Allah
Etymology
The term “Allah” (الله) is the Arabic word for “God.” It is derived from a contraction of the words “al-” (ال) meaning “the,” and “ilah” (إله) meaning “god.” In Turkish, it is also “Allah.”
Theology and Attributes
Allah is the Supreme Being in Islam, worshipped as the sole deity in monotheism, not only by Muslims but also by Christians and Jews. According to Islamic belief, Allah has revealed Himself through the Quran (القرآن), which is considered His final and most complete revelation.
The Quran describes Allah as the Creator (Al-Khaliq), Sustainer (Al-Razzaq), Judge (Al-Hakam), and Ruler (Al-Malik) of the material universe and the realm of human experience. Allah’s nature encompasses both transcendent and immanent attributes, and His omnipotence is a central tenet, though human free will is also acknowledged.
The Prophets and the People of the Book
Throughout history, Allah has guided humanity through the prophets, including Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad. These prophets established the communities known as the People of the Book (Ahl al-Kitab), who received divine guidance through scriptures and revelations.
Worship and Significance
Before the rise of Islam, Allah was acknowledged as the “high god” in Mecca, primarily worshipped at the Kaaba as the supreme deity above all others. Muhammad later emphasized exclusive worship of Allah, explicitly forbidding the association of any partners with Him (shirk).
Ninety-Nine Names of Allah
The Quran enumerates ninety-nine names for Allah, each representing distinct attributes, such as Al-Rahman (The Merciful) and Al-Rahim (The Compassionate). These names serve as a means for Muslims to understand and venerate Allah’s multifaceted nature.
Theology (Kalam) and Mysticism (Sufism)
Kalam (علم الكلام) is the Islamic theological discipline focused on investigating Allah’s nature, attributes, and operations. Many theologians argue that these attributes should be understood metaphorically rather than literally, to avoid anthropomorphism and maintain the purity of monotheism.
Early Sufis (الصوفية), or Islamic mystics, sought a union with Allah through profound spiritual experiences, driven by the desire to attain divine closeness and union.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Nature and Attributes of God” by Mustafa Çoruhlu and Mehmet Gulor
- “God and His Attributes” by Shaykh Nader Angha
- “Divine Names: The 99 Healing Names of the One Love” by Rosina-Fawzia Al-Rawi
- “Sufism: Love & Wisdom” by Jean-Louis Michon and Roger Gaetani
Takeaways and Conclusion
Allah is the central figure in Islamic belief, representing absolute monotheism and encompassing a comprehensive array of attributes described in the Quran. His worship is fundamental to understanding the purpose and principles laid out for His followers. Historical context, theological inquiry, and mystical pursuit all contribute to a deeper appreciation of Allah’s role in the lives of the faithful.
By exploring these facets, one can gain a more nuanced understanding of Allah’s significance in Islam and the rich history of Islamic theology and devotion.
