The Nature of God in Islam

This section explains the Nature of God in Islam. Muslims believe that Allah is the one true God, the supreme being to whom all worship, praise, and devotion are directed. He is the creator, designer, and sustainer of the universe, and everything in existence depends on Him. Allah's nature is central to Islamic belief, and understanding His attributes is essential for all Muslims.

“And your Allah is One Allah. There is no god but He, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.”
— Qur’an 2:163

Tawhid: The Oneness of Allah

The word Tawhid refers to the absolute oneness of Allah and is the most fundamental belief in Islam. It means recognising that Allah is the only God, without any partners or equals. This belief helps Muslims focus on Allah as the centre of their lives, guiding their thoughts, actions, and relationships. The concept of Tawhid stresses that Allah is unique, beyond comparison, and transcends human understanding.

“If Allah had so willed, we should not have worshipped aught but Him... But what is the mission of the messengers but to preach the clear Message? For We assuredly sent amongst every people a messenger.”
— Qur’an 16:35-36

This verse underlines the idea that the purpose of the messengers sent by Allah was to remind humanity of His oneness and guide them back to the worship of the one true God. To believe in any other gods alongside Allah is considered blasphemy in Islam and is the gravest sin, known as shirk.

The declaration of Tawhid is central to the Shahadah, the Islamic declaration of faith, which states, “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger.”

The Attributes of Allah

Muslims believe that Allah has many attributes, which help to describe His nature and His relationship with the world. Some of the key attributes include:

• Transcendent
  Allah is beyond and above everything that exists in the world. He is not limited by time, space, or any human qualities. Allah's transcendence signifies that He is beyond human comprehension and cannot be fully understood by the limits of human intellect.
• Fair and Just (Adalat)
  Allah is just in all His actions and judgments. He treats every individual with fairness and equality. On the Day of Judgement, Allah will judge everyone impartially based on their deeds, ensuring that justice is served. The belief in divine justice is vital in shaping how Muslims approach their lives and interactions with others.
• Immanent
  Despite His transcendence, Allah is immanent, meaning that He is present and active within all things on Earth. He is close to each individual, and no one is ever far from His presence. This attribute reassures Muslims that Allah is always with them, watching over them, and guiding their lives.
• Omnipotent
  Allah is all-powerful. There is nothing in the universe that is beyond His control. He is the creator and sustainer of all things, and everything that happens is part of His divine will. His omnipotence is evident in the world’s creation and the ongoing sustenance of life.
• Beneficent
  Allah is all-loving and kind. His love is unconditional and encompasses all of creation. Muslims believe that Allah’s love is shown through His mercy, guidance, and the blessings He bestows upon humanity.
• Merciful
  One of Allah's most important attributes is His mercy. Allah shows compassion and forgiveness towards His creation, offering the opportunity for repentance and forgiveness to those who sincerely seek it. His mercy is a key part of His justice, as He offers His mercy to those who fall short and seek His forgiveness.

Muslims believe that Allah's justice is always tempered by His mercy, and this relationship shapes how they approach both their actions and their understanding of the world.

Allah in the Qur’an

The Qur’an describes Allah in many different ways, reflecting the complexity and depth of His nature. It is impossible to fully represent Allah with just a few words, so the Qur’an teaches that Allah has 99 names, each one highlighting a specific attribute or quality. These names are used to help Muslims understand and relate to Allah, providing a way to appreciate His many aspects.

Some of the 99 names of Allah, known as the Asma'ul Husna (the Most Beautiful Names), include:

• Al-Hakim (The Wise)
  Allah is all-knowing and His wisdom surpasses any human understanding.
• Al-Hakam (The Judge)
  Allah is the ultimate judge, determining what is right and wrong and ensuring that justice prevails.
• Al-Rahim (The Most Merciful)
  Allah’s mercy is a key aspect of His nature, offering forgiveness and compassion to those who seek it.

These names offer Muslims a way to reflect on Allah's attributes and connect with Him in a deeper, more personal way.

Subhah Beads and Remembering Allah

In order to aid in the remembrance of Allah’s names, Muslims often use Subhah beads, which are a string of 33 or 99 beads used during prayer and meditation. Each bead represents one of Allah’s names, and reciting these names helps to focus the mind on Allah’s presence and attributes. This practice is known as Dhikr, the remembrance of Allah, and is a way for Muslims to strengthen their relationship with their Creator. By reciting Allah's names, Muslims are reminded of His greatness, mercy, and justice, allowing them to live more mindful and devout lives.

Conclusion

The belief in the nature of Allah is central to Islam. His oneness, transcendence, immanence, power, justice, and mercy shape the way Muslims understand the world and guide their actions. Through the Qur’an and the attributes of Allah, Muslims are encouraged to live a life of submission to the one true God, striving to embody His qualities in their own lives.