Yes, Allah is the one and only God in Islam. The term "Allah" is the Arabic word for God and is used by Arabic speakers of all faiths, not just Muslims. In Islam, Allah is understood as the all-powerful, all-knowing, and creator of the universe. The Quran, Islam's holy book, describes Allah's attributes and actions in detail. Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam, taught that Allah is the same God worshipped by Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, as described in the Bible and Quran. Therefore, while the name differs, the concept of God within Islam centers on the singular, supreme being known as Allah.
Understanding Allah in Islam
- Uniqueness: Islam strictly adheres to the concept of tawhid, the absolute oneness of God. Allah is not part of a trinity or pantheon; He is singular and unique. [Reference: Allah, the one and only God in Islam. Also, see Britannica, Quora, and Wikipedia references].
- Attributes: Allah possesses 99 names or attributes, reflecting His perfection and majesty. These names highlight aspects of Allah's character, such as the All-Merciful (Ar-Rahman), the All-Compassionate (Ar-Rahim), and the All-Knowing (Al-'Alim). [Reference: Who is Allah? Understanding God in Islam]
- Relationship with Humanity: Allah is seen as the creator and sustainer of humanity, having a personal relationship with each believer. Muslims believe in His guidance and judgment. [Reference: Who is Allah? Understanding God in Islam, and Britannica entry]
- Linguistic Origins: The word "Allah" is derived from the Arabic words "al" (the) and "ilah" (god), tracing its origins to ancient Semitic languages. [Reference: Allah, the one and only God in Islam].
Comparing Allah with the God of Other Abrahamic Religions
The question of whether Allah is the same God as the God of Christianity and Judaism is a complex theological debate. While Muslims believe Allah is the same God revealed to previous prophets like Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, the nature and attributes of God are understood differently across faiths, leading to differing theological interpretations. [References: Is God and Allah the same?, Is “Allah” Just Another Word for God?, Is Allah a Different God Than the Biblical God?, Do Muslims and Christians Worship the Same God?]