2.

3 The Nature of Allah

Characteristic
of Allah in the
Quran
Tawhid

Immanent

What does it mean?

Source of wisdom and authority

Tawhid is the belief in the oneness

of Allah. Allah is one, unique, and
without any equals.

We sent a messenger to every

community, saying Worship God and
shun false gods. Surah 16:35-36

This means Allah is close to his

creation, he sustains the universe.

We were never far from them Surah

7: 6-7
We are closer to him than his jugular
vein. Surah 50:16

Transcendent

Omnipotence

This means Allah is above creation,

beyond human understanding.

The belief that God is all

powerful. He has the power to
create everything from nothing
and can do whatever he wills.

Beneficence
Muslims believe that Allah is the most
beneficient of all beings and that he
loves his creation, especially humans.
His kindness knows no limits.
Mercy
Everything Allah does is an act of
kindness, even punishment which is
seen as being like medicine to heal the
infected parts of the soul. Many
Muslims believe that hell is only
temporary.

Allah established himself on the

throne Exalted be God. Surah 7:54

Do you know that control of the

heavens and the earth belongs to Him?
You [believers] have no protector or
helper but God [] He has power over all
things. Surah 2: 107-109
your Lords bounty is not
restricted. Surah 17:20

My mercy embraces all things.

Surah 7:156

Adalat or Adl
This means Divine Justice. God
is just and fair and therefore
humans should try to be too.

God commands you to return things

entrusted to you to their rightful owners,
and, if you judge between people, to do
so with justice: Gods instructions to you
are excellent, for He hears and sees
everything. Surah 4:58

Why are these characteristics important to Muslims?

Although Allah is transcendent, so cant be fully known, these attributes
help Muslims to understand him as much as possible.
According to the Quran humans were created by Allah to have a
relationship with him through worship (Surah 51:56). Understanding Allah
is important for this to happen.

Muslims strive to reflect some of Allahs characteristics e.g. because Allah

is merciful, Muslims should try to be too. This way humans can become a
reflection of some of Allahs attributes/characteristics (Surah 2:138).