The Branches of Faith - Episode 09 - The Divine Names of Allah

In yet another profound talk, Shaykh Yasir Qadhi encompasses the importance of knowing Allah’s names, calling upon Allah by those names, and includes the discussion of the number of Allah’s names. He makes us understand that every Muslim who seeks knowledge about Allah and to increase his love for Allah can do so by learning more about His names and attributes. By learning more about Allah and about His essence, one can appreciate His power over all things, and can make one sincere toward Him and increase in taqwa (piety). Citing reference to the hadith that says, “Allah has ninety-nine names, one hundred less one. Whoever learns them will enter Paradise.” (Reported by Al-Bukhaari (2736) and Muslim (2677)), we are reaffirmed that we will taste the reward of Jannah if we memorize these wonderful attributes. However, Shaykh Yasir insists that many scholars conform to the fact that learning the 99 names doesn’t mean that all names total to ninety nine. The Qur'an alone has 200 names mentioned in various Surahs. Allah commands the believers in the Qur'an to call upon Him using His names (that we know). The verse states: “And (all) the Most Beautiful Names belong to Allah, so call on Him by them…” [Surah al-Aaraaf 7:180] Hence, Shaykh Yasir Qadhi stresses on the very fact to constantly contemplate, comprehend, memorise and then implement the names and attributes of Allah SWT in our daily existence while making dua'. This, he assures, will pave a way for the ultimate destination - Paradise.