Muslims believe there is only one God. The Arabic word for God is Allah. Arab Christians refer to God as Allah as well. This belief is the fundamental basis of all other beliefs and practices in Islam and is in the heart of every Muslim. The declaration of faith (the first pillar of Islam) is:
I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except God and Muhammad is His messenger”
This statement made by those who wish to become Muslim reflects the essential nature of this belief.
There several descriptions of Allah in the Qur’an:
Say, Allah is One, Allah the Eternal, Absolute He begets not nor is He begotten And there is none comparable to Him.” (Surah Al-Ikhlas, Chapter 112)
Allah! There is no God save Him
the Living, the Eternal
Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him.
Unto Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the Earth
Who is he that intercedes with Him save by His leave?
He knows that which is in front of them and that which is behind them, while they encompass nothing of His knowledge save what He will
His throne extends over the heavens and the earth, and He is never weary of preserving them
He is the highest, the Supreme (in glory).”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, Chapter 2 Verse 255)
From the descriptions in the Quran we know that:
· Allah (God) has no children, no parents and no partners
· Allah (God) has always existed and will always exist
· Allah (God) was not created; He is the creator of all that exists
· Allah (God) knows everything
· Allah (God) can do anything
· Allah’s (God’s) justice is fair
· Allah (God) is the most merciful
· Only Allah (God) is worthy of worship
· There is nothing comparable to Him
A Muslim can directly approach Allah by praying and by reciting the Qur’an. These can be formal prayers (salah) or informal supplications (Dua). There is no need for intercession in Islam.
