The Divine Names are potent friends. Simple repetition of their sounds alone will have a healing effect. For a detailed understanding of the names, please read Physicians of the Heart, which can be ordered here http://physiciansoftheheart.com. Below are some brief definitions. Bismillah ar Rahman ar Rahim means, “We begin in the name of Allah who is Mercy and Compassion.” One definition of Allah is the very breath. The breath unites us all as One. When we realize our essential unity, it will be natural to have compassion for one another. This practice reminds us to show mercy, even toward those we find obnoxious, even toward ourselves. If we are all part of the One being, there is no room for rejection. Shakur Hamid is a song of gratitude. Shakur is the Divine Name for gratitude for people and things. Hamid is gratitude for the Divine Qualities, such as love, harmony and beauty. Alhamdullilah comes from the same root as Hamid, meaning praise. It could be translated as, “All praise to Allah,” Wedding Gifts are derived from a story. Fatimah, the prophet Muhammad’s daughter asked him for a servant as a wedding present. He refused but offered practices he told her would be more valuable. They are Subhan Allah, swimming in the ocean of Divine Remembrance, Alhamdulillah, all praise be to Allah, and Allah ho Akbar, God is infinitely great and infinitely small, omnipresent. Zikr is the core practice of the Sufis, an act of remembrance of our Divine Inheritance and Oneness. It is often repeated in four parts. La illaha illa ‘lla hu means, “Nothing exists except for the One.” Illa ‘lla hu means “except for the One.” “Allah hu” is the breath, and the divine presence that flows through it. Hu is the divine presence. Rahim Karim is a practice the Sufi Master, Hazrat Inayat Khan gave to children. Rahim is compassion and Karim is generosity. Wahhabo Razzaq Fattah is a practice to invite and affirm the provision of all we need. Wahhabo is the outpouring of Divine Qualities, blessings falling upon us like rain. Razzaq is the provider, the one who nurtures and sustains us. Fattah is the One who opens the way. It is my hope that these names will become allies on your path, whether you use them as a spiritual practice, or simply enjoy them.