The 99 Names of Allah: Meanings, Arabic, and How to Use Them

 

The 99 names of Allah, or Asma ul Husna, describe His perfect qualities, such as mercy, power, and wisdom. The Quran tells believers to call upon Him by these names (Qur’an 7:180). A well-known hadith also promises Paradise to those who enumerate them.

Reviewed for accuracy against authentic sources.

Many people search for the 99 names of Allah to learn their meaning. Every Muslim hears them in daily life. “Ar-Rahman” appears in the Bismillah, and “Al-Ghafur” appears in many duas. Yet few readers know where the names come from, or how to use them well.

This guide fixes that. First, you will see the sources behind the names. Then, you will find the full list with Arabic and meanings. Finally, you will learn practical ways to use them in prayer and daily supplication.

What Are the 99 Names of Allah?

The 99 names of Allah describe distinct attributes of God, such as mercy, power, wisdom, and justice. For this reason, the Quran commands believers to use them directly. It says, “And to Allah belong the best names, so invoke Him by them” (Qur’an 7:180).

وَلِلَّهِ الْأَسْمَاءُ الْحُسْنَىٰ فَادْعُوهُ بِهَا

Wa lillahil-asma’ul-husna fad’uhu biha.

“And to Allah belong the best names, so invoke Him by them.”

When to recite: Keep this verse in mind whenever you make dua. It reminds you to open your request with a fitting name of Allah.

Likewise, a related instruction appears in Surah Al-Isra: “Call upon Allah, or call upon the Most Merciful. Whichever name you call, to Him belong the best names” (Qur’an 17:110).

Meanwhile, the number 99 comes from a well-known hadith narrated by Abu Hurairah (RA). The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Allah has ninety-nine names, one hundred less one. Whoever enumerates them will enter Paradise” (Sahih al-Bukhari: 2736; Sahih Muslim: 2677).

However, scholars explain that “enumerating” means more than memorization. Specifically, it means understanding each meaning, believing in it, and living by what it teaches. Here is a quick summary before the full list.

Quick Fact	Detail
Arabic term	Asma ul Husna (“the Most Beautiful Names”)
Main Quranic source	Qur’an 7:180 and 17:110
Source of the number 99	Sahih al-Bukhari: 2736; Sahih Muslim: 2677
Promise	Paradise for those who enumerate the names

Where the Names Appear in Islamic Sources

Most of the 99 names of Allah come directly from the Quran. There, they appear across many surahs rather than in a single fixed list. In addition, a numbered list appears in a narration in Jami at-Tirmidhi (3507). However, many hadith scholars view that specific list as a later addition. They do not see it as the exact words of the Prophet (PBUH).

Because of this, scholars have compiled the names in slightly different ways, drawing on the Quran and confirmed Sunnah. Nevertheless, the core meanings and most of the 99 names of Allah remain the same across these compilations.

Names That Come in Pairs

Some names describe opposite actions. Examples include Al-Qabid and Al-Basit, Al-Khafid and Ar-Rafi, and Al-Mu’izz and Al-Mudhill. Many scholars advise using such names as a pair, not alone. Together, they show a full side of Allah’s perfect wisdom.

Therefore, avoid making a dua with only one side of a pair, such as asking Allah to humble someone. If you are unsure, ask a qualified scholar.

The Complete List With Arabic and Meanings

Below is a widely accepted list of the 99 names of Allah, with Arabic, transliteration, and a short meaning. Read it slowly, so that you reflect instead of rushing. Note two pairs that look alike in English. Al-Majid (48) and Al-Maajid (65) differ in Arabic, and so do Al-Wali (55) and Al-Waali (77).

Names 1-20

#	Arabic	Transliteration	Meaning
1	الرَّحْمَٰنُ	Ar-Rahman	The Most Compassionate
2	الرَّحِيمُ	Ar-Rahim	The Most Merciful
3	الْمَلِكُ	Al-Malik	The King and Sovereign
4	الْقُدُّوسُ	Al-Quddus	The Absolutely Pure
5	السَّلَامُ	As-Salam	The Source of Peace
6	الْمُؤْمِنُ	Al-Mu’min	The Granter of Security
7	الْمُهَيْمِنُ	Al-Muhaymin	The Guardian and Watcher
8	الْعَزِيزُ	Al-Aziz	The Almighty
9	الْجَبَّارُ	Al-Jabbar	The Compeller and Restorer
10	الْمُتَكَبِّرُ	Al-Mutakabbir	The Supreme in Greatness
11	الْخَالِقُ	Al-Khaliq	The Creator
12	الْبَارِئُ	Al-Bari	The Originator of Creation
13	الْمُصَوِّرُ	Al-Musawwir	The Fashioner of Forms
14	الْغَفَّارُ	Al-Ghaffar	The Ever-Forgiving
15	الْقَهَّارُ	Al-Qahhar	The Subduer
16	الْوَهَّابُ	Al-Wahhab	The Bestower
17	الرَّزَّاقُ	Ar-Razzaq	The Provider
18	الْفَتَّاحُ	Al-Fattah	The Opener and Judge
19	الْعَلِيمُ	Al-Alim	The All-Knowing
20	الْقَابِضُ	Al-Qabid	The Withholder

Names 21-40

#	Arabic	Transliteration	Meaning
21	الْبَاسِطُ	Al-Basit	The Extender of Provision
22	الْخَافِضُ	Al-Khafid	The Abaser
23	الرَّافِعُ	Ar-Rafi	The Exalter
24	الْمُعِزُّ	Al-Mu’izz	The Bestower of Honor
25	الْمُذِلُّ	Al-Mudhill	The Giver of Humility
26	السَّمِيعُ	As-Sami	The All-Hearing
27	الْبَصِيرُ	Al-Basir	The All-Seeing
28	الْحَكَمُ	Al-Hakam	The Judge
29	الْعَدْلُ	Al-Adl	The Utterly Just
30	اللَّطِيفُ	Al-Latif	The Subtle and Gentle
31	الْخَبِيرُ	Al-Khabir	The All-Aware
32	الْحَلِيمُ	Al-Halim	The Forbearing
33	الْعَظِيمُ	Al-Azim	The Magnificent
34	الْغَفُورُ	Al-Ghafur	The Great Forgiver
35	الشَّكُورُ	Ash-Shakur	The Most Appreciative
36	الْعَلِيُّ	Al-Ali	The Most High
37	الْكَبِيرُ	Al-Kabir	The Greatest
38	الْحَفِيظُ	Al-Hafiz	The Preserver
39	الْمُقِيتُ	Al-Muqit	The Sustainer
40	الْحَسِيبُ	Al-Hasib	The Reckoner

Names 41-60

#	Arabic	Transliteration	Meaning
41	الْجَلِيلُ	Al-Jalil	The Majestic
42	الْكَرِيمُ	Al-Karim	The Most Generous
43	الرَّقِيبُ	Ar-Raqib	The Watchful
44	الْمُجِيبُ	Al-Mujib	The Responder to Prayer
45	الْوَاسِعُ	Al-Wasi	The All-Encompassing
46	الْحَكِيمُ	Al-Hakim	The All-Wise
47	الْوَدُودُ	Al-Wadud	The Loving
48	الْمَجِيدُ	Al-Majid	The Glorious
49	الْبَاعِثُ	Al-Ba’ith	The Resurrector
50	الشَّهِيدُ	Ash-Shahid	The Witness
51	الْحَقُّ	Al-Haqq	The Absolute Truth
52	الْوَكِيلُ	Al-Wakil	The Trustee
53	الْقَوِيُّ	Al-Qawiyy	The All-Strong
54	الْمَتِينُ	Al-Matin	The Firm and Steadfast
55	الْوَلِيُّ	Al-Wali	The Protecting Friend
56	الْحَمِيدُ	Al-Hamid	The Praiseworthy
57	الْمُحْصِي	Al-Muhsi	The All-Enumerating
58	الْمُبْدِئُ	Al-Mubdi	The Originator
59	الْمُعِيدُ	Al-Mu’id	The Restorer
60	الْمُحْيِي	Al-Muhyi	The Giver of Life

Names 61-80

#	Arabic	Transliteration	Meaning
61	الْمُمِيتُ	Al-Mumit	The Giver of Death
62	الْحَيُّ	Al-Hayy	The Ever-Living
63	الْقَيُّومُ	Al-Qayyum	The Self-Subsisting Sustainer
64	الْوَاجِدُ	Al-Wajid	The Finder
65	الْمَاجِدُ	Al-Maajid	The Illustrious
66	الْوَاحِدُ	Al-Wahid	The One
67	الْأَحَدُ	Al-Ahad	The Unique
68	الصَّمَدُ	As-Samad	The Eternal Refuge
69	الْقَادِرُ	Al-Qadir	The All-Powerful
70	الْمُقْتَدِرُ	Al-Muqtadir	The Determiner
71	الْمُقَدِّمُ	Al-Muqaddim	The Expediter
72	الْمُؤَخِّرُ	Al-Mu’akhkhir	The Delayer
73	الْأَوَّلُ	Al-Awwal	The First
74	الْآخِرُ	Al-Akhir	The Last
75	الظَّاهِرُ	Az-Zahir	The Manifest
76	الْبَاطِنُ	Al-Batin	The Hidden
77	الْوَالِي	Al-Waali	The Governor
78	الْمُتَعَالِي	Al-Muta’ali	The Most Exalted
79	الْبَرُّ	Al-Barr	The Source of All Goodness
80	التَّوَّابُ	At-Tawwab	The Ever-Accepting of Repentance

Names 81-99

#	Arabic	Transliteration	Meaning
81	الْمُنْتَقِمُ	Al-Muntaqim	The Avenger
82	الْعَفُوُّ	Al-Afuww	The Pardoner
83	الرَّءُوفُ	Ar-Ra’uf	The Compassionate
84	مَالِكُ الْمُلْكِ	Malik-ul-Mulk	Owner of All Sovereignty
85	ذُو الْجَلَالِ وَالْإِكْرَامِ	Dhul-Jalali wal-Ikram	Lord of Majesty and Generosity
86	الْمُقْسِطُ	Al-Muqsit	The Equitable
87	الْجَامِعُ	Al-Jami	The Gatherer
88	الْغَنِيُّ	Al-Ghani	The Self-Sufficient
89	الْمُغْنِي	Al-Mughni	The Enricher
90	الْمَانِعُ	Al-Mani	The Preventer
91	الضَّارُّ	Ad-Darr	The Allower of Harm
92	النَّافِعُ	An-Nafi	The Benefactor
93	النُّورُ	An-Nur	The Light
94	الْهَادِي	Al-Hadi	The Guide
95	الْبَدِيعُ	Al-Badi	The Originator of Beauty
96	الْبَاقِي	Al-Baqi	The Everlasting
97	الْوَارِثُ	Al-Warith	The Inheritor of All
98	الرَّشِيدُ	Ar-Rashid	The Guide to the Right Path
99	الصَّبُورُ	As-Sabur	The Most Patient

Why Knowing the Names Matters

Knowing the 99 names of Allah changes how a believer prays. For example, someone who learns Ar-Razzaq trusts Allah more with provision. Likewise, learning As-Sabur teaches patience in hardship. As a result, the names turn belief into daily habit.

Many names also appear together in the last verses of Surah Al-Hashr (Qur’an 59:22-24). Therefore, reading those verses with their meaning is a good way to start. Overall, reflection builds love, hope, and awe in the heart.

How to Use the Names in Daily Life

Many Muslims use the 99 names of Allah directly in supplication, matching each name to a specific need. For example, someone seeking forgiveness may call on Al-Ghaffar. Likewise, someone who needs strength in hardship may call upon Al-Qawiyy. This practice follows the Quranic instruction to invoke Allah by His most beautiful names (Qur’an 7:180).

In addition, reflection plays a central role. Rather than memorizing the 99 names of Allah all at once, many scholars recommend learning two or three at a time. Next, study their meanings, and notice how they show up in daily life. Ultimately, this slower approach fits the deeper meaning of “enumerating” in the hadith.

Duas Built on Allah’s Names

The Prophet (PBUH) often called on Allah by His names. First, he would say this dua when a matter distressed him (Jami at-Tirmidhi: 3524).

يَا حَيُّ يَا قَيُّومُ بِرَحْمَتِكَ أَسْتَغِيثُ

Ya Hayyu, ya Qayyum, bi-rahmatika astaghith.

“O Ever-Living, O Sustainer, I seek relief through Your mercy.”

When to recite: Say it in times of worry, hardship, or need, in any part of the day or night.

Second, Aisha (RA) asked what she should say if she found Laylat al-Qadr. He taught her this dua, which uses the name Al-Afuww (Jami at-Tirmidhi: 3513).

اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي

Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul-‘afwa fa’fu ‘anni.

“O Allah, You are Pardoning, and You love to pardon, so pardon me.”

When to recite: Say it often in the last ten nights of Ramadan, and at any time you seek forgiveness.

Practical Ways to Learn Them

1. Start small: Focus on two or three names each week, not the full list at once.
2. Match the need: Say the fitting name during a dua that matches your situation.
3. Reflect: Notice how each name shows up in the world around you.
4. Teach children: Share the names gradually, with simple meanings that suit their age.

Common Misunderstandings

Several myths surround the 99 names of Allah. Here are three of the most common.

• Myth: Allah has only 99 names. In fact, the number refers to the set tied to the hadith promise, and scholars say Allah has more.
• Myth: Memorizing the list guarantees Paradise. However, scholars explain that enumerating includes understanding, belief, and action.
• Myth: One official list exists. Instead, scholars have compiled slightly different selections over the centuries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does Allah Have More Than 99 Names?

Answer: Yes. A narration in Musnad Ahmad (3704) mentions names that Allah has kept in His own knowledge. The number 99 refers to the set tied to the hadith promise.

Is There One Single Official List?

Answer: Not exactly. The meanings are well established, but scholars have compiled slightly different selections. Many hadith scholars also see the numbered list in some narrations as a later addition.

What Does It Mean to “Enumerate” the Names?

Answer: According to Ibn al-Qayyim and other scholars, it involves three steps. First, memorize the names. Second, understand their meanings. Third, worship Allah through them, including by calling on Him with the fitting name in dua.

Is “Allah” One of the 99?

Answer: No. “Allah” is the greatest and all-encompassing name, and the list of 99 describes His attributes. Muslims treat the other names as flowing from it.

Can I Give My Child One of These Names?

Answer: Scholars say some names belong to Allah alone, such as Ar-Rahman. Muslims therefore add “Abd,” meaning servant of, as in Abdur-Rahman. For specific names, ask a qualified scholar.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the 99 names of Allah offer far more than a list to memorize. Each name reveals a distinct attribute of God, and reflecting on them deepens trust and closeness to Allah.

Therefore, learn a few names at a time, and call on Allah by them in your daily prayer. Share this guide with someone who wants to learn them. And Allah knows best.

References

• The Holy Qur’an: 7:180 and 17:110
• Sahih al-Bukhari: 2736
• Sahih Muslim: 2677
• Jami at-Tirmidhi: 3507, 3513, and 3524
• Musnad Ahmad: 3704

Author Bio

Explore Islamic World Editorial Team

The Explore Islamic World editorial team writes each guide from the Qur’an, Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, and classical scholarship. We check every Hadith number against Sunnah.com before publishing. Where scholars differ, we present each view fairly.