The Nature of Allah | Religion, Philosophy & Ethics for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

The Essence of Allah: Omnipotence

Allah’s All-Powerful Nature

• Muslims hold that Allah is all-powerful, being the creator, sustainer, and possessor of everything in existence.

‘This is Allah, your Lord; there is no deity except Him, the Creator of all things, so worship Him. He oversees everything’ (Qur’an 6:102).

• Among Allah’s 99 names is Al-Jabbar, meaning the One who mends, restores, or heals what is broken, signifying His ability to direct events and people according to His will.
• Muslims believe humanity is perpetually dependent on Allah, and every occurrence has a divine purpose.
• They affirm that Allah observes all their deeds, knows their deepest thoughts and desires, and responds to their supplications.

‘Indeed, He accomplishes whatever He intends. He is all-knowing and all-powerful’ (Qur’an 30:54).

Influence on Muslim Life

• Muslims express gratitude to Allah for creating the world and all life, reflected in their prayers, rituals, and conduct.
• They find reassurance in the belief that Allah is aware of global events, prompting them to align their lives with the Qur’an’s teachings.
• The belief that ‘He is capable of all things’ fosters a Muslim’s submission to Allah, evident in their devotion.
• The understanding that everything happens for a reason provides Muslims with strength during challenging times.

The Essence of Allah: Immanence & Transcendence

Allah as Immanent

• Muslims believe Allah is immanent, present within all things and near to His people.
• ‘We are nearer to a person than their jugular vein’ (Qur’an 50:16), indicating that Allah is essential to human existence, as living without Him is worse than death itself.
• ‘He is with you wherever you are’ (Qur’an 57:4), suggesting Allah is a constant guide, fully aware of all events.
• Muslims view Allah as actively involved in the world, not a passive observer.
• Allah provides Muslims with both the purpose and capacity to live their lives.

Allah as Transcendent

• Transcendence means Allah is distinct from the world, beyond its limitations, enabling Him to govern and act within it without being influenced by it.
• ‘No vision can encompass Him…He is beyond all understanding’ (Qur’an 6:103), signifying that Allah exists outside the world and its creations.
• ‘There is nothing like Him’ (Qur’an 42:11), emphasizing that Allah surpasses human comprehension and comparison, being limitless and not part of the world.
• Muslims believe Allah exists outside of time, unlike humans who are bound by it. As He has no beginning or end, He transcends time itself.

Balancing Immanence and Transcendence

• Some find it challenging to grasp how Allah can be both immanent and transcendent, as these concepts seem contradictory.
• For Muslims, Allah is both omnipresent with all people and simultaneously above and greater than everyone.
• As the creator of the universe, Allah is unbound by the physical world, yet He remains within all things, showing compassion toward humanity.
• This duality assures Muslims that Allah’s power is limitless while He remains empathetic to human experiences.

The Essence of Allah: Beneficence & Mercy

Allah as Beneficent and Merciful

• Muslims regard Allah as both beneficent and merciful.
• Among His 99 names are Al-Rahman (the Beneficent) and Al-Rahim (the Merciful).
• The Qur’an refers to Allah as Beneficent 57 times and as Merciful over 160 times.

‘In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful’ (Qur’an 27:27-30).

• For Muslims, Allah is the source of all goodness.
• His generosity is evident in granting humanity life on earth.
• He sent prophets to guide people to the righteous path, demonstrating His compassion and granting humans free will to follow it.
• Allah’s beneficence is intertwined with His mercy and compassion.
• His mercy is reflected in the Qur’an’s guidelines.
• Allah’s compassion enables human existence, life, and love.
• His mercy surrounds humanity, aiding them in navigating their human condition.

Impact on Muslim Life

• Muslims begin their daily prayers with ‘In the name of Allah, the Lord of Mercy, the Giver of Mercy,’ known as the Bismillah, dedicating all actions to Allah.
• They believe Allah is merciful, understanding their struggles, caring for them, and forgiving sincere repentance.
• Muslims view mistakes as inherent to humanity, yet Allah forgives those who genuinely repent.
• Allah’s mercy extends to forgiving repeated sins, allowing Muslims to atone for misdeeds.
• Suffering exists as a test of faith, challenging humans to respond appropriately despite its incomprehensibility.
• While humans may not always discern Allah’s plan, they are encouraged to place trust and faith in Him.

The Essence of Allah: Fairness & Justice

Allah as Fair and Just

• Justice (Adalat) refers to fairness and doing what is right.
• As an absolute being, Allah always acts justly, and Muslims strive to emulate this fairness in their interactions.
• Muslims believe everyone will face Allah’s judgment on the Day of Judgement, where good deeds are rewarded, and evil actions face consequences.
• At least 40 Qur’anic verses address Allah’s justice, emphasizing that each person will face justice for their actions on the Day of Judgement.
• A balanced response enhances the likelihood of acting justly and appropriately.

‘Whoever follows the right path does so for their own benefit; and whoever strays does so to their own detriment’ (Qur’an 17:15).

• Muslims believe Allah acts with fairness and justice, treating all equally and expecting them to do the same.

Humans are commanded to act justly: ‘Be steadfast witnesses for Allah in equity, and let not hatred of any people lead you to act unjustly’ (Qur’an 5:8).

‘Indeed, Allah commands you toward justice’ (Qur’an 16:90).

• The concept of Allah’s justice is fundamental for both Shi’a and Sunni Muslims.
• Divine justice is one of the Five Roots of Faith in Shi’a Islam.
• Belief in the Day of Judgement is one of the Six Articles of Faith in Sunni Islam.

How a Just Allah Shapes Muslim Life

• Muslims believe they should act with moderation, avoiding extremes.

‘We have made you a balanced nation’ (Qur’an 2:143).

• Thus, Muslims strive to avoid being overly angry or excessively calm, overly courageous or too timid, overly clever or foolish, aiming for a balanced life.
• A balanced response increases the likelihood of fairness and appropriateness.

‘Let not hatred of any people lead you to act unjustly’ (Qur’an 5:8).

• Muslims trust that justice will ultimately prevail, even if life seems unfair at times.
• The certainty of justice on the Day of Judgement motivates Muslims to live according to the Qur’an to earn rewards in the afterlife.