2.2.2 The Nature of Allah

'And your Allah is One Allah. There is no god but He, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.'

— Qur'an 2:163

Omnipotence

Allah is all-powerful and has unlimited authority over everything. This means that nothing happens without Allah's will. He has the power to create, sustain, and destroy the universe. Examples of Allah's omnipotence include miracles, natural phenomena, and the creation of life.

Beneficence

Allah's beneficence refers to His inherent goodness and His continuous acts of kindness towards His creation. This is evident in the guidance provided through the Qur'an and the prophets, and in the natural world's sustenance and beauty. Allah's actions are always intended for the benefit of His creation.

Mercy

Mercy is one of Allah's central attributes, highlighting His compassion and forgiveness. Allah's mercy is available to all who seek it, and it is often mentioned in the Qur'an as "Ar-Rahman" (The Most Merciful) and "Ar-Rahim" (The Most Compassionate). This ensures that while Allah is just, He is also forgiving and compassionate.

Fairness and Justice (Adalat)

Allah is inherently just and ensures fairness in all His actions. This means that everyone will be judged fairly based on their deeds. The concept of Adalat reassures believers that ultimate justice will prevail, both in this life and in the hereafter. It emphasizes the importance of moral responsibility and striving for justice in one's own life.

Immanence and Transcendence

Immanence:

Allah's immanence refers to His presence and involvement in the world. He is close to His creation and accessible through prayer and worship. This belief is supported by the continuous guidance provided through the prophets and the Qur'an.

Transcendence:

Allah's transcendence means that He is above and beyond the physical universe, not limited by time or space. While He is close to His creation, His ultimate knowledge and wisdom are beyond human comprehension. This belief highlights Allah's majesty and supreme nature.

Allah in the Qur'an

These names serve to help Muslims understand and connect with the multifaceted aspects of Allah's being. Reciting and reflecting on these names encourages a deeper spiritual connection, reminding believers of Allah's infinite compassion, wisdom, and authority.