Who is Allah?
In Islam, Allah is the Arabic word for God. Allah is the sole creator, sustainer, and restorer of the universe. Allah is compassionate, merciful, and all-powerful, embodying qualities of both immense justice and infinite mercy.
Attributes of Allah
The Quran describes Allah with at least 99 names, each reflecting a distinct attribute of His nature. Some of the most frequently mentioned names include:
- Ar-Rahman (The Merciful)
- Ar-Raheem (The Compassionate)
- Al-Khaliq (The Creator)
- Al-Malik (The Sovereign)
These attributes emphasize that Allah is not only the Creator but also actively involved in the governance and sustenance of the universe.
Monotheism (Tawhid)
Central to Islamic belief is the concept of Tawhid, the absolute oneness of God. This means that Allah has no partners, equals, or children, and nothing in creation can be compared to Him. This strict monotheism is a core principle of Islam and is expressed in the Shahada, the Islamic declaration of faith: "There is no deity but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah".
Allah in Relation to Other Abrahamic Faiths
Allah is the same God worshipped in Judaism and Christianity. This belief is rooted in the Quran, which states that Allah sent previous revelations to prophets such as Moses and Jesus. The message of Islam is seen as a continuation and completion of these earlier revelations (Islamic Core Values).
Quranic Verses
The Quran contains numerous verses that describe the nature and attributes of Allah. For instance, Surah Al-Ikhlas (112:1-4) summarizes the essence of Allah's oneness and uniqueness:
"Say, 'He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent.'"
Further Reading
For more detailed information, you can refer to these sources: