The 99 names of God are names and qualities God uses to refer to Himself in the Qur'an. There are, of course, more than 99 Names in Islamic Sufism and all spiritual traditions; however, in Islamic Sufism a list can only have 99 Names in it at one time. Why? Because there is something very special about the number 99....

You contain all of the names of God in your heart. Remembering these names aloud or silently is a powerful healing tool. As you remember a name, its special divine transmission flows into your heart (remember to open it!). These transmissions are deeply transformative and healing. Try it for yourself and see!

One way to work with a name is to recite, "Yā Allāh, Yā [insert Name]." For instance, if you want to work with the name for divine peace you would recite, "Yā Allāh, Yā Salām." "Yā Allāh" means "Oh Allāh!" or "Oh my Lord!" and "Yā Salām" means "Oh Source of Peace!"

You can recite the names in many other ways, but this is a simple way to begin. Recite "Yā Allāh, Yā [insert Name]" 33 times, 100 times, or as many times as you want. As you recite the Name it is very important to open your heart to receive the name deep within you. Let it do what it will.

We're going to share a list of the 99 Names that Sidi used in his book The Meaning of the Names of Our Lord, a book which gives the deeper meaning of the Names.

Click a name to hear how it should sound when recited in the "Yā Allāh, Yā [insert Name]" format.