For this reason, Allah Most High links all the other most beautiful names to this magnificent name, as in His saying:

“To Allah belong the most beautiful names.” (7:180)

Thus we say: “The All-Merciful, the Merciful, the Most Holy, the Source of Peace, the Almighty, and the All-Wise are among the names of Allah.” We do not say: “Allah is among the names of the All-Merciful,” or “among the names of the Almighty,” and so forth.

It is therefore clear that His name “Allah” necessarily entails all the meanings of the most beautiful names and signifies them collectively. The most beautiful names explain and elaborate upon the attributes of divinity from which the name “Allah” is derived. The name “Allah” signifies that He is the One adored and worshipped: His creatures worship Him with love, reverence, and submission, turning to Him in their needs and afflictions. This necessarily entails the perfection of His lordship and mercy, which together entail perfect sovereignty and praiseworthiness. His divinity, lordship, all-encompassing mercy, and sovereignty necessarily entail all His attributes of perfection. For these cannot possibly belong to one who is not living, hearing, seeing, powerful, speaking, doing whatever he wills, or wise in his actions.

The attributes of majesty and beauty are thus most closely associated with the name “Allah.” The attributes of action and power, sole control over harm and benefit, giving and withholding, the unfailing execution of His will, perfect might, and the governance of creation are most closely associated with the name “the Lord.”

The attributes of beneficence, generosity, kindness, tenderness, gracious giving, compassion, and gentleness are most closely associated with the name “the All-Merciful.” The repetition indicates that the attribute is firmly established, that its effects come to pass, and that it extends to those to whom it pertains.

“The All-Merciful” is the One whose attribute is mercy, while “the Merciful” is the One who shows mercy to His servants. Hence Allah Most High says:

“He is ever Merciful to the believers.” (33:43)

“Indeed, He is Compassionate and Merciful to them.” (9:117)

Yet the wording “All-Merciful to His servants” or “All-Merciful to the believers” does not occur. Moreover, the name al-Rahmān, which follows the pattern faʿlān, conveys the vastness of this attribute and the fullness of its meaning in the One described by it.

Do you not see how they use ghadbān for someone filled with anger, and likewise nadmān (remorseful) and hayrān (bewildered),