The first of the five pillars of Islam is belief in Allah. As Muslims, we believe in Allah in accordance with His beautiful names and attributes. Learning and memorising the names of Allah (SWT) will help us to identify the correct way to believe in Him.
“Allah – there is no deity except Him. To Him belong the best names.”
Qur’an 20:8
“And to Allah belong the best names, so invoke Him by them.”
Qur’an 7:180
There are immense benefits to learning and memorising the beautiful 99 names of Allah, as it bring us closer and strengthens our relationship with the Almighty Allah.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Allah has ninety-nine names, i.e. one-hundred minus one, and whoever knows them will go to Paradise.”
Bukhari
| # | Name | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | الرَّحْمَنُ | AR-RAHMAAN | The Beneficent |
| 2 | الرَّحِيمُ | AR-RAHEEM | The Merciful |
| 3 | الْمَلِكُ | AL-MALIK | The King |
| 4 | الْقُدُّوسُ | AL-QUDDUS | The Most Sacred |
| 5 | السَّلاَمُ | AS-SALAM | The Source of Peace, The Flawless |
| 6 | الْمُؤْمِنُ | AL-MU’MIN | The Infuser of Faith |
| 7 | الْمُهَيْمِنُ | AL-MUHAYMIN | The Preserver of Safety |
| 8 | الْعَزِيزُ | AL-AZIZ | All Mighty |
| 9 | الْجَبَّارُ | AL-JABBAR | The Compeller, The Restorer |
| 10 | ُالْمُتَكَبِّر | AL-MUTAKABBIR | The Supreme, The Majestic |
| 11 | الْخَالِقُ | AL-KHAALIQ | The Creator, The Maker |
| 12 | الْبَارِئُ | AL-BAARI | The Evolver |
| 13 | الْمُصَوِّرُ | AL-MUSAWWIR | The Fashioner |
| 14 | الْغَفَّارُ | AL-GHAFFAR | The Constant Forgiver |
| 15 | الْقَهَّارُ | AL-QAHHAR | The All-Prevailing One |
| 16 | الْوَهَّابُ | AL-WAHHAAB | The Supreme Bestower |
| 17 | الرَّزَّاقُ | AR-RAZZAAQ | The Provider |
| 18 | الْفَتَّاحُ | AL-FATTAAH | The Supreme Solver |
| 19 | اَلْعَلِيْمُ | AL-‘ALEEM | The All-Knowing |
| 20 | الْقَابِضُ | AL-QAABID | The Withholder |
| 21 | الْبَاسِطُ | AL-BAASIT | The Extender |
| 22 | الْخَافِضُ | AL-KHAAFIDH | The Reducer |
| 23 | الرَّافِعُ | AR-RAAFI’ | The Exalter, The Elevator |
| 24 | الْمُعِزُّ | AL-MU’IZZ | The Honourer, The Bestower |
| 25 | ٱلْمُذِلُّ | AL-MUZIL | The Dishonourer |
| 26 | السَّمِيعُ | AS-SAMEE’ | The All-Hearing |
| 27 | الْبَصِيرُ | AL-BASEER | The All-Seeing |
| 28 | الْحَكَمُ | AL-HAKAM | The Impartial Judge |
| 29 | الْعَدْلُ | AL-‘ADL | The Utterly Just |
| 30 | اللَّطِيفُ | AL-LATEEF | The Subtle One, The Most Gentle |
| 31 | الْخَبِيرُ | AL-KHABEER | The All-Aware |
| 32 | الْحَلِيمُ | AL-HALEEM | The Most Forbearing |
| 33 | الْعَظِيمُ | AL-‘AZEEM | The Magnificent, The Supreme |
| 34 | الْغَفُور | AL-GHAFOOR | The Great Forgiver |
| 35 | الشَّكُورُ | ASH-SHAKOOR | The Most Appreciative |
| 36 | الْعَلِيُّ | AL-‘ALEE | The Most High, The Exalted |
| 37 | الْكَبِيرُ | AL-KABEER | The Most Great |
| 38 | الْحَفِيظُ | AL-HAFEEDH | The Preserver |
| 39 | المُقيِت | AL-MUQEET | The Sustainer |
| 40 | اﻟْﺣَسِيبُ | AL-HASEEB | The Reckoner |
| 41 | الْجَلِيلُ | AL-JALEEL | The Majestic |
| 42 | الْكَرِيمُ | AL-KAREEM | The Most Generous, The Most Esteemed |
| 43 | الرَّقِيبُ | AR-RAQEEB | The Watchful |
| 44 | ٱلْمُجِيبُ | AL-MUJEEB | The Responsive One |
| 45 | الْوَاسِعُ | AL-WAASI’ | The All-Encompassing, the Boundless |
| 46 | الْحَكِيمُ | AL-HAKEEM | The All-Wise |
| 47 | الْوَدُودُ | AL-WADUD | The Most Loving |
| 48 | الْمَجِيدُ | AL-MAJEED | The Glorious, The Most Honorable |
| 49 | الْبَاعِثُ | AL-BA’ITH | The Infuser of New Life |
| 50 | الشَّهِيدُ | ASH-SHAHEED | The All Observing Witnessing |
| 51 | الْحَقُ | AL-HAQQ | The Absolute Truth |
| 52 | الْوَكِيلُ | AL-WAKEEL | The Trustee, The Disposer of Affairs |
| 53 | الْقَوِيُ | AL-QAWIYY | The All-Strong |
| 54 | الْمَتِينُ | AL-MATEEN | The Firm, The Steadfast |
| 55 | الْوَلِيُّ | AL-WALIYY | The Protecting Associate |
| 56 | الْحَمِيدُ | AL-HAMEED | The Praiseworthy |
| 57 | الْمُحْصِي | AL-MUHSEE | The All-Enumerating, The Counter |
| 58 | الْمُبْدِئُ | AL-MUBDI | The Originator, The Initiator |
| 59 | ٱلْمُعِيدُ | AL-MUEED | The Restorer, The Reinstater |
| 60 | الْمُحْيِي | AL-MUHYI | The Giver of Life |
| 61 | اَلْمُمِيتُ | AL-MUMEET | The Creator of Death |
| 62 | الْحَيُّ | AL-HAYY | The Ever-Living |
| 63 | الْقَيُّومُ | AL-QAYYOOM | The Sustainer, The Self-Subsisting |
| 64 | الْوَاجِدُ | AL-WAAJID | The Perceiver |
| 65 | الْمَاجِدُ | AL-MAAJID | The Illustrious, the Magnificent |
| 66 | الْواحِدُ | AL-WAAHID | The One |
| 67 | اَلاَحَدُ | AL-AHAD | The Unique, The Only One |
| 68 | الصَّمَدُ | AS-SAMAD | The Eternal, Satisfier of Needs |
| 69 | الْقَادِرُ | AL-QADEER | The Omnipotent One |
| 70 | الْمُقْتَدِرُ | AL-MUQTADIR | The Powerful |
| 71 | الْمُقَدِّمُ | AL-MUQADDIM | The Expediter, The Promoter |
| 72 | الْمُؤَخِّرُ | AL-MU’AKHKHIR | The Delayer |
| 73 | الأوَّلُ | AL-AWWAL | The First |
| 74 | الآخِرُ | AL-AAKHIR | The Last |
| 75 | الظَّاهِرُ | AZ-ZAAHIR | The Manifest |
| 76 | الْبَاطِنُ | AL-BAATIN | The Hidden One, Knower of the Hidden |
| 77 | الْوَالِي | AL-WAALI | The Sole Governor |
| 78 | الْمُتَعَالِي | AL-MUTA’ALI | The Self Exalted |
| 79 | الْبَرُّ | AL-BARR | The Source of All Goodness |
| 80 | التَّوَابُ | AT-TAWWAB | The Ever-Pardoning |
| 81 | الْمُنْتَقِمُ | AL-MUNTAQIM | The Avenger |
| 82 | العَفُوُ | AL-‘AFUWW | The Pardoner |
| 83 | الرَّؤُوفُ | AR-RA’OOF | The Most Kind |
| 84 | مَالِكُ ٱلْمُلْكُ | MAALIK-UL-MULK | Master of the Kingdom, Owner of the Dominion |
| 85 | ذُوالْجَلاَلِ وَالإكْرَامِ | DHUL-JALAALI WAL-IKRAAM | Lord of Glory and Honour, Lord of Majesty and Generosity |
| 86 | الْمُقْسِطُ | AL-MUQSIT | The Just One |
| 87 | الْجَامِعُ | AL-JAAMI’ | The Gatherer, the Uniter |
| 88 | ٱلْغَنيُّ | AL-GHANIYY | The Self-Sufficient, The Wealthy |
| 89 | ٱلْمُغْنِيُّ | AL-MUGHNI | The Enricher |
| 90 | اَلْمَانِعُ | AL-MANI’ | The Withholder |
| 91 | الضَّارَ | AD-DHARR | The Distresser |
| 92 | النَّافِعُ | AN-NAFI’ | The Propitious, The Benefactor |
| 93 | النُّورُ | AN-NUR | The Light, The Illuminator |
| 94 | الْهَادِي | AL-HAADI | The Guide |
| 95 | الْبَدِيعُ | AL-BADEE’ | The Incomparable Originator |
| 96 | اَلْبَاقِي | AL-BAAQI | The Everlasting |
| 97 | الْوَارِثُ | AL-WAARITH | The Inheritor, The Heir |
| 98 | الرَّشِيدُ | AR-RASHEED | The Guide, Infallible Teacher |
| 99 | الصَّبُورُ | AS-SABOOR | The Forbearing, The Patient |
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Zia Salik was appointed Interim Director of Islamic Relief UK in 2025, and brings with him over 18 years of third sector experience. He has held several leadership roles within Islamic Relief UK, including National Events Coordinator, National Community Fundraising Manager, Head of Fundraising, and Deputy Director. Zia has led national fundraising strategies, managed large-scale campaigns and events, and contributed significantly to volunteer development, donor engagement and public outreach.
As Interim Director, Zia oversees multiple teams and contributes to strategic planning, operational leadership and organisational growth. He is recognised for his expertise in major donor management, public speaking, media engagement and community fundraising. Zia has been instrumental in building strong community networks and delivering impactful campaigns.
Before joining Islamic Relief, Zia served as Programmes Manager at Humber All Nations Alliance, where he led organisational growth, project delivery and funding proposals.
Zia is a seasoned leader committed to social justice, who brings a collaborative, mission-driven approach to his work, helping to amplify voices and maximise impact in the charity sector.
Nadeem has a wealth of experience from the charity, statutory and private sectors. He is the Managing Director of HAD (a division of IRW) which is a centre of excellence seeking to empower the humanitarian sector and maximise its effectiveness and from October 2025 will serve as our interim CEO.
Before joining Islamic Relief, for nearly a decade at the General Medical Council — a globally recognised professional regulator — Nadeem managed strategic relationships with Chief Medical Officers and senior leaders. Prior to that, he served as the UK Director of Islamic Help, engaging closely with many international non-governmental organisations and playing a key role in fundraising and media activities.
In 2000, Nadeem was admitted as a solicitor. He spent nearly 8 years as a Partner at a law firm specialising in employment, regulatory and charity law. He has published papers, including in the Modern Law Review, and chapters in books.
Nadeem is deeply committed to strengthening civil society organisations and the charity sector, and throughout his career has focused on improving foundations for future generations and building strong networks. Nadeem has particular expertise working in matters of Learning and Development, especially personal and professional development, combining Islamic principles with modern techniques and interventions. He is also especially interested in psychological perspectives and cognitive distortions. He has designed and delivered training to thousands of people for nearly 3 decades.
As well as individual development and growth, Nadeem has spent 20 years working with organisations to manage and lead people to improve outcomes and efficiencies. He is a Consultant Coach, qualified at ILM Level 5 in Effective Coaching and Mentoring and ILM Level 7 in Executive and Senior Leadership Coaching. He was Chair of the Independent Advisory Group for the Professional Standards Department of West Midlands Police for 4 years, where he was awarded recognition for his ‘Outstanding Work.’
Saqeb Mueen
Asha joined Islamic Relief in 2025 with the aim of working with colleagues to create an environment where everyone feels valued, empowered, and motivated to contribute meaningfully to our shared mission.
Asha has more than 20 years of experience in HR leadership across a range of industries, holding roles at Thomson Reuters, BMW, Movado Group and others. She is passionate about building strong, resilient teams and fostering positive workplace cultures where individuals are empowered to thrive, contribute and do their best work.
Asha holds a BA in Management, Economics and Law, as well as a BA in Business Studies. She is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development.
Adnan joined Islamic Relief in 2004 as a regional fundraiser in the UK. He worked in multiple roles over 10 years at Islamic Relief UK, including setting up the first digital team and leading the growth of digital fundraising and engagement. Adnan also led numerous fundraising and marketing campaigns, which played a significant part in the growth of Islamic Relief UK.
Having moved to Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2014, Adnan has held different roles that have helped grow Islamic Relief’s global digital footprint into new geographic territories, supporting Islamic Relief members with their digital and marketing growth as well as developing new products and initiatives for the Islamic Relief family.
Adnan graduated in Industrial Design and Technology from Loughborough University. He has since completed an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from Durham University and a Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Institute of Data and Marketing.
Nadeem Azhar
Nadeem joined Islamic Relief Worldwide in September 2022. He has worked in the charitable sector for over a decade.
He studied Modern History and Politics at Manchester University, and at the University of Law in London before qualifying as a solicitor in 2011.
Nadeem is an experienced corporate, commercial and governance lawyer, having worked with various faith-based and grant making charities as well those in health and education settings. He was a partner at a law firm in London before moving in-house where he focused on setting up and restructuring charities and social enterprises.
Most recently, Nadeem was Lead Counsel at Mind, a leading mental health charity, where he co-authored a new federation agreement, revamped legal processes, and played a major role in developing its strategic and fundraising partnerships.
Nadeem has been a charity trustee for the Seafarers Charity, as well as many grant-making bodies and theatre companies.
Salaheddin joined Islamic Relief UK in 2006 and over the next 7 years held multiple roles, including Community Fundraiser and Campaigns Manager, before joining Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2013.
Since then, Salaheddin has been instrumental in the launch and growth of new Islamic Relief member offices in Ireland, Spain, Norway and Finland, as well as providing essential support and guidance to existing members, including Italy, where he served as CEO for 3 years.
In 2023, Salaheddin became Deputy Director of Global Family Development and in this role has continued to play a crucial part in steering Islamic Relief’s growth and expansion. He has also led global fundraising and media engagement for major emergencies including the Türkiye-Syria earthquake and Libya floods. Salaheddin became the Interim Director of Global Family Development in 2025.
Salaheddin holds a master’s degree in International Development and is actively involved in several community-led initiatives. He is currently the Vice President of the International Union of Muslim Scouts and Deputy Chair of the UK Muslim Scouts Fellowship as well as Chair of the South Birmingham Muslim Community Association.
Martin Cottingham joined Islamic Relief in 2012 as IRUK Media Relations Manager, and was appointed Head of Communications in 2015 before taking up his current position as Director of External Relations and Advocacy for Islamic Relief Worldwide.
Martin has helped Islamic Relief to increase its mainstream media profile and expand its campaigning work, producing hard-hitting advocacy reports on floods in Pakistan (2011) famine in Somalia (2012) disaster risk reduction (2013) and aid to Afghanistan (2014). He has over 20 years’ experience working in media, communications and marketing roles for international development and environmental charities.
Martin graduated from the University of London with a degree in English and Drama (1982-85) then trained as a journalist with a postgraduate diploma at City University (1986-87). He has previously worked for Christian Aid as Editor of Christian Aid News and Media Relations Manager (1988-97) for Oxfam as Regional Campaigns Manager (1997-2000) and at the Soil Association as Marketing Director (2001-2006), as well as working for a wide range of organisations as a freelance writer, researcher and communications consultant.
Waseem Ahmad joined the Islamic Relief family over 24 years ago, serving as Programme Officer in the Balochistan province of south-western Pakistan before becoming Head of Programmes in Pakistan. Waseem then moved to Oxfam and Tearfund before returning to Islamic Relief to establish our mission in Malawi. Later serving as Head of Programme Funding and Partnerships, Waseem led the response to major crises across the globe, including the East Africa drought, Pakistan earthquake and the Indian Ocean Tsunami.
Waseem then served for nearly 6 years as our Director of International Programmes, during which time the charity secured and retained the coveted Core Humanitarian Standard certification in recognition of the quality of our programming. He was appointed CEO of Islamic Relief in May 2021.
With a special interest in community mobilisation and infrastructure, Waseem received an MSc in Project Planning and Management from the University of Bradford, as well as an MSc in Economics from Arid Agriculture University in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
Waseem has also worked for Lepra Health in Action and is a member of the International Civil Society Centre’s Board of Trustees. The father-of-3 enjoys walking and playing football, and is a keen birdwatcher.