 A Muslim believes in ONE GOD, ALLAH, Supreme and Eternal, Infinite and Mighty, Merciful and Compassionate, Creator and Provider. The word "Allah" simply means "God" in Arabic and is a more unique name than "God," since it cannot be changed into "gods"-plural or "goddess"-feminine. He has neither father nor mother, neither sons nor was He fathered. None equal to Him. He is God of all mankind, not of a special tribe or race.Allah (God) is High and Supreme, but He is very near to the pious thoughtful believers; He answers their prayers and helps them. He loves the people who love Him and forgives their sins. He gives them peace, happiness, knowledge and success. Allah (God) is the Loving and the Provider, the Generous, and the Benevolent, the Rich and the Independent, the Forgiving and the Clement, the Patient and the Appreciative, the Unique and the Protector, the Judge and the Peace. Allah's (God's) attributes are mentioned in the Quran. Allah (God) creates in man the mind to understand, the soul and conscience to be good and righteous, the feelings and sentiments to be kind and humane. If we try to count His favours upon us, we cannot, because they are countless. In return for all the great favours and mercy, Allah (God) does not need anything from us, because He is Needless and Independent. Allah (God) asks us to know Him, to love Him and to enforce His law for our benefit and our own good.
At the very primal beginning, before the advent of pre-mordial time, the universe was one. Then, it was cloven asunder by a mighty Force to form the heavens and the earth and all the galaxies and planets that swim in between.
In Islam, this Force is known as Allah SWT, the true God of Creation. The term 'Allah' has no plural or gender. This is its uniqueness when compared with the word 'god' used by many other religions that can be made into the plural or feminine forms, gods and goddess respectively.Belief in Allah SWT is the core tenet of Islamic teachings, and it heads the six Articles of Faith, namely belief in:
. Allah SWT
. His Angels
. His Revelations
. His Messengers
. The Hereafter, and
. Fate & Destiny.
Allah SWT is the Almighty, Creator and Sustainer of the Universe, who is similar to nothing and nothing is comparable to Him. This He explicitly states in the Qur'an: ".
"There is nothing whatever like unto Him, and He is the One that hears and sees (all things)." (Surah Ash-Shoor42:11)
Allah's SWT rights upon His creation are absolute. He is the sole Creator and Sustainer of the Universe, the Almighty who created everything with absolute wisdom, the One who initiated every being from nothing.
"And Allah (SWT) has brought you out from the wombs of your mothers while you know nothing. And He gave you hearing, sight and hearts that you might give thanks (to Allah SWT)." (Surah an-Nahl 16:78)
Allah SWT has complete control over his slaves and His bounties are countless. He demands that His Creation, including mankind, to worship Him alone without ascribing any partners to Him, and be His true slaves.
"And I (Allah SWT) created not the jinn and mankind except they should worship Me (alone). I seek not any provision from them nor do I ask that they should feed Me. Verily, Allah (SWT) is the All-Provider, Owner of Power, the Most Strong." (Surah Az-Dhaariyaat 51:56-58)
In order to be among those who are blessed with His guidance, one should make every effort to learn more about Allah SWT. We can know more about Him from His Beautiful Names and Attributes and from the teachings of His Prophets (a.s.) who are receivers of Divine Revelations. All of them preach the same message that:
"He is Allah (SWT), the Creator, the Evolver, the Bestower of Forms (or Colors). To Him belong the Most Beautiful Names." (Al-Hashr 59:24)
Those who have been shown the Light are very fortunate as their hearts and minds are very receptive to His Words, and they readily accept the Reality as it comes. This power of guidance lies with Allah SWT alone as He says:
"Allah (SWT) guided whom He will to a path that is straight." (Surah al-Baqarah 2:213)
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