In Islam, the foundation of faith rests on understanding and recognising the Creator, Allah. Our relationship with Allah is the most significant aspect of our existence and guides every part of our lives. To truly understand Islam, it is essential to know who Allah is, His names, His attributes, and the wisdom behind His creations. Knowing Allah is the centre of your entire Islam, and without truly knowing Him, our understanding of His religion (Islam) will always be limited.

Allah’s Oneness (Tawhid)

At the core of Islamic belief is the concept of Tawhid, the belief in the Oneness of Allah. He is the only deity worthy of worship, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, and the Sustainer of all that exists. Allah has no partners, no associates, and is beyond comparison to anything in His creation. Understanding this concept helps Muslims recognise their sole reliance on Allah and the importance of worshipping Him alone.

Allah’s Names and Attributes

Allah is described by many beautiful names and attributes, known as the Asma Ul Husna (The 99 Names of Allah). Each name reflects a different aspect of His nature. By learning and reflecting upon these names, Muslims deepen their understanding of Allah’s vast mercy, justice, and power. These names are not just words but keys to connecting with Allah on a personal level, feeling His presence and understanding who exactly He is.

	Arabic Name	Transliteration	Meaning
1	ٱلرَّحْمَٰنُ	Ar-Rahmaan	The Most or Entirely Merciful
2	ٱلرَّحِيمُ	Ar-Raheem	The Bestower of Mercy
3	ٱلْمَلِكُ	Al-Malik	The King and Owner of Dominion
4	ٱلْقُدُّوسُ	Al-Quddus	The Absolutely Pure
5	ٱلسَّلَامُ	As-Salaam	The Perfection and Giver of Peace
6	ٱلْمُؤْمِنُ	Al-Mu’min	The One Who gives Emaan and Security
7	ٱلْمُهَيْمِنُ	Al-Muhaymin	The Guardian, The Witness, The Overseer
8	ٱلْعَزِيزُ	Al-Azeez	The All Mighty
9	ٱلْجَبَّارُ	Al-Jabbaar	The Compeller, The Restorer
10	ٱلْمُتَكَبِّرُ	Al-Mutakabbir	The Supreme, The Majestic
11	ٱلْخَٰلِقُ	Al-Khaaliq	The Creator, The Maker
12	ٱلْبَارِئُ	Al-Baari’	The Originator
13	ٱلْمُصَوِّرُ	Al-Musawwir	The Fashioner
14	ٱلْغَفَّارُ	Al-Ghaffaar	The All- and Oft-Forgiving
15	ٱلْقَهَّارُ	Al-Qahhaar	The Subduer, The Ever-Dominating
16	ٱلْوَهَّابُ	Al-Wahhaab	The Giver of Gifts
17	ٱلْرَّزَّاقُ	Ar-Razzaaq	The Provider
18	ٱلْفَتَّاحُ	Al-Fattah	The Opener, The Judge
19	ٱلْعَلِيمُ	Al-‘Aleem	The All-Knowing, The Omniscient
20	ٱلْقَابِضُ	Al-Qaabid	The Withholder
21	ٱلْبَاسِطُ	Al-Baasit	The Extender
22	ٱلْخَافِضُ	Al-Khaafidh	The Reducer, The Abaser
23	ٱلْرَّافِعُ	Ar-Raafi’	The Exalter, The Elevator
24	ٱلْمُعِزُّ	Al-Mu’izz	The Honourer, The Bestower
25	ٱلْمُذِلُّ	Al-Muzil	The Dishonourer, The Humiliator
26	ٱلسَّمِيعُ	As-Samee’	The All-Hearing
27	ٱلْبَصِيرُ	Al-Baseer	The All-Seeing
28	ٱلْحَكَمُ	Al-Hakam	The Judge, The Giver of Justice
29	ٱلْعَدْلُ	Al-‘Adl	The Utterly Just
30	ٱللَّطِيفُ	Al-Lateef	The Subtle One, The Most Gentle
31	ٱلْخَبِيرُ	Al-Khabeer	The Acquainted, The All-Aware
32	ٱلْحَلِيمُ	Al-Haleem	The Most Forbearing
33	ٱلْعَظِيمُ	Al-‘Azeem	The Magnificent, The Supreme
34	ٱلْغَفُورُ	Al-Ghafoor	The Forgiving, The Exceedingly Forgiving
35	ٱلشَّكُورُ	Ash-Shaakoor	The Most Appreciative
36	ٱلْعَلِيُّ	Al-‘Alee	The Most High, The Exalted
37	ٱلْكَبِيرُ	Al-Kabeer	The Greatest, The Most Grand
38	ٱلْحَفِيظُ	Al-Hafeedh	The Preserver, The All-Heedful and All-Protecting
39	ٱلْمُقيِتُ	Al-Muqeet	The Sustainer, The Maintainer
40	ٱلْحَسِيبُ	Al-Hasib	The Reckoner
41	ٱلْجَلِيلُ	Al-Jaleel	The Majestic
42	ٱلْكَرِيمُ	Al-Kareem	The Most Generous, The Most Esteemed
43	ٱلْرَّقِيبُ	Ar-Raqeeb	The Watchful, The All-Watchful
44	ٱلْمُجِيبُ	Al-Mujeeb	The Responsive, The Answerer
45	ٱلْوَاسِعُ	Al-Waasi’	The All-Encompassing, the Boundless
46	ٱلْحَكِيمُ	Al-Hakeem	The All-Wise
47	ٱلْوَدُودُ	Al-Wadud	The Most Loving
48	ٱلْمَجِيدُ	Al-Majeed	The Glorious, The Most Honorable
49	ٱلْبَاعِثُ	Al-Baa’ith	The Infuser of New Life
50	ٱلْشَّهِيدُ	As-Shaheed	The All Observing Witnessing
51	ٱلْحَقُّ	Al-Haqq	The Absolute Truth
52	ٱلْوَكِيلُ	Al-Wakeel	The Trustee, The Disposer of Affairs
53	ٱلْقَوِيِيُ	Al-Qawiyy	The All-Strong
54	ٱلْمَتِينُ	Al-Mateen	The Firm, The Steadfast
55	ٱلْوَلِيُ	Al-Walee	The Protecting Associate
56	ٱلْحَمِيدُ	Al-Hameed	The Praiseworthy
57	ٱلْمُحْصِي	Al-Muhsee	The All-Enumerating, The Counter
58	ٱلْمُبْدِئُ	Al-Mubdi’	The Originator, The Initiator
59	ٱلْمُعِيدُ	Al-Mu’id	The Restorer, The Reinstater
60	ٱلْمُحْيِي	Al-Muhyee	The Giver of Life
61	ٱلْمُمِيتُ	Al-Mumeet	The Creator of Death
62	ٱلْحَيِّيُ	Al-Hayy	The Ever-Living
63	ٱلْقَيُّومُ	Al-Qayyoom	The Sustainer, The Self-Subsisting
64	ٱلْوَاجِدُ	Al-Waajid	The Perceiver
65	ٱلْمَاجِدُ	Al-Maajid	The Illustrious, The Magnificent
66	ٱلْوَاحِدُ	Al-Waahid	The One, The Indivisible
67	ٱلْأَحَدُ	Al-Ahad	The Unique, The Only One
68	ٱلصَّمَدُ	As-Samad	The Eternal, Satisfier of Needs
69	ٱلْقَادِرُ	Al-Qaadir	The Omnipotent
70	ٱلْمُقْتَدِرُ	Al-Muqtadir	The Powerful
71	ٱلْمُقَدِّمُ	Al-Muqaddim	The Expediter, The Promoter
72	ٱلْمُؤَخِّرُ	Al-Mu’akhkhir	The Delayer
73	ٱلْأوَّلُ	Al-Awwal	The First
74	ٱلْآخِرُ	Al-Aakhir	The Last, The Utmost
75	ٱلظَّٰهِرُ	Az-Zaahir	The Manifest, The All-Surpassing
76	ٱلْبَاطِنُ	Al-Baatin	The Hidden One, Knower of the Hidden
77	ٱلْوَالِي	Al-Waalee	The Sole Governor
78	ٱلْمُتَعَالِي	Al-Muta’ali	The Self Exalted
79	ٱلْبَرُّ	Al-Barr	The Source of All Goodness
80	ٱلتَّوَابُ	At-Tawwaab	The Ever-Pardoning
81	ٱلْمُنْتَقِمُ	Al-Muntaqim	The Avenger
82	ٱلْعَفُوُ	Al-‘Afuww	The Pardoner
83	ٱلْرَّؤُوفُ	Ar-Ra’ooof	The Most Kind
84	مَالِكُ ٱلْمُلْكُ	Maalik-al-Mulk	Master of the Dominion, Owner of the Kingdom
85	ذُوالْجَلاَلِ وَالإكْرَامِ	Thul-Jalaali wal-Ikraam	Possessor of Glory and Honour
86	ٱلْمُقْسِطُ	Al-Muqsiṭ	The Just One
87	ٱلْجَامِعُ	Al-Jaami’	The Gatherer, the Uniter
88	ٱلْغَنيُّ	Al-Ghaniyy	The Self-Sufficient, The Wealthy
89	ٱلْمُغْنِيُ	Al-Mughniyy	The Enricher
90	ٱلْمَانِعُ	Al-Maani’	The Withholder
91	ٱلضَّارَ	Ad-Dhaarr	The Distresser, The Creator of Harm
92	ٱلنَّافِعُ	An-Naafi’	The Propitious, The Benefactor
93	ٱلْنُورُ	An-Noor	The Light
94	ٱلْهَادِي	Al-Haadi	The Guide
95	ٱلْبَدِيعُ	Al-Badee’	The Incomparable Originator
96	ٱلْبَاقِي	Al-Baaqi	The Ever-Surviving
97	ٱلْوَارِثُ	Al-Waarith	The Inheritor
98	الرَّشِيدُ	Ar-Rasheed	The Guide to the Right Path
99	ٱلصَّبُورُ	As-Saboor	The Patient, The Ever-Persistent

The Importance of Knowing Allah in Our Lives

Knowing Allah is not only about intellectual understanding—it is about forging a deep connection with Him in our hearts. As we strive to understand Allah’s attributes, we cultivate gratitude for His blessings, patience during times of hardship, and humility in our actions. When we truly know Allah, we understand our purpose and find peace in knowing that He is always there for us.

Seeking Knowledge of Allah

In Islam, seeking knowledge is highly encouraged, especially knowledge that leads us to better understand our Creator. The Qur’an, Allah’s direct message to humanity, is the primary source of guidance and insight into who Allah is. The Hadith (sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him) further expand on the understanding of Allah’s will and teachings. By engaging with these sacred texts and by reflecting upon them, we come closer to understanding the magnificence of Allah.

What does Allah tell us about Himself?

In the Qur’an, Allah speaks about His attributes in numerous verses, providing a profound understanding of His majesty and essence.

In Surah Al-Ikhlas, Allah says:

“Say, ‘He is Allah, [Who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent.'” (112:1-4).

This verse emphasises the absolute oneness of Allah. He is unique, without any partners or similarities. Allah does not have children, nor was He born, making Him beyond human comprehension and comparison.

In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah describes Himself in Ayat al-Kursi:

“Allah! There is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of existence. Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth.” (2:255).

This verse speaks to Allah’s infinite and eternal nature. He is the Sustainer of all life, and nothing—neither sleep nor drowsiness—affects Him, showing His completeness and tirelessness in managing the affairs of creation.

In Surah Al-A’raf, Allah says:

“And to Allah belong the best names, so invoke Him by them.” (7:180).

This verse highlights Allah’s perfect and beautiful names. It calls upon believers to recognise and invoke Allah through His names, as each name reflects a unique aspect of His attributes, such as His mercy, power, and wisdom.

In Surah Ash-Shura, Allah speaks about His creative power:

“The Originator of the heavens and the earth. He has made for you from the mountains [things] that you may use as a means of transportation and adornment.” (42:11).

Here, Allah is described as the Creator of everything in the heavens and on earth. He has created nature in such a way that humans can benefit from it, reflecting His generosity and wisdom in the design of the universe.

Surah Al-Hadid reveals:

“He is the First and the Last, the Ascendant and the Intimate, and He is, of all things, Knowing.” (57:3).

This verse highlights Allah’s timeless nature, showing that He has always existed (First) and will always exist (Last). It also emphasises His closeness to His creation, as He is both above and deeply intimate with all.

In Surah Al-Mulk, Allah declares:

“He it is who has made the earth subservient to you…To Him will you all be returned.” (67:15).

This verse underscores Allah’s sovereignty over all creation. He has made everything in the world subject to His will, and ultimately, everyone will return to Him for judgment.

Surah At-Tawbah also contains a reminder of Allah’s control:

“Say, ‘Never will we be struck except by what Allah has decreed for us; He is our protector.'” (9:51).

This verse reinforces the concept of divine will and protection. It reassures believers that everything that happens is according to Allah’s plan, and He is the ultimate protector of His believers.

Surah Al-Furqan reveals:

“He is the Ever-Living who does not die, and He is, of all things, Knowing.” (25:58).

This verse emphasises Allah’s eternal existence and His supreme knowledge. He is the only One who does not die, further asserting His infinite nature and complete awareness of all things.

In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah proclaims His authority:

“Do you not know that to Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth? You have no protector or helper against Allah.”(2:107).

This verse emphasises that all authority belongs to Allah alone. No one can oppose Him, and He has absolute control over the heavens and earth.

Again, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah speaks of His closeness to His creation:

“When My servant asks about Me, I am near. I respond to the call of the caller when he calls upon Me.” (2:186).

This verse speaks of Allah’s nearness to His servants. He is always close, and when His servants call upon Him, He answers. This demonstrates His constant presence and readiness to respond to the needs of those who seek Him.

In another Hadith from Sahih Bukhari, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“Allah is as His servant thinks of Him. If He thinks of Him as good, then He will find Him good, and if He thinks of Him as evil, then He will find Him evil.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 7405).

This Hadith illustrates that our perception of Allah’s nature and mercy can shape our relationship with Him. If we trust in Allah’s goodness and mercy, we will experience His kindness, whereas negativity can lead to a loss of that connection.

In a Hadith narrated by Sahih Muslim, the Prophet (PBUH) says:

“Allah is more merciful to His servants than a mother is to her child.” (Sahih al-Bukhari).

This Hadith underscores Allah’s immense mercy towards His creation, likening it to the unparalleled love a mother feels for her child. Allah’s mercy is boundless, compassionate, and all-encompassing

Anas bin Malik narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

“Allah, Blessed is He and Most High, said: ‘O son of Adam! Verily as long as you called upon Me and hoped in Me, I forgave you, despite whatever may have occurred from you, and I did not mind. O son of Adam! Were your sins to reach the clouds of the sky, then you sought forgiveness from Me, I would forgive you, and I would not mind. So son of Adam! If you came to me with sins nearly as great as the earth, and then you met Me not associating anything with Me, I would come to you with forgiveness nearly as great as it.” (Hadith 34, 40 Hadith Qudsi)

This Hadith highlights Allah’s infinite mercy and His readiness to forgive. It reassures that no matter how enormous the sins are, Allah’s forgiveness is always greater. Even if one’s sins were as vast as the sky or the earth, Allah promises to forgive them as long as the person seeks forgiveness with sincerity and does not commit shirk (associating partners with Allah). This is a powerful reminder of Allah’s endless compassion and the importance of repentance.

A Personal Journey of Connection

The journey of understanding Allah is deeply personal. It’s not simply about memorising facts, but about building a relationship. Every prayer (Salah), every moment of reflection, and every act of worship is an opportunity to draw closer to Him. In times of hardship, remembering that Allah is with us, compassionate and merciful, can bring comfort. In times of joy, knowing that Allah is the source of our blessings can inspire gratitude.

In the end, the beauty of Islam lies in recognising that Allah’s presence is always around us, His mercy is endless, and His love is unconditional. The more we strive to know Him, the more we experience His closeness and guidance in our lives.

Video Resources

This video in particular is one of my personal favourites, and I think every Muslim should watch this at least once.