Who is Allah (God) ?

One of the most important concepts to understand in Islam is the belief in Allah (God). For many people new to learning about Islam, the term “Allah” might seem unfamiliar, or even mistakenly thought of as a separate god worshipped by Muslims alone. However, this could not be further from the truth. In this article, we’ll dive into who Allah is in Islam and clarify some of the common misunderstandings surrounding this sacred name.

Allah – The Universal God

The word “Allah” is simply the Arabic term for “God.” Just as English speakers say “God,” Arabic-speaking Muslims, Christians, and Jews say “Allah.” If you were to read an Arabic Bible, you would find the word “Allah” used throughout the text when referring to God.
This shows that Allah is not a unique name for a “Muslim God,” but rather, He is the universal Creator who has been recognized by believers across different times, places, and faiths.

Understanding Allah in Islam

In Islam, Allah is understood to be the one, true God – the Creator of the heavens and the Earth. He is eternal, absolute, and indivisible. Allah has no partners, no children, no family, and no equal. Unlike the way humans often try to visualize or conceptualize God, Muslims refrain from this, as Allah is beyond anything we can imagine.

One of the most profound descriptions of Allah in the Quran is found in Surah Al-Ikhlas (Chapter 112), which says:

قُلْ هُوَ ٱللَّهُ أَحَدٌ
ٱللَّهُ ٱلصَّمَدُ
لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ
وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُۥ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ

“Say, He is Allah, the One. Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent.” (Quran 112:1-4)

This verse encapsulates the core belief in Islam that Allah is uniquely One and incomparable. He is the source of all that exists and nothing can be compared to Him.

The Attributes of Allah

In Islam, Allah is described with many beautiful names and attributes, often referred to as Asma'ul Husna, or the 99 Names of Allah. Each of these names reflects a different aspect of His divine nature. For example:

Ar-Rahman (The Most Merciful) – Allah’s mercy encompasses all of creation. He forgives and shows compassion to His servants.

Al-Khaliq (The Creator) – Allah is the creator of everything in the heavens and on Earth. He brought everything into existence from nothing.

Al-Aleem (The All-Knowing) – Allah has full knowledge of everything, from the smallest details of the universe to the thoughts hidden in our hearts.

Al-Adl (The Just) – Allah is perfectly just and fair, rewarding those who do good and holding evildoers accountable.

Through these names and attributes, Muslims are encouraged to reflect on who Allah is and how He interacts with His creation.

Allah’s Relationship with Humanity

In Islam, Allah is not a distant or detached figure. He is intimately aware of the daily lives of all human beings, their struggles, hopes, and fears. In the Quran, Allah says:

وَلَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا الْإِنسَانَ وَنَعْلَمُ مَا تُوَسْوِسُ بِهِ نَفْسُهُۥ وَنَحْنُ أَقْرَبُ إِلَيْهِ مِنْ حَبْلِ ٱلْوَرِيدِ

“We have created man, and We know what his soul whispers to him, and We are closer to him than his jugular vein.” (Quran 50:16)

This verse highlights that Allah is always near and aware of us, understanding our innermost thoughts and emotions. However, while He is close in terms of His knowledge and concern, Muslims do not believe that Allah is part of His creation or that He takes on a physical form.

Allah’s Love and Mercy

Many people have the misconception that the God of Islam is a strict, demanding figure. Yet, in reality, Allah’s love and mercy are emphasized throughout the Quran. One of His names is Al-Wadoud – “The Loving One.”

Allah’s love is demonstrated through the countless blessings He bestows upon all of creation, even to those who do not believe in Him. From the food we eat to the air we breathe, everything we enjoy is a sign of Allah’s generosity and care.

In the Quran, it says:

وَآتَاكُم مِّن كُلِّ مَا سَأَلْتُمُوهُ ۚ وَإِن تَعُدُّوا۟ نِعْمَتَ ٱللَّهِ لَا تُحْصُوهَآ ۗ إِنَّ ٱلْإِنسَـٰنَ لَظَلُومٌ كَفَّارٌ

“And He gave you from all you asked of Him. And if you should count the favor of Allah, you could not enumerate them. Indeed, mankind is [generally] most unjust and ungrateful.” (Quran 14:34)

Allah’s Justice and Accountability

While Allah is merciful and forgiving, He is also just. In Islam, everyone will be held accountable for their actions. Allah sees and knows everything we do, and no action goes unnoticed. However, unlike some other religious traditions, Islam teaches that every human being is born pure and is responsible only for their own deeds. There is no concept of inherited sin in Islam; rather, each person is given a clean slate and judged based on their own choices.

“Not a leaf falls but that He knows it. And no grain is there within the darkness of the earth and no moist or dry thing but that it is written in a clear record.” (Quran 6:59)

Worshipping Allah Alone

Central to the faith of Islam is the belief that Allah alone deserves worship. Muslims are called to direct all acts of devotion – such as prayer, fasting, and charity – solely to Allah. Worshipping any other being or associating partners with Allah is considered the gravest sin in Islam.

In recognizing Allah’s power, mercy, and love, Muslims are encouraged to submit fully to His will, trusting that He knows what is best for them and that He is always near and aware of our innermost thoughts and emotions.

Allah does not need you, although you do need Him. Allah wants you to worship Him for your own benefit. You need God in your life at all times and for every purpose. When you recognize the Majesty of the Creator of All, you will become awestruck and humble in your response. Rejecting God and His Guidance is like a patient refusing their doctor’s medicine to remedy their pain. You will be foolish, ignorant, and illogical if you reject Allah. Allah is Fully Omnipotent and Self-sufficient. He is in no need of humanistic worship or anything else.

Allah is Perfect.