Is the narration of al-Tirmidhi regarding the enumeration of the Beautiful Names established, and what is the meaning of “whoever enumerates them will enter Paradise”?

The questioner : Regarding the Beautiful Names of Allah that were mentioned in al-Tirmidhi with the enumeration of the names, are these all authentic?

The Shaykh : No, the authentic hadith in the “Two Sahihs” is only in the wording . As for the enumeration of the names, that which is reported in “Sunan al-Tirmidhi” is not authentic. First, in terms of its chain of narration, and second, there is a great deal of confusion in this narration, which is weak in its chain. Some of the names differ from others, so it has weakness in the chain and confusion in the text, according to the terminology of hadith. These names must be extracted from the Sunnah after the Noble Qur’an, of course. Al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar al-‘Asqalani did this, collecting them in his commentary on this hadith, which is in “Sahih al-Bukhari.” It is not easy for every student of knowledge to attain this enumeration mentioned in the hadith, because this great reward, entering Paradise, is not obtained merely by listing these names in “Sunan al-Tirmidhi” and memorizing them by heart. That is not a ticket to entering Paradise. No, this requires research. So whoever is granted success in that is the one who...

The questioner : What is the meaning of the hadith ? Explain the explanation of this hadith.

The Shaykh : It means that whoever collects these Beautiful Names from the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) will enter Paradise.

The questioner : Merely by memorizing them?

The Shaykh : Yes, but before you memorize them, you need to research. I told you it is not merely to place the narration of al-Tirmidhi in front of you and memorize it, because that is not established.

The questioner : Al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar al-‘Asqalani... in collecting them.

The Shaykh : He collected many, and very many, names. So whoever is granted success in this collection will enter Paradise.

The questioner : Does acting in accordance with the names, such as Al-‘All-Hearing (Al-Sami‘), who hears nothing false, not accompany it?

The Shaykh : Acting is not the intended meaning. The reward is for the enumeration. As for the aspect of action, that is a separate ruling. For example, among His names are Al-Ra’uf (The Most Merciful), Al-Rahim (The Merciful), and Al-Latif (The Subtle). Of course, every Muslim should possess, to the extent he is able, these qualities, being subtle with his Muslim brothers, merciful, and most merciful, and so on. So the practical aspect is different.
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