What is the ruling on the Divine Names (Asma Allah al-Husna) competitions prevalent in online forums, and do they fall under the prohibited collective ذكر (dhikr), knowing that members' participation times vary?

There is no harm in organizing competitions about the Beautiful Names of Allah, as they involve spreading good and increasing knowledge. It is stipulated that reliance be placed on authentic books and that نقل (transmission/quoting) from innovators (Ahl al-Bid'ah) be avoided. It is recommended to refer to "Al-Qawa'id Al-Muthla" by Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen and "Sifat Allah عز وجل Al-Waridah fi Al-Kitab wa Al-Sunnah" by Sheikh Alawi Al-Saqqaf. Encouraging the memorization of the Names and paying attention to them is befitting, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Indeed, Allah has ninety-nine Names, one hundred less one, whoever 'ahsaaha' (enumerates/comprehends them) will enter Paradise." And 'ihsaa' (enumerating/comprehending) includes memorizing them, knowing their meanings, acting according to their implications, and supplicating to Allah by them. This competition does not fall under the innovated collective dhikr.