Al-Hameed — The Sole-Laudable One
الْحَمِيدُ
Name 56 of the ninety-nine. The Praiseworthy, The One who deserves to be praised
Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ is Al-Hameed (in Arabic: ٱلْحَمِيدُ), meaning the one worthy of praise.
The root
From the root ha-mim-dal (ح م د), which has the following classical Arabic connotations: to praise, to laud with deep feelings of adoration and submission to praise one for something done by that one's own will to speak well of, honor, commend to eulogize.
Reflection
The believer benefits from knowing that Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ is Al-Hameed. If we introspect with this name, we ask ourselves how we can make ourselves worthy of praise - not in the sense of worship but admiration for our faith, character, or actions. What qualities must we possess to deserve respect from our peers, friends, or family?
Where it appears
[1] Riyad as-Salihin 1395,[2] Sahih Muslim 2144d & Sahih al-Bukhari 5470 | Combined narration from several sources, Bukhari, Muslim, al-Tayalisi, Musnad Ahmad, Sahih Ibn Haban,[3] Sahih al-Bukhari 4797