Allah
Allah is the name of the existent, the one who is entitled to the divine attributes, the one who is qualified by the qualities of lordship. He is unique in terms of authentic existence. Certainly no other existent can properly be said to exist by virtue of its essence; and that which acquires existence from it in respect of its essence is perishable, and in respect of the one who follows an existent it is perishable. (In fact, everything is perishable) "save His countenance." It is most likely that (the name Allah ) occurs as an indication of this abstract entity in the same way that proper nouns (denote particular beings). Everything that has been said in respect of etymology and derivation is arbitrary and artificial.
A useful lesson (in this respect): You should know that this name is the greatest of the ninety-nine names because it indicates the essence that brings together all the divine attributes in such a way that no part of them is lacking. Each of the other names indicates a single attribute (mana’) such as knowledge, power, action and others, whereas Allah is specifically the name (of God). No one applies Allah to any other but God himself, neither literally nor metaphorically, whereas the rest of the names, such as al-Qadir, al-Alim, ar-Rahim and the like, may be used to designate one other than He. For these two reasons this name is the greatest name of all.
An important detail: In respect of the meanings of the rest of the names, such as ar-Rahim, al-Alim, al-Halim, as-Subur, ash-Shakur and others, it is conceivable for man to be characterized (by these names) to the extent that they may be spoken of him, even though this is done in a fashion different from the application of (these) names to God. As for the meaning of this name (Allah) it is so specific that it is inconceivable that there could be any sharing of it either metaphorically or literally. In view of this specificity, the rest of the names are described as being the names of God and are defined in relation to Him. (For this reason), one may say that as-Subur, ash-Shakur, al-Jabbar and al-Malik are among the names of God, (but) one cannot say that is one of the names of and (This is true) in view of the fact that this name is more indicative of the true nature of the meaning of divinity and (subsequently) is more specific, (the name of God) that is best known and most prevalent. (As the result) one dispenses with trying to define it by something else, (whereas) the other (names) are defined in relationship to it.
An Admonition: That portion of this name which man (may possess) is By this 1 mean that his heart and concern should be so completely engrossed in God Most High that he does not see, pay attention to or hope for anyone except Him. How can he not be so when he understands from this name that God Most High is the Authentic Existent, the Real One, and that everything and everyone that is apart from Him is doomed to destruction and perdition and is worthless except through Him. Thus, first and foremost, he sees Himself as the chief (of those who are) doomed to destruction and (utterly) worthless, even as the messenger of God - may the blessings of God and peace be upon him - saw him when he said, "The truest verse the Arabs spoke was the saying of Labid 'Everything except God is worthless'."
Source: Al-Maqsad Al-Asna Fi Sharh Asma' Allah Al-Husna By Imam al-Ghazali
