Names of Allah
Al-Hamid
Al-Ḥamīd
The Praiseworthy — deserving of all praise in His essence, attributes and actions.
What does Al-Hamid mean?
Al-Hamid is one of the 99 Names of Allah, meaning "The Praiseworthy," "The All-Praised". It affirms that Allah is worthy of all praise — for His perfect essence, His beautiful names, His exalted attributes, and His every act, whether of giving or withholding. He is praised by all creation, and remains worthy of praise in Himself even if none praised Him.
The Meaning in Depth
Praise (hamd) differs from mere thanks: it is praise of someone for their intrinsic excellence, joined with love and honour. Al-Hamid is praiseworthy not only for His favours but for who He is. Every blessing He gives is praiseworthy, and even what appears as hardship is, in His wisdom, worthy of praise. This is why the believer says "Alhamdulillah" in ease and adversity alike.
Al-Hamid in the Quran
- "O mankind, you are those in need of Allah, while Allah is the Free of need, the Praiseworthy (Al-Hamid)." (35:15)
- "...And know that Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy." (2:267)
- "...He is the Praiseworthy, the Glorious." (11:73)
Living by This Name
Al-Hamid fills the believer's life with praise (hamd): beginning with "Alhamdulillah," recognising every blessing as worthy of praise, and praising God even in trials, trusting His wisdom. The opening of the Quran itself is praise — "Alhamdulillah, Lord of the worlds" (1:2). The Prophet ﷺ said the best remembrance is "La ilaha illallah" and the best supplication is "Alhamdulillah" (Tirmidhi 3383). On the Day of Judgement, the Prophet ﷺ will be given the Banner of Praise (Liwa al-Hamd).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between hamd (praise) and shukr (thanks)?
Shukr (thanks) is a response to a specific favour received. Hamd (praise) is broader: it praises someone for their excellence and beauty in themselves, with love and reverence, whether or not one has received a favour. Al-Hamid is worthy of both, but praise is for who He is.
Why do we praise Allah even in hardship?
Because Al-Hamid is worthy of praise in all His decrees, which are governed by perfect wisdom. What seems like hardship may carry hidden good, so the believer praises Him in every state, trusting that He does nothing but what is praiseworthy.
Etymology & origin
Al-Hamid (الحميد) is from the root Ḥ-M-D (ح-م-د), meaning "praise" — praise given for beauty and excellence, combined with love and reverence. From it come hamd (praise) and Muhammad (the praised one). Al-Hamid is the Praiseworthy: the One who is deserving of all praise in His essence, names, attributes, and acts, whether or not anyone praises Him.
References
- Quran:
- 1:2, 2:267, 11:73, 14:1, 35:15, 42:28
- Hadith:
- Tirmidhi 3383 (the best dua is Alhamdulillah); Muslim 2734 (Alhamdulillah fills the scale); Bukhari 4712 (the Banner of Praise belongs to the Prophet on the Day of Judgement); Muslim 223 (purity is half of faith, and Alhamdulillah fills the scale)
Related terms
Al-Ghaniyy
The Self-Sufficient — who needs nothing while all creation depends on Him.
Al-Majid
The Glorious, the Most Honorable — exalted in glory, dignity and praiseworthy actions.
Ar-Rahman
The Most Gracious — Allah's all-encompassing mercy extending to all creation in this world, believers and disbelievers alike.
Ash-Shakur
The Appreciative — who rewards even the smallest good deed with abundant rewards.
Tahmid
Praising God by saying "Alhamdulillah" (All praise is for God), expressing gratitude for every blessing.