Is it enough to just memorize the 99 names?

Shaykh Bali says, the scholars have said that ‘ihsa’ means four things — memorizing them, understanding their meaning, carrying out the amal (practice) that goes with them, and calling upon Allah by those names.

How the Question Comes

Many people memorize the list of names to a tune, and then think the job is done.

But when asked the meaning, there is no answer. The names are not used during dua either — the fit between what is asked and the name is never even considered.

Shaykh Bali also reminds us of an important point — the narration in Tirmidhi that contains the list of names is not authentically established as going back to the Prophet ﷺ.

The list is essentially the scholars' ijtihad — compiled from the Qur'an and the Sunnah. So there is disagreement among them over some of the names, and there is flexibility in the matter.

The Shaykh's Explanation

The real point is not counting the names — it is to know the name and call upon Allah by that very name.

For example, ‘Al-Jabbar’ — He whose command no one can stop, and He is also the One who mends a broken heart. So say: ‘Allahumma ijbur kasrana’ — O Allah, mend our broken state.

‘Al-Mujib’ — He who answers a sincere call; so call upon Him with certainty of acceptance. ‘Al-Afuww’ — He who wipes out sins and leaves no trace; so ask Him for forgiveness.

The Evidence — The Most Beautiful Names Belong to Him

هُوَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلْخَٰلِقُ ٱلْبَارِئُ ٱلْمُصَوِّرُ ۖ لَهُ ٱلْأَسْمَآءُ ٱلْحُسْنَىٰ ۚ يُسَبِّحُ لَهُۥ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ ۖ وَهُوَ ٱلْعَزِيزُ ٱلْحَكِيمُ

He is Allāh, the Creator, the Producer, the Fashioner; to Him belong the best names. Whatever is in the heavens and earth is exalting Him. And He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise. (Surah Al-Hashr 59:24 — Saheeh International)Copy

The Prophet ﷺ said — Allah has 99 names; whoever ‘ihsa’s them will enter Paradise. (Sahih Bukhari 2736, Sahih Muslim 2677)

What to Do

1. Take one name each day — learn its meaning, then make dua by that name.
2. Choose the name according to your need — ‘Ya Ghafur’ when asking for forgiveness, ‘Ya Jabbar’ for a broken heart.
3. Carry out the amal (practice) that the name demands — if you know that He is Ar-Raqib, give up sin even in private.
4. Do not quarrel over the list — the scholars disagree here, so keep flexibility.

Monthly Ruqyah Course

★ 12 live ruqyah sessions ★ A recorded video of every session ★ Separate session notes for every session ★ A diagnosis package worth 500 taka for just 150 taka ★ A chance to consult with the raqi in a group ★ A separate Telegram group ★ A separate discussion group for brothers and sisters ★ Separate sessions for different problems ★ A guidelines and Q&A segment in every session

The course hadiya is only 490 taka. To join, write Session in a message — I will send you the form link, in sha Allah.

Source: Based on a talk by Shaykh Waheed Abdussalam Bali

Translation and compilation: Raqi Faisal Ahmed Sabit — Al Qur'an Ruqyah Healing Center