The word “God” symbolizes the “Divine Authority”, the “Supreme Being”, generally worshipped in the religions, having faith in monotheism, such as Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. God is believed to be immortal, singular, perfect, omnipotent and omniscient.

In Islam, God is called Allah (ٱللَّٰه). Allah is an Arabic word, derived from the root al-ilah (ٱلْإِلَٰه), which means “the God”. The exact translation of the Arabic word ilah is “God”. The Islamic concept of God (Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) is the One who is the Creator of this entire Universe and is Eternal. He is the most Merciful. His existence is beyond the limits of time and space. He is Self-Existent, Almighty and All-Knowing. In the words of the Quran, as described in Surah Al-Akhlas, Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى is One, Unique, and Indispensable, neither has He begotten anyone nor is He begotten of anyone, and above all, He cannot be compared with anyone:

  1. قُلْ ہُوَاللہُ اَحَدٌ –  SAY: “HE IS God the one the most unique
  2. اَللہُ الصَّمَدُ. – God the immanently indispensable
  3. لَمْ يَلِدْ۝۰ۥۙ وَلَمْ يُوْلَدْ. – He has begotten no one, and is begotten of none
  4. وَلَمْ يَكُنْ لَّہٗ كُفُوًا اَحَدٌ. – There is no one comparable to Him

The above four verses of the Quran, comprehensively and precisely describe Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى, the God in Islam.

Islamic Description of God (Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)

The majority of the Muslim Scholars describe God (Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) as “Qadim”, which is an Arabic expression, meaning “Ancient”. The logic behind this expression is that God is ancient, who does not have a first and also does not have an end. Per the Islamic narrative, God is absolute. God is beyond the limitations of time, space and circumstances. He is free from any decree and cannot be determined by any specific limits.

He has no specific form or shape, or body. He cannot be compared with anyone else; He does not resemble anyone, and no one else resembles Him. He cannot be determined in quantity. In short, He is beyond human perception, as he is beyond their comprehension. He is One and Unique. He is singular. Being One is described in Islam as “Ahad”, whereas being singular is expressed as “Wahid”, which is also referred to as Tanzih.

Major Attributes of God In Islam

The major aspect of God, according to the Islamic theology, is commonly referred to as “Tawhid” (Oneness of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى), so the concept of God in Islam is primarily based on monotheism. Apart from it, the concept of God in Islam is based on other key factors, as discussed here:

· Oneness or Tawhid

Belief in the Oneness of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى is the base of the faith in Islam. It is the first and foremost feature of being a Muslim. The concept is precisely mentioned in the Quran in Surah Al-Akhlas, according to which God is One and has no partners or offspring. This is the basic condition: one has to testify while entering/accepting Islam. It is a common practice across the Muslim world that anyone embracing Islam is asked to recite the Shahada (testament of faith), which not only includes belief in the Oneness of God but also unconditional belief on the Prophethood of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ:

أشهدُ أنْ لا إلهَ إلاَّ اللهُ وأشهدُ أنَّ محمّداً رسولُ الله

Ash-hadu alla ilaha illallah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadar-Rasulullah

I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is his slave and Messenger.

Hence, Oneness, Tawhid, or monotheism forms the base of the Islamic faith. Without believing in Tawhid, one cannot be considered a Muslim. Tawhid is also the first of the six articles of faith in Islam. Accordingly, worship of anyone/anything other than Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى is considered the gravest sin, which is known as shirk.

· Uniqueness

Alongside being One, it is also one of the core beliefs in Islam that Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى is also singular and Unique. The concept of singularity and uniqueness of God is mentioned in 65th verse of Surah Maryam:

Translation

Lord of the heavens and the earth and all that lies between them. Therefore worship Him, and be constant in His worship. Do you know any namesake of His?

The last part of this verse points towards the uniqueness of God, by establishing that Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى is “Unique” and that none other shares His name.

The Uniqueness of God is further explained in the 60th verse of Surah An-Nahl, mentioning that the semblance of Allah is unique and sublime.

Translation

The semblance of those who believe not in the life to come is that of the meanest; but the semblance of God is the most sublime, for He is all-mighty and all-wise.

Likewise, in 74th verse of Surah An-Nahl, it is strictly warned not to try to make resemblance or in other words to try associated anyone else with Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى.

Translation

So do not invent similitudes for God. Indeed God knows, and you do not know.

The uniqueness of God is also elaborated in the 11th verse of Surah Ash-Shura, as under:

Translation

Originator of the heavens and the earth, He has made your consorts from among you, and made pairs of cattle. He multiplies you in this way. There is no other like Him. He is all-hearing and all-seeing.

Here, it is established that Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى is the Creator of everything and that Creator and creations cannot be similar, either in essence or attributes. Hence, Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى is beyond the comprehension of humans. The same concept is also mentioned in 103rd verse of Surah Al-An’am:

Translation

No eyes can penetrate Him, but He penetrates all eyes, and He knows all the mysteries, for He is all-knowing.

· Eternality / Self-sufficiency

God is eternal, as He has no beginning and no ending. He is everlasting. He is self-sufficient (الصَّمَدُ), as mentioned in Surah Al-Akhlas. The attribute of being As-Samad implies that Allah, سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى does not depend upon anyone, whereas everyone is dependent on him. Being eternal and self-sufficient are interrelated to each other and are the unique attributes of God. None other than God is eternal. Similarly, no one can be self-sufficient. Hence, these two attributes are exclusively associated with God, per the teachings of Islam.

· God is the Creator and Sustainer

One of God’s most significant attributes is that He is the creator and sustainer of everything. More importantly, all God’s creations are perfect and were made with definite planning. The Quran mentions this attribute several times. Some of these verses are mentioned below:

The 39th verse of Surah Az-Zumar narrates that Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى is the Creator and Sustainer of everything.

Translation

God is the creator of all things, and He is the guarantor of all things.

The 4th verse of Surah At-Tin mentions that God has created humans in the best of forms.

Translation

That We created man of finest possibilities

A similar narration is also found in the 49th verse of Surah Al-Qamar, as under:

Translation

We have indeed created all things by measure

The 30th verse of Surah Al-Anbiya narrates that everything was created by Allah, سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى from water.

Translation

Do not these unbelievers see that the heavens and the earth were an integrated mass, then We split them and made every living thing from water? Will they not believe even then?

2nd verse of Surah Al-Furqan again narrates that God has created everything in precisely measured form.

Translation

He to whom belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth, who has neither begotten a son nor has He a partner in His kingdom, (who) created everything and determined its exact measure.

· Mercy of God – Rahman and Raheem

In addition to Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى, God in Islam is often referred to as Ar-Rahman (Most Compassionate) and Ar-Raheem (Most Merciful). These are included in the 99 names of God in Islam, which are in fact, the attributes of God. The attribute of being Ar-Rahman is for all entire mankind, whether believer or non-believer, whereas the term Ar-Raheem is specifically for the believers. The Mercy of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى is for those who are believers and did good deeds.

The concept of the Mercy of God is mentioned in Hadith 6467 of Sahih Al-Bukhari:

Translation

Narrated `Aisha: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Do good deeds properly, sincerely and moderately, and receive good news because one’s good deeds will not make him enter Paradise.” They asked, “Even you, O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)?” He said, “Even I, unless and until Allah bestows His pardon and Mercy on me.”

That’s the importance of the Mercy of God, as entry into paradise is linked with the mercy of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى alongside good deeds. Mercy of God in Islam is also associated with seeking forgiveness from Him, as is mentioned in Hadith 2748b of Sahih Muslim:

Translation

Abu Ayyub Ansari reported that Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said: If you were not to commit sins, Allah would have swept you out of existence and would have replaced you by another people who have committed sin, and then asked forgiveness from Allah, and He would have granted them pardon.

· Omniscience – God is All-Knowing

God is omniscient; He knows everything that has happened or will happen in the entire universe. This knowledge includes every kind, whether it pertains to people and places or any events and circumstances; it is full and complete. Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى is referred to as “All-Knowing” in many Quranic verses. Some of these are mentioned below:

The 5th verse of Surah Al-e-Imran mentions that there is nothing hidden from Allah, سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى:

Translation

There is nothing in the earth and the heavens that is hidden from God

The 59th verse of Surah Al-An’am narrates that not even a leaf falls without His knowledge:

Translation

He has the keys of the Unknown. No one but He has knowledge; He knows what is on the land and in the sea. Not a leaf falls without His knowledge, nor a grain in the darkest (recess) of the earth, nor any thing green or seared that is not recorded in the open book (of nature).

35th verse of Surah An-Nour is a detailed description of Allah’s سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى Knowledge:

Translation

God is the light of the heavens and the earth. The semblance of His light is that of a niche in which is a lamp, the flame within a glass, the glass a glittering star as it were, lit with the oil of a blessed tree, the olive, neither of the East nor of the West, whose oil appears to light up even though fire touches it not, — light upon light. God guides to His light whom He will. So does God advance precepts of wisdom for men, for God has knowledge of everything.

12th Verse of Surah At-Talaq also mentions that Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى is All-Knowing:

Translation

It is God who created several skies, and as many earths. The commandment is sent down among them so that you may know that God has power over everything, and everything is held within the knowledge of God

So, the attribute of Allah being Omniscient is well-established in Islamic theology and forms the main aspect of the concept of God in Islam.

99 Names of God in Islam

There are 99 names of God, which are based on the attributes of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى. The 180th Verse of Surah Al-A’raf mentions that there are many beautiful names of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى and one should recall Him by these names. Each of these names reflects the attributes of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى.

Translation

All the names of God are beautiful, so call Him by them; and leave those alone who act profanely towards His names: They will be retributed for their deeds.

All these 99 names of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى are mentioned here. Al these names form a part of the Concept of God in Islam:

  1. ٱلرَّحْمَٰنُ Ar-Rahmaan      The Most Merciful
  2. ٱلرَّحِيمُ Ar-Raheem        The Bestower of Mercy
  3. ٱلْمَلِكُ Al-Malik              The King and Owner of Dominion
  4. ٱلْقُدُّوسُ Al-Quddus          The Absolutely Pure
  5. ٱلسَّلَامُ As-Salaam          The Perfection and Giver of Peace
  6. ٱلْمُؤْمِنُ Al-Mu’min          The One Who gives Emaan and Security
  7. ٱلْمُهَيْمِنُ Al-Muhaymin    The Guardian, The Witness, The Overseer
  8. ٱلْعَزِيزُ Al-Azeez             The All Mighty
  9. ٱلْجَبَّارُ Al-Jabbaar          The Compeller, The Restorer
  10. ٱلْمُتَكَبِّرُ Al-Mutakabbir  The Supreme, The Majestic
  11. ٱلْخَٰلِقُ Al-Khaaliq          The Creator, The Maker
  12. ٱلْبَارِئُ Al-Baari’             The Originator
  13. ٱلْمُصَوِّرُ Al-Musawwir    The Fashioner
  14. ٱلْغَفَّارُ Al-Ghaffaar        The All- and Oft-Forgiving
  15. ٱلْقَهَّارُ Al-Qahhaar        The Subduer, The Ever-Dominating
  16. ٱلْوَهَّابُ Al-Wahhaab      The Giver of Gifts
  17. ٱلْرَّزَّاقُ Ar-Razzaaq        The Provider
  18. ٱلْفَتَّاحُ Al-Fattah            The Opener, The Judge
  19. ٱلْعَلِيمُ Al-‘Aleem            The All-Knowing, The Omniscient
  20. ٱلْقَابِضُ Al-Qaabid           The Withholder
  21. ٱلْبَاسِطُ Al-Baasit             The Extender
  22. ٱلْخَافِضُ Al-Khaafidh       The Reducer, The Abaser
  23. ٱلْرَّافِعُ Ar-Raafi’             The Exalter, The Elevator
  24. ٱلْمُعِزُّ Al-Mu’izz            The Honourer, The Bestower
  25. ٱلْمُذِلُّ Al-Muzil              The Dishonourer, The Humiliator
  26. ٱلسَّمِيعُ As-Samee’          The All-Hearing
  27. ٱلْبَصِيرُ Al-Baseer           The All-Seeing
  28. ٱلْحَكَمُ Al-Hakam           The Judge, The Giver of Justice
  29. ٱلْعَدْلُ Al-‘Adl   The Utterly Just
  30. ٱللَّطِيفُ Al-Lateef             The Subtle One, The Most Gentle
  31. ٱلْخَبِيرُ Al-Khabeer        The Acquainted, The All-Aware
  32. ٱلْحَلِيمُ Al-Haleem          The Most Forbearing
  33. ٱلْعَظِيمُ Al-‘Azeem           The Magnificent, The Supreme
  34. ٱلْغَفُورُ Al-Ghafoor         The Forgiving, The Exceedingly Forgiving
  35. ٱلشَّكُورُ Ash-Shaakoor   The Most Appreciative
  36. ٱلْعَلِيُّ Al-‘Alee The Most High, The Exalted
  37. ٱلْكَبِيرُ Al-Kabeer           The Greatest, The Most Grand
  38. ٱلْحَفِيظُ Al-Hafeedh         The Preserver, The All-Heedful and All-Protecting
  39. ٱلْمُقيِتُ Al-Muqeet          The Sustainer, The Maintainer
  40. ٱلْحَسِيبُ Al-Hasib              The Reckoner
  41. ٱلْجَلِيلُ Al-Jaleel              The Majestic
  42. ٱلْكَرِيمُ Al-Kareem          The Most Generous, The Most Esteemed
  43. ٱلْرَّقِيبُ Ar-Raqeeb          The Watchful, The All-Watchful
  44. ٱلْمُجِيبُ Al-Mujeeb          The Responsive, The Answerer
  45. ٱلْوَاسِعُ Al-Waasi’            The All-Encompassing, the Boundless
  46. ٱلْحَكِيمُ Al-Hakeem         The All-Wise
  47. ٱلْوَدُودُ Al-Wadud           The Most Loving
  48. ٱلْمَجِيدُ Al-Majeed          The Glorious, The Most Honorable
  49. ٱلْبَاعِثُ Al-Baa’ith           The Infuser of New Life
  50. ٱلْشَّهِيدُ As-Shaheed        The All Observing Witnessing
  51. ٱلْحَقُّ Al-Haqq              The Absolute Truth
  52. ٱلْوَكِيلُ Al-Wakeel          The Trustee, The Disposer of Affairs
  53. ٱلْقَوِيِيُ Al-Qawiyy          The All-Strong
  54. ٱلْمَتِينُ Al-Mateen          The Firm, The Steadfast
  55. ٱلْوَلِيُ Al-Walee             The Protecting Associate
  56. ٱلْحَمِيدُ Al-Hameed         The Praiseworthy
  57. ٱلْمُحْصِي Al-Muhsee         The All-Enumerating, The Counter
  58. ٱلْمُبْدِئُ Al-Mubdi’           The Originator, The Initiator
  59. ٱلْمُعِيدُ Al-Mu’id              The Restorer, The Reinstater
  60. ٱلْمُحْيِي Al-Muhyee         The Giver of Life
  61. ٱلْمُمِيتُ Al-Mumeet         The Creator of Death
  62. ٱلْحَيِّيُ Al-Hayy               The Ever-Living
  63. ٱلْقَيُّومُ Al-Qayyoom      The Sustainer, The Self-Subsisting
  64. ٱلْوَاجِدُ Al-Waajid           The Perceiver
  65. ٱلْمَاجِدُ Al-Maajid           The Illustrious, The Magnificent
  66. ٱلْوَاحِدُ Al-Waahid          The One, The Indivisible
  67. ٱلْأَحَدُ Al-Ahad               The Unique, The Only One
  68. ٱلصَّمَدُ As-Samad           The Eternal, Satisfier of Needs
  69. ٱلْقَادِرُ Al-Qaadir            The Omnipotent
  70. ٱلْمُقْتَدِرُ Al-Muqtadir       The Powerful
  71. ٱلْمُقَدِّمُ Al-Muqaddim    The Expediter, The Promoter
  72. ٱلْمُؤَخِّرُ Al-Mu’akhkhir   The Delayer
  73. ٱلْأوَّلُ Al-Awwal           The First
  74. ٱلْآخِرُ Al-Aakhir            The Last, The Utmost
  75. ٱلظَّٰهِرُ Az-Zaahir           The Manifest, The All-Surpassing
  76. ٱلْبَاطِنُ Al-Baatin            The Hidden One, Knower of the Hidden
  77. ٱلْوَالِي Al-Waalee          The Sole Governor
  78. ٱلْمُتَعَالِي Al-Muta’ali         The Self Exalted
  79. ٱلْبَرُّ Al-Barr The Source of All Goodness
  80. ٱلتَّوَابُ At-Tawwaab      The Ever-Pardoning
  81. ٱلْمُنْتَقِمُ Al-Muntaqim     The Avenger
  82. ٱلْعَفُوُ Al-‘Afuww           The Pardoner
  83. ٱلْرَّؤُوفُ Ar-Ra’ooof          The Most Kind
  84. مَالِكُ ٱلْمُلْكُ Maalik-al-Mulk Master of the Dominion, Owner of the Kingdom
  85. ذُوالْجَلاَلِ وَالإكْرَامِ Thul-Jalaali wal-Ikraam              Possessor of Glory and Honour
  86. ٱلْمُقْسِطُ Al-Muqsiṭ           The Just One
  87. ٱلْجَامِعُ Al-Jaami’             The Gatherer, the Uniter
  88. ٱلْغَنيُّ Al-Ghaniyy         The Self-Sufficient, The Wealthy
  89. ٱلْمُغْنِيُ Al-Mughniyy     The Enricher
  90. ٱلْمَانِعُ Al-Maani’            The Withholder
  91. ٱلضَّٰرَ Ad-Dhaarr          The Distresser
  92. ٱلنَّافِعُ An-Naafi’            The Propitious, The Benefactor
  93. ٱلْنُورُ An-Noor              The Light
  94. ٱلْهَادِي Al-Haadi             The Guide
  95. ٱلْبَدِيعُ Al-Badee’            The Incomparable Originator
  96. ٱلْبَاقِي Al-Baaqi              The Ever-Lasting
  97. ٱلْوَارِثُ Al-Waarith         The Inheritor
  98. ٱلرَّشِيدُ Ar-Rasheed        The Guide to the Right Path
  99. ٱلصَّبُورُ Al-Saboor           The Patient

Conclusion

The Islamic concept of God is based on monotheism. It also emphasizes His uniqueness, omnipotence, mercy, and justice. Oneness of God forms the basis of faith in Islamic theology and is the first and foremost part of the articles of faith in Islam. It is generally referred to as Tawhid and Tanzih in Islamic theology. Other important aspect of God in Islam includes His Mercy, Omniscience, and being the Creator of everything in this universe, including the heavens and earth. It is also believed that God is eternal. His existence is beyond the limits of time and space. He has no offspring. He is Indispensable.

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