Allah is the Arabic word for God in Islam and represents the only deity, central to the faith of more than a billion Muslims worldwide. The term “Allah” is derived from the Arabic word “al-ilah,” meaning “the god,” which refers to the monotheistic belief in one supreme being. The concept of Allah is central not only to Islam but also to Arab-speaking Christians and Jews, who also use “Allah” to denote God.
Meaning and Concept of Allah:
In Islam, Allah is understood as the singular, all-powerful, and eternal creator of the universe, omnipotent and omniscient. Allah is believed to be merciful, just, and compassionate. According to Islamic theology, Allah is not bound by human limitations and transcends physical characteristics like gender, race, or form. Muslims believe Allah revealed His will through prophets, including Adam, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad, the final prophet.
The essence of Allah is expressed in tawhid, the oneness of God, which is the core tenet of the Islamic faith. Tawhid rejects any form of polytheism or association of partners with Allah, known as shirk, and emphasizes that Allah is unique, incomparable, and indivisible.
Characteristics and Attributes of Allah:
The attributes of Allah are described in the Qur’an, the holy book of Islam, and are reflected in the 99 Names of Allah, each highlighting a different aspect of His divine nature. Some of these include:
- Al-Rahman (The Merciful)
- Al-Rahim (The Compassionate)
- Al-Malik (The King)
- Al-Hakim (The Wise)
- Al-Khaliq (The Creator)
- Al-Aziz (The Almighty)
- Al-Sami’ (The All-Hearing)
- Al-Basir (The All-Seeing)
Muslims recite these names to express the many facets of Allah’s divine nature and foster a deeper spiritual connection with Him.
Allah in Islamic Worship:
Worship in Islam is exclusively directed to Allah, and acts of devotion, such as prayer (Salah), fasting (Sawm), and pilgrimage (Hajj), are performed to seek His pleasure. The Shahada, or declaration of faith, which states, “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger,” affirms the believer’s submission to Allah alone.
Allah in Other Monotheistic Religions:
While “Allah” is most commonly associated with Islam, it is also the term used by Arab-speaking Christians and Jews to refer to God. In pre-Islamic Arabia, Allah was also recognized by some tribes as the supreme deity, but Islam redefined the concept by emphasizing strict monotheism and rejecting idolatry.
Facts About Allah:
- Transcendent and Immanent: Allah is believed to be beyond human comprehension but also intimately involved in the affairs of the world.
- Unseen: In Islamic belief, no one can physically see Allah in this life, and representations of Allah in any form are strictly prohibited in Islam.
- Judgment and Mercy: Allah is both just, holding all humans accountable for their actions, and merciful, offering forgiveness to those who repent.
- Eternal and Unchanging: Allah’s existence has no beginning or end, and His nature remains constant throughout time.
In Summary:
Allah, in Islam, is the all-powerful, all-knowing creator and sustainer of the universe. Belief in Allah’s oneness and transcendence is central to the Islamic faith, and Muslims strive to live their lives according to Allah’s will as revealed through the Qur’an and the Prophet Muhammad.
