Qualities of the Divine
45 qualities, ranked by how many of the 10 traditions describe the Divine this way.
Where a tradition has no creator God, such as Buddhism, Jainism, Taoism and Confucianism, the quality is shown for what it belongs to instead: the Buddha, the liberated soul, the Tao or Heaven.
See also Names of the Divine →
- Buddhism
- Christianity
- Confucianism
- Hinduism
- Islam
- Jainism
- Judaism
- Sikhism
- Sufism
- Taoism
Eternal9/10
Without end, and often without beginning; outlasting all that comes and goes.
- BuddhismAmata (the Deathless)amatapadaṃSaid of Nirvana
Nirvana is called the deathless state; earnestness is the path to it.
- ChristianityKing eternalβασιλεὺς τῶν αἰώνων
Praised as eternal, immortal and invisible.
- ConfucianismBu yi (unceasing)於穆不已Said of Heaven (Tian)
Quoting the Odes: the ordinances of Heaven are profound and never cease.
- HinduismSanātana Puruṣa (the eternal Being)सनातनः पुरुषःSaid of Krishna, as the Supreme Lord (Bhagavan)
Arjuna, seeing the cosmic form, calls him the imperishable, eternal Being.
- Islamal-BāqīٱلْبَاقِيSaid of God (Allah)
All on earth passes away; the Face of the Lord remains. al-Baqi is in the traditional 99 Names.
- JainismAnanta (without end)Said of the Siddhas (liberated souls)
Each liberated soul has a beginning but no end; as a class they have neither.
- JudaismEl Olamאֵל עוֹלָם
Abraham calls on the name of the Everlasting God.
- SikhismAkāl Mūratਅਕਾਲ ਮੂਰਤਿSaid of God (Waheguru)
The form beyond time; "Image of the Undying" in the Khalsa translation.
- TaoismBu si (dies not)谷神不死Said of the Tao
The "valley spirit", root of heaven and earth, never dies; its power is unbroken.
Truth9/10
The ultimate is what is real and true, and its word can be relied on.
- BuddhismTathāgataTathāgataSaid of the Buddha
He is called Tathagata partly because all he says is real, not otherwise.
- ChristianityThe Truthἡ ἀλήθειαSaid of Jesus Christ
Jesus: "I am the way, the truth, and the life."
- ConfucianismCheng (sincerity, realness)誠者天之道也Said of Heaven (Tian)
Sincerity, being wholly real, is the way of Heaven; attaining it is the way of humans.
- HinduismSatyam (the True)सत्यम्Said of the Self (Atman–Brahman)
The subtle essence of all is the True, the Self; "thou art that".
- Islamal-HaqqٱلْحَقّSaid of God (Allah)
God is the Reality, who gives life to the dead and has power over all things.
- JainismSacca (truth)Said of the Jinas (Tirthankaras)
What the Jinas have declared is truth beyond doubt.
- JudaismElohim Emetאֱלֹהִים אֱמֶת
The LORD is the true God, the living God, an everlasting King.
- SikhismSat Nāmਸਤਿ ਨਾਮੁSaid of God (Waheguru)
The Name is Truth.
- Sufismal-Haqq (the Truth)Said of God (al-Haqq)
Hujwiri speaks of people "veiled from the Truth"; al-Haqq is a favoured Sufi name for God.
Infinite8/10
Without limit or measure; no space contains it and no use exhausts it.
- ChristianityInfinite
Great is our Lord; his understanding is infinite.
- ConfucianismWu qiong (inexhaustible)無窮Said of Heaven (Tian)
Heaven, seen in its inexhaustible extent, holds sun, moon and stars and overspreads all things.
- HinduismAnanta (endless)नान्तोऽस्ति मम दिव्यानां विभूतीनाम्Said of Krishna, as the Supreme Lord (Bhagavan)
There is no end to his divine manifestations.
- Islamal-WāsiʿٱلْوَاسِعSaid of God (Allah)
Wherever you turn is the Face of God; God is vast, all-embracing. Yusuf Ali: "all-Pervading".
- JainismAnanta (infinite)Said of Kevala, the knowledge of the Jina
Mahavira's Kevala knowledge is called infinite, supreme, unobstructed, complete and full.
- JudaismLo yechalkelucha (cannot contain You)לֹא יְכַלְכְּלוּךָ
Solomon: the heaven of heavens cannot contain God, how much less this house.
- SikhismAnt na (no end)ਅੰਤੁ ਨSaid of God (Waheguru)
Japji: endless are His praises, His gifts and His works; His limits cannot be known.
- TaoismBu zu ji (inexhaustible)用之不足既Said of the Tao
The Tao seems bland and unseen, yet using it never exhausts it.
King / Sovereign8/10
Supreme ruler whose order governs all things.
- BuddhismDhammarājā (king of the Dhamma)dhammarājā anuttaroSaid of the Buddha
The Buddha to Sela: I am a king, the supreme king of the teaching.
- ChristianityKing of kingsβασιλεὺς τῶν βασιλευόντων
The blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords.
- ConfucianismShangdi (the Ruler on High)上帝Said of Shangdi / Heaven (Tian)
By the sacrifices to Heaven and Earth the ancient kings served Shangdi, rendered "God" by Legge.
- HinduismLoka-maheśvara (great lord of the world)लोकमहेश्वरम्Said of Krishna, as the Supreme Lord (Bhagavan)
Whoever knows him as unborn, beginningless, great lord of the world is freed from sin.
- Islamal-MalikٱلْمَلِكSaid of God (Allah)
High above all is God, the King, the Truth.
- JainismTīrthaṅkara (highest Lord)Said of the Tirthankara
Gods with joined hands praise the Tirthankara as the highest Lord, as planets praise the moon.
- JudaismMelech ha-Kavodמֶלֶךְ הַכָּבוֹד
Who is the King of glory? The LORD of hosts.
- SikhismHukam (Divine Order)ਹੁਕਮੁSaid of God (Waheguru)
All are subject to His Command; none is beyond it.
Light8/10
The source of illumination, outward and inward, that dispels darkness and ignorance.
- BuddhismTapati tejasā (shines with splendour)Said of the Buddha
Sun by day, moon by night; the Awakened One shines with splendour day and night.
- ChristianityLightφῶς
God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
- HinduismJyotiṣām jyotiḥ (light of lights)ज्योतिषामपि तज्ज्योतिःSaid of Brahman
That which is to be known is the light even of luminaries, beyond darkness.
- Islamal-NūrٱلنُّورSaid of God (Allah)
The Verse of Light: God is the Light of the heavens and the earth.
- JainismThe luminarySaid of the Jina
The omniscient Jina, who ended the cycle of births, is the risen sun bringing light to all beings.
- JudaismOri (my light)אוֹרִי
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
- SikhismJot (Divine Light)ਜੋਤਿSaid of God (Waheguru)
The One Lord shaped every vessel, and His one Light pervades the three worlds.
- SufismNūr (Light of God)Said of God (al-Haqq)
Rumi: the light that lights the heart is the Light of God.
Merciful & Compassionate8/10
Tender care for beings that suffer or fall short, acting for their good rather than their deserts.
- BuddhismLokānukampā (compassion for the world)lokānukampāyaSaid of the Buddha
The Buddha arises in the world for the welfare of many, out of compassion for the world.
- ChristianityMercifulοἰκτίρμωνSaid of God the Father
Jesus tells his hearers to be merciful as their Father is merciful.
- ConfucianismJin (compassionates)天矜于民Said of Heaven (Tian)
Heaven pities the people and gives effect to what they desire.
- HinduismAnukampā (compassion)अनुकम्पाSaid of Krishna, as the Supreme Lord (Bhagavan)
Out of compassion, dwelling in the heart, he dispels the darkness of ignorance with the lamp of knowledge.
- Islamal-RahīmٱلرَّحِيمSaid of God (Allah)
Paired with al-Rahman in the phrase that opens every chapter but one.
- JudaismRachumרַחוּם
First of the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy proclaimed to Moses.
- SikhismDayālਦਇਆਲSaid of God (Waheguru)
God is kind to the poor and always merciful to the devotees.
- SufismRahmat (mercy)Said of God (al-Haqq)
The mercy of a hundred parents is only foam on the sea of divine mercy.
Protector8/10
Guarding and keeping those who rely on it from harm.
- BuddhismDhammo rakkhati (the Dhamma protects)dhammo have rakkhati dhammacāriṃSaid of the Dhamma
The Dhamma surely protects the one who lives by it.
- ChristianityKeep you from evilSaid of God (the Lord)
The Lord is faithful, who will strengthen you and keep you from evil.
- ConfucianismTian sheng de (Heaven gave the virtue)天生德於予Said of Heaven (Tian)
Threatened, Confucius trusts that Heaven, which gave him his virtue, will not let him be harmed.
- HinduismYoga-kṣemaṃ vahāmy ahamयोगक्षेमं वहाम्यहम्Said of Krishna, as the Supreme Lord (Bhagavan)
For the constantly devoted, he brings what they lack and preserves what they have.
- Islamal-HafīẓٱلْحَفِيظSaid of God (Allah)
Hud: my Lord has care and watch over all things.
- JudaismShomer (keeper)שֹׁמְרֶךָ
The LORD is your keeper, your shade at your right hand.
- SikhismRākhiā (He who protected)Said of God (Waheguru)
Why forget the One who preserved you even in the fire of the womb?
- TaoismWei (protects)天將救之，以慈衛之Said of Heaven (in the Tao Te Ching)
Heaven will save the gentle and protect them by their very gentleness.
All-knowing7/10
Nothing is hidden from it: past, present, future and the inner life of every being.
- BuddhismSabbavidū (knower of all)Said of the Buddha
The Buddha: "I have conquered all, I know all." Other suttas (MN 71) qualify claims of constant omniscience.
- ChristianityKnoweth all things
God is greater than our heart and knows all things.
- HinduismVedāhaṃ samatītāni (I know all beings)वेदाहं समतीतानिSaid of Krishna, as the Supreme Lord (Bhagavan)
He knows all beings past, present and future, yet no one knows him.
- Islamal-ʿAlīmٱلْعَلِيمSaid of God (Allah)
Paired with al-Samiʿ: the One who hears and knows all things.
- JainismKevalin, sarvajña (omniscient)Said of Mahavira, as a Jina
On attaining Kevala, Mahavira was omniscient, knowing and seeing all conditions of the world.
- JudaismEl Deʿotאֵל דֵּעוֹת
Hannah's song: the LORD is a God of knowledge, by whom actions are weighed.
- SikhismVekhai (He watches over all)ਕਰਿ ਵੇਖੈ ਸੋਇSaid of God (Waheguru)
Having made the creation, the Creator watches over all of it.
Creator / Source of All7/10
All things come from it, whether made by a Creator or flowing from a generative source.
- ChristianityCreatorκτίστης
Believers commit themselves to God as to a faithful Creator.
- ConfucianismTian sheng (Heaven produces)天生烝民Said of Heaven (Tian)
Mencius quotes the Odes: Heaven, producing humankind, gave each thing its pattern.
- HinduismPrabhava (origin of all)अहं सर्वस्य प्रभवःSaid of Krishna, as the Supreme Lord (Bhagavan)
I am the origin of all, and all moves on through me.
- Islamal-KhāliqٱلْخَالِقSaid of God (Allah)
The Creator, the Evolver, the Bestower of Forms.
- JudaismBoreiבּוֹרֵא
The everlasting God, Creator of the ends of the earth, who never grows weary.
- SikhismKartā Purakhਕਰਤਾ ਪੁਰਖੁSaid of God (Waheguru)
The Creative Being personified.
- TaoismSheng (produces)道生一Said of the Tao
The Tao produced One, One produced Two, Two produced Three, Three produced all things.
Forgiving7/10
Wrongdoing can be pardoned and the one who turns back is received.
- ChristianityFaithful and just to forgive
If we confess our sins, God forgives and cleanses.
- HinduismNa me bhaktaḥ praṇaśyati (my devotee never perishes)Said of Krishna, as the Supreme Lord (Bhagavan)
Even a gravely wayward person who turns to him becomes righteous and finds lasting peace.
- Islamal-GhafūrٱلْغَفُورSaid of God (Allah)
Despair not of the mercy of God, who forgives all sins.
- JudaismHa-soleach (who forgives)הַסֹּלֵחַ
Bless the LORD, who forgives all your iniquity.
- SikhismBakhsand (the Forgiving Lord)Said of God (Waheguru)
Shaykh Farid, in the Guru Granth Sahib: "You are the Forgiving Lord."
- SufismPardon (Bell's rendering)Said of God (al-Haqq)
If no one ever strayed, divine Pardon and Mercy would be empty words.
- TaoismYou zui yi mian (the guilty escape)有罪以免Said of the Tao
The Tao guards even bad people; through it the guilty escape the stain of guilt.
Healer7/10
Restoring health of body and soul.
- BuddhismSallakatta (surgeon)sallakatto anuttaroSaid of the Buddha
The Buddha calls himself the supreme surgeon, who removes the dart of suffering.
- ChristianityHealing all manner of sicknessSaid of Jesus Christ
Jesus went about teaching, preaching and healing every sickness and disease.
- HinduismBhiṣaktama (best of physicians)भिषक्तमं त्वा भिषजां शृणोमिSaid of Rudra (Shiva)
The hymn to Rudra hails him as the best physician among physicians.
- IslamYashfīn (He heals me)فَهُوَ يَشْفِينِSaid of God (Allah)
Abraham: when I am ill, it is He who cures me.
- JudaismRofecha (your healer)רֹפְאֶךָ
I am the LORD who heals you.
- SikhismBaid (physician)ਮੇਰਾ ਬੈਦੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਗੋਵਿੰਦਾSaid of God (Waheguru)
Guru Arjan: my physician is the Guru, the Lord of the Universe; the Name is the medicine.
- SufismʿIshq (Love) as physicianSaid of Love (ʿIshq), the divine love
Rumi hails Love as the physician of pride and self-conceit, healer of all infirmities.
Omnipresent7/10
Present everywhere at once; there is no place where it is not.
- ChristianityThou art there
Whither shall I flee from thy presence? In heaven or the grave, thou art there.
- HinduismĪśāvāsyam (enveloped by the Lord)ईशावास्यम्Said of Ishvara, the Lord (the Self)
All that moves on earth is to be covered by, or dwelt in by, the Lord.
- IslamMaʿakum (with you)وَهُوَ مَعَكُمْ أَيْنَ مَا كُنتُمْSaid of God (Allah)
He is with you wherever you are.
- JudaismMalei (fills)
Can anyone hide from God? Do I not fill heaven and earth?
- SikhismPūr rahio srab thāīṃ (pervading all places)Said of God (Waheguru)
The Creator is in the creation and the creation in the Creator, pervading every place.
- SufismEverywhere (Bell's rendering)Said of God (al-Haqq)
Where could I go from your presence? You are everywhere.
- TaoismFan (all-pervading)大道氾兮Said of the Tao
All-pervading is the Great Tao, found on the left hand and on the right.
One7/10
The ultimate is a single reality, not many; diversity of names and forms points back to one source.
- ChristianityOne LordΚύριος εἷς
Jesus quotes the Shema as the first of all the commandments.
- HinduismEkam evādvitīyamएकमेवाद्वितीयम्Said of Sat, the Real (Brahman)
In the beginning there was only Being, one without a second.
- Islamal-AhadٱلْأَحَدSaid of God (Allah)
Surat al-Ikhlas opens by declaring God to be One.
- JudaismEchadאֶחָד
The Shema, recited morning and evening: the LORD is One.
- SikhismIk OnkarੴSaid of God (Waheguru)
The opening word of the Guru Granth Sahib: One Universal Creator.
- Sufismal-Wāhid (the One)Said of God (al-Haqq)
Rumi: God has thousands of names yet is One; quarrels over names dissolve at the essence.
- TaoismYi (the One)一Said of the Tao
Heaven, Earth and all things endure by "obtaining the One", which Legge glosses as the Tao.
Refuge7/10
A safe shelter to which the troubled can turn.
- BuddhismSaraṇa (refuge)saraṇaṃSaid of the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha
Refuge in the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha is the safe, best refuge.
- ChristianityRefuge and strength
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
- HinduismŚaraṇam (refuge)मामेकं शरणं व्रजSaid of Krishna, as the Supreme Lord (Bhagavan)
Take refuge in me alone; I will release you from all sins.
- IslamAʿūdhu (I seek refuge)أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ ٱلنَّاسِSaid of God (Allah)
Say: I seek refuge with the Lord of mankind.
- JainismDīva (island)Said of the Jinas (Tirthankaras)
The Tirthankaras proclaimed an island of safety for beings swept along by the flood of rebirth.
- JudaismMachaseh (refuge)מַחֲסֶה
God is our refuge and strength (verse 1 in English Bibles).
- SikhismSaran (sanctuary)Said of God (Waheguru)
Farid: I seek Your protection; You are the Forgiving Lord.
Self-existent / Unborn7/10
Not made or born from anything else; existing of itself.
- BuddhismAjāta (unborn)ajātaṃ abhūtaṃ akataṃ asaṅkhataṃSaid of Nirvana
There is an unborn, unbecome, unmade, unconditioned; hence escape from the born is possible.
- ChristianityLife in himselfSaid of God the Father
As the Father has life in himself, so he has given the Son to have life in himself.
- HinduismSvayambhū (self-existent)स्वयम्भूःSaid of the Self (Atman–Brahman)
The Self encircles all: bright, bodiless, pure, wise, omnipresent, self-existent.
- Islamal-QayyūmٱلْقَيُّومSaid of God (Allah)
Ayat al-Kursi: the Living, the Self-subsisting, whom neither slumber nor sleep overtakes.
- JudaismEhyeh Asher Ehyehאֶהְיֶה אֲשֶׁר אֶהְיֶה
To Moses at the bush: I AM THAT I AM.
- SikhismAjūnī Saibhaṅਅਜੂਨੀ ਸੈਭੰSaid of God (Waheguru)
Beyond birth, self-existent.
- TaoismBu zhi shui zhi zi (whose son, unknown)吾不知誰之子Said of the Tao
Laozi does not know whose son the Tao is; it seems to precede even God (Di).
Sustainer / Provider7/10
Feeding, nourishing and upholding every living thing day by day.
- ChristianityFeedeth themSaid of God the Father
The birds neither sow nor reap, yet your heavenly Father feeds them.
- ConfucianismBai wu sheng (all things are produced)天何言哉Said of Heaven (Tian)
Heaven does not speak, yet the seasons run their course and all things keep growing.
- HinduismDhārayāmi (I support)Said of Krishna, as the Supreme Lord (Bhagavan)
Entering the earth he supports all beings; as the moon he nourishes all plants.
- Islamal-RazzāqٱلرَّزَّاقSaid of God (Allah)
God is the Giver of all sustenance, Lord of Power, Steadfast.
- JudaismNoten lechem (gives food)נֹתֵן לֶחֶם לְכָל בָּשָׂר
Who gives food to all flesh, for His mercy endures for ever.
- SikhismBisambhar (Sustainer of the world)Said of God (Waheguru)
The Sustainer of the world, the Nourisher of all beings.
- TaoismXu (nourishes)德畜之Said of the Tao
All things are produced by the Tao and nourished by its outflowing power.
Father / Mother6/10
The parent of all, from whom creatures come and by whom they are cared for.
- ChristianityOur FatherΠάτερ ἡμῶνSaid of God the Father
The Lord's Prayer: Our Father which art in heaven.
- ConfucianismFu mu (parents)惟天地萬物父母Said of Heaven and Earth
Heaven and Earth are the parents of all creatures.
- HinduismPitā, mātā (father, mother)पिताहमस्य जगतो माताSaid of Krishna, as the Supreme Lord (Bhagavan)
I am the father of this universe, the mother, the creator, the grandsire.
- JudaismAv (father)אָב
Have we not all one father? Has not one God created us?
- SikhismPitā (Father)ਏਕੁ ਪਿਤਾSaid of God (Waheguru)
The One God is our father; we are all children of the One.
- TaoismMu (Mother)可以為天下母Said of the Tao
It may be regarded as the Mother of all things.
Formless6/10
Not a body or shape; beyond any form the senses could grasp.
- ChristianitySpiritπνεῦμα
God is a Spirit, to be worshipped in spirit and in truth.
- HinduismArūpam (without form)अरूपम्Said of the Self (Atman–Brahman)
That which is without sound, touch, form or decay, eternal and unchanging.
- JainismArūvi (without visible form)Said of the Siddhas (liberated souls)
The perfected souls have no visible form; they consist of knowledge and faith.
- JudaismLo temunah (no form)תְּמוּנָה
At Horeb the people heard a voice but saw no form of any kind.
- SikhismNirankārਨਿਰੰਕਾਰSaid of God (Waheguru)
The Japji refrain: "You are eternal, O Formless One."
- TaoismWu zhuang zhi zhuang (form of the formless)無狀之狀Said of the Tao
Looked at, it is not seen; it is called the form of the formless.
Gracious6/10
Favour freely given, a gift not earned, by which the seeker is lifted or saved.
- ChristianityGraceχάρις
Salvation is by grace through faith, the gift of God.
- HinduismPrasāda (grace)प्रसादSaid of Krishna, as the Supreme Lord (Bhagavan)
Relying on him, the devotee reaches the eternal, imperishable state through his favour.
- Islamal-LaṭīfٱللَّطِيفSaid of God (Allah)
God is gracious to His servants and provides for whom He wills.
- JudaismChanunחַנּוּן
The LORD is gracious and full of compassion.
- SikhismGur Prasād (by the Guru's grace)ਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿSaid of God (Waheguru)
The Mool Mantar ends: God is realised by the Guru's grace.
- SufismHeavenly grace (Bell's rendering)Said of God (al-Haqq)
A hidden voice bids the poet endure: for every ill, heavenly grace is sent.
Guide / Teacher6/10
Showing the way and leading seekers along it.
- BuddhismAkkhātāro (they point the way)akkhātāro tathāgatāSaid of the Buddhas (Tathagatas)
You must make the effort yourselves; the Tathagatas only show the way.
- ChristianityDirect thy pathsSaid of God (the Lord)
Trust in the Lord and he shall direct your paths.
- HinduismBuddhi-yogaṃ dadāmi (I give understanding)ददामि बुद्धियोगं तम्Said of Krishna, as the Supreme Lord (Bhagavan)
To those devoted with love he gives the understanding by which they come to him.
- Islamal-HādīٱلْهَادِيSaid of God (Allah)
God is the Guide of those who believe, to the Straight Way.
- JainismMagga-daya (givers of the road)Said of the Jinas (Tirthankaras)
Indra's hymn praises the Tirthankaras as givers of the road, givers of shelter and lights of the world.
- JudaismYancheni (He guides me)יַנְחֵנִי
He guides me in straight paths for His name's sake.
Just6/10
Right order and fair dealing; the scales are set straight and the good are upheld.
- ChristianityJust and trueδίκαιαι καὶ ἀληθιναί
The song of Moses and the Lamb: just and true are thy ways.
- ConfucianismTian Dao (the Way of Heaven)天道福善禍淫Said of Heaven (Tian)
The Way of Heaven is to bless the good and bring misery on the wicked.
- HinduismDharma-saṃsthāpana (establishing righteousness)धर्मसंस्थापनार्थायSaid of Krishna, as the Supreme Lord (Bhagavan)
Whenever righteousness declines he comes, age after age, to protect the good and re-establish dharma.
- Islamal-ʿAdlٱلْعَدْلSaid of God (Allah)
God set up the Balance; al-ʿAdl (the Just) is in the traditional 99 Names.
- JudaismTzaddik ve-yasharצַדִּיק וְיָשָׁר
The Rock, whose ways are justice: a faithful God, just and right.
- TaoismTian zhi Dao (the Way of Heaven)天之道，損有餘而補不足Said of the Way of Heaven (Tian Dao)
The Way of Heaven takes from excess and makes up what is lacking.
Loving6/10
The Divine loves creatures, and especially those who turn to it.
- ChristianityLoveἀγάπη
God is love; whoever loves is born of God.
- HinduismPriya (dear to me)Said of Krishna, as the Supreme Lord (Bhagavan)
The refrain of chapter 12: the steady, harmless devotee is dear to him.
- Islamal-WadūdٱلْوَدُودSaid of God (Allah)
The Oft-Forgiving, full of loving-kindness.
- JudaismOhev (loves)אֹהֵב
God loves the stranger, giving food and clothing; so Israel must love the stranger too.
- SikhismBhagat Vachhal (lover of devotees)Said of God (Waheguru)
God loves His devotees and is always merciful to them.
- SufismMahabba (love)Said of God (al-Haqq)
Al-Ghazali builds his chapter on love around the Quranic phrase "He loves them and they love Him".
Peace6/10
Perfect stillness and wholeness, and the source of peace for those who reach it.
- BuddhismSanti (peace)natthi santiparaṃ sukhaṃSaid of Nirvana
No happiness is higher than peace. Müller renders santi as "rest".
- ChristianityGod of peaceὁ θεὸς τῆς εἰρήνης
Now the God of peace be with you all.
- HinduismŚāntam (tranquil)शान्तम्Said of Brahman, the one God
The one God is without parts, without actions, tranquil and without fault.
- Islamal-SalāmٱلسَّلَامSaid of God (Allah)
The Source of Peace, named among the Sovereign and the Holy One.
- JainismSanti (peace)Said of the Enlightened Ones (Jinas)
All the enlightened, past and future, rest on peace as all things rest on the earth. Jacobi says "Buddhas".
- JudaismAdonai Shalomיְהוָה שָׁלוֹם
Gideon names his altar "the LORD is peace".
All-powerful5/10
Power without limit; nothing lies beyond its command.
- ChristianityOmnipotentπαντοκράτωρ
The heavenly multitude: "the Lord God omnipotent reigneth."
- HinduismAnanta-vīrya (of infinite power)अनन्तवीर्यSaid of Krishna, as the Supreme Lord (Bhagavan)
Arjuna: of infinite power and boundless might, you pervade all and so are all.
- Islamal-QadīrٱلْقَدِيرSaid of God (Allah)
In whose hand is dominion, and who has power over all things.
- JudaismEl Shaddaiאֵל שַׁדַּי
God introduces Himself to Abraham as God Almighty.
- SikhismJor (power)ਜਿਸੁ ਹਥਿ ਜੋਰੁSaid of God (Waheguru)
He alone holds the power in His hands, and watches over all.
Friend5/10
A companion and ally who walks with the seeker.
- BuddhismKalyāṇamitta (good friend)kalyāṇamittaSaid of the Buddha
Relying on the Buddha as a good friend, beings subject to birth and death are freed from them.
- ChristianityFriendsφίλουςSaid of Jesus Christ
Jesus: I no longer call you servants, but friends.
- HinduismSuhṛdaṃ sarva-bhūtānāmसुहृदं सर्वभूतानाम्Said of Krishna, as the Supreme Lord (Bhagavan)
Knowing him as the friend of all beings, one attains peace.
- Islamal-WalīٱلْوَلِيّSaid of God (Allah)
God is the wali of believers: friend, ally and protector. Yusuf Ali: "Protector".
- SufismDūst (the Friend)Said of God (al-Haqq)
Rumi asks how he can explain "the Friend" to one who has no such Friend; a common Sufi name for God.
Impartial5/10
Showing no favouritism; regarding all alike and siding only with goodness.
- ChristianityNo respecter of persons
Peter: God shows no partiality; in every nation the one who does right is accepted.
- ConfucianismHuang Tian wu qin (no partial affection)皇天無親，惟德是輔Said of Great Heaven (Huang Tian)
Great Heaven has no partial affections; it helps only the virtuous.
- HinduismSamo 'haṃ sarva-bhūteṣu (alike to all beings)समोऽहं सर्वभूतेषुSaid of Krishna, as the Supreme Lord (Bhagavan)
He is the same toward all beings, yet dwells in those who worship with devotion.
- JudaismLo yissa fanimלֹא יִשָּׂא פָנִים
The great God, who shows no favour and takes no bribe.
- TaoismTian Dao wu qin (no partiality)天道無親Said of the Way of Heaven (Tian Dao)
The Way of Heaven has no favourites; it is always with the good.
Living5/10
Life itself, and the giver of life to all that lives.
- ChristianityLiving and true Godθεῷ ζῶντι
Turning from idols to serve the living and true God.
- HinduismJīvanaṃ sarva-bhūteṣu (life in all beings)जीवनं सर्वभूतेषुSaid of Krishna, as the Supreme Lord (Bhagavan)
He is the taste in water, the light of sun and moon, the life in all beings.
- Islamal-HayyٱلْحَيّSaid of God (Allah)
Put your trust in the Living One, who does not die.
- JudaismEl Chaiאֵל חָי
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God (verse 2 in English Bibles).
- SikhismJīa kā jīu (life of the living)Said of God (Waheguru)
Why forget Him, who is the life of all living beings?
Near / Indwelling5/10
Close at hand, dwelling within the heart of every being.
- ChristianityNot far from every one of us
Paul at Athens: in God we live, and move, and have our being.
- HinduismHṛd-deśe tiṣṭhati (seated in the heart)ईश्वरः सर्वभूतानां हृद्देशेऽर्जुन तिष्ठतिSaid of Ishvara, the Lord
The Lord dwells in the heart of all beings.
- Islamal-QarībٱلْقَرِيبSaid of God (Allah)
When My servants ask about Me, I am indeed close; I answer the caller.
- JudaismKarovקָרוֹב
The LORD is near to all who call upon Him in truth.
- SikhismSabh mahi (within all)Said of God (Waheguru)
God, who spread out the creation, is within all; seeing this, enmity falls away.
Patient / Forbearing5/10
Slow to anger, bearing wrong without striking back.
- BuddhismTitikkhā (forbearance)ativākyaṃ titikkhissaṃSaid of the Buddha
First-person verse traditionally spoken by the Buddha: he will bear abuse as an elephant bears arrows.
- ChristianitySlow to anger
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger.
- Islamal-HalīmٱلْحَلِيمSaid of God (Allah)
God is free of all wants and Most Forbearing.
- JainismBore pain (forbearance)Said of Mahavira
Struck and abused in the rough country, the Venerable One bore all hardships undisturbed.
- JudaismErekh apayimאֶרֶךְ אַפַּיִם
Among the Thirteen Attributes: long-suffering, slow to anger.
Unchanging5/10
Constant and steady amid a world of change.
- ChristianityNo variablenessSaid of God, the Father of lights
With the Father of lights there is no variation, neither shadow of turning.
- HinduismKūṭastham acalaṃ dhruvamकूटस्थमचलं ध्रुवम्Said of the Imperishable (Akshara Brahman)
The unmanifest Imperishable is described as unchanging, immovable and constant.
- JudaismLo shaniti (I change not)לֹא שָׁנִיתִי
For I the LORD change not.
- SikhismĀd sach, jugād sachਆਦਿ ਸਚੁ ਜੁਗਾਦਿ ਸਚੁSaid of God (Waheguru)
True in the beginning, true through the ages, true now, and forever true.
- TaoismChang Dao (the constant Tao)常道Said of the Tao
The Tao that can be spoken of is not the enduring and unchanging Tao.
Wise5/10
Perfect understanding that orders the world and sees things as they are.
- BuddhismSammāsambuddha (fully awakened)sammāsambuddho vijjācaraṇasampannoSaid of the Buddha
The standard praise: perfected, fully awakened, accomplished in knowledge and conduct.
- ChristianityOnly wise Godμόνῳ σοφῷ θεῷ
Paul's closing doxology: to God only wise be glory.
- HinduismKavir manīṣī (seer, wise)कविर्मनीषीSaid of the Self (Atman–Brahman)
The Self is described as a seer and wise, ordering all things rightly.
- Islamal-HakīmٱلْحَكِيمSaid of God (Allah)
The angels: You alone are perfect in knowledge and wisdom.
- JudaismBe-chochmah (by wisdom)בְּחָכְמָה
The LORD founded the earth by wisdom.
Fearless4/10
Untouched by fear, and a giver of fearlessness to others.
- BuddhismAbhayappatta (fearless)khemappatto abhayappatto vesārajjappattoSaid of the Buddha
Seeing no ground for challenge, the Buddha lives secure, fearless and self-assured.
- HinduismAbhayam (fearless)अभयं वै ब्रह्मSaid of Brahman (the unborn Self)
The great unborn Self is undecaying, immortal, fearless; fearless is Brahman.
- JainismJiya-bhaya (who have conquered fear)Said of the Jinas (Tirthankaras)
Indra's hymn reveres the Jinas who have conquered fear and are givers of safety.
- SikhismNirbhauਨਿਰਭਉSaid of God (Waheguru)
Without fear.
Generous / Giver4/10
Giving freely and abundantly, without grudging.
- ChristianityGiveth liberally
God gives to all generously and without reproach.
- Islamal-Akram (Most Bountiful)ٱلْأَكْرَمSaid of God (Allah)
From the first revelation: your Lord is the Most Bountiful. al-Karim is in the 99 Names.
- JudaismPote'ach et yadecha (You open Your hand)פּוֹתֵחַ אֶת יָדֶךָ
You open Your hand and satisfy every living thing with favour.
- SikhismDātār (the Great Giver)ਦਾਤਾਰੁSaid of God (Waheguru)
People beg "give, give", and the Great Giver keeps giving.
Helper of the Helpless4/10
Especially near to the orphan, the poor and the oppressed.
- ChristianityTo preach the gospel to the poorSaid of Jesus Christ
Jesus reads Isaiah: sent to the poor, the broken-hearted, captives and the oppressed.
- IslamĀwā (He sheltered)أَلَمْ يَجِدْكَ يَتِيمًا فَـَٔاوَىٰSaid of God (Allah)
Did He not find you an orphan and shelter you, in need and enrich you?
- JudaismAvi yetomim (father of the fatherless)אֲבִי יְתוֹמִים
A father of the fatherless and defender of widows (verse 5 in English Bibles).
- SikhismAnāth kā nāth (patron of the patronless)Said of God (Waheguru)
God is kind to the poor, the Patron of those with no one.
Holy4/10
Utterly pure and set apart, the source of all holiness.
- ChristianityHoly, holy, holyἅγιος
The living creatures cry day and night: holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty.
- HinduismPavitraṃ paramam (supreme purifier)पवित्रं परमम्Said of Krishna, as the Supreme Lord (Bhagavan)
Arjuna: you are the supreme Brahman, the supreme goal, the holiest of the holy.
- Islamal-QuddūsٱلْقُدُّوسSaid of God (Allah)
All creation glorifies God, the Sovereign, the Holy One.
- JudaismKadoshקָדוֹשׁ
The seraphim's cry, repeated in the daily Kedushah: holy, holy, holy.
Judge4/10
Deeds are weighed before a final, rightful court.
- ChristianityJudge of allκριτής
Believers come to God, the Judge of all.
- Islamal-Hakamأَحْكَمِ ٱلْحَاكِمِينَSaid of God (Allah)
Is not God the wisest of judges? al-Hakam (the Judge) is in the traditional 99 Names.
- JudaismShofet kol ha-aretzשֹׁפֵט כָּל הָאָרֶץ
Abraham: shall not the Judge of all the earth do justly?
- SikhismSachā Darbār (True Court)ਸਚਾ ਦਰਬਾਰੁSaid of God (Waheguru)
All are judged by their deeds; God is True, and True is His Court.
Nameless / Beyond Words4/10
No name or description can capture it; speech and thought fall short.
- HinduismYato vāco nivartanteयतो वाचो निवर्तन्तेSaid of Brahman
The bliss of Brahman, from which speech and mind turn back, unable to reach it.
- JainismSavve sarā niyaṭṭanti (all sounds recoil)Said of the liberated soul (Siddha)
All words recoil where reasoning cannot go; there is no analogy for the liberated soul.
- SufismIndescribable (Whinfield's rendering)Said of God (al-Haqq)
God answers to every description yet is indescribable; pass beyond names to qualities and essence.
- TaoismWu ming (nameless)道常無名Said of the Tao
The Tao, considered as unchanging, has no name.
Beautiful3/10
The source of all beauty, whose beauty draws the heart.
- ChristianityBeauty of the Lord
One thing I desire: to behold the beauty of the Lord.
- JudaismNoʿam (pleasantness)נֹעַם
To behold the graciousness of the LORD (JPS 1917); KJV renders the same word "beauty".
- SufismJamāl (Beauty)Said of God (al-Haqq)
Al-Ghazali: the inner eye perceives the beauty and perfection of God, the root of all love.
Beloved3/10
The Divine is the one the soul longs for, the object of the heart's deepest love.
- HinduismPriyaḥ (dear above all)प्रियःSaid of Krishna, as the Supreme Lord (Bhagavan)
To the wise devotee he is dear above all things, and that devotee is dear to him.
- SikhismPiru (Beloved)Said of God (Waheguru)
Shaykh Farid: if you long for your Beloved, break no one's heart, for the Lord dwells in all.
- SufismMaʿshūq (the Beloved)Said of God (al-Haqq)
Rumi: the Beloved is all in all; the lover only veils Him.
Bliss3/10
Perfect, unconditioned happiness.
- BuddhismParamaṃ sukhaṃ (highest happiness)nibbānaṃ paramaṃ sukhaṃSaid of Nirvana
Nirvana is the highest happiness.
- HinduismĀnanda (bliss)आनन्दो ब्रह्मेतिSaid of Brahman
Bhrigu realises that bliss is Brahman: from bliss beings are born, live, and return.
- JainismSukha (happiness beyond compare)Said of the Siddhas (liberated souls)
The perfected souls possess paramount happiness that admits no comparison.
Faithful3/10
Keeping every promise; utterly reliable.
- ChristianityFaithfulπιστὸς ὁ θεός
God is faithful and will not let you be tested beyond your strength.
- IslamLā yukhlifu al-mīʿādلَا يُخْلِفُ ٱلْمِيعَادَSaid of God (Allah)
God never fails in His promise.
- JudaismHa-El ha-ne'emanהָאֵל הַנֶּאֱמָן
The faithful God, keeping covenant and mercy to a thousand generations.
Good3/10
Goodness itself, kind toward all.
- ChristianityGoodἀγαθός
Jesus: there is none good but one, that is, God.
- Islamal-BarrٱلْبَرّSaid of God (Allah)
He is the Beneficent, the Merciful.
- JudaismTovטוֹב
The LORD is good; His mercy endures for ever.
Humble3/10
Greatness that stoops low and does not claim credit or mastery.
- ChristianityMeek and lowlyπραΰς … ταπεινὸςSaid of Jesus Christ
Jesus: I am meek and lowly in heart.
- JudaismAnvatcha (Your humility)וְעַנְוַתְךָ
Your condescension has made me great (JPS 1917); the Talmud reads it as divine humility.
- TaoismBu wei zhu (does not act as lord)衣養萬物而不為主Said of the Tao
The Tao clothes and nourishes all things yet claims no credit and does not lord it over them.
Without Enmity3/10
Free of hatred toward any being.
- HinduismNa me dveṣyo 'sti (none is hateful to me)न मे द्वेष्योऽस्तिSaid of Krishna, as the Supreme Lord (Bhagavan)
He is alike to all beings; none is hateful to him.
- JainismVīyarāga (dispassionate)Said of the Kevalin (Jina)
Having destroyed love and hatred, the dispassionate one knows and sees all things. A reviewer should check this reading.
- SikhismNirvairਨਿਰਵੈਰੁSaid of God (Waheguru)
Without hatred or enmity.