The Nature of Allah (Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B)
Revision Note
Written by: Angela Yates
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
The Qur'an & the Nature of Allah
What are the Characteristics of Allah Shown in the Qur’an?
Allah is the Arabic word for God
Islam is a monotheistic religion, and therefore Muslims believe in one God
Allah is not a physical being, and so it is not possible to visualise him
In Islam it is forbidden to attempt to draw him
Muslim holy writings contain many beliefs about Allah's nature
Over 100 characteristics or qualities of Allah are described in the Qur’an and Hadith
Muslims recite some of these characteristics during prayer
There are 8 key characteristics that are key to understanding Allah’s nature
Key Characteristics of Allah
Tawhid
This means Oneness
This is the most key belief about Allah
Allah is unique and without any equal
To associate Allah with any partners, including ‘false gods’, is a sin
We sent into every nation a messenger [saying] “Worship Allah and shun false gods”’ (Qur’an Surah 16:36)
Immanence
This means closeness
Allah is close and involved with the world
‘We created man – We know what his soul whispers to him: We are closer to him than his jugular vein’ (Qur’an Surah 50:16)
Transcendence
Beyond human understanding
Allah is above and beyond his creation
It is difficult for Muslims to fully understand Allah
Quote
‘Exalted be God, Lord of all the worlds’ (Qur’an Surah 7:54)
Omnipotence
All-powerful
This is the idea that Allah is more powerful than anything else in existence
He has created the world and is in charge of everything
‘He has power over all things’ (Qur’an Surah 2: 109)
Beneficence
This means kindness
Allah is caring and loves his creation
His kindness and generosity knows no limits
‘Your Lord’s bounty is not restricted’ (Qur’an Surah 17:20)
Mercy
This is the idea that Allah forgives people for the wrongs they do, rather than punishing them, because he is beneficent in nature
‘My mercy embraces all things’ (Qur’an Surah 7:156)
Fairness and Justice
This is called Adalat or divine justice in Shi’a Islam and is one of the Five Roots of ‘Usul ad-Din
Allah is just and fair and will treat everyone and everything fairly
Allah judges Muslims fairly for how they have lived their lives
Muslims are expected to act fairly towards others too, as this teaching shows
‘If you judge between people, do so with justice’ (Qur’an Surah 4:58)
Why the Characteristics of Allah are Important
Why are the characteristics of Allah important to Muslims?
Although Muslims believe that it is impossible to fully comprehend Allah, understanding some of his characteristics can help them to understand him better
Understanding the characteristics of Allah can help Muslims form a better relationship with him
It means Muslims know a little more about how he interacts with the world and the people he created
Understanding the characteristics of Allah can:
Help Muslims worship him more fully
Come closer to him through that worship
Knowing more about the characteristics of Allah can help Muslims to follow the way he wants them to live their lives
It will encourage them to strive to be better people as they follow the example he has set and aspire to reflect his characteristics in the way they live their lives
For example, knowing that Allah is beneficent should make Muslims strive to be caring and loving in their own lives, to reflect his qualities
Worked Example
Outline three Muslim beliefs about Allah
(3 marks)
Answer:
Muslims believe Allah is One, which is known as Tawhid. (1)
They also believe that Allah is kind. (1)
They believe Allah is omnipotent. (1)
Examiner Tips and Tricks
In these questions you attain one mark for each point you make. Make sure you include three very different points in your answer so that you get all three marks. If you say two qualities that sound very similar, the examiner might count that as worth only one point. For example, if you say Allah is kind and loving, this could be credited as only one belief.
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