Sunday, July 27, 2014

The Beautiful Names of Allâh

The Beautiful Names of Allâh
By Wahiduddin Richard Shelquist


In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful;
 All the praise and thanks is due to Allāh, the Lord of the al-‘ālameen. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allāh, and that Muhammad, sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam is His Messenger.
 
“The most beautiful names belong to Allâh: so call on Him by them”

[Al-A’raf 7:180, tr Yusuf Ali]

“Call upon Allâh or call upon Rahmân: by whatever name ye call upon Him (it is well): for to Him belong the Most Beautiful Names.”

[Al-Isrā17:110, tr Yusuf Ali]

The glorious name Allâh, subhâna wa ta'âlâ,  is the greatest and most beautiful of all the names.  The name Allâh encompasses all of the divine names and attributes of perfection.

The name Allâh is the Arabic proper name of the One, while other names, descriptions and titles such as these ninety-nine beautiful names are considered to be attributes of Allâh. That is, they are the signs by which we recognize the wonder and glory of the Almighty One.

The essence of all attributes, descriptions and names are unified in this one name, Allâh, which denotes the ultimate perfection of love, harmony and beauty.

“He is Allah the Creator the Evolver the Bestower of Forms (or colors). To Him belong the Most Beautiful Names: Whatever is in the heavens and on earth doth declare His Praises and Glory: and He is the exalted in Might the Wise.”

[Al-Hashr 59:24, tr Yusuf Ali]

“Allah! there is no god but He! To Him belong the Most Beautiful Names.”

[ Ta Ha 20:8, tr Yusuf Ali]


No comments: