Map of a Human Being
99 Qualities of God (Soul)
These have been written and explained through the ages. Also called the names of God. Qualities like: mercy, compassion, forgiveness, generosity, patience, subtlety, strength, reconciliation, etc. If there is a description of God, this is it. And all the qualities are performable by human beings. These qualities form the essence of the phrase “I (God) created you in my own image.” The image is not physical, but the actualization of these qualities.
The list of names can be read as a very potent meditation exercise. Or, a single name can be recited 3, 11, 33, 99, or 300 times as a form of meditation, as we reflect on and sink in its meaning. The recitation tradition would put the word 'Ya' in front of a name, this would be as Ya Lateef, or Oh Subtlety. Although Oh is substituted in English for Ya, Ya carries with it the implicit meaning of praise. So, Praise Subtlety, would be more appropriate. Also, try to recite with the focus in the heart/soul, not in the head or elsewhere. Be very present with the meaning. The book, Asma’ul Husna: The 99 Beautiful Names of Allah (Map of a Human Being Bookstore) contains expanded explanations for each name that brings you closer to the meaning. Many names are very close in meaning to each other but don’t let this frustrate you. When we really think about the names deeply in all their connotations, we share in their expansiveness. They open us up instead of shutting us down. We should look to the heart opening and melting. These names relate to the eternal, they should reinvigorate us, permeating the way we live our lives.
99 Names of God:
Abaser, Humbler (*)
Accepter of Repentance, Ever-relenting
Almighty
All Knowing, Omniscient
All Powerful, Decreer
All Powerful, Determiner
All Seeing
Avenger (*)
Aware One
Beloved, Affection, Loving
Beneficent, Sustainer, Gracious
Benefiter, One Who Grants Favor
Bestower, Giver of Gifts
Bountiful One, Generous
Clement, Forbearing
Comprehensive One
Creator
Delayer, Postponer
Dishonorer (*)
Distresser, Destroyer (*)
Enduring, Everlasting
Enricher
Equitable
Eternal, Absolute
Ever-living, Alive
Exalter
Expander, Widener
Faithful One
Fashioner
Finder
Firm One
First
Forgiver, Absolver
Foremost, Expediter
Friend, Protecting
Gatherer
Giver of Death (*)
Giver of Life
Governor, Ruler
Grateful, Thankful One
Great, Eminent One
Great Forgiver
Guide
Hearer
Hidden, Inner
Highest One
Holy
Honorer
Incomparable, Purpose Setter
Inheritor
Judge (*)
Just
Kind One, Gentle One
King Over All Earthly Kingdoms
King, Sovereign
Last
Light
Lord of Majesty
Maker, Creator
Manifest
Merciful, Compassionate
Mighty One
Most Glorious
Most Great, Self-expanding
Most High
Noble, Glorious
Nourisher, Sustainer
The One
Opener
Originator, Innovator
Overcomer, Subduer, Dominant
Pardoner
Patient One
Peaceful One
Praiseworthy
Preserver
Preventer, Delayer
Protector
Provider
Reckoner
Reconciler
Repairer, All compelling
Responsive One
Resurrecter
Restorer
Restrainer, Binder (*)
Righteous, Pure
Self Sufficient, Rich One
Self-subsisting,
Strong One
Sublime
Subtle
Trustee, Advocate
Truth
Unerring, Right Guide
Unique One
Watchful
Wise
Witness
* Note: although we should emulate the qualities/names of God, we must fully understand those marked with an asterisk like ‘giver of death’ before we emulate them.
