Who Is Allah? Understanding the One True God in Islam

Welcome, sister. On your journey into Islam, one of the most beautiful and foundational truths is to understand Who Allah is — the One True God, worthy of worship, full of mercy, and intimately aware of you. In this guide you’ll learn: the meaning of the name “Allah”, His attributes, how He relates to you, and how knowing Him transforms your heart.

The Arabic word Allah (الله) comes from al-Ilāh, meaning “The God” — the one worthy of worship.  In Islam, this word isn’t just a generic label — it is the proper Name of the One True God, unique, singular, incomparable. 
There is no plural, no gender, no partners. He alone is Divine, He alone is God. The Qur’an declares:

“Say: He is Allah, the One.” (Surah Al-Ikhlāṣ 112:1) 
This verse tells us that from the very start of knowing Allah, we understand: He is One, eternal, and without equivalent.

To draw closer to Allah, Muslim scholars have compiled Al-Asmā’ al-Ḥusnā — the 99 Beautiful Names of Allah. These names help us grasp aspects of His divine reality: He is Ar-Raḥmān (The Most Merciful), Al-Ghāffār (The Ever-Forgiving), Al-Ḥayy (The Living), Al-Qayyūm (The Self-Subsisting). 
The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Allah has ninety-nine names; whoever memorises them will enter Paradise.” (Narrated by al-Bukhārī & Muslim)
This hadith invites us to learn His names, reflect on them, and let them shape our character and worship.

When you call on “Al-Raḥmān”, you are turning to the One whose Mercy is infinite. When you say “Al-Wakīl” (The Trustworthy), you are reminding yourself that He is your Protector and Sustainer. Let these names become part of your daily conversation with Allah.

It’s one thing to know Allah is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe — it’s another to feel that He is near, listening, responding, and present in your heart. The Qur’an says:

“And when My servants ask you concerning Me — indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:186) 
And:
“Our Lord — You did not create this in vain; exalted are You. Protect us from the Fire.” (Surah Āli ʿImrān 3:191)
This closeness means you don’t need a mediator or ritual to reach Him: you speak, He hears; you cry out, He responds.

For you as a new sister, remember: you are making the most personal of relationships — with the One who knows your fear, your hope, your growth journey. He plans your steps, He sees your efforts, He forgives your stumbles.

Many people imagine God as distant, stern, and unloving. But Islam invites both love and fear (respect) of Allah — balanced by hope in His Mercy and certainty in His Justice. The Qur’an emphasises His mercy nearly 500 times. 
Human hearts often ask: “Will He accept me?” or “What if I fail?” The answer is in the truth: Allah is Al-Ghafūr (The All-Forgiving), Ar-Raḥīm (The Most Merciful). He says:

“Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.” (Surah Az-Zumar 39:53)
And He also says:
“And whoever fears Allah — He will make for him a way out. And will provide for him from where he does not expect.” (Surah At-Taḥrīm 66:2)
So your submission (Islam) to Allah isn’t just about rules — it’s about a relationship, about turning toward the One who knows you better than you know yourself, and trusting Him.

Here are simple ways to begin building a deeper relationship with Allah:

Start with five names this week (e.g., Ar-Raḥmān, Al-Wakīl, Al-Ḥayy, Al-Qayyūm, Al-‘Alīm). Let each name shape a dua you make.