مَانِهُ يَامُحِى يَا مُقْسِطُ يَا حَىُ يَا قَيُُّمُ یَا آَحْمَدُ
يَا حَمْدُ يَا رَبِّ يَا رَبٍ يَا رَبِّ يَارَبٍ يَا وَهَّابُ يَاغَفَّارُ يَا قَرِيبُ يَا لَا إِلهَ إِلَّ أَنْتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِى كُنْتُ مِنَ
الظُّلِمِيْنَ أَنْتَ حَسْسِى وَنِعُمَ الْوَكِيْلُ
Each of the names mentioned in the foregoing supplication, is ism a'zam.
CHAPTER - II
REWARD FOR TASBIH, TAHIMID,
تَأْبُ تَوَابِ التَّسْبِيْحِ وَالتَّحْمِيْدِوَالتَّهْلِيْلِ وَالتَُّبِيُرِ
TAHLIL AND TAKBIR
Tasbih is to say SubhanAllah )(Allah is without blemish). Tahmid is to say al Hamulillah
(Praise belongs to Allah). Tahlil is to say (anyury) (there is no God but Allah). Takbir is to
say Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest).
SECTION I
الَّفَضْلُ الْأَوَّلُ
THE BEST SPEECH
(٢٢٩٤) عَنْ سَمُرَةَ بْنِ جُنْدُبٍ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ أَفْضَلُ الْكَلَامِ آَرْبَّهُ سُبْحَانَ اللهِ
وَالْحَمْدُ لِلّهِ وَلَّا إِلهَ إِلَّ اللَّهُ وَاللّهُ أَكْبٌ وَفِيْ رِوَايَةٍ أَحَبُّ الْكَلَامِ إِلَى اللّهِ آَرْبَهُ سُبْحَاتَ اللهِوَالْحَمْدُ للهِ وَلَا
إِلهَ إِلَّ اللّهُ وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ لَّا يُشْرُّكَ بِأَيِّمِنَّ بَدَأْتَ(رواه مسلم)