What is the correct meaning of "al-hamd"?

Question:
In *Fath al-Mujid*, it is stated: "The meaning of al-hamd is praising the voluntary good." Is this the stronger position?

Answer:
The discussion of al-hamd is very important. It appears that the commentator followed others in this. The correct view is that al-hamd is broader than that. Al-hamd is for the voluntary good, such as His kindness to us, His sending of the messengers, and the like of what He has bestowed upon us, Glorified is He. Al-hamd is also for the necessary names and attributes, such as al-Aziz (The Mighty), al-Hakim (The Wise), al-Qadir (The Able), al-Qahhar (The Subduer), and the like. Thus, al-hamd is for the necessary attributes and for the transitive attributes. This is the correct view.
Allah, Glorified is He, is praised for His great essence, His beautiful names, and His noble attributes. He is also praised for His kindness, His generosity, and His bounty toward His servants.
The path taken by the commentator was following others, and the correct view is broader than that.