and an appeal to the immensity of His bounty, its profusion, and its unfailing constancy; hence, for this request the supplicant chose a Name whose very meaning conveys that⦗1⦘—just as one might say, “Forgive me and have mercy on me, for You are the All-Forgiving, the All-Merciful,” whereas it would not be fitting to conclude, “Indeed, You are the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing.” In other words, the plea is directed to Him through His own Names and Attributes⦗2⦘, and this is among the nearest and most beloved means of approach to Him.

This principle is illustrated by the ḥadith recorded in the Musnad and by al-Tirmidhī: “Be constant in repeating yā Dhā al-Jalāl wa-al-Ikrām (O Possessor of Majesty and Generosity)⦗3⦘.” It is likewise reflected in the invocation, “O Allah, I ask You by virtue of the fact that to You belongs all praise…”