1. Allah’s Names & Attributes
Chapter 3

2. Ways of knowing Allah
He created the universe
He takes care of everything that exists.
Reflecting upon the creation of Allah (the trees, stars, moon, sun, clouds, etc.)
Knowing Allah through the Quran and Sunnah
These are the only two ways to learn about Allah.
We learn about Allah through what He says about himself in the Quran.
We learn about Allah through what the Messenger of Allah states about Him in the sunnah.

3. The excellent names of Allah
Among the names that we know, there are 99 that have a special importance.
Abu Hurairah reported the the Prophet (sAws) once said, “Surely Allah has 99 names, one less than a hundred. Whoever counts these names will enter jannah.
What does counting Allah’s names mean
Knowing them
Understanding them
Living in a way that shows that we know and believe in them.

4. Some wrong names of Allah
Sometimes people use weak ahadith to speak about the names of Allah, and the names found in these hadith are not true.
We cannot give Allah names that Allah has not used for Himself.

5. Some true names of Allah
Ar Rabb – The Lord; the One who owns and controls everything.
Ar-Rahman – The Most Merciful.
Ar-Raheem – The One who give mercy to those who deserve it
Al Malik – The true king
Al Quddoos – The Pure; the most perfect who does not make mistakes
As Salam – The One who gives peace
Al Mu’min – The One who gives security

6. The Supreme Qualities of Allah
Allah’s qualities are the most magnificent.
Each of Allah’s names has a meaning and tells of one of His qualities.
Allah also has other qualities that do not come from His name.
Severe in punishment
Angry with the disbelievers
Hates sins
Knowledge
By knowing Allah qualities, we get to know Him

7. How to understand Allah’s qualities
Allah’s qualities are not like the qualities of the people.
Allah created food and drink, but He does not need food or drink.
Allah states, “Say: should I take other than Allah as my protector? He is the creator of the heavens and earth. He feeds others, but He is not fed.” (6:14)
Allah created the sight, but His sight is not limited like ours.

8. How to understand Allah’s qualities Continued…
Allah does not need a wife, child, husband, or family.
Allah states, “Say: Allah is One. He is as-Samad. He did not have a child, nor was He born (to someone else). No one can ever be equal to Him.” (112:1-4)
Nothing is equal or like Allah
Allah states, “Nothing is like Him, and He is the All Hearing, the All Seeing.” (42:11)

9. Benefits in Knowing Allah’s Name
It helps us know Him better.
Knowing His qualities teaches us about His great reward and punishment.
Knowing His names helps us call on Him with respect and politeness.
By knowing Allah then we are helping ourselves.
Allah states, “Allah will surely help those who help His cause. Surely, Allah is Mighty and Honorable.” (22:40)

10. Those who do not know Allah
They waste time sleeping, eating, drinking, playing video games, etc.
They are selfish.
They do not do any good.
They follow their own desires.
Allah states, “Allah will surely admit those who believe and do good into gardens through which the rivers flow. And as for those who reject belief, they enjoy themselves now, and eat like the animals, but the hellfire will be their permanent home.” (22:40)