In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
The word Allah is a reflection of the unique concept
that Islam associates with God. To a Muslim, Allah
is the Almighty, Creator and Sustainer of the
universe, who is similar to none and nothing is
comparable to Him. The Prophet Muhammad (p)
was asked by his contemporaries about Allah. The
answer came directly from God Himself in the form
of a short chapter of the Qur’an that is considered
the essence of the Unity of God or the motto of
monotheism. “Say: He is Allah, the One; Allah,
the Eternal, Absolute; He begetteth not, nor is He
begotten, and there is none like unto Him.” [Al-
Qur’an 112:1-4]
Some non-Muslims allege that the concept of God
in Islam is that of a stern and cruel God who de-
mands to be obeyed fully. He is not loving and kind.
Nothing can be farther from the truth than this alle-
gation. It is enough to know that with the excep-
tion of one, each of the 114 chapters of the Qur’an
begins with the verse: “In the Name of Allah, Most
Gracious, Most Merciful” In one of the sayings of
Prophet Muhammad (p) we are told: “God is more
loving and kinder than a mother to her dear child.”
Besides being Merciful, God is Just too. Hence
evildoers and sinners must have their share of
punishment and the virtuous their rightful reward.
Actually, God’s attribute of Mercy has full
manifestation in His attribute of Justice. People
suffering throughout their lives for His sake and
people oppressing and exploiting other people all
their lives should not receive similar treatment from
their Lord. Expecting similar treatment for them
will amount to negating the very belief in the
accountability in the Hereafter and thereby negating
all the incentives for a moral and virtuous life in this
world. The following verses from the Qur’an are very
clear and straightforward: “Verily, for the righteous
are Gardens of delight in the Presence of their Lord.
Shall we then treat the people of Faith like the
people of Sin? What is the matter with you? How
judge you?” [Al-Qu