Allah

Definition

Allah is the Arabic name for the one, all-powerful, all-knowing, and merciful God in Islam. As the supreme deity, Allah is the creator, sustainer, and judge of the universe, and is the object of worship and devotion for Muslims worldwide.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Allah is the sole, supreme, and eternal God in Islam, with no partners or intermediaries.
2. The concept of Allah in Islam emphasizes God's omnipotence, omniscience, and mercy, as well as the obligation of Muslims to submit to His will.
3. The Quran, the holy book of Islam, is believed to be the direct word of Allah, revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.
4. Muslims believe that Allah has sent various prophets, including Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, to guide humanity, with Muhammad being the final and greatest prophet.
5. The relationship between Allah and the individual Muslim is one of personal devotion, with the goal of achieving spiritual and moral purification through obedience to Allah's commands.

Review Questions

• Explain the significance of the concept of Tawhid in the Islamic understanding of Allah.
  • The concept of Tawhid, or the absolute oneness and unity of God, is central to the Islamic understanding of Allah. Muslims believe that Allah is the sole, supreme, and eternal God, with no partners or intermediaries. This belief in the uncompromising monotheism of Allah is a fundamental tenet of Islam, as it emphasizes the idea that there is no deity worthy of worship other than the one, all-powerful, and all-knowing God. The principle of Tawhid shapes the Muslim's relationship with Allah, as it requires complete submission and devotion to the will of the divine.
• Describe the role of the Quran in shaping the Muslim's understanding of Allah.
  • The Quran, the holy scripture of Islam, is believed to be the direct word of Allah, revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. As such, the Quran is considered the primary source for understanding the nature, attributes, and will of Allah. The Quran provides detailed accounts of Allah's creation of the universe, His divine guidance and commandments, and the importance of worshiping and obeying Him. Through the Quran, Muslims gain a deeper appreciation of Allah's omnipotence, omniscience, and mercy, as well as the obligation to submit to His will. The Quran's teachings on Allah serve as the foundation for the Islamic faith and shape the religious, moral, and social lives of Muslims worldwide.
• Analyze the relationship between Allah and the individual Muslim, as understood within the context of Islamic teachings.
  • In Islam, the relationship between Allah and the individual Muslim is one of personal devotion and spiritual connection. Muslims believe that Allah is the creator and sustainer of the universe, and that the ultimate goal of human existence is to achieve spiritual and moral purification through obedience to Allah's commands. This relationship is characterized by a deep sense of reverence, gratitude, and submission to the will of the divine. Muslims are expected to engage in regular acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, and charitable giving, as a means of strengthening their bond with Allah and seeking His guidance and forgiveness. The concept of Allah's mercy and compassion is also central to this relationship, as Muslims believe that Allah is always willing to forgive and guide those who sincerely repent and strive to live according to Islamic principles.

Related terms

Tawhid: The Islamic belief in the absolute oneness and unity of God, which is central to the faith.

Quran:

The holy scripture of Islam, believed to be the word of God revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.

Sharia: The religious law and moral code derived from the religious precepts of Islam, which guides the personal and social behavior of Muslims.