Who Is Allah?
A beginner-friendly introduction to how Muslims understand Allah: the one God, Creator, Sustainer, and the only One worthy of worship.
Learning goals
Understand the name Allah
Learn how Muslims use the Arabic word Allah to refer to the one God.
Explore divine oneness
Study the Qur'an’s description of Allah as unique and incomparable.
Meet key sources
Read verses about Allah’s names and attributes with links to full context.
1. What does “Allah” mean?
Allah is the Arabic name for God. Arabic-speaking Christians and Jews also use the word Allah when referring to God. In Islam, Allah is the one Creator and Sustainer of all existence, who has no partners in worship.
Islamic belief emphasizes that Allah is not a created being, a human, or an image. Muslims direct acts of worship and supplication to Him alone. Read Surah Al-Fatihah (Qur'an 1) ↗ for a foundational example of praise and worship.
2. Allah is One
Surah Al-Ikhlas (Qur'an 112) ↗ offers a concise statement of Islamic monotheism. It describes Allah as One, the One upon whom all depend, without offspring or parentage, and without an equal.
Muslims call this oneness Tawheed. It is central to the testimony of faith and shapes how Muslims worship, seek help, and understand their responsibility to Allah.
3. Creator and Sustainer
The Qur'an describes Allah as the Creator of the heavens and the earth. Islamic teaching views creation as signs pointing to His knowledge, wisdom, and power; creation itself is not worshipped.
Read Qur'an 39:62 ↗ and reflect on the distinction between Creator and creation.
4. Allah's beautiful names and attributes
The Qur'an teaches that Allah has beautiful names and instructs believers to invoke Him by them. For example, Ar-Rahman conveys His vast mercy, and Al-'Alim His complete knowledge. See Qur'an 7:180 ↗.
Muslims affirm descriptions of Allah found in the Qur'an and authentic Sunnah. Qur'an 42:11 ↗ also makes clear that none is like Him. Scholars have explained some theological details differently; beginners should avoid imagining Allah in the likeness of created things and seek informed guidance when questions arise.
The Prophet ﷺ spoke about Allah's ninety-nine names in Sahih al-Bukhari 7392 ↗. The hadith encourages careful learning about these names; it should not be treated as a claim that Allah has only ninety-nine names.
5. Worship and everyday life
Belief in Allah is reflected in prayer, gratitude, repentance, justice, kindness, and trust in Him. Muslims learn about Allah through revelation while trying to practice humility and good character.
For a welcoming starting point, read Al-Fatihah and Al-Ikhlas, consider the meaning of their verses, and write down questions for a knowledgeable teacher.
6. Check your understanding
1. What does the Arabic word “Allah” refer to?
God; Muslims use it when referring to the one God.
2. What is Tawheed?
Affirming Allah's oneness, including devoting worship to Him alone.
3. Which short Qur'anic chapter is especially associated with Allah’s oneness?
Surah Al-Ikhlas (chapter 112).
4. What does Qur'an 42:11 teach about Allah?
That nothing is like Him, while affirming that He hears and sees.
5. Which verse tells believers to call upon Allah by His beautiful names?
Qur'an 7:180.
6. Name two ways belief in Allah can affect daily conduct.
Examples include prayer, gratitude, sincerity, repentance, honesty, and kindness.
Independent study
Read Qur'an chapters 1 and 112, then Qur'an 7:180 and 42:11. Note two qualities you learn about Allah and explain in your own words why Muslims worship Him alone.
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