What is the authenticity and meaning of the hadith: “Indeed, Allah has ninety-nine names, and whoever enumerates them will enter Paradise”?
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The questioner : The hadith: Bulugh al-Maram 1382 What is its meaning regarding “whoever enumerates them,” and what is the status of its chain of narration?
The Shaykh : Its chain of narration is agreed upon as authentic by al-Bukhari and Muslim.
The questioner: Yes.
The Shaykh : As for the intended meaning of “whoever enumerates them,” it refers to one who comprehends them with knowledge, gathers them from the Book and the Sunnah, and is guided in doing so. That serves as a guarantee for him of Paradise. The intention is not merely memorization, especially since the hadith narrated by Imam al-Tirmidhi in his Sunan, in which he listed the names after mentioning this hadith, is not authentic from the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him). Therefore, it is not easy to enumerate them.
The questioner: Yes.
The Shaykh : It requires the work of a researcher and a scholar.
The questioner: Yes.
The Shaykh : If he is guided to enumerate them, he will enter Paradise. That is the intended meaning.
The questioner: Yes, may Allah bless you.
Verily! Allah has ninety-nine Names concerning which he who retains them in his memory will enter Paradise.
إن لله تسعًا وتسعين اسمًا ، مَن أحصاها دخل الجنةThe Shaykh : Its chain of narration is agreed upon as authentic by al-Bukhari and Muslim.
The questioner: Yes.
The Shaykh : As for the intended meaning of “whoever enumerates them,” it refers to one who comprehends them with knowledge, gathers them from the Book and the Sunnah, and is guided in doing so. That serves as a guarantee for him of Paradise. The intention is not merely memorization, especially since the hadith narrated by Imam al-Tirmidhi in his Sunan, in which he listed the names after mentioning this hadith, is not authentic from the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him). Therefore, it is not easy to enumerate them.
The questioner: Yes.
The Shaykh : It requires the work of a researcher and a scholar.
The questioner: Yes.
The Shaykh : If he is guided to enumerate them, he will enter Paradise. That is the intended meaning.
The questioner: Yes, may Allah bless you.
Source
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