What does Allah mean?
Allah is the Arabic word for God. Arabic-speaking Christians also use this word. In Islam, Allah refers to the one Creator and Sustainer of everything, the God worshiped by Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, peace be upon them.
The word is not the name of a tribal deity or a different god reserved for one people. Islam's message of worship is addressed to humanity.
The oneness of God
The central Islamic belief is called tawhid: God's oneness. Muslims believe that God has no partners, parents, or children and that nothing in creation is equal or comparable to Him. The short chapter Al-Ikhlas, Quran 112, expresses this belief directly.
Mercy and accountability
The Quran speaks of God through names and attributes, including mercy, wisdom, knowledge, and justice. Its opening chapter begins by describing His compassion. Belief in God's mercy gives hope; belief in accountability encourages people to take their choices and responsibilities seriously.
These ideas meet in repentance: recognizing a wrong, asking for forgiveness, and trying to put things right. Quran 39:53 calls people away from despair in God's mercy.
A direct relationship
Muslims pray to God directly. Alongside the formal daily prayers, a person can make dua, a personal prayer, in their own words and language. Quran 2:186 describes God as near and responsive to those who call upon Him.
A masjid is a place for worship and community. It is not a condition for speaking to God; a person may remember and call upon Him in daily life.
Learning through questions
Questions about God can be deeply personal. You may wonder about purpose, suffering, forgiveness, or what it means to believe. Start with what matters to you, read thoughtfully, and ask for an explanation when a word or idea feels unfamiliar.
Read in context: Quran 112, Quran 1, Quran 39:53, and Quran 2:186.