What is Faith in Allah in Islam?

Faith in Allah is one of the fundamental tenets of Islam, signifying the belief in His existence and oneness, recognizing His attributes, and shaping life accordingly. The phrase of Tawheed, “Lâ ilâhe illallah, Muhammadun Rasûlullah” (There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger), forms the core of this faith.

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The Existence and Oneness of Allah

Belief in Allah begins with acknowledging His uniqueness and incomparability. The Qur’an states:

إِنَّ رَبَّكُمُ اللَّهُ الَّذِي خَلَقَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ فِي سِتَّةِ أَيَّامٍ ثُمَّ اسْتَوَىٰ عَلَى الْعَرْشِ

“Indeed, your Lord is Allah, who created the heavens and the earth in six days and then established Himself above the Throne.” (Al-A’raf, 7:54)

Allah exists independently, without need of creation, and He is the one who brings everything into being. The evidence of His existence is found in the harmony of the universe, human nature, and divine revelation. (Ibn Kathir, Tafsir al-Qur’an al-‘Azim, vol.2, p.250)

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The Attributes of Allah

Faith in Allah necessitates recognition of His divine attributes, which are categorized into two types in Islamic theology:

• Essential Attributes (Sifat al-Dhatiyyah): These are exclusive to Allah and differentiate Him from all else:
  • Wujud (Existence)
  • Qidam (Eternal existence, without beginning)
  • Baqa (Everlasting, without end)
  • Mukhalafatun lil-hawadith (Uniqueness, unlike anything else)
  • Qiyam binafsihi (Self-subsistence, independent existence)
  • Wahdaniyyah (Oneness)
• Active Attributes (Sifat al-Fi’liyyah): These describe Allah’s interaction with creation:
  • Hayah (Life)
  • ‘Ilm (Knowledge)
  • Sam‘ (Hearing)
  • Basar (Seeing)
  • Iradah (Will)
  • Qudrah (Power)
  • Kalam (Speech)
  • Takwin (Creation)

(Source: Abu Hanifa, al-Fiqh al-Akbar, p.42)

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The Impact of Faith in Allah on Life

Faith in Allah deeply influences a person’s life and conduct:

1. Security and Peace: Believing in Allah’s absolute power brings tranquility and inner peace. (Al-Ghazali, Ihya’ ‘Ulum al-Din, vol.4, p.125)
2. Sense of Responsibility: Knowing that Allah is aware of all deeds encourages ethical conduct. (Bukhari, Riqaq, 36)
3. Justice and Mercy: Acknowledging Allah’s justice and mercy inspires one to embody these qualities. (Tirmidhi, Birr, 10)
4. Patience and Resilience: Faith in Allah strengthens patience and perseverance through hardships. (Muslim, Dhikr, 39)

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Final Words

Faith in Allah is the most essential belief that shapes a person’s moral, spiritual, and intellectual life. It offers both worldly and eternal peace while fostering a conscious and purposeful existence. A heart filled with faith in Allah is never truly alone.

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References

• Ibn Kathir, Tafsir al-Qur’an al-‘Azim, vol.2, p.250.
• Abu Hanifa, al-Fiqh al-Akbar, p.42.
• Al-Ghazali, Ihya’ ‘Ulum al-Din, vol.4, p.125.
• Bukhari, Riqaq, 36.
• Tirmidhi, Birr, 10.
• Muslim, Dhikr, 39.