Mawsuat Sharh Asma Allah al-Husna
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- Mawsuat Sharh Asma Allah al-Husna
Mawsu‘at Sharh Asma’ Allah al-Husna (Encyclopedia of Explaining the Beautiful Names of Allah) is a contemporary multi-volume theological reference work on the Names and Attributes of God in Islam, authored by the Saudi scholar Nawal al-Eid.
Origin and Compilation
The encyclopedia originated from a series of weekly scholarly lessons delivered by Nawal al-Eid at the Uthman ibn Affan Mosque in the al-Waha neighborhood of Riyadh. The lectures commenced in 1426 AH (c. 2005 CE), taking place every Sunday after the evening prayer (Isha), and continued for approximately seven years until the full explanation of the divine names was completed.
The audio recordings were initially transcribed and arranged by Noura al-Ghafili. To transform the material into an expansive encyclopedia, a research team was formed under the direction and supervision of Wafa’ bint Muhsin al-Turki. The project began with a comprehensive survey assessing earlier scholarly treatises on the Beautiful Names to identify areas for scientific contribution. Upon completion, the draft underwent theological and linguistic review by female scholars holding doctorates in Islamic theology (Aqidah) and the Arabic language. Al-Eid completed her final revision of the work while traveling between Medina and Mecca, concluding on the Day of Nahr, 10 Dhu al-Hijjah 1440 AH (c. 2019 CE), while performing the Hajj pilgrimage.
Structure and Methodology
The work, published in three volumes, opens with introductory discussions on the spiritual significance of reflecting upon the Divine Names and foundational principles (qawa‘id) concerning God's Names and Attributes according to the methodology of Ahl al-Sunnah wa-l-Jama‘ah.
The encyclopedia categorizes the divine names into three primary divisions based on textual evidence:
- Names established in both the Quran and the Prophetic Sunnah.
- Names established in the Quran but not in the Sunnah.
- Names established in the Sunnah but not in the Quran.
In ten composite entries where multiple names are treated together, the grouping is classified under one of the three divisions according to the status of the first name listed (such as grouping al-Khaliq, al-Khallaq, al-Bari’, and al-Musawwir under the first category because al-Khaliq is attested in both the Quran and the Sunnah). Singular names are given independent explanations, while morphologically distinct names that express the same attribute (such as al-Hafiz and al-Hafidh, or al-Karim and al-Akram) or share related practical outcomes (such as al-Hayiyy and al-Sitteer, or al-Hasib and al-Dayyan) are treated together within single entries.
Key Features
The encyclopedia is characterized by several distinct methodological features:
- Practical and Behavioral Applications (al-Athar al-Maslakiyyah): The work surveys all Quranic verses mentioning each name and deduces their spiritual, educational, and behavioral effects, ensuring that these practical applications constitute at least 80% of each name's total commentary.
- Ethical and Character Cultivation: For names reflecting qualities that a servant can emulate—such as al-Karim (the Generous), al-Rahman (the Merciful), and al-Sitteer (the Concealer of faults)—the work provides dedicated appendices detailing the moral values, their virtues, and practical ways for believers to embody them.
- Literary Style: The commentary employs an accessible literary style (al-sahl al-mumtani‘) designed to remain clear and understandable while maintaining stylistic precision.
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