What are the guidelines concerning names whichmay correctly be attributed to Allaah, mayHe be exalted? .,Names and Attributes of Allaah,-

Is it correct to call Allaah al-Mutakallim (the One Who speaks) or
al-Baatish (the One Who seizes) because it is narrated that He does
those actions?.
Praise be to Allaah.
Praise be to Allaah, and blessings and peace be upon the Messenger of
Allaah (S) and his family and companions.
All the names of Allaah are tawqeefi, i.e., we should accept what is
narrated in the Qur'aan and Sunnah and not addor subtract anything.
Based on this, it is not correct to call Allaah by any name other than
those by which He has called Himself in His Book or those that His
Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) called Him by in
the saheeh ahaadeeth, because the human mind cannot work out the names
thatAllaah deserves, so we must stop at what is mentioned in the
texts, because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"And follow not (O man, i.e., say not, or do not, orwitness not) that
of which you have no knowledge. Verily, the hearing, and the sight,
and the heart of each of those ones will be questioned (by Allaah)"
[al-Isra' 17:36]
Calling Allaah by a name that He has not called Himself, or denying a
name by which he has called Himself is a transgression against the
rights of Allaah. So we should observe the proper etiquette and adhere
to that which is narrated in the texts.
With regard to words which are mentioned in the Qur'aan and Sunnah
only by way of description or information, and it is notnarrated that
Allaah is called by these names, it is not correct to call Him by
them, because some of the attributes of Allaah have to do with His
actions, and the actions of Allaah have noend, just as His words have
no end.
For example, some of theattributes of Allaah that refer to His actions
describe Him as coming, bringing, taking, withholding and seizing
etc., as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"And your Lord comes with the angels in rows"
[al-Fajr 89:22]
"He withholds the heaven from falling on the earth except by His Leave"
[al-Hajj 22:65]
"Verily, (O Muhammad) the Seizure (punishment) of your Lord is severe
and painful"
[al-Burooj 85:12]
So we attribute these characteristics to Allaah as they are mentioned,
but we do not call Him by them (i.e., we do not make names out of
them), so we do not say that among His names are al-Jaa'i (the Comer),
al-Aati (the Comer), al-Mumsik (the Withholder) or al-Baatish (the
Seizer), etc. Rather we say that this is what He does and attribute
those actions to Him.
And Allaah knows best.
See al-Qawaa'id al-Mathla fi Sifaat-Illaahi wa Asmaa'ihi al-Husna, 13,
21, by Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him).

Names and Attributes of Allaah,- Al-Dahr is not one of the names of Allaah.

I read a hadeeth which says that Allaah says "I am al-Dahr (time)."
Does this mean that al-Dahr is one of the beautiful names of Allaah?.
Praise be to Allaah.
The hadeeth referred to in the question was narrated by al-Bukhaari
(4826) and Muslim (2246) from Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with
him) who said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah
be upon him) said: "Allaah, may He be glorified and exalted, says:
'The son of Adam inveighs against Me, he inveighs against [the
vicissitudes of] Time(al-Dahr), and I am Time, in My hand are all
affairs, I alternate the night and the day."
This hadeeth does not indicate that al-Dahr is one of the names of
Allaah, rather what the hadeeth means is that Allaah is the One who
controls time.
Al-Khattaabi said:
What this means is: I am the Owner of Time, the Controller of all
affairs that they attribute to time, so whoever inveighs against time
because it does these things, is in effect inveighing against his Lord
Who is the One whodoes them.
Al-Nawawi said:
What is meant by saying "Allaah is al-Dahr (Time)"is that He is the
One Whocauses things to happen,the Creator of all things that exist.
And Allaah knows best.
Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:
Al-Dahr is not one of the names of Allaah, and whoever claims that is
erring for two reasons:
1 – His Names are the most perfect and beautiful, they should refer to
the most eloquent and beautiful meanings. Hence we do not find any
name among the names of Allaah that does not refer to any attribute.
Al-Dahr is such a word, and it cannot mean anything other than time.
2 – The context of the hadeeth renders that impossible, because He
says, "I alternate the night and the day"; night and day are time, so
how can the thing that is controlled be the one that controls them??
Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen, 1/163.

Where Believers Live inParadise

Where Believers Live in Paradise
Allah has promised the men and women of the believers Gardens with
rivers flowing under them, remaining in themtimelessly, forever, and
fine dwellings in the Gardens of Eden. And Allah's good pleasure is
even greater. That is the great victory. (Surat at-Tawba: 72)
As we said earlier, the houses where believers live their earthly
lives are "places in which Allah has permitted to bebuilt and in which
His name is remembered" (Surat an-Nur, 36), placesthat are cared for
and kept spotlessly clean according to Allah's command. Houses in
Paradise are like these, in that they are incomparably
refreshingplaces in which Allah is remembered and offered
thanksgiving.
In the same way as thesebeautiful houses and mansions may be built
amid natural beauty, it isalso possible that they may have been built
in outstandingly modern cities with aesthetically beautiful
architecture and superior technology.
The houses mentioned in the Qur'an are generally built amid natural
beauty, as the following verse informs us:
But those who heed their Lord will have mansions raised upon mansions
high, beneath which runnning waters flow. That is Allah's promise.
Allah does not break His promise. (Surataz-Zumar, 20)
Mansions located in highplaces, with views around and below
them,provide a detailed panorama that allows their inhabitants to
perceive many beautiful things at the same time.
The Qur'an mentions that water runs below those mansions built in high
places. Thus, in order to see this view, the mansions may contain
sitting-rooms with picture windows orwith glass on all four sides. In
such mansions,"designed to provide the human spiritwith the greatest
amount of pleasure possible, believers lounge on their thrones, enjoy
the best fruits and drinks and, as they look down from above, derive
pleasure from looking at one beautiful view after another.
The mansions are designed and furnished with the highest quality
materials and the most harmonious colors, and feature comfortable
armchairs and thrones facing each other. As"gold-encrusted thrones"
(Surat al-Waqi'a, 15) and"thrones lined up" (Suratat-Tur, 20)
maintain, thrones are symbols of wealth, splendor, and power.
Believers, to whom Allah has granted Paradise's eternal blessings,
have been found worthy of such beauty. Sitting and reclining on their
thrones, and surroundedby unimaginable beauty,they continually
remember Allah. The Qur'an states:
They will enter Gardens of Eden, where they will be adorned with gold
bracelets and pearls, andwhere their clothing willbe of silk. They
will say:"Praise be to Allah, Who has removed all sadness from us.
Truly, our Lord is Ever-Forgiving, Ever-Thankful: He Who has lodged
us, out of His favor, in the Abode of Permanence, where no weariness
or fatigue affects us." (Surah Fatir, 33-35)
Reclining upon soft couches, believers "gaze around them" (Surat
al-Mutaffifin, 23). Just seeing Paradise's magnificent views and
beauties is a feast for the eyes and a great blessing. This will be an
enjoyable banquet for believers to behold.
To share these beauties and pleasures with all believers, regardless
of when they led their earthly existence, is a blessing that can be
realized fully only in Paradise. For example, tosit on facing thrones
andconverse with Musa (as), 'Isa (as), or with pious believers and the
Prophet's Companions, as well as to remember Allah with them, is not a
pleasure that the world can grant; this pleasure belongs only to
Paradise.
In Paradise, everything believers desire will be created and brought
to them by special servants appointed for that task. The Qur'an
informs us that:
Circulating among them will be youths like hidden pearls. (Surat at-Tur, 24)
Believers, whom Allah has made worthy of Paradise, are highly select
and valuable persons. The fact that they are in a position of"high
honor" (Surat as-Saffat, 42) shows the value that Allah places upon
them. The servants mentioned above, who attend immediately to the
believers' every wishand give them free and interrupted service, are
described in the Qur'an as ageless young men:
Ageless youths will circulate among them, serving them. Seeing them,
you would think them scattered pearls. (Surat al-Insan, 19)
These servants, whose sole purpose is to attendto the believers'
wishes, and the fact that the blessings are freely offered with such
perfect service, are otherexamples of glorious beauty. The gadgets
used in this service also have great value and areof high quality,
for:
Platters and cups of goldwill be passed around among them, and they
will have there all that their hearts desire and in which their eyes
find delight. You will remain in it timelessly, forever. (Surat
az-Zukhruf, 71)
While in this world, believers attend to manythings, among them
getting as close as possible to the blessings of life in Paradise. We
can learn about the magnificent material used for clothing there.
Allah teaches people in this world to wear fine clothing, as stated
in:
O Children of Adam! We have sent down clothingto you to conceal your
private parts, and fine apparel. But the garment of the fear of Allah
- that is the best! That is one of Allah's Signs, so that hopefully
you will pay heed. (Suratal-A'raf, 26)
In Surat al-A'raf, 31, Allahurges believers to wear clean and fine
clothing:"O Children of Adam! Wear fine clothing in every mosque. Eat
and drink, but do not be profligate. He does not love the profligate."
Therefore, the clothing worn in Paradise will be several times more
splendid and stylish thanworldly clothing. The Qur'an especially
mentions two kinds of material found in Paradise: silk and brocade.
For example, it states that believers will wear "fine silk and rich
brocade, face to face with one another" (Surat ad-Dukhan, 53). Inthis
world, these two materials are rare, expensive, and of high quality.
Such clothing will give great aesthetic pleasure both to the person
wearing them and the one who sees them being worn. The beauty and
splendor of this clothing only enhances the perfection of those who
wear it.
Of course, the material and clothing found there is not limited to
these two, for Allah, Whogranted these great rewards, will clothe the
people of Paradise in many more beautiful garments made of many more
beautiful materials. He can create clothing styles and materials that
are unknown to us in this world.
The Qur'an tells us that this beautiful clothing is ornamented with
jewelry to enhance its attractiveness. Gold and silver bracelets and
pearls are mentioned specifically, as in the following verses:
Allah will admit those who believe and do right actions into Gardens
with rivers flowing under them, where they will be adorned with gold
bracelets and pearls, andwhere their clothing willbe of silk. (Surat
al-Hajj, 23)
They will wear green garments of fine silk andrich brocade. They will
be adorned with silver bracelets. And their Lord will give them a pure
draught to drink. (Surat al-Insan, 21)
As this verse maintains, beautiful jewelry complements fine clothing,
and both offered for the pleasure of believers.
The basic quality of the materials in Paradise is their varied
delicacy andstriking beauty, both of which are reflections of Allah's
eternal knowledge and artistry. For example, thrones areinlaid with
precious stones and arranged carefully in high places; clothing is
made of silk and brocade, and adorned with gold and silver ornaments.
Allah has given many details about Paradise inthe Qur'an, but the
expressions that He has used allow believers to use their imagination
open. In Paradise, (Allah surely knows best) everybeliever will have
all kinds of blessings, views,and places especially designed for his
or her own pleasure. Of course, apart from the blessings announced in
the Qur'an, Allah has prepared many more surprises for believers, whom
He has made worthy of Paradise.

The Natural Beauty of Paradise

The Natural Beauty of Paradise
"What is the example [i.e., description] of Paradise promised to
therighteous like? It has rivers flowing under it, and its foodstuffs
and cool shade never fail. That is the final fate of those who have
done their duty. But the final fate of the disbelievers isthe Fire."
(Surat ar-Ra'd, 35)
Natural beauty and greenery are among Paradise's wonderful blessings.
Mansions built in gardens, right next to springs, are another beauty.
Paradise, in which there is "neither burning sun nor bitter cold"
(Surat al-Insan, 13),has such a pleasant climate that no one is made
uncomfortable. It contains no exhausting sweaty heat or freezing cold.
In Paradise, Allah will admit believers into"cool, refreshing shade"
(Surat an-Nisa', 57)
The expression"refreshing shade," along with revealing that the
climate will be comfortable and just as a person would want it, points
out that Paradise's environment and conditions have been designed to
give the human spirit true satiety and comfort. Every thing and
condition in Paradise will be just as a believer desires.
One of the natural beauties most mentioned by Allah in the Qur'an is
that of"outpouring water" (Surat al-Waqi'a, 31).
As we observe in this earthly life, the human spirit derives great
pleasure from water, especially flowing water.Lakes, rivers,
waterfalls, and streams flowing in aforest all speak to the human
spirit. All artificialpools and fountains in mansions, residences,
estates, and villa gardens, as well as artificial and natural streams,
arise from this longing for the spiritual aesthetic.
The main reason why these esthetic views are so pleasurable is because
the human spirit has been created for Paradise. These beauties are
described elsewhere, as follows:
In them [two other Gardens] are two gushing springs. (Surat ar-Rahman, 66)
The sight and sound of flowing water comfort and gladden the human
heart. The sight and sound of water falling from above give pleasure
and are a means whereby people can give thanks to Allah and praise His
name. Especially if the water flows in the hills, among trees and
greenery or runs over stones, it is a really impressive sight.
Iteither collects in the place where it falls, or forms pools and
flows from one place to another. Continually flowing water is a sign
of endless and inexhaustible plenty.
As we learn in Surat al-Hijr, 45: "The heedful will be amid Gardens
and Springs." Another verse reads: "The heedful will be in shady nooks
by springs" (Surat al-Mursalat, 41)
The "shady nooks" may be special spaces createdso that believers can
sit and observe all of this beauty. (Allah knows best) As with
mansions, these shady nooks also are placed in high placesso that the
people in Paradise can view the beauty below and see itsmany details.
Shady nooks offer special pleasure to believers. Forexample, people
are served various kinds of food and fruits there, come together there
andhold pleasurable conversations, and enjoythemselves there. Their
being placed next to springs, spaces that give pleasure to the human
soul, adds to their attractiveness. From these springs flow delicious
waters.
Another natural beauty is the gardens. For example, the "lush Meadows
of the Gardens" mentioned Surat ash-Shura, 22 havebeen prepared only
for believers. One of their particular features is the harmony of
natural beauty contained therein. Within them grow a never-ending
variety of plants, similar to the most delicate and sweet-smelling
ones on Earth, and several species of animals, both known and unknown
to us.
The gardens are adorned with various fruit and other types of trees,
plains of "deep viridian green" (Surat ar-Rahman, 64) plants and
flowers, and, in some places, pools and fountains. Surat al-Waqi'a
also mentions"fruit-laden lote-trees with thorns removed" and
"[banana] trees layered [with fruit]" (28-29).
By reflecting upon all of these things, we can form a general view of
Paradise. Some of its characteristics remind usof things in this
world; others are unique blessings and beauties of Paradise that no
one has ever seen or known, and that our minds cannot imagine or
express. We must be aware that beautiful things and surprises are
waiting for believers in Paradise, things and surprises prepared by
Allah's infinite knowledge and beyond our imagination. As Surat
ash-Shura, 22 tells us: "They will have whatever they wish for with
their Lord. That is the great favor," everything in Paradise,
including all of its natural beauties, are brought into being in
accordance with a believer's own desire and pleasure. In other words,
Allah allows a believer's imagination a role in forming Paradise's
environment as a favor from Him.