Allah is Beautiful and He Loves Beauty — What Is Its True Meaning?
In Islam, the concept of beauty is not confined merely to outward appearance; rather, it is deeply connected to the created universe, the human soul, and above all, to the Essence and Attributes of Allah. Human beings have been created in “Ahsan al-Taqwīm” — the best and most perfect form — and through this declaration, the intrinsic dignity and beauty of the human being are established. When a person seeks beauty within the signs revealed by his Lord, he advances toward preserving and developing both the material and spiritual beauty entrusted to him, internally and externally.
From the smallest particle to the greatest creation, everything in existence reflects the Essence, Attributes, and Most Beautiful Names of Allah. All beauty is His gift; all beautiful names belong to Him alone. He is the Owner of eternal and everlasting beauty. The Noble Qur’an declares: “To Him belong the Most Beautiful Names” (Lahul Asmā’ul Husnā).
The phrase Al-Asmā’ul Husnā (The Most Beautiful Names) is mentioned four times in the Qur’an, and each time it refers exclusively to Allah. In one verse it is stated:
“And to Allah belong the Most Beautiful Names, so call upon Him by them. And leave those who distort His names; they will be recompensed for what they used to do.” (Surah Al-A‘raf 7:180)
In Surah Ta-Ha (20:6–8), Allah is described as the Owner of the heavens, the earth, and everything between them. He knows what is apparent and what is hidden, and to Him belong the Most Beautiful Names.
Allah also says:
“Say, call upon Allah or call upon the Most Merciful — whichever [name] you call — to Him belong the Most Beautiful Names.” (Surah Al-Isra 17:110)
In Surah Al-Hashr (59:24), Allah is described as the Creator (Al-Khāliq), the Originator (Al-Bāri’), and the Fashioner (Al-Musawwir), and it is declared:
“To Him belong the Most Beautiful Names. Whatever is in the heavens and the earth glorifies Him. And He is the Almighty (Al-‘Azīz), the All-Wise (Al-Hakīm).”
Human intellect is incapable of fully comprehending the Absolute Essence; therefore, Allah has introduced Himself through His Names. When a person comes to know these Names and Attributes, beauty is reflected in his faith, morality, and conduct.
In this regard, the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“Allah has ninety-nine names; whoever preserves (and lives by) them will enter Paradise. He is One and loves oneness.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 6410; Sahih Muslim 2677)
In Islam, the relationship between beauty and humility is clear and profound. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“No one who has an atom’s weight of arrogance in his heart will enter Paradise.”
A man asked, “What if a person likes to wear beautiful clothes and shoes?” He replied:
“Allah is Beautiful and loves beauty. Arrogance is rejecting the truth and looking down upon people.” (Sahih Muslim 91; Jami‘ al-Tirmidhi 1999)
The Prophet (peace be upon him) also warned about walking proudly while dragging one’s garment:
“Whoever drags his garment out of pride, Allah will not look at him on the Day of Resurrection.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 5783; Sahih Muslim 2085)
It is also narrated that a man from a previous nation was swallowed by the earth because he walked in arrogance, proud of his appearance and adornment, and he will continue to sink into it until the Day of Judgment. (Sahih al-Bukhari 5789)
Thus, in the light of the Qur’an and Sunnah, beauty is connected to the Essence, Names, and Attributes of Allah. Allah is Beautiful and loves beauty — but that beauty is inseparably linked with truthfulness, humility, and noble character.