Investigating the “99 Names of God”

Most Muslims are familiar with the list of the “99 names of God.” The Quran actually specifies more names than this, but for the sake of this article, I want to look at where these names can be found with respect to the Quran and highlight some issues with this list of names. Below is the list of 99 names.

Next to each name, in the leftmost column, it references a verse that utilizes the name specified. The verses with an ( * ) next to them are ones where the exact form of the name is not found in the Quran, but either another form of that name is found, or a reference to God possessing that quality appears. In total, 36 names fall under this category.

Nine of the words do not have any reference to God in the Quran, in which a ( ? ) is placed for the verse number. These nine names are the following:

• #22, AL-KHAAFIDH ( ٱلْخَافِضُ ) = The Reducer, The Lowerer
• #29, Al-‘ADL ( ٱلْعَدْلُ ) = The Fair, The Equitable
• #71, AL-MUQADDIM ( ٱلْمُقَدِّمُ ) = The Expediter, The Promoter
• #86, AL-MUQSIT ( ٱلْمُقْسِطُ ) = The Equitable, The Just
• #90, AL-MANI’ ( ٱلْمَانِعُ ) = The Withholder, Preventer
• #91, AD-DHARR ( ٱلْضَّارُ ) = The Distresser (Hardship)
• #92, AN-NAFI’ ( ٱلْنَّافِعُ ) = The Benefactor
• #93, AN-NUR* ( ٱلْنُّورُ ) = The Light, The Illuminator
• #99, AS-SABOOR ( ٱلْصَّبُورُ ) = The Steadfast, The Patient

More details regarding the names that fall under these two categories ( * and ? ) are discussed below.

#	Name	Transliteration	Meaning	Quran
1	ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنُ	AR-RAHMAAN	Most Gracious	1:1
2	ٱلرَّحِيمُ	AR-RAHEEM	Most Merciful	1:1
3	ٱلْمَلِكُ	AL-MALIK	Master	1:3
4	ٱلْقُدُّوسُ	AL-QUDDUS	Most Sacred	59:23
5	ٱلْسَّلَامُ	AS-SALAM	The Peace	59:23
6	ٱلْمُؤْمِنُ	AL-MU’MIN	Most Faithful	59:23
7	ٱلْمُهَيْمِنُ	AL-MUHAYMIN	The Guardian / The Supreme	59:23
8	ٱلْعَزِيزُ	AL-AZEEZ	The Almighty	2:129
9	ٱلْجَبَّارُ	AL-JABBAR	Most Powerful	59:23
10	ٱلْمُتَكَبِّرُ	AL-MUTAKABBIR	The Supreme / Most Dignified	59:23
11	ٱلْخَـٰلِقُ	AL-KHAALIQ	The Creator	59:24
12	ٱلْبَارِئُ	AL-BAARI’	The Originator	2:54*
13	ٱلْمُصَوِّرُ	AL-MUSAWWIR	The Designer	59:24
14	ٱلْغَفُورُ	AL-GHAFFAR	The All- and Oft-Forgiving	10:107
15	ٱلْقَاهِرُ	AL-QAHHIR	The Supreme	6:18
16	ٱلْوَهَّابُ	AL-WAHHAAB	The Grantor	3:8
17	ٱلرَّزَّاقُ	AR-RAZZAAQ	The Provider	51:58
18	ٱلْفَتَّاحُ	AL-FATTAAH	The Judge	34:26
19	ٱلْعَلِيمُ	AL-‘ALEEM	The All-Knowing, The Omniscient	2:32
20	ٱلْقَابِضُ	AL-QAABID	The Withholder	2:245*
21	ٱلْبَاسِطُ	AL-BAASIT	The Extender	34:39*
22	ٱلْخَافِضُ	AL-KHAAFIDH	The Lowerer	?
23	ٱلْرَّافِعُ	AR-RAAFI’	The Exalter, The Elevator	40:15*
24	ٱلْمُعِزُّ	AL-MU’IZZ	The Glory	6:143*
25	ٱلْمُذِلُّ	AL-MUZIL	The Dishonourer, The Humiliator	3:26*
26	ٱلسَّمِيعُ	AS-SAMEE’	The Hearer	2:127
27	ٱلْبَصِيرُ	AL-BASEER	The Seer	17:1
28	ٱلْحَكَمُ	AL-HAKAM	The Judge	16:124*
29	ٱلْعَدْلُ	AL-‘ADL	The Fair, The Equitable	?
30	ٱللَّطِيفُ	AL-LATEEF	The Subtle One, The Most Gentle	6:103
31	ٱلْخَبِيرُ	AL-KHABEER	The Cognizant, the All-Aware	6:18
32	ٱلْحَلِيمُ	AL-HALEEM	The Clement	2:225*
33	ٱلْعَظِيمُ	AL-‘ATHEEM	The Great	2:255
34	ٱلْغَفُورُ	AL-GHAFOOR	The Forgiver	10:107
35	ٱلْشَّكُورُ	ASH-SHAKOOR	The Appreciative	2:158*
36	ٱلْعَلِيُّ	AL-‘ALEE	The Most High, The Exalted	2:255
37	ٱلْكَبِيرُ	AL-KABEER	Most Great	34:23
38	ٱلْحَفِيظُ	AL-HAFEEDH	The Protector	12:64*
39	ٱلْمُقِيتُ	AL-MUQEET	The Controller of Distributions	4:85*
40	ٱلْحَسِيبُ	AL-HASEEB	The Reckoner, The Sufficient	4:86*
41	ٱلْجَلِيلُ	AL-JALEEL	The Majestic	55:27*
42	ٱلْكَرِيمُ	AL-KAREEM	The Most Generous, The Most Honorable	82:6
43	ٱلْرَّقِيبُ	AR-RAQEEB	The Watchful	5:117
44	ٱلْمُجِيبُ	AL-MUJEEB	The Responsive One	2:186*
45	ٱلْوَاسِعُ	AL-WAASI’	The All-Encompassing, the Boundless	2:268*
46	ٱلْحَكِيمُ	AL-HAKEEM	Most Wise	2:32
47	ٱلْوَدُودُ	AL-WADOOD	The Most Loving	85:14
48	ٱلْمَجِيدُ	AL-MAJEED	The Glorious, The Most Honorable	11:73*
49	ٱلْبَاعِثُ	AL-BA’ITH	The Resurrector	16:38*
50	ٱلْشَّهِيدُ	ASH-SHAHEED	The All Witnessing	5:117*
51	ٱلْحَقُّ	AL-HAQQ	The Truth	31:30
52	ٱلْوَكِيلُ	AL-WAKEEL	The Trustee, The Disposer of Affairs	3:173
53	ٱلْقَوِىُّ	AL-QAWIYY	The All-Strong	11:66
54	ٱلْمَتِينُ	AL-MATEEN	The Firm, The Steadfast	51:58
55	ٱلْوَلِىُّ	AL-WALIYY	The Protecting Associate	42:28
56	ٱلْحَمِيدُ	AL-HAMEED	The Praiseworthy	31:26
57	ٱلْمُحْصِيُ	AL-MUHSEE	The All-Enumerating, The Counter	58:6*
58	ٱلْمُبْدِئُ	AL-MUBDI	The Originator, The Initiator	29:19*
59	ٱلْمُعِيدُ	AL-MU’ID	The Restorer, The Reinstater	10:4
60	ٱلْمُحْيِى	AL-MUHYEE	The Giver of Life	40:68*
61	ٱلْمُمِيتُ	AL-MUMEET	The Bringer of Death, the Destroyer	40:68*
62	ٱلْحَىُّ	AL-HAYY	The Living	2:255
63	ٱلْقَيُّومُ	AL-QAYYOOM	The Eternal	2:255
64	ٱلْوَاجِدُ	AL-WAAJID	The Finder	93:7*
65	ٱلْمَاجِدُ	AL-MAAJID	The Illustrious, the Magnificent	11:73*
66	ٱلْوَٰحِدُ	AL-WAAHID	The One	39:4
67	ٱلْأَحَد	AL-AHAD	The Unique, The Only One	112:1*
68	ٱلْصَّمَدُ	AS-SAMAD	The Absolute	112:2
69	ٱلْقَادِرُ	AL-QADIR	The Capable, The Powerful	6:65
70	ٱلْمُقْتَدِرُ	AL-MUQTADIR	The Omnipotent, All Able	54:42*
71	ٱلْمُقَدِّمُ	AL-MUQADDIM	The Expediter, The Promoter	?
72	ٱلْمُؤَخِّرُ	AL-MU’AKHKHIR	The Respiter	14:42*
73	ٱلْأَوَّلُ	AL-AWWAL	The First	57:3
74	وَٱلْـَٔاخِرُ	AL-AAKHIR	The Last	57:3
75	وَٱلظَّـٰهِرُ	AZ-DHAAHIR	The Manifest, The Outermost	57:3
76	ٱلْبَاطِنُ	AL-BAATIN	The Hidden One, The Innermost	57:3
77	ٱلْوَالِي	AL-WAALI	The Protector, Lord and Master	42:28
78	ٱلْمُتَعَالِي	AL-MUTA’ALI	The Most Exalted	13:9*
79	ٱلْبَرُّ	AL-BARR	The Source of Goodness, the Kind Benefactor	52:28
80	ٱلتَّوَّابُ	AT-TAWWAB	The Ever-Pardoning, The Relenting	2:37
81	ٱلْمُنْتَقِمُ	AL-MUNTAQIM	The Avenger	3:4*
82	ٱلْعَفُوُّ	AL-‘AFUWW	The Pardoner	4:149*
83	ٱلْرَّؤُفُ	AR-RA’OOF	The Most Kind	9:117*
84	مَالِكُ ٱلْمُلْكُ	MAALIK-UL-MULK	Possesor of all sovereignity	3:26
85	ذُو ٱلْجَلَالِ وَٱلْإِكْرَامُ	DHUL-JALAALI WAL-IKRAAM	Possessor of Glory and Honor	55:27
86	ٱلْمُقْسِطُ	AL-MUQSIT	The Equitable, The Just	?
87	ٱلْجَامِعُ	AL-JAAMI’	The Gatherer, the Uniter	64:9
88	ٱلْغَنيُّ	AL-GHANIYY	The Self-Sufficient, The Rich	35:15
89	ٱلْمُغْنِيُّ	AL-MUGHNI	The Enricher	9:28
90	ٱلْمَانِعُ	AL-MANI’	The Withholder, Preventer	?
91	ٱلْضَّارُ	AD-DHARR	The Distresser (Hardship)	?
92	ٱلْنَّافِعُ	AN-NAFI’	The Benefactor	?
93	ٱلْنُّورُ	AN-NUR	The Light, The Illuminator	24:35?
94	ٱلْهَادِي	AL-HAADI	The Guide	27:63*
95	ٱلْبَدِيعُ	AL-BADEE’	The Originator	2:117*
96	ٱلْبَاقِي	AL-BAAQI	The Ever-Surviving, The Everlasting	20:73*
97	ٱلْوَارِثُ	AL-WAARITH	The Inheritor, The Heir	3:180*
98	ٱلْرَّشِيدُ	AR-RASHEED	The Guide, Infallible Teacher	57:10*
99	ٱلْصَّبُورُ	AS-SABOOR	The Steadfast, The Patient	?

Names (*)

#12 Al-Barri’ ( ٱلْبَارِئُ ) = The Creator / Initiator

This form of the name of God does not occur in the Quran, but we do see the term “your Creator” (barri’kum / بَارِئِكُمْ ) referecned twice in the following verse when Moses addressed the Children of Israel:

[2:54] Recall that Moses said to his people, “O my people, you have wronged your souls by worshiping the calf. You must repent to your Creator. You shall kill your egos. This is better for you in the sight of your Creator.” He did redeem you. He is the Redeemer, Most Merciful.

 وَإِذْ قَالَ مُوسَىٰ لِقَوْمِهِۦ يَـٰقَوْمِ إِنَّكُمْ ظَلَمْتُمْ أَنفُسَكُم بِٱتِّخَاذِكُمُ ٱلْعِجْلَ فَتُوبُوٓا۟ إِلَىٰ بَارِئِكُمْ فَٱقْتُلُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَكُمْ ذَٰلِكُمْ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ عِندَ بَارِئِكُمْ فَتَابَ عَلَيْكُمْ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلتَّوَّابُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ

#20 AL-QAABID ( ٱلْقَابِضُ ) = The Witholder

This form of the name of God does not occur in the Quran, but we see that God is the One who withholds in the following verse through the term (yaqbiḍu/ يَقْبِضُ ):

[2:245] Who would lend GOD a loan of righteousness, to have it repaid to them multiplied manifold? GOD is the One who provides and withholds, and to Him you will be returned.

 مَّن ذَا ٱلَّذِى يُقْرِضُ ٱللَّهَ قَرْضًا حَسَنًا فَيُضَـٰعِفَهُۥ لَهُۥٓ أَضْعَافًا كَثِيرَةً وَٱللَّهُ يَقْبِضُ وَيَبْصُۜطُ وَإِلَيْهِ تُرْجَعُونَ

#21 Al-Bassat ( ٱلْبَاسِطُ ) = The Extender / The Increaser

This form of the name of God does not occur in the Quran, but we see that God is the One who increases in the following verses: 2:245, 28:82, 39:52, 30:37, 17:30, 13:26, 34:36, 34:49, 29:62, 42:12.

[39:52] Do they not realize that GOD is the One who increases the provision for whomever He chooses, and withholds? These are lessons for people who believe.

(٥٢) أَوَلَمْ يَعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَبْسُطُ ٱلرِّزْقَ لِمَن يَشَآءُ وَيَقْدِرُ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَـٰتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ

#23 AR-RAAFI’ ( ٱلْرَّافِعُ ) = The Exalter / The Elevator

This form of the name of God does not occur in the Quran, but we see that God is the One who raises and exalts in the following verses: 2:253, 4:158, 6:165, 13:2, 35:10, 40:15 (ranks), 55:7, 58:11, 79:28.

[58:11] O you who believe, if you are told, “Please make room,” you shall make room for each other to sit. GOD will then make room for you. If you are asked to get up and move, get up and move. GOD raises those among you who believe, and those who acquire knowledge to higher ranks. GOD is fully Cognizant of everything you do.

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ إِذَا قِيلَ لَكُمْ تَفَسَّحُوا۟ فِى ٱلْمَجَـٰلِسِ فَٱفْسَحُوا۟ يَفْسَحِ ٱللَّهُ لَكُمْ وَإِذَا قِيلَ ٱنشُزُوا۟ فَٱنشُزُوا۟ يَرْفَعِ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ مِنكُمْ وَٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُوا۟ ٱلْعِلْمَ دَرَجَـٰتٍ وَٱللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرٌ

#24 AL-MU’IZZ ( ٱلْمُعِزُّ ) = The Honor

This form of the name of God does not occur in the Quran, but we see that God is the One who Honors who He wills:

[3:26] Say, “Our god: possessor of all sovereignty. You grant sovereignty to whomever You choose, You remove sovereignty from whomever You choose. You grant dignity to whomever You choose, and commit to humiliation whomever You choose. In Your hand are all provisions. You are Omnipotent.

(٢٦) قُلِ ٱللَّهُمَّ مَـٰلِكَ ٱلْمُلْكِ تُؤْتِى ٱلْمُلْكَ مَن تَشَآءُ وَتَنزِعُ ٱلْمُلْكَ مِمَّن تَشَآءُ وَتُعِزُّ مَن تَشَآءُ وَتُذِلُّ مَن تَشَآءُ بِيَدِكَ ٱلْخَيْرُ إِنَّكَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدِيرٌ

13	watuʿizzu	وَتُعِزُّ	and You honor
14	man	مَن	whom
15	tashāu	تَشَآءُ	You will,

#25 AL-MUZIL ( ٱلْمُذِلُّ ) = The Dishonourer, The Humiliator

This form of the name of God does not occur in the Quran, but we see that God humiliates or dishonors whom He wills in the following verse.

[3:26] Say, “Our god: possessor of all sovereignty. You grant sovereignty to whomever You choose, You remove sovereignty from whomever You choose. You grant dignity to whomever You choose, and commit to humiliation whomever You choose. In Your hand are all provisions. You are Omnipotent.

(٢٦) قُلِ ٱللَّهُمَّ مَـٰلِكَ ٱلْمُلْكِ تُؤْتِى ٱلْمُلْكَ مَن تَشَآءُ وَتَنزِعُ ٱلْمُلْكَ مِمَّن تَشَآءُ وَتُعِزُّ مَن تَشَآءُ وَتُذِلُّ مَن تَشَآءُ بِيَدِكَ ٱلْخَيْرُ إِنَّكَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدِيرٌ

16	watudhillu	وَتُذِلُّ	and You humiliate
17	man	مَن	whom
18	tashāu	تَشَآءُ	You will.

#28 Al-HAKAM ( ٱلْحَكَمُ ) = The Judge

This form of the name of God does not occur in the Quran, but we see that God is the One who judges in the following verse:

[16:124] The Sabbath was decreed only for those who ended up disputing it (Jews & Christians). Your Lord is the One who will judge them on the Day of Resurrection regarding their disputes.

(١٢٤) إِنَّمَا جُعِلَ ٱلسَّبْتُ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ ٱخْتَلَفُوا۟ فِيهِ وَإِنَّ رَبَّكَ لَيَحْكُمُ بَيْنَهُمْ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَـٰمَةِ فِيمَا كَانُوا۟ فِيهِ يَخْتَلِفُونَ

#32 AL-HALEEM ( ٱلْحَلِيمُ ) = The Clement

The name AL-HALEEM ( ٱلْحَلِيمُ ) is never used in the Quran towards God with the definitive article. But the attribute is used toward God twelve times without the definitive article.

ḥalīman	حَلِيمًا	Clement,	17:44
ḥalīman	حَلِيمًا	Clement,	35:41
ḥalīman	حَلِيمًا	Clement.	33:51
ḥalīmun	حَلِيمٌ	Clement.	4:12
ḥalīmun	حَلِيمٌ	Clement.	22:59
ḥalīmun	حَلِيمٌ	Clement.	2:235
ḥalīmun	حَلِيمٌ	Clement.	3:155
ḥalīmun	حَلِيمٌ	Clement.	2:263
ḥalīmun	حَلِيمٌ	Clement.	5:101
ḥalīmun	حَلِيمٌ	clement.	9:114
ḥalīmun	حَلِيمٌ	Clement.	64:17
ḥalīmun	حَلِيمٌ	Clement.	2:225

The only time we see this word used with the definitive article in the Quran is by the disbelieving people of Shu’aib towards him.

[11:87] They said, “O Shu’aib, does your religion dictate upon you that we must abandon our parents’ religion, or running our businesses in any manner we choose? Surely, you are known for being clement, wise.”

(٨٧) قَالُوا۟ يَـٰشُعَيْبُ أَصَلَوٰتُكَ تَأْمُرُكَ أَن نَّتْرُكَ مَا يَعْبُدُ ءَابَآؤُنَآ أَوْ أَن نَّفْعَلَ فِىٓ أَمْوَٰلِنَا مَا نَشَـٰٓؤُا۟ إِنَّكَ لَأَنتَ ٱلْحَلِيمُ ٱلرَّشِيدُ

#35 ASH-SHAKOOR ( ٱلْشَّكُورُ ) = The Appreciative

The name ASH-SHAKOOR ( ٱلْشَّكُورُ ) is never used in the Quran towards God with the definitive article. But the attribute is used toward God seven times without the definitive article.

shākiran	شَاكِرًا	Appreciative,	4:147
shākiran	شَاكِرًا	Appreciative	16:121
shākirun	شَاكِرٌ	Appreciative	2:158
shākirun	شَاكِرٌ	Appreciative	42:23
shākirun	شَاكِرٌ	Appreciative	35:30
shākirun	شَاكِرٌ	Appreciative	35:34
shākirun	شَاكِرٌ	Appreciative	64:17

The only time we see this word used with the definitive article is towards God’s servants.

[34:13] They made for him anything he wanted—niches, statues, deep pools, and heavy cooking pots. O family of David, work (righteousness) to show your appreciation. Only a few of My servants are appreciative.

(١٣) يَعْمَلُونَ لَهُۥ مَا يَشَآءُ مِن مَّحَـٰرِيبَ وَتَمَـٰثِيلَ وَجِفَانٍ كَٱلْجَوَابِ وَقُدُورٍ رَّاسِيَـٰتٍ ٱعْمَلُوٓا۟ ءَالَ دَاوُۥدَ شُكْرًا وَقَلِيلٌ مِّنْ عِبَادِىَ ٱلشَّكُورُ

#38 AL-HAFEEDH ( ٱلْحَفِيظُ ) = The Protector, Guardian

The name AL-HAFEEDH ( ٱلْحَفِيظُ ) is never used in the Quran towards God with the definitive article. But the attribute is used toward God twelve twice without the definitive article in 11:57, 12:64, 42:6, 34:21 and also as an action God provides in 4:34.

[34:21] He never had any power over them. But we thus distinguish those who believe in the Hereafter from those who are doubtful about it. Your Lord is a Guardian of all things.

(٢١) وَمَا كَانَ لَهُۥ عَلَيْهِم مِّن سُلْطَـٰنٍ إِلَّا لِنَعْلَمَ مَن يُؤْمِنُ بِٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ مِمَّنْ هُوَ مِنْهَا فِى شَكٍّ وَرَبُّكَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ حَفِيظٌ

17	warabbuka	وَرَبُّكَ	And your Lord
18	ʿalā	عَلَىٰ	over
19	kulli	كُلِّ	all
20	shayin	شَىْءٍ	thing(s)
21	ḥafīẓun	حَفِيظٌ	a Guardian / Protector.

#39 AL-MUQEET ( ٱلْمُقِيتُ ) = The Controller of Distributions

The name AL-MUQEET ( ٱلْمُقِيتُ ) is never used in the Quran towards God with the definitive article. The attribute without the definitive article is only used once in the Quran towards God in the following verse.

[4:85] Whoever mediates a good deed receives a share of the credit thereof, and whoever mediates an evil work, incurs a share thereof. GOD controls all things.

(٨٥) مَّن يَشْفَعْ شَفَـٰعَةً حَسَنَةً يَكُن لَّهُۥ نَصِيبٌ مِّنْهَا وَمَن يَشْفَعْ شَفَـٰعَةً سَيِّئَةً يَكُن لَّهُۥ كِفْلٌ مِّنْهَا وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ مُّقِيتًا

17	wakāna	وَكَانَ	And [He] is
18	l-lahu	ٱللَّهُ	God
19	ʿalā	عَلَىٰ	over
20	kulli	كُلِّ	every
21	shayin	شَىْءٍ	thing
22	muqītan	مُّقِيتًا	a Controller of Distributions.

#40 AL-HASEEB ( ٱلْحَسِيبُ ) = The Reckoner, The Sufficient

The name AL-HASEEB ( ٱلْحَسِيبُ ) is never used in the Quran towards God with the definitive article. The attribute without the definitive article is only used once in the Quran towards God in the following verse.

ḥasīban	حَسِيبًا	a Reckoner.	4:86
ḥasīban	حَسِيبًا	a Reckoner.	33:39
ḥasīban	حَسِيبًا	a Reckoner.	4:6

#41 AL-JALEEL ( ٱلْجَلِيلُ ) = The Majestic

The name AL-JALEEL ( ٱلْجَلِيلُ ) is never used in the Quran towards God. Instead, the following verses state that God is the Possessor of Majesty.

[55:27] Only the presence of your Lord lasts. Possessor of Majesty and Honor.

(٢٧) وَيَبْقَىٰ وَجْهُ رَبِّكَ ذُو ٱلْجَلَـٰلِ وَٱلْإِكْرَامِ

[55:78] Most exalted is the name of your Lord, Possessor of Majesty and Honor.

(٧٨) تَبَـٰرَكَ ٱسْمُ رَبِّكَ ذِى ٱلْجَلَـٰلِ وَٱلْإِكْرَامِ

#44 AL-MUJEEB ( ٱلْمُجِيبُ ) = The Responder

This form of the name of God does not occur in the Quran, but we see that God is the One who responds to our calls and prayers.

[2:186] When My servants ask you about Me, I am always near. I answer their prayers when they pray to Me. The people shall respond to Me and believe in Me, in order to be guided.

(١٨٦) وَإِذَا سَأَلَكَ عِبَادِى عَنِّى فَإِنِّى قَرِيبٌ أُجِيبُ دَعْوَةَ ٱلدَّاعِ إِذَا دَعَانِ فَلْيَسْتَجِيبُوا۟ لِى وَلْيُؤْمِنُوا۟ بِى لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْشُدُونَ

1	wa-idhā	وَإِذَا	And when [in the future]
2	sa-alaka	سَأَلَكَ	[he] asked you
3	ʿibādī	عِبَادِى	My servants
4	ʿannī	عَنِّى	about Me,
5	fa-innī	فَإِنِّى	then indeed I am
6	qarībun	قَرِيبٌ	near.
7	ujību	أُجِيبُ	I respond / answer
8	daʿwata	دَعْوَةَ	(the) prayers (of)
9	l-dāʿi	ٱلدَّاعِ	the caller
10	idhā	إِذَا	when
11	daʿāni	دَعَانِ	he called Me.

#45 Al-WAASi’ ( ٱلْوَاسِعُ ) = All Encompassing

The name Al-WAASi’ ( ٱلْوَاسِعُ ) is never used in the Quran towards God, but the form is used eight times in the Quran towards God without the definitive article.

wāsiʿan	وَٰسِعًا	All-Encompassing / Bounteous,	4:130
wāsiʿun	وَٰسِعٌ	All-Encompassing / Omnipresent,	2:115
wāsiʿun	وَٰسِعٌ	All-Encompassing / Bounteous,	2:261
wāsiʿun	وَٰسِعٌ	All-Encompassing / Bounteous,	2:247
wāsiʿun	وَٰسِعٌ	All-Encompassing / Bounteous,	5:54
wāsiʿun	وَٰسِعٌ	All-Encompassing / Bounteous,	3:73
wāsiʿun	وَٰسِعٌ	All-Encompassing / Bounteous,	24:32
wāsiʿun	وَٰسِعٌ	All-Encompassing / Bounteous,	2:268

#48 Al-Majeed ( ٱلْمَجِيدُ ) = The Glorious

The name Al-Majeed ( ٱلْمَجِيدُ ) is never used in the Quran towards God, but we find the form ( مَّجِيدٌ ) towards God in the following verse.

[11:73] They said, “Do you find it strange for GOD? GOD has bestowed His mercy and blessings upon you, O inhabitants of the shrine. He is Praiseworthy, Glorious.”

(٧٣) قَالُوٓا۟ أَتَعْجَبِينَ مِنْ أَمْرِ ٱللَّهِ رَحْمَتُ ٱللَّهِ وَبَرَكَـٰتُهُۥ عَلَيْكُمْ أَهْلَ ٱلْبَيْتِ إِنَّهُۥ حَمِيدٌ مَّجِيدٌ

It is worth mentioning that this root is only used four times in the Quran. Two of these other occurrences use the definitive article ( ٱلْمَجِيدِ ) and are used to describe the Quran (50:1, 85:15), while the third occurrence is used to describe God’s throne (85:21).

#49 Al-Ba’ith ( ٱلْبَاعِثُ ) = The Ressurector

The name Al-Majeed ( ٱلْمَجِيدُ ) is never used in the Quran towards God, but we see that God is the One who resurrects the dead.

[6:36] The only ones to respond are those who listen. GOD resurrects the dead; they ultimately return to Him.

(٣٦) إِنَّمَا يَسْتَجِيبُ ٱلَّذِينَ يَسْمَعُونَ وَٱلْمَوْتَىٰ يَبْعَثُهُمُ ٱللَّهُ ثُمَّ إِلَيْهِ يُرْجَعُونَ

#50 ASH-SHAHEED ( ٱلْشَّهِيدُ ) = The Witness

The name ASH-SHAHEED ( ٱلْشَّهِيدُ ) is never used in the Quran towards God, but we see the following form ( شَهِيدٌ ) used in 5:117.

[5:117] “I told them only what You commanded me to say, that: ‘You shall worship GOD, my Lord and your Lord.’ I was a witness among them for as long as I lived with them. When You terminated my life on earth, You became the Watcher over them. You witness all things.

 مَا قُلْتُ لَهُمْ إِلَّا مَآ أَمَرْتَنِى بِهِۦٓ أَنِ ٱعْبُدُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ رَبِّى وَرَبَّكُمْ وَكُنتُ عَلَيْهِمْ شَهِيدًا مَّا دُمْتُ فِيهِمْ فَلَمَّا تَوَفَّيْتَنِى كُنتَ أَنتَ ٱلرَّقِيبَ عَلَيْهِمْ وَأَنتَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ شَهِيدٌ

#57 AL-MUHSEE ( ٱلْمُحْصِيُ ) = The All-Enumerating, The Counter

The name AL-MUHSEE ( ٱلْمُحْصِيُ ) is never used in the Quran towards God, but we see the following form ( أَحْصَىٰهُمْ and أَحْصَىٰهُ and وَأَحْصَىٰ ) used in 19:94, 58:6, 72:28.

[72:28] This is to ascertain that they have delivered their Lord’s messages. He is fully aware of what they have. He has counted the numbers of all things.

(٢٨) لِّيَعْلَمَ أَن قَدْ أَبْلَغُوا۟ رِسَـٰلَـٰتِ رَبِّهِمْ وَأَحَاطَ بِمَا لَدَيْهِمْ وَأَحْصَىٰ كُلَّ شَىْءٍ عَدَدًۢا

#58 AL-MUBDI ( ٱلْمُبْدِئُ ) = The Initiator

The name AL-MUBDI ( ٱلْمُبْدِئُ ) is not used in the Quran as a name of God, but we see that God initiates in the following verses: 29:20, 7:29, 32:7, 10:34, 30:27

bada-a	بَدَأَ	He initiated	29:20
bada-akum	بَدَأَكُمْ	He initiated you [all],	7:29
wabada-a	وَبَدَأَ	and He started	32:7
yabda-u	يَبْدَؤُا۟	[He] initiates	10:34
yabda-u	يَبْدَؤُا۟	[He] initiates	30:27
yabda-u	يَبْدَؤُا۟	[He] initiates	27:64
yabda-u	يَبْدَؤُا۟	[He] initiates	30:11
yabda-u	يَبْدَؤُا۟	[He] initiates	10:4
yub’di-u	يُبْدِئُ	[He] initiates	29:19
yub’di-u	يُبْدِئُ	[He] initiates	85:13

[29:19] Have they not seen how GOD initiates the creation, then repeats it? This is easy for GOD to do.

(١٩) أَوَلَمْ يَرَوْا۟ كَيْفَ يُبْدِئُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلْخَلْقَ ثُمَّ يُعِيدُهُۥٓ إِنَّ ذَٰلِكَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ يَسِيرٌ

#59 AL-MU’ID ( ٱلْمُعِيدُ ) = The Restorer, The Reinstater

This form of the name of God does not occur in the Quran, but we see that God is the One who repeats the creation:

[10:4] To Him is your ultimate return, all of you. This is GOD’s truthful promise. He initiates the creation, then He repeats it, in order to reward those who believe and lead a righteous life, equitably. As for those who disbelieve, they incur hellish drinks, and a painful retribution for their disbelieving.

 إِلَيْهِ مَرْجِعُكُمْ جَمِيعًا وَعْدَ ٱللَّهِ حَقًّا إِنَّهُۥ يَبْدَؤُا۟ ٱلْخَلْقَ ثُمَّ يُعِيدُهُۥ لِيَجْزِىَ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَعَمِلُوا۟ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ بِٱلْقِسْطِ وَٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ لَهُمْ شَرَابٌ مِّنْ حَمِيمٍ وَعَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌۢ بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَكْفُرُونَ

#60 Al-Muhyee ( ٱلْمُحْيِى ) = The Giver of Life

This form of the name of God does not occur in the Quran, but we see that God is the One who gives life:

[40:68] He is the only One who He gives life, and He causes death. To have anything done, He simply says to it, “Be,” and it is.

(٦٨) هُوَ ٱلَّذِى يُحْىِۦ وَيُمِيتُ فَإِذَا قَضَىٰٓ أَمْرًا فَإِنَّمَا يَقُولُ لَهُۥ كُن فَيَكُونُ

#61 Al-MUMEET ( ٱلْمُمِيتُ ) = The Bringer of Death

This form of the name of God does not occur in the Quran, but we see that God is the One who causes death:

[40:68] He is the only One who He gives life, and He causes death. To have anything done, He simply says to it, “Be,” and it is.

(٦٨) هُوَ ٱلَّذِى يُحْىِۦ وَيُمِيتُ فَإِذَا قَضَىٰٓ أَمْرًا فَإِنَّمَا يَقُولُ لَهُۥ كُن فَيَكُونُ

#64 AL-WAAJID ( ٱلْوَاجِدُ ) = The Finder

This form of the name of God does not occur in the Quran, but we see that God is the One who found…in the following verse.

[93:7] He found you astray, and guided you.

(٧) وَوَجَدَكَ ضَآلًّا فَهَدَىٰ

[93:8] He found you poor, and made you rich.

(٨) وَوَجَدَكَ عَآئِلًا فَأَغْنَىٰ

#65 AL-MAAJID ( ٱلْمَاجِدُ ) = The Illustrious, the Magnificent

The name MAAJID ( ٱلْمَاجِدُ ) is never used in the Quran towards God, but we find the form ( مَّجِيدٌ ) towards God in the following verse.

[11:73] They said, “Do you find it strange for GOD? GOD has bestowed His mercy and blessings upon you, O inhabitants of the shrine. He is Praiseworthy, Glorious.”

(٧٣) قَالُوٓا۟ أَتَعْجَبِينَ مِنْ أَمْرِ ٱللَّهِ رَحْمَتُ ٱللَّهِ وَبَرَكَـٰتُهُۥ عَلَيْكُمْ أَهْلَ ٱلْبَيْتِ إِنَّهُۥ حَمِيدٌ مَّجِيدٌ

It is worth mentioning that this root is only used four times in the Quran. Two of these other occurrences use the definitive article ( ٱلْمَجِيدِ ) and are used to describe the Quran (50:1, 85:15), while the third occurrence is used to describe God’s throne (85:21).

[50:1] Q., and the glorious Quran.

(١) قٓ وَٱلْقُرْءَانِ ٱلْمَجِيدِ

#67 AL-AHAD ( ٱلْأَحَد ) = The Only One

The name AL-AHAD ( ٱلْأَحَد ) is not used in the Quran towards God with the definitive article, but we do have the following.

[112:1] Proclaim, “He is the One and only GOD.

(١) قُلْ هُوَ ٱللَّهُ أَحَدٌ

#70 AL-MUQTADIR ( ٱلْمُقْتَدِرُ ) = All able, Omnipotent

The name AL-MUQTADIR ( ٱلْمُقْتَدِرُ ) is not used in the Quran towards God with the definitive article, but we do have the following form used ( مُّقْتَدِرٍ ) in 54:42, 54:45 and the following form ( مُّقْتَدِرًا ) in18:45.

[18:45] Cite for them the example of this life as water that we send down from the sky to produce plants of the earth, then they turn into hay that is blown away by the wind. GOD is able to do all things.

 وَٱضْرِبْ لَهُم مَّثَلَ ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا كَمَآءٍ أَنزَلْنَـٰهُ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ فَٱخْتَلَطَ بِهِۦ نَبَاتُ ٱلْأَرْضِ فَأَصْبَحَ هَشِيمًا تَذْرُوهُ ٱلرِّيَـٰحُ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ مُّقْتَدِرًا

#72 AL-MU’AKHKHIR ( ٱلْمُؤَخِّرُ ) = The ResPITER

This form of the name of God does not occur in the Quran, but we see that God is the One who respites in the following verse:

yu-akhiruhum	يُؤَخِّرُهُمْ	He respites them	14:42
yu-akhiruhum	يُؤَخِّرُهُمْ	He respites them	16:61
yu-akhiruhum	يُؤَخِّرُهُمْ	He respites them	35:45

For those who translate AL-MU’AKHKHIR ( ٱلْمُؤَخِّرُ ) as Delayer and attribute this name to God, this goes against the Quran as the Quran claims that God never delays.

[63:11] GOD never delays the appointed time of death for any soul. GOD is fully Cognizant of everything you do.

(١١) وَلَن يُؤَخِّرَ ٱللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِذَا جَآءَ أَجَلُهَا وَٱللَّهُ خَبِيرٌۢ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ

#78 AL-MUTA’ALI ( ٱلْمُتَعَالِي ) = The Most High, The Most Exalted

This form of the name of God does not occur in the Quran, but we see that the following form ( ٱلْمُتَعَالِ ) in the below verse.

[13:9] The Knower of all secrets and declarations; the Supreme, the Most High.

(٩) عَـٰلِمُ ٱلْغَيْبِ وَٱلشَّهَـٰدَةِ ٱلْكَبِيرُ ٱلْمُتَعَالِ

#81 AL-MUNTAQIM ( ٱلْمُنْتَقِمُ ) = The Avenger

This form of the name of God does not occur in the Quran, but instead, we see the following form used four times in the Quran as God being the Possessor of Vengeance.

intiqāmin	ٱنتِقَامٍ	retribution / revenge (*Avenger).	5:95
intiqāmin	ٱنتِقَامٍ	retribution / vengeance (*Avenger).	3:4
intiqāmin	ٱنتِقَامٍ	revenge / retribution (*Avenger)?	39:37
intiqāmin	ٱنتِقَامٍ	revenge / retribution (*Avenger).	14:47

[3:4] before that, to guide the people, and He sent down the statute book. Those who disbelieve in GOD’s revelations incur severe retribution. GOD is Almighty, Possessor of vengeance.

(٤) مِن قَبْلُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَأَنزَلَ ٱلْفُرْقَانَ إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ بِـَٔايَـٰتِ ٱللَّهِ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ شَدِيدٌ وَٱللَّهُ عَزِيزٌ ذُو ٱنتِقَامٍ

15	wal-lahu	وَٱللَّهُ	And God (is)
16	ʿazīzun	عَزِيزٌ	Almighty,
17	dhū	ذُو	Possessor of*
18	intiqāmin	ٱنتِقَامٍ	retribution / vengeance (*Avenger).

#82 AL-‘AFUWW ( ٱلْعَفُوُّ ) = The Pardoner

The name AL-‘AFUWW ( ٱلْعَفُوُّ ) is not used in the Quran towards God with the definitive article, but we do have the following form used ( عَفُوًّا ) in 4:43, 4:99, and 4:149 and the following form ( لَعَفُوٌّ ) in 22:60 and 58:2.

[22:60] It is decreed that if one avenges an injustice that was inflicted upon him, equitably, then is persecuted because of this, GOD will surely support him. GOD is Pardoner, Forgiving.

(٦٠) ذَٰلِكَ وَمَنْ عَاقَبَ بِمِثْلِ مَا عُوقِبَ بِهِۦ ثُمَّ بُغِىَ عَلَيْهِ لَيَنصُرَنَّهُ ٱللَّهُ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَعَفُوٌّ غَفُورٌ

#83 AR-RA’OOF ( ٱلْرَّؤُفُ ) = Most Compassionate

The name AR-RA’OOF ( ٱلْرَّؤُفُ ) is not used in the Quran towards God with the definitive article, but we do have the following form used towards God in other verses.

raūfun	رَءُوفٌ	Compassionate,	59:10
raūfun	رَءُوفٌ	Compassionate / Kind,	24:20
raūfun	رَءُوفٌ	Compassionate / Kind,	9:117
raūfun	رَءُوفٌۢ	Compassionate / Kind	3:30
raūfun	رَءُوفٌۢ	Compassionate	2:207
laraūfun	لَرَءُوفٌ	surely Compassionate	2:143
laraūfun	لَرَءُوفٌ	surely Compassionate / Kind,	22:65
laraūfun	لَرَءُوفٌ	surely Compassionate,	16:7
laraūfun	لَرَءُوفٌ	surely Compassionate,	57:9
laraūfun	لَرَءُوفٌ	surely Compassionate,	16:47

#87 AL-JAAMI’ ( ٱلْجَامِعُ ) = The Gatherer

The name AL-JAAMI’ ( ٱلْجَامِعُ ) is never used in the Quran towards God, but we see that God is the One who gathers the people on the Day of Summoning.

[64:9] The day will come when He summons you to the Day of Summoning. That is the Day of Mutual Blaming. Anyone who believes in GOD and leads a righteous life, He will remit his sins, and will admit him into gardens with flowing streams. They abide therein forever. This is the greatest triumph.

 يَوْمَ يَجْمَعُكُمْ لِيَوْمِ ٱلْجَمْعِ ذَٰلِكَ يَوْمُ ٱلتَّغَابُنِ وَمَن يُؤْمِنۢ بِٱللَّهِ وَيَعْمَلْ صَـٰلِحًا يُكَفِّرْ عَنْهُ سَيِّـَٔاتِهِۦ وَيُدْخِلْهُ جَنَّـٰتٍ تَجْرِى مِن تَحْتِهَا ٱلْأَنْهَـٰرُ خَـٰلِدِينَ فِيهَآ أَبَدًا ذَٰلِكَ ٱلْفَوْزُ ٱلْعَظِيمُ

#89 AL-MUGHNI ( ٱلْمُغْنِيُّ ) = The Enricher

The name AL-MUGHNI ( ٱلْمُغْنِيُّ ) is never used in the Quran towards God, but we see that God is the One who enriches.

[9:28] O you who believe, the idol worshipers are polluted; they shall not be permitted to approach the Sacred Masjid after this year. If you fear loss of income, GOD will enrich you with His provisions, in accordance with His will. GOD is Omniscient, Most Wise.

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ إِنَّمَا ٱلْمُشْرِكُونَ نَجَسٌ فَلَا يَقْرَبُوا۟ ٱلْمَسْجِدَ ٱلْحَرَامَ بَعْدَ عَامِهِمْ هَـٰذَا وَإِنْ خِفْتُمْ عَيْلَةً فَسَوْفَ يُغْنِيكُمُ ٱللَّهُ مِن فَضْلِهِۦٓ إِن شَآءَ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ

#94 AL-HAADI ( ٱلْهَادِي ) = The Guide

The name AL-HAADI ( ٱلْهَادِي ) is never used in the Quran towards God, but we see that God is the One who guides.

[27:63] Who is the One who guides you in the darkness of land and sea? Who is the One who sends the winds with good news, signaling His mercy? Is it another god with GOD? Most exalted is GOD, above having any partner.

(٦٣) أَمَّن يَهْدِيكُمْ فِى ظُلُمَـٰتِ ٱلْبَرِّ وَٱلْبَحْرِ وَمَن يُرْسِلُ ٱلرِّيَـٰحَ بُشْرًۢا بَيْنَ يَدَىْ رَحْمَتِهِۦٓ أَءِلَـٰهٌ مَّعَ ٱللَّهِ تَعَـٰلَى ٱللَّهُ عَمَّا يُشْرِكُونَ

#95 AL-BADEE’ ( ٱلْبَدِيعُ ) = The Initiator

The name AL-BADEE’ ( ٱلْبَدِيعُ ) is not used in the Quran with the definitive article towards God, but we see the following form ( بَدِيعُ ) used in 2:117 and 6:101.

[2:117] The Initiator of the heavens and the earth: to have anything done, He simply says to it, “Be,” and it is.

(١١٧) بَدِيعُ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ وَإِذَا قَضَىٰٓ أَمْرًا فَإِنَّمَا يَقُولُ لَهُۥ كُن فَيَكُونُ

#96 AL-BAAQI = ( ٱلْبَاقِي ) = The Everlasting

The name AL-BAAQI = ( ٱلْبَاقِي ) is not used in the Quran with the definitive article towards God, but we see the following form ( وَأَبْقَىٰٓ ) used in the below verse in regards to God.

[20:73] “We have believed in our Lord, that He may forgive us our sins, and the magic that you forced us to perform. GOD is far better and Everlasting.”

(٧٣) إِنَّآ ءَامَنَّا بِرَبِّنَا لِيَغْفِرَ لَنَا خَطَـٰيَـٰنَا وَمَآ أَكْرَهْتَنَا عَلَيْهِ مِنَ ٱلسِّحْرِ وَٱللَّهُ خَيْرٌ وَأَبْقَىٰٓ

#97 AL-WAARITH ( ٱلْوَارِثُ ) = The Heir, The Inheritor

The name AL-BAAQI = ( ٱلْبَاقِي ) is not used in the Quran but we find two refernces in the Quran regarding God in the form ( مِيرَٰثُ ) in 3:180 and 57:10.

[57:10] Why do you not spend in the cause of GOD, when GOD possesses all wealth in the heavens and the earth? Distinguished from the rest are those among you who spend before the victory and strive. They attain a greater rank than those who spend after the victory and strive. For each, GOD promises salvation. GOD is Cognizant of everything you do.

 وَمَا لَكُمْ أَلَّا تُنفِقُوا۟ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَلِلَّهِ مِيرَٰثُ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ لَا يَسْتَوِى مِنكُم مَّنْ أَنفَقَ مِن قَبْلِ ٱلْفَتْحِ وَقَـٰتَلَ أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ أَعْظَمُ دَرَجَةً مِّنَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَنفَقُوا۟ مِنۢ بَعْدُ وَقَـٰتَلُوا۟ وَكُلًّا وَعَدَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلْحُسْنَىٰ وَٱللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرٌ

1	wamā	وَمَا	And what (is)
2	lakum	لَكُمْ	for you [all]
3	allā	أَلَّا	that not
4	tunfiqū	تُنفِقُوا۟	you [all] spend
5	fī	فِى	in
6	sabīli	سَبِيلِ	(the) cause
7	l-lahi	ٱللَّهِ	(of) God,
8	walillahi	وَلِلَّهِ	while [for] God (is)
9	mīrāthu	مِيرَٰثُ	Inheritor (of)
10	l-samāwāti	ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ	the heavens
11	wal-arḍi	وَٱلْأَرْضِ	and the earth?

Words (?)

#22 AL-KHAAFIDH ( ٱلْخَافِضُ ) = The Lowerer

This name is not used in reference to God at all in the entire Quran. The root of this word is used only four times in the Quran. Three times in reference to lowering one’s wing (15:88, 17:24, 26:215), and one time in reference to the Inevitable Event that will lower some and raise others (56:3).

#29 AL-‘ADL ( ٱلْعَدْلُ ) = The Fair, The Equitable

This attribute is not used in reference to God at all in the entire Quran. The root of this name ( ع د ل ) occurs 28 times in the Quran. The only time it is in reference to an action coming from God is in the following verse regarding the creation of the human being.

[82:7] The One who created you, designed you, and perfected you.

(٧) ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَكَ فَسَوَّىٰكَ فَعَدَلَكَ

1	alladhī	ٱلَّذِى	The One who
2	khalaqaka	خَلَقَكَ	He created you,
3	fasawwāka	فَسَوَّىٰكَ	then He fashioned (designed) you
4	faʿadalaka	فَعَدَلَكَ	then He balanced (perfected) you?

Every other occurrence of this root is also regarding human conduct and is associated with being fair and balanced. I don’t believe this is an attribute of God because I believe this is a value that God expects from humans and does not apply to Him. God is not fair and balanced because God is exponentially way more generous, forgiving, and compensating than any human will ever be or be expected to be. Consider the following verses.

[6:160] Whoever does a righteous work receives the reward for ten, and the one who commits a sin is requited for only one. No one suffers the slightest injustice.

(١٦٠) مَن جَآءَ بِٱلْحَسَنَةِ فَلَهُۥ عَشْرُ أَمْثَالِهَا وَمَن جَآءَ بِٱلسَّيِّئَةِ فَلَا يُجْزَىٰٓ إِلَّا مِثْلَهَا وَهُمْ لَا يُظْلَمُونَ

God does not expect this level of generosity from His servants, as it is our duty to be fair and equitable in our dealings, but God multiplies any good we do manifold while requiting any of our bad deeds for just one, and even then He still overlooks many of our sins.

[2:261] The example of those who spend their monies in the cause of GOD is that of a grain that produces seven spikes, with a hundred grains in each spike. GOD multiplies this manifold for whomever He wills. GOD is Bounteous, Knower.

(٢٦١) مَّثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَٰلَهُمْ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ كَمَثَلِ حَبَّةٍ أَنۢبَتَتْ سَبْعَ سَنَابِلَ فِى كُلِّ سُنۢبُلَةٍ مِّا۟ئَةُ حَبَّةٍ وَٱللَّهُ يُضَـٰعِفُ لِمَن يَشَآءُ وَٱللَّهُ وَٰسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ

[2:245] Who would lend GOD a loan of righteousness, to have it repaid to them multiplied manifold? GOD is the One who provides and withholds, and to Him you will be returned.

(٢٤٥) مَّن ذَا ٱلَّذِى يُقْرِضُ ٱللَّهَ قَرْضًا حَسَنًا فَيُضَـٰعِفَهُۥ لَهُۥٓ أَضْعَافًا كَثِيرَةً وَٱللَّهُ يَقْبِضُ وَيَبْصُۜطُ وَإِلَيْهِ تُرْجَعُونَ

[42:30] Anything bad that happens to you is a consequence of your own deeds, and He overlooks many (of your sins).
[42:31] You can never escape, and you have none beside GOD as a Lord and Master.
[42:32] Among His proofs are the ships that sail the sea with sails like flags.
[42:33] If He willed, He could have stilled the winds, leaving them motionless on top of the water. These are proofs for those who are steadfast, appreciative.
[42:34] He can annihilate them, as a consequence of their own works. Instead, He overlooks many (of their sins).
[42:35] Those who argue against our proofs will find out that they have no basis.

(٣٠) وَمَآ أَصَـٰبَكُم مِّن مُّصِيبَةٍ فَبِمَا كَسَبَتْ أَيْدِيكُمْ وَيَعْفُوا۟ عَن كَثِيرٍ
(٣١) وَمَآ أَنتُم بِمُعْجِزِينَ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَمَا لَكُم مِّن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ مِن وَلِىٍّ وَلَا نَصِيرٍ
(٣٢) وَمِنْ ءَايَـٰتِهِ ٱلْجَوَارِ فِى ٱلْبَحْرِ كَٱلْأَعْلَـٰمِ
(٣٣) إِن يَشَأْ يُسْكِنِ ٱلرِّيحَ فَيَظْلَلْنَ رَوَاكِدَ عَلَىٰ ظَهْرِهِۦٓ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَـٰتٍ لِّكُلِّ صَبَّارٍ شَكُورٍ
(٣٤) أَوْ يُوبِقْهُنَّ بِمَا كَسَبُوا۟ وَيَعْفُ عَن كَثِيرٍ
(٣٥) وَيَعْلَمَ ٱلَّذِينَ يُجَـٰدِلُونَ فِىٓ ءَايَـٰتِنَا مَا لَهُم مِّن مَّحِيصٍ

#71 AL-MUQADDIM ( ٱلْمُقَدِّمُ ) = The Expediter, The Promoter

The name AL-MUQADDIM ( ٱلْمُقَدِّمُ ) is never used in the Quran in refernce to God in any form. This root ( ق د م ) occurs 48 times in the Quran, and is never used in refernce to God or an actiono of God.

#86 AL-MUQSIT ( ٱلْمُقْسِطُ ) = The Equitable, The Just

Similar to #29, This attribute is not used in reference to God at all in the entire Quran. The root of this name ( ق س ط ) occurs 25 times in the Quran, and every time it is in reference to other than God. I believe this is for similar reasons as detailed in #29 regarding ‘Adl as God is more giving and generous than what is enjoined upon humans. Therefore it does not make sense to reduce God’s status by applying this attribute to him.

#90 AL-MANI’ ( ٱلْمَانِعُ ) = The Preventer, Forbidder

The Quran never uses this action in reference to God. The root ( م ن ع ) for this name occurs 17 times in the Quran, and not once is it used as an action occurring directly by God.

#91 AD-DHARR ( ٱلْضَّارُ ) = The Distresser (Hardship)

This attribute is not used in reference to God at all in the entire Quran. The root ( ض ر ر ) for this name occurs 74 times in the Quran and typically in the context of adversity, hardship, and harm. The closest we see this used in reference to God is in the following hypothetical that is given.

[39:38] If you ask them, “Who created the heavens and the earth?” they will say, “GOD.” Say, “Why then do you set up idols beside GOD? If GOD willed any adversity for me, can they relieve such an adversity? And if He willed a blessing for me, can they prevent such a blessing?” Say, “GOD is sufficient for me.” In Him the trusters shall trust.

 وَلَئِن سَأَلْتَهُم مَّنْ خَلَقَ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ لَيَقُولُنَّ ٱللَّهُ قُلْ أَفَرَءَيْتُم مَّا تَدْعُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ إِنْ أَرَادَنِىَ ٱللَّهُ بِضُرٍّ هَلْ هُنَّ كَـٰشِفَـٰتُ ضُرِّهِۦٓ أَوْ أَرَادَنِى بِرَحْمَةٍ هَلْ هُنَّ مُمْسِكَـٰتُ رَحْمَتِهِۦ قُلْ حَسْبِىَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ يَتَوَكَّلُ ٱلْمُتَوَكِّلُونَ

16	in	إِنْ	If
17	arādaniya	أَرَادَنِىَ	[He] intended for me
18	l-lahu	ٱللَّهُ	God
19	biḍurrin	بِضُرٍّ	any harm,
20	hal	هَلْ	are
21	hunna	هُنَّ	they
22	kāshifātu	كَـٰشِفَـٰتُ	removers (of)
23	ḍurrihi	ضُرِّهِۦٓ	His harm;

#92 AN-NAFI’ ( ٱلْنَّافِعُ ) = The Benefactor

This attribute is not used in reference to God at all in the entire Quran. The root ( ن ف ع ) for this name occurs 50 times in the Quran, but none of these occurrences states God as the Benefactor.

#93 Al-Noor ( ٱلْنُّورُ ) = The Light

The term Al-Noor ( ٱلْنُّورُ ) is not used as a name of God in the Quran. Some argue that the one of the names of God is Light ( نُورُ ) based on the following verse.

[24:35] GOD is the light of the heavens and the earth. The allegory of His light is that of a concave mirror behind a lamp that is placed inside a glass container. The glass container is like a bright, pearl-like star. The fuel thereof is supplied from a blessed oil-producing tree, that is neither eastern, nor western. Its oil is almost self-radiating; needs no fire to ignite it. Light upon light. GOD guides to His light whomever He wills. GOD thus cites the parables for the people. GOD is fully aware of all things.

 ٱللَّهُ نُورُ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ مَثَلُ نُورِهِۦ كَمِشْكَوٰةٍ فِيهَا مِصْبَاحٌ ٱلْمِصْبَاحُ فِى زُجَاجَةٍ ٱلزُّجَاجَةُ كَأَنَّهَا كَوْكَبٌ دُرِّىٌّ يُوقَدُ مِن شَجَرَةٍ مُّبَـٰرَكَةٍ زَيْتُونَةٍ لَّا شَرْقِيَّةٍ وَلَا غَرْبِيَّةٍ يَكَادُ زَيْتُهَا يُضِىٓءُ وَلَوْ لَمْ تَمْسَسْهُ نَارٌ نُّورٌ عَلَىٰ نُورٍ يَهْدِى ٱللَّهُ لِنُورِهِۦ مَن يَشَآءُ وَيَضْرِبُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلْأَمْثَـٰلَ لِلنَّاسِ وَٱللَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَىْءٍ عَلِيمٌ

The determination if this name should be applied to God is based on if one takes the verse literally or figuratively. If we take it literally, then it is acceptable to use the name the Light ( ٱلْنُّورُ ) towards God. One potential problem with doing this is that we may be anthropomorphizing God by equating Him to a tangible thing in this universe, that of light. If, on the other hand, we equate the above verse as figurative, then it is similar to the references to God’s hand in the Quran, and therefore it would be inaccurate to associate The Light as one of the names of God.

[57:29] Thus, the followers of previous scripture should know that they have not monopolized GOD’s mercy and grace, and that all grace is in GOD’s hand. He bestows it upon whomever He wills. GOD is Possessor of Infinite Grace.

(٢٩) لِّئَلَّا يَعْلَمَ أَهْلُ ٱلْكِتَـٰبِ أَلَّا يَقْدِرُونَ عَلَىٰ شَىْءٍ مِّن فَضْلِ ٱللَّهِ وَأَنَّ ٱلْفَضْلَ بِيَدِ ٱللَّهِ يُؤْتِيهِ مَن يَشَآءُ وَٱللَّهُ ذُو ٱلْفَضْلِ ٱلْعَظِيمِ

If one considers all the other names of God, they have two commonalities. Firstly, they are conceptual ideas that transcend time and space. For instance, Most Just, Most Gracious, Most Merciful are not tangible in the sense that we can associate any single image that would encompass these names, but light is not conceptual because there is a tangible parallel that we can draw upon when we use this term. As another example, the Bible occasionally compares God figuratively to a rock. For example, in Psalm 18, we read the following passages:

¹ I love you, Lord, my strength.
² The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
    my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
    my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

³⁰ As for God, his way is perfect:
    The Lord’s word is flawless;
    he shields all who take refuge in him.
³¹ For who is God besides the Lord?
    And who is the rock except our God?

Clearly, these verses are using the symbol of the rock figuratively, and because of that, I don’t think it would be correct to say that one of God’s names is the Rock.

The other commonality between all the other names of God is that these names are substitutes for one another in reference to God rather than some extension of God. This is the difference between God’s light and God being The Light. For instance, if one calls upon the Most Gracious, they are calling upon God Himself, but if they were to call upon the Light then they would be calling upon a cause of God rather than God Himself.

I personally lean towards understanding God’s light as figurative, and for that reason, I have placed this name in the category along with the other names that are not referenced in the Quran.

#99 AS-SABOOR = ( ٱلْصَّبُورُ ) = The Steadfast, Patient

The name AS-SABOOR = ( ٱلْصَّبُورُ ) is never used towards God in the Quran, nor is the verb ever applied in the Quran. The root of this name ( ص ب ر ) occurs 103 times in the Quran, and none of these occurrences are in reference to God but in reference to humans and God’s creations.

It doesn’t seem applicable to call God patient because patience requires to be limited to time, and this does not apply to God as God is the creator of time and space.

Final Thoughts

[20:8] GOD: there is no other god besides Him. To Him belong the most beautiful names.

 ٱللَّهُ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ لَهُ ٱلْأَسْمَآءُ ٱلْحُسْنَىٰ

[33:70] O you who believe, reverence GOD and utter only the correct utterances.

 يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَقُولُوا۟ قَوْلًا سَدِيدًا

[7:180] To GOD belongs the most beautiful names; call upon Him therewith, and disregard those who distort His names. They will be requited for their sins.

 وَلِلَّهِ ٱلْأَسْمَآءُ ٱلْحُسْنَىٰ فَٱدْعُوهُ بِهَا وَذَرُوا۟ ٱلَّذِينَ يُلْحِدُونَ فِىٓ أَسْمَـٰٓئِهِۦ سَيُجْزَوْنَ مَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ