Who Is Allah? Understanding God in Islam
Introduction
One of the most common questions people ask about Islam is:
Who is Allah?
Is Allah a different God from the God of Christianity or Judaism?
Is Allah a moon god?
Is Allah only for Arabs?
The answer is simple:
Allah is the One and Only God β the Creator of the universe.
This article explains who Allah is according to Islamic belief, clearly and authentically.
The Meaning of the Word βAllahβ
The word Allah is simply the Arabic word for βGod.β
It is not the name of a separate deity.
Arab Christians and Jews also use the word βAllahβ when referring to God.
In Islam, Allah refers to:
The One, Unique, Eternal Creator of all things.
The Core Belief: Absolute Oneness
The most important belief in Islam is Tawheed β the Oneness of God.
Allah is:
- One
- Unique
- Without partners
- Without children
- Without equals
The Qurβan describes Allah clearly:
βHe is Allah, One. Allah, the Eternal. He neither begets nor is born. And there is none comparable to Him.β
This is the foundation of Islamic theology.
Allah Is Not Human
In Islam, God is not:
- A man
- A woman
- A spirit inside creation
- Part of creation
Allah is completely separate from His creation.
He does not resemble anything in the universe.
Human imagination cannot fully comprehend Him.
The Names and Attributes of Allah
Islam teaches that Allah has 99 Names, each describing a perfect attribute.
Some of them include:
- Ar-Rahman (The Most Merciful)
- Ar-Raheem (The Especially Merciful)
- Al-Adl (The Most Just)
- Al-Khaliq (The Creator)
- Al-Alim (The All-Knowing)
- As-Samee (The All-Hearing)
These names help Muslims understand Godβs nature.
Allah is both:
- Merciful
- Just
Both:
- Powerful
- Compassionate
Allahβs Mercy
Mercy is central to understanding Allah.
Every chapter of the Qurβan (except one) begins with:
βIn the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Especially Merciful.β
Islam teaches that Allahβs mercy outweighs His anger.
He forgives sins.
He accepts repentance.
He gives countless blessings daily.
The Relationship Between Humans and Allah
Islam teaches that every human being has a direct relationship with Allah.
There are:
- No priests required
- No confession booths
- No intermediaries
A Muslim speaks directly to Allah in prayer.
This creates:
- Personal responsibility
- Accountability
- Spiritual connection
Does Islam Believe in the Same God as Judaism and Christianity?
Muslims believe:
- The God of Abraham
- The God of Moses
- The God of Jesus
Is the same One God.
However, Islam rejects:
- The concept of Trinity
- The idea that God has a son
- Any division in Godβs nature
Islam maintains pure, absolute monotheism.
Why Is Understanding Allah Important?
Everything in Islam revolves around:
- Worshipping Allah alone
- Seeking His guidance
- Living according to His commands
Understanding who Allah is shapes:
- How Muslims pray
- How they behave
- How they treat others
- How they view life and death
Common Misconceptions About Allah
β Myth: Allah is a moon god
There is no historical or theological basis for this claim.
β Myth: Muslims worship a different God
βAllahβ simply means God in Arabic.
β Myth: Allah is harsh and unforgiving
Islam repeatedly emphasises mercy, forgiveness, and justice.
Conclusion
Allah is the One, Eternal, and Unique Creator of the universe.
He is:
- Most Merciful
- Most Just
- All-Powerful
- All-Knowing
Islam calls humanity to worship Him alone, without partners or intermediaries.
Understanding Allah is the foundation of understanding Islam itself.