What are the 99 names of Allah?
The 99 names of Allah are names and attributes that describe God in Islam, such as Ar-Rahman (the Most Merciful), Al-Alim (the All-Knowing) and Al-Ghafur (the Most Forgiving). The Prophet ﷺ said Allah has ninety-nine names, and whoever learns and lives by them will enter Paradise. They help Muslims know who they worship.
Where the 99 names come from
The Prophet ﷺ said: "Allah has ninety-nine names, one hundred minus one. Whoever enumerates them will enter Paradise" (Sahih al-Bukhari 2736, Sahih Muslim 2677). Scholars explain that "enumerating" means more than memorizing a list: it means understanding the names, believing in them and calling on Allah by them. The Quran says:
Some names to start with
- Allah: the proper name of God, the One worthy of worship. See Why do Muslims call God Allah?
- Ar-Rahman, Ar-Rahim: the Most Merciful, the Especially Merciful. Muslims say both before almost everything in "Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim".
- Al-Ghafur, At-Tawwab: the Most Forgiving, the One who accepts repentance again and again.
- As-Sami', Al-Basir: the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing.
- Ar-Razzaq: the Provider, who gives every creature its sustenance.
- Al-Wadud: the Loving One.
- As-Salam: Peace, the Source of peace.
Are there exactly 99?
The hadith mentions 99, but scholars note that Allah has more names than these; some are known only to Him. The popular list of 99 that you see on posters and apps comes from a narration in Jami' at-Tirmidhi, and many hadith scholars say that specific list was compiled by a narrator rather than spoken by the Prophet ﷺ. Because of this, scholars have produced slightly different lists drawn directly from the Quran and authentic hadith. Either way, the names on the common list are all valid descriptions of Allah.
How to use them in daily life
Call on the name that fits your need: "Ya Razzaq" when looking for work, "Ya Ghafur" when asking forgiveness, "Ya Shafi" (Healer) when ill. Many Muslims reflect on one name a week as part of their dhikr. See What is dhikr and how do I start? Muslim names like Abdullah, Abdur-Rahman or Abdul-Karim mean "servant of" one of these names. See How do I choose a Muslim baby name?
- The 99 names describe Allah's attributes, like Mercy and Knowledge.
- Learning and living by them is promised Paradise (Bukhari 2736).
- Allah has more names; the popular list isn't the only one.
- Use the names in your dua that match your need.
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