The essential name of the Almighty Creator, which is confirmed by the religion of Islam, "Allah" has no dictionary meaning. With the exception of this name, all other names that describe Allah in the Holy Quran are known as the Asma ul Husna following the revelation: "The most beautiful names belong to Him (Allah)." (Surah Al-Hashr, verse 24). The phrase Asma ul Husna, made up of the word asma, the plural for "name", and husna, meaning beautiful or most beautiful, means "Allah's most beautiful names." The names which are attributes of Allah can be found in the Holy Quran and the sunnah.

Abu Bakr Ibn'ul Arabi lists the reasons why these attributes of Allah are revealed to us as follows:

The Asma ul Husna awakens respect in servants toward Allah, connoting Allah's sublimity and transcendence.

These names, when used in dhikr - remembering Allah - and in supplication, lead to the acceptance of prayers and result in the accumulation of good deeds.

These names fill the heart with a peace of mind and tranquility, as well as an awareness of Allah's mercy and bounty, which affirms hope.

Because the value of knowledge is dependent on the value of those who possess knowledge and the most honorable of those with knowledge is Allah, those who know the Asma ul Husna have greater honor and virtue.

 

This article was taken from http://www.lastprophet.info/the-most-beautiful-names-asma-ul-husna

 

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: Allah has ninety-nine names; anyone who memorizes them will enter Jannah (Paradise).  This is one of the Hadiths that promise Jannah and speaks of virtues and good deeds. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Allah has ninety-nine names, one hundred less one. Anyone who learns them will enter Jannah. According to another narration: Anyone who memorizes them will enter Jannah. (Agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

This Hadith urges us to consider carefully, ponder over, memorize and learn the Names of Allah, so that we can benefit from their great meanings, gain Khushu` (the heart being submissively attuned to the act of worship), obey Allah and fulfill our duty towards Him(Glorified and Exalted be He).

Anyone who memorizes the Names of Allah, fulfills their duties towards Him, and shuns the major sins will be admitted to Jannah while those who commit major sins subject themselves to Allah’s Wrath and their fate is left to His Will: He may punish them or admit them to Jannah. Memorizing and learning the Names of Allah is one means to enter Jannah if a person does not commit major sins. Attaining Jannah has certain conditions that must be fulfilled and certain obstacles that must be avoided. Committing sins is one of the obstacles which prevent one from entering Jannah with those who will enter first. A Muslim who commits sins and does not repent before death will eventually enter Jannah after being punished and purified.

 

This article was taken from http://salaf-us-saalih.com/2011/06/24/anyone-who-memorizes-the-names-of-allah-will-enter-jannah/