Allah’s Most Beautiful Names Being Established Only by Divine Permission a Principle-Establishing Analysis

Abstract

Of the issues that has been the subject of much discussion, both past and present, is the condition of Tawqīf (being established by Divine permission) in establishing one of Allah’s Most Beautiful Names. This issue concerns scholars and laymen alike because due to them all remembering Allah, supplicating Him, or referring to Him in writing, with one of his names. At times, names that have not been transmitted explicitly-such as al-Qadim (the Pre-Eternal) and al-Sattar (the Oft-Veiling)-are used, resulting in condemnation from some quarters. This study establishes conclusive principles in this issue, by presenting the positions of the scholars who condition tawqif, giving a precise definition of it according to how they understand it, and finally, by concluding that tawqif does not necessarily negate the validity of the linguistic derivation of a name, as long as certain conditions are met. The study is supported by evidence and possible objections to the conclusion are answered.