Allāh (الله) in Islam
Allāh (الله): The term “Allāh” refers to the singular, supreme deity in Islam. As the central element of Islamic belief, Allāh is the all-powerful, all-knowing Creator and Sustainer of the universe, characterized by attributes of mercy, justice, and omnipotence.
Etymology
Arabic: الله (Allāh)
The name “Allāh” is derived from the Arabic words “al-Ilāh,” meaning “The God.” It is a combination of “al” (the) and “Ilāh” (god or deity), signifying the unique and exclusive divinity of the Islamic faith.
Turkish: Allah
In Turkish, the term retains the same form and meaning, “Allah,” acting as a bridge among diverse Muslim communities worldwide.
Significance in Islam
Allāh is the core of Islamic monotheism (Tawhid), representing the absolute oneness and uniqueness of God. The declaration of faith (Shahada) in Islam explicitly asserts this belief: “There is no god but Allāh, and Muhammad is His messenger.”
Key Attributes of Allāh
Islamic theology describes Allāh through 99 Names (Asma’ul Husna), each depicting distinct aspects of Divine nature, such as:
- Ar-Rahman (The Most Merciful)
- Ar-Rahim (The Most Compassionate)
- Al-Alim (The All-Knowing)
- Al-Malik (The King)
These names foster spiritual connection and deeper understanding for Muslims in their worship and daily lives.
Qur’anic Perspectives
The concept of Allāh is intricately woven into the Qur’an. Numerous verses highlight His supremacy, benevolence, and omnipotence:
<p>“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)</p>
Relationship with Other Religions
Allāh in Islam shares commonalities with the concept of God in other Abrahamic faiths such as Judaism and Christianity. The term “Allāh” is also used by Arabic-speaking Christians and Jews, underlining its linguistic and cultural ubiquity in the region.
Books for Further Study
- “The Idea of God in the Qur’an” by Toshihiko Izutsu
- “God and Man in the Qur’an: Semantics of the Qur’anic Weltanschauung” by Toshihiko Izutsu
- “The Names and Attributes of Allah” by Sheikh Muhammad Salah
Takeaways
- Allāh signifies the One, Singular God in Islam, derived from Arabic “al-Ilāh.”
- Central to Islamic theology and worship, the concept is richly elaborated through the 99 Names of Allāh.
- Shares common ground with Judeo-Christian divine concepts, fostering a broader understanding of monotheism.
Conclusion
The term “Allāh” encapsulates the essence of Islamic faith. It reflects deep theological principles and human-divine relationship dynamics. A proper grasp of Allāh’s significance illuminates much of Islamic theology and practice, enabling a broader appreciation of the religion’s foundational beliefs.
