99 Names of Allah - Meanings, Benefits & How to Recite

The Names of Allah (Asma' al-Husna) are among the most beautiful ways to know our Lord. This guide explains what the hadith says about the 99 Names, what is and is not established about them, and how to make dua and dhikr with them, with a link to the full list with meanings.

Quick answer

Allah has many names, and a hadith in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim says He has ninety-nine, "one hundred minus one," and that whoever enumerates (ahsaha) them will enter Paradise. The commonly circulated list of 99 is a scholarly compilation. Read the full list on our 99 Names page.

What the Quran says

"And to Allah belong the best names, so invoke Him by them" (Quran 7:180). The names are mentioned across the Quran, and the closing verses of Surah Al-Hashr (59:22-24) list several together. See Surah Al-Hashr.

The hadith

Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet ﷺ said: "Allah has ninety-nine names, one hundred less one. Whoever enumerates them will enter Paradise" (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).

What the hadith does not say

- It does not say Allah's names are limited to 99. Scholars note that the hadith speaks of 99 whose enumeration brings reward, and that other names are reported in the Quran and Sunnah. - The authentic hadith in Bukhari and Muslim does not list the names. The version that does, in Jami' at-Tirmidhi, is considered by many hadith scholars to include a later insertion, so the standard list is a compilation based on the Quran and Sunnah.

What "enumerating" (ihsa') means

Scholars explain it at several levels:

Memorising the names.
Understanding their meanings.
Believing in them and acting accordingly, such as seeking mercy from Ar-Rahman and trusting Ar-Razzaq.
Calling upon Allah by them in dua.

Examples

Ar-Rahman, Ar-Rahim: the Most Gracious and the Most Merciful, repeated in the opening of the Quran. See Surah Al-Fatiha.
Al-Malik: the Sovereign. See Surah Al-Mulk.
As-Salam: the Source of Peace.
Al-Ghaffar, At-Tawwab: the Forgiving, the Accepter of repentance.
Ar-Razzaq: the Provider.
Ash-Shafi: the Healer (used in the dua of healing).

Making dua with the Names

Quran 7:180 tells us to call upon Allah by His names. A good practice is to choose the name that matches your need: for provision, "Ya Razzaq"; for forgiveness, "Ya Ghaffar"; for mercy, "Ya Rahman." The Prophet ﷺ also taught supplications that open with Allah's names, such as "Ya Hayyu, ya Qayyumu, bi rahmatika astaghith" (Jami' at-Tirmidhi).

What to avoid

Numbers and special times assigned to individual names without a reliable source.
Claims that a name cures a particular disease if recited a fixed number of times, since we have not found authentic support.
Using Allah's exclusive names for people. Names such as Ar-Rahman or Al-Khaliq are for Allah alone. People are named "'Abd" plus the name, such as Abdul Rahman.

Learning the names

Learn a few each week, with their meaning. Our names page lists all 99 with meanings and Urdu translation.
Reflect on one name a day and how it applies to your life.
Add them to your dhikr and use the digital tasbeeh.
Name your children carefully. See our baby names guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there only 99 names of Allah?

No. The hadith says there are 99 whose enumeration is rewarded, but Allah's names are more than that.

Is the list of 99 names authentic?

The hadith that Allah has 99 names is in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim. The specific list in Jami' at-Tirmidhi is considered by many scholars to have a later addition, so the standard list is a scholarly compilation.

What is the benefit of reciting the 99 Names?

The hadith promises Paradise to the one who enumerates them, which scholars take to include memorising, understanding and acting on them.

Can I use the names in dua?

Yes, and the Quran commands it (7:180).

Which name should I recite for a specific need?

Choose the name that fits your need, such as Ar-Razzaq for provision. A fixed number of recitations is not established.