another chain of transmission, in the report of Muhammad ibn Sīrīn from Abū Hurayrah. Ibn Mājah narrated it, but its chain is weak. Hadith scholars know that it is not the words of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). These are the only two reports attributed to the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that enumerate the most beautiful names, and both are transmitted through Abū Hurayrah. This is discussed at length in its proper place.

The purpose here is to draw attention to principles that help one understand this question, for it continues to weigh heavily upon human souls. If a servant knows, in general, that Allah has great wisdom in what He creates and commands, that suffices him. Then, as his knowledge and faith increase, aspects of Allah’s wisdom and mercy become apparent to him that astound his mind and demonstrate the truth of what Allah has declared in His Book, where He says:

“We will show them Our signs in the horizons and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that it is the truth.”

For the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said in an authentic hadith:

“Allah is more merciful to His servants than a mother is to her child.”

It is also reported from him in the two Sahīh collections that he said:

“When Allah created mercy, He created it in one hundred parts. He sent down one part, through which creatures show mercy to one another; even an animal lifts its hoof away from its young because of that mercy. He kept ninety-nine parts with Himself. On the Day of Resurrection, He will join this one to those and show mercy to His servants through them.”

Or words to that effect, as spoken by the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace).

Furthermore, these people—the majority of Muslims and others, such as the imams of the four schools and other early authorities and scholars—affirm His wisdom and do not deny it—as the Ash‘arīs and others like them have denied it