Who is God in the Religion of Islam?
Who is God in the Religion of Islam?
Introduction
In the religion of Islam, God is known by the Arabic word “Allah”. This term does not mean “a god” or “one of many gods,” but rather “The One True God” who is unique, eternal, and without equal. Muslims believe that Allah is the same God worshiped by all prophets, from Adam to Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad (peace be upon them all). The Qur’an, the holy book of Islam, emphasizes the absolute oneness of God, a belief known as Tawḥīd.
The Name “Allah”
The word Allah is used by Arabic-speaking Muslims and Christians alike to refer to God. It is not a new name invented by Islam, but a term that predates the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The name itself has no plural form and no gender in Arabic, which reinforces the Islamic belief that God is beyond human limitations and cannot be compared to any of His creation.
The Oneness of God (Tawḥīd)
At the heart of Islamic theology is the concept of Tawḥīd, the belief that Allah is One in His essence, His attributes, and His rights to be worshiped.
Islam rejects any division of God’s nature, any form of polytheism, and any attribution of partners or equals to Him. The Qur’an says:
"Say: He is Allah, One. Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent."
(Surah Al-Ikhlāṣ, 112:1-4)
This short chapter captures the Islamic definition of God: absolutely one, self-sufficient, without origin, and without offspring.
The Attributes of Allah
Muslims believe that Allah has perfect attributes that describe His nature. These attributes are mentioned throughout the Qur’an and in the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Some of the most important include:
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Ar-Raḥmān (The Most Merciful) – His mercy encompasses all things.
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Ar-Raḥīm (The Most Compassionate) – He shows special mercy to the believers.
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Al-‘Alīm (The All-Knowing) – Nothing is hidden from Him.
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Al-Qadīr (The All-Powerful) – He has power over all things.
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As-Samī‘ (The All-Hearing) – He hears everything, without limitation.
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Al-Baṣīr (The All-Seeing) – He sees all that exists.
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Al-Ḥakīm (The All-Wise) – His decisions are full of wisdom.
Islam teaches that these attributes are not separate beings or forces, but part of Allah’s perfect and indivisible nature.
God is Beyond Human Limitations
In Islam, Allah is completely unlike His creation. He is not a man, woman, animal, or object. He has no physical form that can be seen or imagined. The Qur’an clearly states:
"There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the Hearing, the Seeing."
(Surah Ash-Shūrā, 42:11)
This means that Muslims do not make images or statues of God, as such representations would be inaccurate and disrespectful. Worship is directed to God alone, without intermediaries.
God as Creator and Sustainer
Allah is the Creator of the heavens, the earth, and all that exists. He brought everything into being from nothing, and He sustains all creation. Every moment of existence is dependent on Him. The Qur’an says:
"Allah is the Creator of all things, and He is, over all things, Disposer of affairs."
(Surah Az-Zumar, 39:62)
Not only does Allah create, but He also provides for His creation—food, water, life, and even guidance for the soul.
God’s Mercy and Justice
One of the most emphasized qualities of Allah in Islam is mercy. The Qur’an begins almost every chapter with the phrase:
"In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate."
Allah’s mercy is so vast that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Allah’s mercy is greater than the mercy of a mother to her child.”
(Sahih Muslim)
However, Islam also teaches that Allah is perfectly just. He rewards good deeds and holds people accountable for their wrong actions. His justice ensures that no one is wronged and that all actions will be fairly judged in the Hereafter.
God’s Relationship with Humanity
In Islam, Allah is near to every person, more so than their own heartbeat. He hears every prayer and knows every thought. Muslims are encouraged to call upon Him directly without the need for priests, saints, or idols as intermediaries. The Qur’an says:
"And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the call of the supplicant when he calls upon Me."
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:186)
This direct relationship with God is central to the Muslim faith.
The Purpose of Life in Relation to God
According to Islam, the main purpose of human life is to worship Allah and live according to His guidance. Worship in Islam is not limited to prayer or rituals; it includes any action done sincerely for the sake of God—whether helping others, seeking knowledge, or being honest in business.
The Qur’an states:
"And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me."
(Surah Adh-Dhāriyāt, 51:56)
God’s Guidance to Humanity
Allah has not left humanity without guidance. He has sent prophets throughout history to teach His message. These prophets—such as Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad ﷺ—delivered the same basic call: worship the One True God and live righteously.
The final and complete revelation came through the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in the form of the Qur’an, which Muslims believe is preserved without change.
No Partners, No Equals
A major difference between Islam and some other religions is that Islam rejects the idea of God having partners, children, or divisions in His being. The Qur’an repeatedly warns against associating others with Allah in worship, a practice called shirk. This is considered the gravest sin in Islam because it contradicts the essence of Tawḥīd.
Conclusion
In Islam, God—Allah—is the One, Eternal, and Perfect Creator who has no partners, equals, or limitations. He is merciful, just, all-knowing, and all-powerful. He created humanity with a purpose: to worship Him and live by His guidance. Allah’s oneness is the foundation of the Islamic faith, shaping every aspect of a Muslim’s belief, worship, and life.
For Muslims, knowing who Allah is not only answers theological questions—it provides meaning, guidance, and hope. He is not a distant deity but an ever-present Lord who listens, forgives, and guides all who turn to Him in sincerity
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