🌟 Understanding ALLĀH (الله‎): The Islamic Concept of God 🕌

🌟 Understanding ALLĀH (الله‎): The Islamic Concept of God 🕌

ALLĀH (الله‎) is the Arabic term for God, utilized predominantly within Islam to denote the one and only deity, echoing the central tenet of monotheism.

Comprehensive Definition

• ALLĀH (الله‎): In Islamic theology, Allāh refers to the singular, all-powerful, and all-knowing deity—the Creator of the universe. Allāh embodies attributes such as omniscience, omnipotence, and benevolence, central to the faith’s understanding of the divine.

Etymology

• Arabic Origin: The term “Allāh” is derived from the Arabic word “al-ʾilāh,” meaning “the God.” The word “al” translates to “the,” and “ʾilāh” means “God.” Over time, these two elements fused to form “Allāh.”

Background

• Islamic Theology: Within Islamic creeds, Allāh is not only a deity but the epitome of perfection and the singular focus of worship. Islamic texts, including the Qurʾān, emphasize the uniqueness, sovereignty, and mercy of Allāh, asserting that there is no deity worthy of worship except Him.
• Abrahamic Tradition: The concept of Allāh is deeply intertwined with the broader Abrahamic tradition, sharing connections with the God worshipped in Christianity and Judaism, albeit with distinctions in theological nuances and eschatological beliefs.

Cultural Differences and Similarities

• Comparisons with Christianity and Judaism:
  • Monotheism: Like in Islam, God in Christianity and Judaism is singular and supreme.
  • Attributes: Similar attributes, such as omnipotence and omniscience, are ascribed to God in all three traditions.
  • Differing Views on Revelation and Prophecy: Islamic theology emphasizes the Qurʾān as the final revelation, while Christianity and Judaism have their unique sacred texts and revelations.

Related Terms with Definitions

• Tawhid (توحيد): The Islamic concept of monotheism, asserting the oneness of Allāh.
• Asma ul-Husna (أسماء الله الحسنى): The ‘most beautiful names’—99 attributes or names of Allāh, each describing different aspects of His nature.
• Qur’ān (القرآن): The holy book of Islam, considered the literal word of Allāh as revealed to Prophet Muhammad.

Synonyms

• God: The general term used in English-speaking contexts.
• Deity: A term used to reference a supreme being or divine entity.

Antonyms

• Polytheism: The belief in or worship of multiple gods.
• Atheism: The absence of belief in the existence of deities.

Exciting Facts

• Universal Acknowledgment: Muslims around the world address the same deity, Allāh, regardless of linguistic or cultural differences.
• Interfaith Recognition: The term “Allāh” is used by Arabic-speaking Christians and Jews to refer to God.

Quotation from Notable Writers

“There is only one God. He has no partners. This is Allah, who gave us life and bestowed to us guidance.” – Yusuf Ali

References and Suggested Literature

• Qurʾān: The primary holy text of Islam, essential for understanding the concept of Allāh.
• Hadith Collections: Sayings and traditions of Prophet Muhammad that elucidate the nature and worship of Allāh.
• The Study Quran: A New Translation and Commentary by Seyyed Hossein Nasr
• Islam: A Short History by Karen Armstrong
• The Essence of Islam by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad

Thank you for joining this insightful exploration into one of the most central concepts in Islam. May your journey in understanding the divine enrich your soul and ignite thoughtful reflections.

— Yusuf Al-Hadi, October 2023