Related slides 8–12
Many names describing one God
The names describe qualities of the one God, not different gods. The Qur'an speaks of God’s most beautiful names. Saying of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) — Sahih al-Bukhari 2736 — gives special importance to knowing ninety-nine names. The report highlights ninety-nine names without limiting all of God’s names to that number. The gallery's ten doors are an educational arrangement, not a prescribed religious ritual.
Forgiveness and fear
The forgiveness door introduces Al-Ghafur, the Forgiving; At-Tawwab, the One who accepts repentance; and Al-'Afuww, the Pardoner. The message is that a person can return from wrongdoing and try to put it right. References: Qur'an 4 : 96 and Qur'an 2 : 222; Saying of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) — Jami at-Tirmidhi 3513. The fear door introduces Al-Hafiz, the Guardian; Al-Mu'min, understood here as the Giver of security; and Al-Wakil, the One to trust. References: Qur'an 11 : 57, Qur'an 59 : 23 and Qur'an 3 : 173. Trust does not promise a life without danger.
Guidance and the future
Al-Hadi means the Guide, An-Nur the Light, and Al-Hakim the Wise. References: Qur'an 25 : 31, Qur'an 24 : 35 and Qur'an 2 : 209. The language of light conveys guidance and must not be turned into a picture of God. The future door presents Ar-Razzaq, the Provider; Al-Fattah, the One who opens or decides; and Al-Latif, the Subtle and Kind. References: Qur'an 51 : 58, Qur'an 34 : 26 and Qur'an 67 : 14. In Qur'an 34 : 26, Al-Fattah concerns God's judgment. ‘A new door will open’ is a reflection, not that verse's literal promise of a job or income.
Strength and justice
Al-Qawiyy means the Strong, Al-Matin the Firm in strength, and Al-'Aziz the Mighty. References: Qur'an 22 : 40, Qur'an 51 : 58 and Qur'an 2 : 209. These descriptions invite reliance on God without glorifying human aggression. Al-Hakam means the Judge and Al-Haqq the Truth. References: Qur'an 6 : 114 and Qur'an 22 : 6. Al-'Adl, the Just, appears in familiar devotional lists, but Qur'an 6 : 115 describes the justice of God's word rather than explicitly naming Him Al-'Adl. God's justice is taught clearly; the name and its exact evidence should be distinguished.
Gratitude and loneliness
Ash-Shakur means the One who appreciates and rewards good, Al-Karim the Generous, and Al-Wahhab the Bestower. References: Qur'an 35 : 30, Qur'an 82 : 6 and Qur'an 3 : 8. Al-Qarib means the Near, As-Sami' the All-Hearing, and Al-Wadud the Loving. References: Qur'an 2 : 186, Qur'an 2 : 127 and Qur'an 11 : 90. These descriptions explain why prayer can bring comfort. Human friendship, practical support and professional care can remain important when a person feels isolated.
Hope and purpose
Ar-Rahman and Ar-Rahim describe God's mercy; Al-Barr expresses His goodness and kindness. References: Qur'an 1 : 3 and Qur'an 52 : 28. Al-Khaliq, Al-Bari' and Al-Musawwir describe Him as Creator, Originator and Fashioner. Reference: Qur'an 59 : 24. Within Islamic belief, human existence has purpose because it comes from a wise Creator. The relevant verses appear below this article.
Qur’anic verses
Qur'an 7 : 180
The most beautiful names belong to God. Call upon Him by them, and leave those who misuse His names. They will be repaid for what they do.
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Qur'an 59 : 23
He is God, apart from whom there is no deity: the Sovereign, the Holy, the Source of peace, the Giver of security, the Guardian, the Mighty, the Compeller, the Supremely Great. God is far above whatever partners people associate with Him.
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Qur'an 59 : 24
He is God, the Creator, the Originator, the Fashioner. The most beautiful names belong to Him. Everything in the heavens and the earth glorifies Him. He is Mighty and Wise.
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Qur'an 4 : 96
Ranks from Him, forgiveness and mercy. God is always Forgiving and Merciful.
Context: This continues the discussion in Qur'an 4 : 95 about effort and reward. The card quotes only its closing description of God’s forgiveness and mercy.
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Qur'an 2 : 222
They ask you about menstruation. Say: It is a condition of discomfort. So refrain from sexual intercourse with women during menstruation, and do not have intercourse with them until they are clean. When they have purified themselves, approach them as God has directed you. God loves those who turn to Him in repentance and those who keep themselves pure.
Context: The restriction concerns sexual intercourse during menstruation, not ordinary company, eating together or treating women as socially untouchable. The concluding words about repentance were excerpted on the forgiveness card.
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Qur'an 11 : 57
If you turn away, I have already delivered to you the message with which I was sent. My Lord will replace you with another people, and you cannot harm Him at all. My Lord is Guardian over everything.
Context: These words occur in the account of Hud PBUH addressing his people. The Guardian phrase is not a promise that believers can never be injured.
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Qur'an 3 : 173
People said to them: Your enemies have gathered against you, so fear them. But this increased their faith, and they said: God is enough for us, and He is the best One to trust with our affairs.
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Qur'an 25 : 31
In this way We have appointed for every prophet an enemy from among the wrongdoers. Your Lord is enough as a Guide and Helper.
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Qur'an 24 : 35
God is the Light of the heavens and the earth. His light is compared to a niche containing a lamp. The lamp is inside glass, and the glass is like a shining star. It is lit from a blessed olive tree, neither of the east nor of the west. Its oil would almost shine even without being touched by fire. Light upon light! God guides whoever He wills to His light. God gives examples for people, and God knows everything.
Context: The lamp passage is an analogy. It is not a physical portrait of God or evidence that God is material light.
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Qur'an 2 : 209
If you slip back after clear proofs have come to you, know that God is Mighty and Wise.
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Qur'an 51 : 58
God is the Provider, the Possessor of firm and unfailing strength.
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Qur'an 34 : 26
Say: Our Lord will bring us together, then judge between us in truth. He is the Judge who knows everything.
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Qur'an 67 : 14
Would the One who created not know? He is the Subtle, the All-Aware.
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Qur'an 22 : 40
They are those driven unjustly from their homes only for saying: Our Lord is God. If God did not restrain some people through others, monasteries, churches, synagogues and mosques in which God's name is often remembered would have been destroyed. God will certainly help those who help His cause. God is Strong and Mighty.
Context: The full verse includes protection of several kinds of places of worship. The card uses its final description of God’s strength.
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Qur'an 6 : 114
Should I seek any judge other than God, when He has sent down to you the Book clearly explained? Those to whom We gave Scripture know that it has been sent down from your Lord in truth. So do not be among those who doubt.
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Qur'an 6 : 115
Your Lord's word is complete in truth and justice. No one can change His words. He hears everything and knows everything.
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Qur'an 22 : 6
That is because God is the Truth, He brings the dead to life, and He has power over everything.
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Qur'an 35 : 30
So that He may give them their rewards in full and add more from His favour. He is Forgiving and Appreciative.
Context: The preceding verse describes people who recite scripture, pray and give. Here the emphasis is reward and divine appreciation.
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Qur'an 82 : 6
Human being, what has deceived you concerning your generous Lord?
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Qur'an 3 : 8
Our Lord, do not let our hearts stray after You have guided us. Give us mercy from Yourself. You alone are the Bestower.
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Qur'an 2 : 186
When My servants ask you about Me, I am near. I answer the call of the person who prays when they call upon Me. So let them respond to Me and believe in Me, so that they may be rightly guided.
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Qur'an 2 : 127
When Abraham and Ishmael were raising the foundations of the House, they prayed: Our Lord, accept this from us. You alone hear everything and know everything.
Context: The House refers to the Ka’bah. This verse presents Abraham and Ishmael praying while raising its foundations.
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Qur'an 11 : 90
Ask your Lord for forgiveness and turn back to Him. My Lord is Merciful and Loving.
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Qur'an 1 : 3
The Most Merciful, the Compassionate.
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Qur'an 52 : 28
We used to call upon Him before. He is the Source of goodness, the Merciful.
Context: This is part of a conversation among people in Paradise about their earlier prayers.
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Hadith
Saying of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) — Sahih al-Bukhari 2736
Plain-English meaning
God has ninety-nine names—one hundred less one. Whoever learns and keeps account of them will enter Paradise.
Saying of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) — Jami at-Tirmidhi 3513
Relevant passage — plain-English meaning
When Aishah (RA) asked what to pray on the Night of Decree, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught her to ask: God, You are forgiving and generous, and You love to pardon; please pardon me.
Sources: Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) — Sahih al-Bukhari 2736 [7]; Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) — Jami at-Tirmidhi 3513 [8]; Names interpretation [9]; Names list [10]
Read next: Forgiveness and making a fresh start