Who is Allah?

In the name of God, the most Merciful, the most Kind.

Say: He is God, the one. God the Absolute. He does not produce children, nor was he born, and there is none that can be compared with him! (From the Holy Qur'an, Surah Al Ikhlas)

We refer to God Almighty as Allah. This is God’s name. Allah is the Creator and Sustainer of the Universe and everything in it. He is similar to nothing, and nothing can be compared to Him.

Allah is the One and Only deity, and is the same deity of Abraham, Moses, Jesus and of All the Prophets, peace be upon them all.

Whilst the Word ‘God’ can be used for other references, for example ‘The Classical Greek Gods’ etc, the name Allah can only be used for the One God Almighty himself who created everything.

The name Allah is not unique to Islam. This name for the Creator was also used in the Aramaic language spoken by Jesus (Peace Be Upon Him) and by Arab Christians even today.

Who was Muhammed?

Muhammed, may peace be upon him, was an exceptional man.
 
His father died before he was born, and his mother passed away not long after he was born, leaving him an orphan. He was then looked after in Makkah (Mecca) by his Grandfather, Abdul Muttalib.

After his Grandfather died, he was raised by His Uncle, Abu Talib. As He grew, Muhammed, pbuh, became well known and respected by the people of Makkah, loved and admired for his beautiful quality of character and also his honesty to the extent that He was trusted to hold money and to arbitrate in disputes.

Muhammed pbuh took no part in the worship of fake idols which was prevalent in Arabia at the time, preferring instead to retreat to a cave on the nearby mountain called Hira, where he would pray to the Creator, and contemplate the Universe itself.

When he was 40 years old, he was alone in the cave one night when he suddenly became aware that someone was in the cave with Him. The presence commanded:

“Read!”

Muhammed replied “I do not know how to read!”

Although he had came from an honourable family, Muhammed pbuh had never learned to read or write. The presence then embraced Muhammed, pbuh, and He felt great pressure all over his body. In later narrations, Muhammed pbuh commented that he thought he would die at this point.

Again the voice said:

“READ!!”

Muhammed pbuh replied “I cannot read!”

Again, the overpowering embrace of the presence, and Muhammed again thought he would pass away.

“READ!!!” said the voice.

“What shall I read?!” replied Muhammed pbuh.

Then, he was released from the hold, and a new chapter for the world, and for humanity, began with a recitation:

“Read – in the name of your Lord who creates! Creates mankind from a clot of blood.

Read, and your Lord is the most Generous, who teaches by the Pen – teaches man that what he did not know!”

Muhammed, pbuh, had received revelation from his Lord, Allah the Lord of the Universe. Muhammed became the final Prophet sent to humanity, in accordance with God almighty’s promises, foretold in earlier scriptures.

Listen to a beautiful audio biography of Muhammed, peace be upon him, the last Prophet. 

Books

The Brief Illustrated Guide to Understanding Islam book is one of our all-time favourites.

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