Q: What is the Isme A’zam?

A: Isme A’zam is that name or names of Allah when called upon, Du’aas are accepted. Imam Jazri (Rahmatullaahi Alayh) has recorded a few Ahaadeeth in his compilation ‘Al Hisnul Haseen’ related to the Isme A’zam. In the end he writes that according to him, the following words contain the Isme A’zam:

اللَّهُ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْـحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ

Allaamah Suyooti has recorded twenty opinions with regard to the Isme A’zam. Among them is the opinion that the name ALLAH is the Isme A’zam. (Al Durrul Munazzam fil Ismil Mu’azzam P1).

Some say that it is the Du’aa of Nabi Yunus (Alayhis Salaam) he recited when in the stomach of the whale.

In short, there are many opinions and all can be correct. All the names of Allah Ta’aala are great, powerful and beneficial. Any Divine name taken with sincerity, devotion and dedication while fulfilling the preconditions of Du’aa, i.e. Taqwa, abstinence from sin, Halaal earnings, etc. will reap benefit. On the other hand, if even the Isme A’zam is recited without these conditions fulfilled, that Du’aa can be rejected.

Allah Ta’aala knows best.