Does Allah have more than 99 names?

In a Nutshell: While Allah is believed to have 99 names, Muslims accept Allah may have countless other names beyond what is known to humans. The 99 names of Allah serve as a comprehensive representation of Allah's attributes and qualities and are widely recognized and used by Muslims. The belief in Allah having 99 names (and potentially many more) is a widely accepted and important aspect of Islamic belief and practice but not a fundamental one rejection of which results in one becoming a non-Muslim. These names serve as a way for Muslims to understand the nature of Allah and to form a personal relationship with him. The belief is supported by the Qur'an and hadiths from the Prophet (saw), and is one generally emphasized by classical Islamic scholars. Introduction Allah is considered the one and only God by Muslims and is often referred to by various names and attributes. The concept of Allah having 99 names, also known as the "Asmaul Husna" or "The Beautiful Names," is a widely accepted belief among Muslims and is based on a hadith from the Prophet Muhammad. In this hadith, it is said that Allah has 99 names, and whoever memorizes them will enter Paradise. The 99 names of Allah are a reflection of his attributes and characteristics, such as "The Merciful," "The Provider," "The King," and "The Creator." These names are seen as a way for Muslims to understand the nature of Allah and to form a personal relationship with him. The belief in the 99 names is supported by numerous verses in the Qur'an and hadiths from the Prophet Muhammad. Islamic scholars, both past and present, have emphasized the importance of understanding and using these names in worship and in daily life. For example, Al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, a classical Islamic scholar, wrote in his work "Fath al-Bari" that the 99 names are a way for Muslims to attain a deeper understanding of Allah and to come closer to him. Another classical Islamic scholar, Imam Al-Bukhari, in his collection of hadiths, "Sahih Al-Bukhari," recorded several hadiths that emphasize the importance of using the 99 names in worship and prayer. In one hadith, the Prophet Muhammad is reported to have said, "Allah has ninety-nine names, one hundred minus one, whoever knows them will go to Paradise." Are there more than 99 names? While the 99 names are widely recognized and used by Muslims, it is believed that Allah has countless other names that are not known to humans. The 99 names that are widely recognized are considered to be the most important and most comprehensive representation of Allah's attributes and qualities. Evidences Quranic Verses: "And to Allah belong the most beautiful names, so call upon Him by them" (Qur'an 7:180) Hadiths: "Verily, Allah has 99 names, 100 minus 1, and whoever believes in their meanings and acts accordingly, will enter Paradise; and Allah is Witr (one) and loves 'the witr'" (Sahih Al-Bukhari 75/418) "Allah has ninety-nine names, one hundred minus one, whoever memorizes them will enter Paradise" (Sahih al-Bukhari 75/419) "The Prophet said, 'Allah has ninety-nine names, i.e. one hundred minus one, and whoever believes in their meanings and acts accordingly, will enter Paradise; and Allah is Witr (one) and loves 'the witr'" (Sahih al-Muslim 1/267) Conclusion While Allah is believed to have 99 names, it is accepted that Allah may have countless other names beyond what is known to humans. The 99 names of Allah serve as a comprehensive representation of Allah's attributes and qualities and are widely recognized and used by Muslims. The belief in Allah having 99 names is a widely accepted and important aspect of Islamic belief and practice. These names serve as a way for Muslims to understand the nature of Allah and to form a personal relationship with him. The belief is supported by the Qur'an and hadiths from the Prophet Muhammad, and is emphasized by classical Islamic scholars. References The Qur'an Sahih Al-Bukhari by Imam Al-Bukhari Fath al-Bari by Al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani