This document is adapted from Section 2 of Basics of Religious Education, second edition, compiled by Sheikh Abdul Hadi, Islam International Publications Limited, Tilford, 1994.

“Our paradise is in our God. Our highest delight is in our God for we have seen Him and found every beauty in Him. This wealth is worth procuring even though one may have to lay down one’s life to procure it. This ruby is worth purchasing though one may have to lose one’s self to acquire it. O ye, who are bereft, run to this fountain and it will save you. What shall I do, and by what drum shall I make the announcement that this is your God, so that people might hear? What remedy shall I apply to their ears so that they should listen.

If you belong to Allah, rest assured that Allah will indeed belong to you.”

(Roohani Khazain Vol. 19: Kashti Nuh, pp. 21-22)

God – Allah

اللّٰہ

The Islamic name for God is Allah. This name in Arabic applies only to the One Supreme being and to no one else. The word Allah is never used in the plural, because Islam advocates the belief in the absolute unity of God.

Attributes of Allah

الاسمَاءُ الحُسنٰی

In addition to the proper name Allah, Allah has many beautiful attributes, called the الاسمَاءُ الحُسنٰی in verse 59:25 of the Holy Quran. The opening chapter of the Holy Quran explains that the divine attributes branch out from four principle attributes as follows:

Lord of All the Worlds

رَبُّ العٰلَمِین

This means that God creates everything and then fosters everything and leads it gradually towards perfection.

The Gracious

الرَّحۡمٰن

This means that without any effort on the part of His creatures, Allah provides everything that is necessary for their development and progress.

The Merciful

الرَّحِیۡم

This means that Allah is the Giver of the best and highest reward for those who do good voluntarily, and that reward continues indefinitely.

Master of the Day of Judgment

مٰلِکِ یَوۡمِ الدِّیۡن

This means that the ultimate judgment concerning everything rests with Allah alone.