Islam: A Purely Monotheistic Religion ☝️
The foundation built upon the uncompromising oneness of God (Tawhid).
The foundation of Islam is the uncompromising principle of **Tawhid** (Oneness), which asserts that **God (Allah) is the only power worthy of worship**. This concept means God is **absolutely singular**: He is an indivisible entity, not made up of smaller parts or components. He stands alone, having neither equals nor associates in His divinity.
Furthermore, God is **transcendent and unique**, meaning He never “gave birth to a son, a daughter, or any other.” This makes Him the sole, complete Deity to whom all reverence is due.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and their answers below. If you have any other questions that aren’t addressed here, feel free to send them to us using our contact page.
1. How is the Noble Name, Allah, Pronounced
The Noble Name: Allah (الله)
Its pronunciation, meaning, and significance in Islam and Semitic languages.
The Noble Name, **”Allah”** (**الله**), is pronounced as “al-LAH,” with the **emphasis on the second syllable**. **”Allah”** is the Arabic word for God and is used not only by Muslims but also by Arabic-speaking Christians and Jews. It is regarded in Islamic belief as the **unique and proper name** of the One Supreme God, without plural or gender, and is viewed as more than just a generic word for “god.” The name’s etymology is connected to the Semitic root “ʾ-l-h” (**أ ل ه**), which means “to worship” or denotes a deity.
Linguistic Context: Arabic vs. Hebrew
In closely related Semitic languages, the name for God bears remarkable similarity:
- **Aramaic:** The word is **أَلَاها** (*Alāhā*).
- **Hebrew:** The singular form is אֱלוֹהַּ (*Eloah*). The plural form, אֱלֹהִים (*Elohim*), literally means “gods,” but is most often understood in scriptural context as a **majestic or royal plural**, referring to the singular, supreme God. When “Elohim” is used for the One God of Israel, it is joined with singular verbs to emphasize monotheism.
Singularity and Exclusivity in Islam
It is important not to confuse **“Allah”** with “Elohim.” While “Elohim” in Hebrew takes a plural form for reasons of honor and majesty, **“Allah” in Arabic is strictly singular**. In Islamic understanding, **“Allah”** is not a plural or derived form but a **unique and exclusive name**, never pluralized or feminized.
It stands as the most comprehensive designation of God in Arabic, encompassing all divine attributes, and serves as the central Name by which God is invoked and worshiped in Islam. The pronunciation and understanding of the Name embody its **singularity, exclusivity, and reverence** in the hearts of believers.
Summary of Pronunciation
**“Allah”** is the name of God in Arabic and Aramaic. It is pronounced with an emphatic L in the second syllable of the Noble Name, similar to the emphatic second “L” in the word: **”Illustrate.”**
2. Who is Allah (الله)?
The Oneness of Allah (Tawhid): The Core of Islam ☝️
Understanding Allah as the singular, unique, and incomparable Deity.
In Islam, **”Allah”** is the Only Deity worthy of worship. He is God, the **Creator, Sustainer, and the Judge** of the universe.
Muslims believe that **”Allah”** is **singular, unique, eternal, and self-sufficient**, who has no partners, equals, or offspring. He neither begets nor is begotten, and no one is comparable to Him in power or essence. The Qur’an emphasizes **”Allah’s”** oneness (**Tawheed** in Arabic) as the **fundamental principle of faith**, underscoring His complete independence and transcendence above all creation.
Expressed in Surah Al-Ikhlas (Purity)
Chapter 112 of the Qur’an (Surah Al-Ikhlas) succinctly encapsulates the Islamic concept of **”Allah’s”** unity and purity of worship:
- It begins with the command, **”Say, He is Allah, [Who is] One,”** establishing that **”Allah”** is singular and unique.
- It states that **”Allah”** is eternal and absolute, **”He neither begets nor is born,”** repudiating any familial ties.
- It affirms that **”there is none comparable to Him.”**
This chapter is considered the **essence of monotheism** and foundational to Islamic belief, repudiating any form of polytheism or anthropomorphism.
Described in Ayat al-Kursi (The Throne Verse) 👑
Complementing this understanding, **Ayat al-Kursi** (The Throne Verse, Qur’an 2:255) further describes **”Allah’s”** majesty and omnipotence:
- It portrays **”Allah”** as the **Ever-Living, Self-Subsisting Sustainer** of all existence.
- His **”throne extends over the heavens and the earth,”** highlighting His vast dominion and authority.
- It emphasizes that He never tires or sleeps and that all knowledge and power rest with Him alone.
- It also affirms that **no one can intercede with Him without His permission**, underlining His absolute sovereignty.
Together, Surah Al-Ikhlas and Ayat al-Kursi provide profound insight into who **”Allah”** is in Islam: the singular, eternal, and incomparable God who is the source of all creation, deserving of exclusive worship and submission. **”Allah’s”** unique attributes are central to the Muslim faith, guiding believers toward sincere devotion and recognizing **”Allah’s”** ultimate authority and mercy in their lives.
Thus, in Islam, **”Allah”** is understood as the one true God, the eternal creator whose essence is beyond human comprehension, yet intimately involved as the merciful protector and judge of all. This belief shapes the identity of Muslims, centering their faith around **worship and obedience to “Allah” alone**.
3. Where is Allah (الله)?
Where is Allah (الله)?
Understanding the transcendence and intimate nearness of God in Islam.
**Allah** is the singular, eternal, and incomparable God in Islam, the Creator and Sustainer of all that exists. Muslims believe He is unique in essence and attributes, beyond any likeness or limitation. **Allah** is described in the Qur’an as having no partners or equals, neither begetting nor begotten, emphasizing absolute monotheism (*Tawheed*). This foundational belief is captured in Surah Al-Ikhlas:
“Say, He is Allah, [Who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, Nor is there to Him any equivalent.” (**Qur’an 112:1-4**)
This chapter summarizes the Islamic doctrine of Tawheed, the oneness and uniqueness of **Allah**, and rejects any anthropomorphic or polytheistic notions.
Where is Allah in Islam? (Transcendence vs. Location) 🌍
Muslims understand **Allah** as **transcending all limitations** of time, space, and physical location. He is not confined by matter, direction, or spatial dimensions, as He is the Creator of all such concepts. Thus, asking where **Allah** is, in terms of physical place, is beyond human comprehension and unnecessary for faith. Rather, believers are called to recognize His majesty and nearness in a manner befitting His divine nature.
Sovereignty and Exaltation
The Qur’an conveys **Allah’s** exaltedness and sovereignty, for instance, in **Ayat al-Kursi**:
“Allah – there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence. Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth…” (**Qur’an 2:255**)
This verse portrays **Allah** as the ever-watchful and eternal sovereign whose authority extends over all creation without being limited to it.
Intimate Closeness (Nearness)
Further, the Qur’an states:
“And We are closer to him than [his] jugular vein.” (**Qur’an 50:16**)
This is understood to mean **Allah’s knowledge and presence** encompass and are intimately close to each person, even though He is not confined to a physical location. From the *hadith* perspective, a well-known narration illustrates **Allah**’s closeness to His servants:
“If he draws near to Me a hand’s span, I draw near to him an arm’s length… and if he comes to Me walking, I come to him running.” (*Sahih al-Bukhari 7405*)
Here, sacred texts describe a **dynamic, spiritual closeness** rather than a physical one, emphasizing **Allah’s** responsiveness and mercy.
Islamic scholars affirm that **Allah** exists beyond created realms and that human language describing His “Throne,” “Hand,” or “Face” uses terminology appropriate to Divine Majesty but is not literal like human bodies. He is perfect and incomparable, exalted above all that is conceived.
Summary 📝
In summary, **Allah** in Islam is the one true God, unique and eternal, the Creator beyond all physical confines. While He is **not located ‘in’ any place** as we understand it, His presence and knowledge encompass everything, and He is **closer to each person than their own life force**. This balance of transcendence and intimate nearness invites Muslims to worship Him with sincere devotion and mindfulness of His majestic yet caring nature.
4. What are the attributes of Allah in Islam?
The Attributes of Allah (Ṣifāt Allāh) ✨
Understanding the divine qualities revealed in the Qur’an and Sunnah.
In Islam, **Allah’s attributes** (known as *ṣifāt Allāh*) are the qualities and characteristics that describe His divine nature. These attributes are essential to understanding who Allah is, as revealed in the Qur’an and authentic Hadith. They are perfect, devoid of any deficiency, and incomparable to human qualities. They can be categorized into three main types:
Categories of Divine Attributes
Essential Attributes (Intrinsic to Essence):
These are intrinsically bound to Allah’s very Essence and never separate from Him. They include:
- Life
- Knowledge
- Power
- Will
- Hearing
- Sight
- Speech
- Existence
- Unity or Oneness (*Tawhid*)
- Eternity or Pre-Existence
- Immortality or Everlastingness
- Self-subsistence or Independence
Attributes of Action:
These relate to Allah’s actions regarding creation, such as **creating, giving life, sending rain, providing sustenance, rewarding, punishing, forgiving, and guiding.**
Attributes Ascribed to Both Essence and Action:
Some attributes reflect both Allah’s fundamental nature and His continuous deeds.
The 99 Names and Quranic Evidence
Muslims learn the attributes primarily through the **99 Names (characters, qualities) of Allah**, such as *Ar-Rahman* (The Most Merciful), *Al-Ghaffar* (The Great Forgiver), and *Al-Hakim* (The Most Wise), each reflecting a particular divine quality.
The Qur’an frequently mentions His attributes to emphasize His unmatched perfection:
“Allah is the [only] deity, the Living, the Sustaining.” (**Qur’an 2:255, Ayat al-Kursi**)
“He is the First and the Last, the Ascendant and the Intimate, and He is, of all things, Knowing.” (**Qur’an 57:3**)
**Overall:** Allah’s attributes affirm His **omnipotence, omniscience, mercy, justice, and transcendence**, forming the foundation for Muslim belief, worship, and understanding of God. For instance, Allah is All-Hearing and All-Seeing, but not in a physical sense like human beings, as His qualities are incomparable to creation.
5. How do Muslims understand the concept of Tawhid (the oneness of Allah)?
Understanding Tawhid (The Oneness of Allah) 🌟
The absolute singularity and uniqueness that forms the foundation of Islam.
Muslims understand the concept of **Tawhid** (the oneness of God) as the absolute **oneness and uniqueness of Allah**, which is the foundation of Islamic belief. Tawhid means affirming that **Allah alone is the one true God**, with no partners, equals, or associates in His Lordship, divinity, names, and attributes. He is one entity and is not made up of any other entities (deities).
The Three Categories of Tawhid
According to Islamic teachings, Tawhid encompasses three main categories:
- **Oneness of Divine Lordship (*Tawhid ar-Rububiyyah*):** Believing that Allah is the **sole creator, sustainer, and ruler** of all that exists.
- **Oneness of Worship (*Tawhid al-Uluhiyyah*):** Requires that **all acts of worship** (prayer, supplication, sacrifice) be dedicated to Allah alone, rejecting any form of *shirk* (associating partners with Allah).
- **Oneness of Allah’s Names and Attributes (*Tawhid al-Asma wa as-Sifat*):** Affirming that Allah’s divine names and attributes are **unique and cannot be likened** to anything in creation.
The Quranic Foundation
The Qur’an highlights this monotheism in **Surah Al-Ikhlas** (Qur’an chapter 112):
“Say, He is Allah, [Who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor was born, nor is there to Him any equivalent.” (**Qur’an 112:1-4**)
This makes it clear that Allah is indivisible, eternal, and incomparable. Muslims believe that **understanding and practicing Tawhid is essential** for true Islamic faith and salvation. The testimony of faith (*shahādah*) — “**There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger**” — is grounded in this principle.
Rejecting Tawhid, especially by associating partners with Allah, is considered the gravest sin called **Association (*shirk*)**. The emphasis on monotheism in Islam distinguishes it sharply from polytheistic beliefs and forms the central theological and spiritual axis of Muslim creed and practice.
6. What is the difference between Allah and the gods of other faiths?
Distinguishing Allah: Uniqueness in Islamic Theology 🥇
The absolute transcendence and singular nature of God (Allah).
While many faiths believe in a supreme being or a pantheon of deities, Islam’s concept of **Allah** is distinguished by His **absolute transcendence**, **lack of partners**, and **unique attributes**.
1. Absolute Monotheism (Tawhid)
The most fundamental difference is **Tawhid**, the uncompromising declaration that God is **One** and **Unique**.
- **No Partners or Equals:** Allah has no partners, rivals, or equals in divinity, worship, or power. He is **not part of a trinity** or a pantheon.
“Say, ‘He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, Nor is there to Him any equivalent.'” (**Qur’an 112:1-4**)
This stands in contrast to polytheistic systems and trinitarian concepts.
- **Self-Sufficient and Eternal:** Allah is not dependent on anything or anyone, nor was He created. He is the **Al-Samad** (The Eternal Refuge/The Absolute).
“O mankind, you are those in need of Allah, while Allah is the Free of need (Ghaniyy), the Praiseworthy.” (**Qur’an 35:15**)
2. Transcendence and Lack of Form 🌌
Allah is **absolutely transcendent**, meaning He is beyond human comprehension, imagination, and physical form. He is not incarnated into human or animal form, nor is He confined to a specific space.
- **Above Creation:** Allah is the Creator, separate from His creation. He does not take a physical form, unlike deities in some other traditions who may be depicted in statues or take human form.
“There is nothing whatever like unto Him, and He is the Hearing, the Seeing.” (**Qur’an 42:11**)
- **Uniqueness of Attributes:** The Prophet Muhammad ($\text{PBUH}$) emphasized Allah’s uniqueness:
The Prophet said, “Allah is an Odd (Single) number and He loves the odd number.” (*Sahih al-Bukhari*)
This underscores that Allah is Unique and indivisible.
3. Direct Relationship and Universality ⚖️
- **The Names and Attributes (Al-Asma ul-Husna):** Islam emphasizes understanding Allah through His **99 Beautiful Names**, which describe His perfect attributes. These names are unparalleled.
**Perfection and Universality:** Unlike some deities who may represent a single domain (like a god of war or sea), Allah encompasses all power, mercy, justice, and knowledge universally. (Examples: *Ar-Rahman*, *Al-Malik*, *Al-Adl*).
- **Direct Relationship:** The relationship between a person and Allah is direct, **unmediated, and personal**.
- **No Intermediaries:** Worshippers do not need priests, saints, or deified figures to intercede on their behalf.
- **Closeness:** Allah is described as being closer than the jugular vein, ensuring constant access.
“And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me—indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me.” (**Qur’an 2:186**)
Conclusion
In summary, the Islamic concept of Allah is characterized by an **Absolute Oneness** that admits no partners, an **Absolute Transcendence** that admits no physical form, and a relationship that is **Direct and Unmediated**.