Who Is Allah? | Islamic Concept Of God Explained
Would it surprise you to learn that the name of your Creator, “Allah,” isn’t exclusive to Islam? What if you discovered that the other two major religions also recognize the name “Allah” and that He’s not just the “God of Muslims” or “God of Arabs”?
We’ll delve into profound questions like “Who is Allah? “Is Allah God?” and explore Allah’s Names and Attributes, providing a deeper understanding of your Creator and helping you foster a closer and more meaningful relationship with Him.
In this Islamic Post, You’ll Learn:
- Who is Allah?
- The meaning of “Allah.”
- Is Allah God?
- Allah in Islam, as compared to other religions
- Who is Allah in the Bible?
- Allah’s 99 Names and Attributes
- What do Muslims believe about Allah?
- Tawheed: The Oneness of Allah
- Allah’s love, compassion, and mercy
- Allah’s justice and fairness
- The relationship between Allah and His creation
- How to get to know Allah and build a relationship with Him
- Common misconceptions about Allah
- Question and Answers to frequently asked questions about Allah
Who is Allah?
Allah is the unique Arabic Name for the One True God, a name He has chosen for Himself. Allah is the One and Only, the Absolute and Eternal Creator of the Heavens and Earth. Allah is the central figure in Islamic belief as the Creator of All.
Al-ilah: Understanding the Divine
In Arabic, the closest term to “God” is “ilah”. However, unlike the English word God, ilah carries a deeper and more multifaceted meaning that enriches your understanding of the Creator.
The term ilah refers to an entity that is:
- Worthy of worship, love, devotion, and service.
- A source of comfort in times of distress to whom you turn in desperate moments.
- The object of your adoration is ever-present in your thoughts and aspirations.
- The provider for all your spiritual, emotional, and physical needs.
- Your protector, helper, and aid, offering sanctuary and peace.
- A constant presence, always there to comfort and guide you.
The Meaning of “Allah”
“Allah: is derived from the Arabic “Al-ilah,” which combines “the” and “God” to mean “The God.” This emphasizes the concept of monotheism, a central tenet in Islam.
Allah describes Himself in the Quran:
Say, ‘He is Allah, who is One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither
begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent.’ (Quran 112:1-4)
Allah vs. God: What is the Difference Between God and Allah?
While the term “God” is general and can refer to any deity or object of worship, “Allah” is specific. It is the proper name of the One True God in Islam: the universe’s Creator, Sustainer, and Ruler. Muslims exclusively worship Allah.
Muslims prefer to use the name “Allah” instead of the English word “God” due to significant linguistic and conceptual differences.
Plurality and gender
The English word “God” can be pluralized into “gods” and has gendered forms like “goddess.” In contrast, “Allah” in Arabic is singular and genderless, aligning with the Islamic belief in a unique, transcendent deity.
Clarity and specificity
“God” can be understood differently depending on one’s religion or cultural background. By using “Allah,” Muslims specify that they are referring to the One Supreme Being in Islam, ensuring clarity and accuracy. In essence, while both “Allah” and “God” can refer to the supreme deity, Muslims prefer “Allah” to maintain accuracy, avoid misunderstandings, and emphasize the unique attributes of God in Islam.
When communicating with non-Muslims, Muslims may use the word “God” to facilitate understanding and find common ground, emphasizing their belief in the same ultimate Creator.
Do Christians and Muslims Worship the Same God?
Allah is not a foreign God or bears a foreign name, nor is Allah exclusively the “God of the Arabs” or “God of the Muslims.” It is a common misconception that Allah is a different deity than the God worshipped by Jews and Christians. In reality:
- Allah is the Arabic name for God, used also by Arabic-speaking Christians and Jews to refer to who they worship.
- Muslims, Christians, and Jews worship the same God, although their concepts of Him differ.
Who is Allah in the Bible?
If you were to peruse an Arabic translation of the Bible, you would see the word “Allah” being used in place of the term “God.” Both the Arabic Old and New Testaments consistently use “Allah” as the name for God. This usage predates the revelation of the Quran, with Arabic-speaking Christians and Jews having long recognized “Allah” as the name of the Divine Being they worship. They employ this name in their prayers, religious texts, and daily life, just as Muslims do.
The shared terminology underscores the historical connection and common roots between the three Abrahamic faiths: Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. However, it’s essential to recognize that although the name and deity are shared, each religion holds different theological understandings and attributes of God.
Both Muslims and Jews reject the concept of the Trinity, the belief that Jesus Christ died for humanity’s sins, the idea that he is God or the Son of God, and the concept of divine incarnation. While Jews reject Jesus Christ, Muslims believe that Jesus was one of God’s mightiest messengers, sent to deliver God’s message to the Children of Israel. Muslims also believe that Jesus performed miracles with the permission and power of God.
Al-Rabb: Relationship Between God and His Creation
Al-Rabb is a Quranic term for Allah that signifies His role as the Creator, Sustainer, and Master of the universe. It reflects His authority, nurturing, and care for all creation. Understanding Al-Rabb in the Quranic and Islamic context is essential for grasping Allah’s nature and relationship with His creation. In Arabic, Al-Rabb conveys meanings such as “to nurture,” “to sustain,” and “to have authority over,” highlighting Allah’s comprehensive role in the universe.
- Lordship and authority: Al-Rabb signifies Allah’s absolute authority, indicating that God is the owner and master, exercising control and sovereignty over everything.
- Sustainer and provider: Al-Rabb denotes Allah as the provider of all needs, managing the sustenance of the universe and bestowing provisions and blessings upon His creation.
- Nurturer of hearts and souls: Beyond physical sustenance, Al-Rabb implies spiritual nurturing, with God nourishing and guiding hearts and souls toward spiritual fulfillment and righteousness.
In the Quran, Al-Rabb is often paired with phrases like “Rabb al-‘Alamin” (Lord of the Worlds) and “Rabb al-Nas” (Lord of Mankind), emphasizing His role as the Sustainer of all realms of existence.
Recognizing Allah as Al-Rabb encourages reliance on Him for all needs, acknowledges His control over every aspect of life, inspires gratitude for His continuous sustenance and guidance, and reinforces belief in God’s omnipotence and benevolence.
The Oneness of Allah
Muslims believe in one unique and incomparable God who has no son, daughter, father, mother, family, or partner. He is the Knower of the unseen and the Source of all mercy. Allah is the Creator, Maker, Fashioner, and the All-Wise. Everything in the heavens and the earth glorifies Him. Only Allah is worthy of worship, reverence, and adoration. No other deity deserves acts of worship except Allah.
The Uniqueness of God
God is unique, indivisible, and unlike anything in this world. Comparing God to anything worldly is impossible because He is beyond all comparison. While your mind can conceive of God as a concept, it cannot fully grasp His essence, as God transcends human imagination and visualization.
Muslims avoid visualizing or imagining God because doing so would limit His boundless nature. Your human imagination is based on what you observe and experience, which is finite. In contrast, God is timeless and eternal, without beginning or end, and is free from gender, weakness, or any human limitations. He transcends everything that your mind imagines. As the Quran states:
No vision can encompass Him, but He encompasses all
vision. For He is the Most Subtle, All-Aware. (Quran 6:103)
Allah: Sovereign King and Creator of all
Allah is the King, the Holy One, perfect and free from flaws. He is the Protector, the Keeper, the Sustainer of the Earth, the universe, and all that exists within them. Allah is the Glorious, the Great, deserving of all praise and worship.
Absolute Authority and Knowledge
The dominion of the heavens and the earth belongs solely to Allah. Nothing escapes His knowledge, and nothing is beyond His power. He is the Lord and Master of the physical universe, the Ruler and Lawgiver for all humanity.
The Creator of Everything
From the tiniest subatomic particles to the vast expanse of galaxies, Allah is the Creator of all things. He controls the sun’s warmth, guides the winds, and maintains the planets in their orbits. He orchestrates the transition from night to day and day to night. He is the Master of the Day of Judgment. Allah is eternally vigilant. Allah neither sleeps nor slumbers. He created the universe without fatigue.
Allah is self-sufficient and independent, while all creation, including you, relies on Him for existence and sustenance.
Allah’s Omniscience and Omnipotence
Allah’s Omniscience and Omnipotence Allah’s knowledge encompasses everything; nothing escapes His awareness, whether visible or hidden. He knows every action and thought, both public and private. He is aware of all events that have happened, are happening, and will happen, even how things would have unfolded if they had occurred differently.
Allah understands your struggles and emotions because He is the All-Aware and the All-Hearing. He listens to your prayers and supplications, accepts sincere repentance, and forgives all sins. Even minor details, such as a leaf falling or a seed sprouting, are within His knowledge and control. The Quran captures Allah’s limitless knowledge and absolute power over all creation.
Allah’s power is supreme and absolute. Nothing can happen without His will or permission. Without His consent, no power, might, or influence can affect you or anyone. Allah has the power to make anything happen. He states in His book:
Whenever We will anything to be, We say unto it Our word ‘Be,’ and it is.
(Quran 16:40)
Allah’s 99 Names and Attributes
Understanding Allah’s nature is essential for cultivating true love and devotion. Learning His 99 names and attributes offers a profound way to comprehend His role as Creator and Sustainer. Allah has revealed Himself through His magnificent names and perfect attributes, which are unique and incomparable to human qualities.
While Allah possesses countless names, 99 special names, known as “Asma’ul Husna” (The most beautiful names), are mentioned in the Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). These names reflect various facets of Allah’s divine nature, providing insights into His character and fostering a deeper connection with Him.
Ar-Rahman الرحمن – The Beneficent
Ar-Rahim الرحيم – The Merciful
Al-Malik الملك – The King
Al-Quddus القدوس – The Holy
As-Salam السلام – The Source of Peace
Al-Mu’min المؤمن – The Guardian of Faith
Al-Muhaymin المهيمن – The Protector
Al-Aziz العزيز – The Almighty
Al-Jabbar الجبار – The Compeller
Al-Mutakabbir المتكبر – The Majestic
Al-Khaliq الخالق – The Creator
Al-Bari’ البارئ – The Evolver
Al-Musawwir المصور – The Fashioner
Al-Ghaffar الغفار – The Forgiving
Al-Qahhar القهار – The Subduer
Al-Wahhab الوهاب – The Bestower
Ar-Razzaq الرزاق – The Provider
Al-Fattah الفتاح – The Opener
Al-‘Alim العليم – The All-Knowing
Al-Qabid القابض – The Withholder
Al-Basit الباسط – The Extender
Al-Khafid الخافض – The Abaser
Ar-Rafi’ الرافع – The Exalter
Al-Mu’izz المعز – The Honorer
Al-Mudhill المذل – The Humiliator
As-Sami’ السميع – The All-Hearing
Al-Basir البصير – The All-Seeing
Al-Hakam الحكم – The Judge
Al-‘Adl العدل – The Just
Al-Latif اللطيف – The Subtle
Al-Khabir الخبير – The All-Aware
Al-Halim الحليم – The Clement
Al-‘Azim العظيم – The Magnificent
Al-Ghafur الغفور – The Great Forgiver
Ash-Shakur الشكور – The Most Appreciative
Al-‘Aliyy العلي – The Most High
Al-Kabir الكبير – The Great
Al-Hafiz الحفيظ – The Preserver
Al-Muqit المقيت – The Sustainer
Al-Hasib الحسيب – The Reckoner
Al-Jalil الجليل – The Majestic
Al-Karim الكريم – The Generous
Ar-Raqib الرقيب – The Watchful
Al-Mujib المجيب – The Responsive
Al-Wasi’ الواسع – The All-Encompassing
Al-Hakim الحكيم – The All-Wise
Al-Wadud الودود – The Most Loving
Al-Majid المجيد – The Glorious
Al-Ba’ith الباعث – The Resurrector
Ash-Shahid الشهيد – The Witness
Al-Haqq الحق – The Truth
Al-Wakil الوكيل – The Trustee
Al-Qawiyy القوي – The Strong
Al-Matin المتين – The Firm
Al-Waliyy الولي – The Protector
Al-Hamid الحميد – The Praiseworthy
Al-Muhsi المحصي – The Appraiser
Al-Mubdi’ المبدئ – The Originator
Al-Mu’id المعيد – The Restorer
Al-Muhyi المحيي – The Giver of Life
Al-Mumit المميت – The Bringer of Death
Al-Hayy الحي – The Ever-Living
Al-Qayyum القيوم – The Sustainer
Al-Wajid الواجد – The Perceiver
Al-Majid الماجد – The Illustrious
Al-Wahid الواحد – The One
Al-Ahad الاحد – The Unique
As-Samad الصمد – The Eternal
Al-Qadir القادر – The Omnipotent
Al-Muqtadir المقتدر – The Creator of All Power
Al-Muqaddim المقدم – The Expediter
Al-Mu’akhkhir المؤخر – The Delayer
Al-Awwal الأول – The First
Al-Akhir الأخر – The Last
Az-Zahir الظاهر – The Manifest
Al-Batin الباطن – The Hidden
Al-Wali الوالي – The Patron
Al-Muta’ali المتعالي – The Self-Exalted
Al-Barr البر – The Source of All Goodness
At-Tawwab التواب – The Acceptor of Repentance
Al-Muntaqim المنتقم – The Avenger
Al-‘Afuww العفو – The Pardoner
Ar-Ra’uf الرؤوف – The Compassionate
Malik Al-Mulk مالك الملك – Master of the Kingdom
Dhul-Jalali wal-Ikram ذو الجلال والإكرام – Lord of Glory and Honor
Al-Muqsit المقسط – The Just One
Al-Jami’ الجامع – The Gatherer
Al-Ghaniyy الغني – The Self-Sufficient
Al-Mughni المغني – The Enricher
Al-Mani’ المانع – The Preventer
Ad-Darr الضار – The Creator of the Harmful
An-Nafi’ النافع – The Creator of Good
An-Nur النور – The Light
Al-Hadi الهادي – The Guide
Al-Badi’ البديع – The Originator
Al-Baqi الباقي – The Everlasting
Al-Warith الوارث – The Inheritor
Ar-Rashid الرشيد – The Righteous Teacher
As-Sabur الصبور – The Patient
Unlike human attributes, which are acquired and temporary, Allah’s Attributes are eternal and everlasting. Since Allah has no beginning nor end, His attributes are infinite. He has always possessed His attributes and will always maintain them, never losing them. For example, He has always been and will always be All-Hearing.
The most profound and esteemed knowledge is that of Allah’s names and attributes. Allah encourages you to learn His names to gain a deeper understanding of His essence, drawing you closer to Him. How can you truly love, worship, fear, and trust Allah without knowing His identity and attributes?
By learning and reflecting on Allah’s names and attributes, you can appreciate His infinite power and experience a heightened sense of awe and reverence in His presence. This knowledge is a cornerstone of the Islamic faith.
When you genuinely reflect on the Majesty of Allah, your humility naturally deepens. You are encouraged to study and contemplate His names and attributes and to invoke Him using these names in worship. As Allah states in the Quran:
And to Allah belong the best names, so invoke Him by them. (Quran 7:180)
You are encouraged to study and learn Allah’s names and attributes to:
- Deepen your understanding of Him.
- Increase your reverence and awe for His Majesty.
- Inspire you to worship Him more sincerely.
- To call out to Allah in supplication (Dua) using His Name.
- Strengthen your connection with Him.
Allah is outside of time and space. Any physical dimensions do not confine him. Allah is incredibly close to those who believe in Him and answers their every call. When it is said that Allah is with His servants, it does not mean He physically dwells among them; instead, His presence is established through His infinite knowledge and power. Nothing is hidden from Him, and He is fully aware of all that His creation does or says.
As stated in the Quran:
Allah is ever near. He sees and knows every detail of His creation. He hears every spoken word and knows even the most secret thoughts. Allah knows all our dreams, secrets, desires, and wishes—nothing is concealed from Him:
We created man, and We know what his soul whispers to him.
We are closer to him than his jugular vein (Quran 50:16)
Does God Need Us to Worship Him? Does God Need Our Prayers?
Allah does not need you or your prayers. He is All-Powerful and Self-Sufficient, requiring nothing from His creation. Allah is perfect in every way, while you depend entirely on Him. He wants you to worship Him, not because He needs it, but because it benefits you. You rely on Allah’s guidance and presence in every aspect of your life.
When you recognize the Majesty of your Creator, you are overwhelmed with awe and humility in your understanding. Rejecting Allah and His guidance is akin to a patient refusing a doctor’s medicine, a decision that is both foolish and irrational.
Some people mistakenly perceive God in Islam as harsh, stern, and unloving—a deity demanding complete obedience without compassion or kindness toward His creation. However, this perception is far from true. God, in reality, is All-Loving, as reflected in one of His Names, Al-Wadoud (the All-Loving).
The noble Qur’an frequently emphasizes God’s love, highlighting His affection for the righteous, charitable, steadfast, just, and benevolent, as well as those who trust in Him, purify themselves, and fulfill their obligations.
The universe and everything within it testify to Allah’s love for His creation. His love is evident in the variety of foods, the beauty of nature, the sun, the moon, the stars, family, offspring, and countless other blessings. Every sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell is a blessing bestowed upon us by our Loving Creator. Allah’s love and mercy are boundless.
Allah is also All-Just, ensuring evildoers and sinners are accountable for their actions. As a holy, righteous, and fair judge, He cannot allow evil to exist without consequence. His divine justice requires appropriate punishment for sins.
Although Allah answers to no one, He has promised fairness and justice for all, prohibiting injustice against the innocent. Unlike Christianity, Islam imposes no burden of original sin; every human being is born pure and is judged solely on their intentions, words, and deeds.
Allah, the Absolute Judge and Legislator, distinguishes right from wrong. His mercy toward His creation surpasses even a mother’s love for her child, and He is far removed from injustice and tyranny, embodying wisdom in all His actions and decrees.
Conclusion
Knowledge of Allah is the cornerstone of the Islamic faith. The beautiful journey to understand Him, build a connection with Him, and increase your Iman (faith) is a lifelong pursuit of spiritual growth and discovery. This journey is not only fulfilling but also immensely rewarding.
