How the Quran Presents the Universal Concept of God? - Part 2

V.A. Mohamad Ashrof, New Age Islam 19 February 2025 In Islam, الله (Allah) is understood as the Creator and Sustainer of all existence, the Author of life and the Architect of destiny. As stated in the Quran: "God is the Creator of all things" (Quran 39:62). Central to Islamic theology is the belief in God’s oneness, self-sufficiency, and uniqueness. The Quran proclaims: “Say: He is God, the One and Only” (Quran 112:1). Muhammad Asad, in The Message of the Quran, emphasizes that this declaration underscores the indivisible and absolute unity of God—a unity that stands unshaken like a mountain in a storm. Attributes of Allah God transcends all material and spiritual categories, surpassing the bounds of human understanding. The Quran affirms: "There is nothing like unto Him" (Quran 42:11). His essence is beyond human comprehension: "No vision can comprehend Him, but His comprehension is above all vision. He is beyond all comprehension, yet He knows all things" (Quran 6:103). These verses highlight God’s transcendence and omniscience—a reality as vast as the sky and as deep as the ocean. Chapter 112 of the Quran, Al-Ikhlas (“Purity of Faith”), succinctly articulates God’s essence: "In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful: Say: 'He is God, the One and Only' (Quran 112:1). He is the Eternal, the Cause of all things (Quran 112:2). He begets not, nor is He begotten (Quran 112:3). There is none like unto Him" (Quran 112:4). The 99 Names of Allah The Quran teaches that Allah has 99 names (al-asma al-husna, or “The Most Beautiful Names”), each a radiant window into His divine nature. Among the most frequently invoked are "The Most Gracious" (ar-Rahman) and "The Most Merciful" (ar-Rahim). Muhammad Asad notes that the creation of the universe and its intricate order are a tapestry woven from God’s mercy and compassion. The Quran captures this devotion to God’s attributes: "And embrace the colour of Allah. Who is of a better colour than the colour of Allah?" (Quran 2:138). This verse invites believers to clothe themselves in the fabric of divine qualities such as justice, mercy, and compassion. Selected Quranic Descriptions of Allah 1. The Sustainer: "Allah; there is no god but He. He is the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of all things; neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him..." (Quran 2:255, Ayat al-Kursi). This verse presents God as the eternal lighthouse, whose light never dims and whose protection never wanes. 2. The Light of the Heavens and Earth: "Allah is the light of the heavens and the earth. The example of His light is a niche containing a lamp, the lamp enclosed in glass..." (Quran 24:35). God’s light is described as an eternal flame illuminating the darkest corners of the universe. 3. The Knower of All: "He is Allah. There is no god but He. He is the Knower of the seen and the unseen..." (Quran 59:22). This emphasizes His omniscience, a mirror reflecting both hidden and visible truths. 4. The Sovereign: "He is Allah. There is no god but He. The King of Kings..." (Quran 59:23). God is the ultimate ruler; whose authority is as unyielding as a fortress. 5. The Creator: "He is Allah, the Creator, the Maker, the Fashioner..." (Quran 59:24). God’s creativity is a cosmic brushstroke, painting the universe with life and order. God’s Nearness to Humanity The Quran emphasizes that God is as near to the human soul as the air they breathe. In one tradition, an Arabian commoner asked the Prophet Muhammad: “Is our Lord far away so that we must call Him loudly, or is He near so that we may whisper to Him?” The Prophet remained silent until the following verse was revealed: "When My servants ask you about Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the prayer of the one who calls upon Me. Let them respond to Me and believe in Me so that they may be guided" (Quran 2:186). This verse captures the immediacy of God’s presence—like a shadow that never leaves the believer's side. Muhammad Asad (1900-1992), a renowned Austrian-born Muslim scholar, Quranic exegete, reflects on this verse, highlighting that divine nearness is not confined to physical proximity but represents God’s profound awareness of and compassion for human needs—a love that blankets the soul like a warm embrace. Through worship, reflection, and adherence to divine values, believers endeavour to walk the path toward Allah, drawing closer with each step taken in sincerity. The universal concept of God in Islam thus encompasses both His transcendence, as lofty as the heavens, and His immanence, as close as the heart’s beat. While God is beyond human comprehension, He is also ever-present, merciful, and intimately connected to those who seek Him with sincerity and devotion. … V.A. Mohamad Ashrof is an independent Indian scholar specializing in Islamic humanism. With a deep commitment to advancing Quranic hermeneutics that prioritize human well-being, peace, and progress, his work aims to foster a just society, encourage critical thinking, and promote inclusive discourse and peaceful coexistence. He is dedicated to creating pathways for meaningful social change and intellectual growth through his scholarship. He can be reached at vamashrof@gmail.com URL: How the Quran Presents the Universal Concept of God? - Part 1 URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-ideology/quran-universal-concept-god-allah-islamic-theology/d/134664 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism