Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Allah says: ‘I am just as My slave thinks I am, (i.e. I am able to do for him what he thinks I can do for him) and I am with him if He remembers Me. If he remembers Me in himself, I too, remember him in Myself; and if he remembers Me in a group of people, I remember him in a group that is better than they; and if he comes one span nearer to Me, I go one cubit nearer to him; and if he comes one cubit nearer to Me, I go a distance of two outstretched arms nearer to him; and if he comes to Me walking, I go to him running.’” [ Hadith; Sahih al-Bukhari 7405] For example, if we are merciful to people and creatures, this is simply the mercy of Allah working through us. We do not share in the divinity, although we are a conduit for it. The 99 Names of Allah are an important element of Islamic philosophy and theology. Each of the 99 Names is thought to hold a special significance, providing insight into the Divine and offering guidance to believers. To preserve them is said to mean to enumerate and count them in one’s supplication by them. It is said it means to persevere in them, to respect them in the best manner, to guard what they require, and to affirm their meanings. And it is said the meaning is to act by them and to obey Allah according to the implications of every name.

The Names are believed to have been revealed by Allah to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Reciting the 99 Names of Allah can help us connect to the Divine, gaining closeness and insight into our spiritual journey.Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, “Allah has ninety-nine names, i.e. one-hundred minus one, and whoever knows them will go to Paradise.” The 99 Names of Allah are of immense importance in Islam. These names represent God’s various attributes and help us better understand Allah and His purpose for us.

We must note, that these names are not superficial either. Some of the names of Allah may seem similar, but they are not synonymous. Each name represents a unique attribute. They highlight some virtue or value that is noble in Islam. To know them is a source of knowledge. What’s even greater is to try and integrate them into your life to be lived and emulated to the best of your ability. The Delayer, The One who puts things in their right places. He makes ahead what He wills and delays what He wills. 73 The special property of the human soul is knowledge of reality; and the more honourable the object of knowledge is, the more delightful the knowledge of it is. There is nothing more honourable than Allah s.w.t, nor anything more majestic” The pure One, so far removed of any imperfection. He has no shortcomings; evil is not attributed to Him. 5 The Gatherer, The One who gathers the creatures on a day that there is no doubt about, is the Day of Judgment. 88Say to them (O Prophet!): “Call upon Him as Allah or call upon Him as al-Rahman; call Him by whichever name you will, all His names are beautiful. Neither offer your Prayer in too loud a voice, nor in a voice too low; but follow a middle course.” ( 17:110) The most mentioned name of Allah in the Holy Quran is Al-Ghafur (The Ever-Forgiving). It occurs 91 times. The Solver, The Reliever, The Judge, The One who opens for His slaves the closed worldly and religious matters. 19

The Watcher, The One that nothing is absent from Him. Hence, its meaning is related to the attribute of knowledge. 44

The Dishonourer, The Humiliator, He gives esteem to whoever He willed, hence there is no one to degrade Him; And He degrades whoever He willed, hence there is no one to give Him esteem. The 99 Asma-ul-Husna have been recited and memorized by believers since early times to invoke harmony, safety, and blessings in their lives. Each sacred title holds immense power and provides a deep understanding of Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) divine being. Reciting the Asma-ul-Husna meaningfully helps believers feel comfort during emotional, physical, and spiritual distress. These glorious names intensify our faith, provide us hope, and help us stay close to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).