One God

ONENESS OF GOD

___ Islam revolves around one fundamental belief : "La Ilaha Il-lal-lah, Muhammadun Rasoolul-lah". This is the statement that underlies every Muslim's belief and actions. The first part of this statement translated means :

"There is none other than One and only One God (Allah)"

This statement declares that God, Almighty, is One and only One, with no associate, partner or equal. He is Perfect, nothing / no one is equal to Him or even similar to Him. The Quran contains 99 descriptive names of God, the following verses depict but a few :

⁽²²⁾

He is Allah, other than whom there is no other God, the Knower of the invisible, and the visible. He is the Beneficent, the Merciful.

⁽²³⁾He is Allah, other than whom there is no other God, the Sovereign Lord, the Holly One, the Peace, the Keeper of Faith, the Guardian, the Majestic, the Compeller, the Superb, Glorified be Allah from all that they ascribe as partner (to Him) !

⁽²⁴⁾He is Allah, the Creator, the Shaper out of nothing, the Fashioner, His are the most beautiful names. All that is in the heavens and earth glorifies Him, and He is Almighty, the Wise."
(Quran 59:22-24)

___ The belief in this statement must be expressed and tested in action. Belief in one God requires that we look upon all humanity as one family under the universal omnipotence of God - the Creator and Nourisher of all. Islam rejects the idea of a "chosen people" that are favored by God over others because of their race, color, or origin. Thus, a direct relationship is established with God, open to all alike, without any discrimination or intercession. What favors a person over another is his greater love, devotion and sincerity towards God, a feeling that must be evident in that person's action.

NEXT: Who is Muhammed ?