Place of Origin: Mecca, Arabian Peninsula
Origin Date: 7th century CE
Domain: Creator, lawgiver, protector
Symbols: Allah is often represented by the Arabic calligraphy of the word "Allah" itself. There are no physical depictions of Allah in Islam, as it is considered blasphemous to create images of God.
Attributes: Omnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence, mercy, compassion, justice, wisdom.
Religion: Islam
Description
Allah is the Arabic term for God, revered as the singular, all-powerful deity in Islam and recognized across Abrahamic religions. The name "Allah" is derived from Arabic, meaning "The God," and signifies the ultimate source of creation, mercy, and justice. Allah is described in Islamic theology through the 99 Names of Allah (Asma'ul Husna), each representing a unique attribute, such as Ar-Rahman (The Most Gracious) and Al-Malik (The King).
Allah's significance extends beyond Islam, as the term has been historically used by Arabic-speaking Christians and Jews to refer to God. In Islamic belief, Allah is the creator of the universe, omnipotent, omniscient, and merciful, guiding humanity through revelations like the Qur'an. Allah's oneness (Tawhid) is a central tenet of Islam, emphasizing the unity and sovereignty of God. Worship of Allah is expressed through prayer, fasting, charity, and pilgrimage, forming the foundation of Islamic practice and spirituality.
Relations: In Islam, there are no related deities, as Allah is the only God.
Epithets: Allah has 99 names or attributes, known as Asma'ul Husna (The Beautiful Names of Allah), which include Ar-Rahman (The Most Merciful), Al-Malik (The King), and Al-Hakim (The Wise). The One God.
Equivalents: Yahweh (Judaism), God the Father (Christianity)
Iconography: Allah is not depicted in physical form. Instead, the name "Allah" is often artistically rendered in Arabic calligraphy.
Worship Belief and Practices
Allah is the Arabic word for God in Islam. He is the central figure in Islamic belief, representing the one and only deity, the Creator, Sustainer, and Ruler of the universe. Muslims believe that Allah is all-powerful, all-knowing, and merciful.
Core Beliefs
Monotheism: Islam is strictly monotheistic, meaning that Muslims believe in the existence of only one God, Allah. This belief is encapsulated in the Shahada, the Islamic declaration of faith: "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger."
Attributes of Allah: Allah is described by 99 names or attributes in the Quran, each reflecting a different aspect of His nature. These include Al-Rahman (The Most Merciful), Al-Rahim (The Most Compassionate), Al-Malik (The King), and Al-Alim (The All-Knowing).
Revelation: Muslims believe that Allah revealed His guidance to humanity through a series of prophets, with the final and complete revelation being the Quran, given to the Prophet Muhammad.
Practices of Worship
Prayer (Salah): Muslims perform five daily prayers facing the Kaaba in Mecca. These prayers are a direct link between the worshipper and Allah, and they serve as a constant reminder of His presence.
Fasting (Sawm): During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset. This practice is a means of purifying the soul and developing self-discipline and empathy for the less fortunate.
Charity (Zakat): Muslims are required to give a portion of their wealth to those in need. This act of charity is seen as a way to purify one's wealth and help those who are less fortunate.
Pilgrimage (Hajj): Muslims who are physically and financially able are required to perform the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime. The Hajj is a demonstration of the solidarity and unity of the Muslim community.
Recitation of the Quran: Muslims regularly recite and memorize verses from the Quran. The Quran is considered the literal word of Allah, and its recitation is an act of worship.
Festivals and Traditions
Eid al-Fitr: This festival marks the end of Ramadan and is a time of celebration, feasting, and giving thanks to Allah for the strength to complete the fast.
Eid al-Adha: This festival commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah. It involves the sacrifice of an animal, with the meat distributed to the needy.
Friday Prayer (Jumu'ah): The Friday congregational prayer is a significant weekly event for Muslims. It includes a sermon and is an opportunity for the community to come together in worship.
Allah's role as the one and only deity in Islam embodies the core values and beliefs of the faith, emphasizing the importance of monotheism, worship, and adherence to His guidance.
Narratives
Creation of the Universe:
Allah created the heavens and the earth, and everything within them. This story emphasizes Allah's power and wisdom in creating the universe and all living beings.
The Story of Adam and Eve:
Allah created Adam, the first human, and his wife Eve, and placed them in the Garden of Eden. They were instructed not to eat from a specific tree, but they were tempted by Satan and disobeyed Allah's command. As a result, they were sent down to earth, where they were given the opportunity to seek forgiveness and live righteous lives.
Revelations to Prophets:
Allah revealed His messages to various prophets throughout history, including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad. Each prophet was sent to guide their people and convey Allah's teachings, emphasizing the continuity of divine guidance.
The Story of Noah:
Allah instructed Noah to build an ark to save his followers from the great flood that would destroy the disbelievers. Noah obeyed Allah's command, and he and his followers were saved, while the disbelievers perished in the flood.
The Story of Abraham:
Allah tested Abraham's faith by asking him to sacrifice his son. Abraham demonstrated his unwavering obedience, but Allah replaced his son with a ram at the last moment, sparing his life. This story is commemorated during the Islamic festival of Eid al-Adha.
The Story of Moses:
Allah spoke to Moses through the burning bush and gave him the Ten Commandments. Moses was chosen to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and guide them with Allah's laws. His story highlights Allah's guidance and support for those who follow His path.
The Story of Jesus:
Allah sent Jesus as a prophet to guide the people and perform miracles. Jesus' teachings emphasized compassion, humility, and devotion to Allah. He is considered one of the greatest prophets in Islam.
The Story of Muhammad:
Allah revealed the Quran to Muhammad, the final prophet, through the angel Gabriel. Muhammad's mission was to convey Allah's final message to humanity and establish a community based on justice, compassion, and monotheism. His life and teachings are central to Islamic belief and practice.
The Final Judgment:
Allah will judge all humans on the Day of Judgment based on their deeds. Those who have lived righteous lives and followed Allah's guidance will be rewarded with paradise, while those who have disobeyed will face punishment. This story emphasizes the importance of accountability and the eternal consequences of one's actions.
Sacred Texts: Quran