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Is Hanging Picture with 99 Names of Allah Permissible?

15 April, 2024
Q I have come to know that the 99 names of Allah which are commonly known in our Muslim countries aren't all correct. I have found that there are more than 99 and that some of these on the lists commonly found are not names but, in fact, descriptions. My question is: What is the ruling on having a picture with these names on the wall? Do I have to take it down and get rid of it? Would it be considered as agreeing on lies against Allah?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. 

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.


In this fatwa:

There is nothing wrong with hanging a picture of the 99 Names of Allah.


The prominent Muslim scholar, Sheikh Muhammad Iqbal Nadvi, Director and Imam of Al-Falah Islamic Center, Oakville, Ontario, Canada, states: 

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It is said in the Qur’an that Allah Almighty has many Beautiful Names. The Hadith also states that Allah’s Names are 99.

A Muslim is encouraged to call upon Allah by His Beautiful Names. Allah says in the Qur’an, “Allah’s are the Most Beautiful Names. Invoke Him by them. And leave the company of those who blaspheme His Names. They will be requited what they do.” (Al-A`raf 7:180)  Also, the Sunnah urges Muslims to learn the Beautiful Names of Allah.

There are some differences regarding the counting of these 99 Names. So, we need to understand that there is no other name of Allah except these 99.

The 99 names are mentioned in a hadith of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), but there are two different versions that are a little bit different in their counting of the Names. The authentic hadith says one who memorizes it fully will enter Paradise.

Therefore, to have a picture of those 99 names is permissible.

Almighty Allah knows best.

Editor’s note: This fatwa is from Ask the Scholar’s archive and was originally published at an earlier date.