What does “Esmâ-i Hüsnâ” mean?

“Esmâ-i Hüsnâ” is a genitive construction formed by the word “esmâ,” which is the plural of “name,” and “hüsnâ,” meaning “the most beautiful.” It is a term used for the names of Almighty Allah, meaning “the most beautiful names.” As expressed in the verses of the Qur’an, “Allah—there is no deity except Him. The most beautiful names belong to Him.” (Tâhâ, 20/8); “...The most beautiful names are His. Whatever is in the heavens and the earth glorifies Him. He is the Almighty, the Wise.” (al-Hashr, 59/24), the most beautiful names belong to Allah. This is because He possesses all perfection and excellence. His names are sacred attributes that express the highest and absolute superiority.

Allah the Exalted (c.c.) has many names mentioned in the Qur’an and authentic hadiths. By learning these names, a servant comes to know Allah, loves Him, and becomes a true servant. In the Qur’an, it is stated, “The most beautiful names belong to Allah. So call on Him by them...” (al-A‘râf, 7/180), thus encouraging supplication and prayer with the Esmâ-i Hüsnâ. The fact that there are multiple Esmâ-i Hüsnâ does not mean there are multiple entities; all the names refer to the one and only being: “Say: Call upon Allah or call upon the Most Merciful; whichever you call, to Him belong the most beautiful names.” (al-Isrâ, 17/110)

Source: T.C. Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı, Din İşleri Yüksek Kurulu