What Do Muslims Worship?

Islam means submission—specifically, submission to the One True God, known in Arabic as Allah. For Muslims, the name Allah holds immense spiritual, theological, and linguistic significance. It is not merely a title used to call upon the Creator but a sacred name that represents the unique and incomparable nature of God.

The Meaning of the Name “Allah”

In Arabic, Allah is derived from the fusion of two words: Al (the) and Ilah (God or deity). Combined, they form Al-Ilah, which becomes Allah due to the rules of Arabic pronunciation. The name signifies that Allah is The One to whom all creation turns, the ultimate object of desire and worship.

This name is not exclusive to Islam. It is the same name used by previous prophets, including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad (peace be upon them all). In the original scriptures revealed to these prophets—before translations and alterations—the Creator introduced Himself as Allah.

Translations of sacred texts, no matter how accurate, can never fully capture the depth of the original language. That is why, in Islam, the Arabic Qur’an is held as the pure, unaltered Word of God.

The Nature of God in Islam

In Islam, a person who submits to Allah is called a Muslim. God is the central focus of faith, and understanding His nature is essential to understanding Islam itself.

Just as every system, family, or artwork has a creator or a source of guidance, Islam teaches that the universe did not come into existence by chance. Rather, it was deliberately created and is constantly sustained by Allah. Life has meaning and purpose; it is not the result of random coincidences.

Although human beings have limited ability to grasp the full essence of the Divine, Allah has provided a way for humanity to understand Him—through His Names, His attributes, and His final revelation: the Qur’an.

The Essence of God in Four Verses

A foundational passage from the Qur’an, known as Surah Al-Ikhlas, beautifully summarizes Allah’s nature:

“Say: He is Allah, the One,
The Eternal Refuge.
He neither begets nor is born,
Nor is there anything comparable to Him.” (Qur’an 112:1–4)

This short chapter captures the core of Islamic monotheism and highlights five key beliefs about God:

1. The Most Kind, the Most Merciful

Every chapter of the Qur’an, except one, begins with the words:
“In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.”

These attributes reflect the compassionate essence of God. Allah is described in the Qur’an as Loving, Forgiving, Generous, Patient, and Appreciative. Muslims are encouraged to embody these traits by showing kindness, humility, and gratitude.

In Islam, status is not measured by wealth, power, or popularity—but by sincerity of faith and moral character.

2. God is One (Tawhid)

At the heart of Islamic belief is the Oneness of God. The name Allah cannot be pluralized or gendered, underlining His uniqueness.

God is not part of a trinity or family. He has no partners, equals, or offspring. This Oneness (Tawhid) is not just a concept—it is the foundation upon which all Islamic teachings rest.

3. The Eternal Refuge

Allah is the one to whom people turn in times of need, and He is always available to those who call upon Him. Islam acknowledges human weakness and offers a path of repentance, prayer, and charity as a means to grow closer to God.

“O My servants who have transgressed against themselves,
Do not despair of the mercy of Allah.
Indeed, Allah forgives all sins.
Indeed, it is He who is the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful.” (Qur’an 39:53)

God does not depend on human worship—rather, we are the ones who benefit from turning to Him.

4. He Begets Not, Nor Is He Begotten

Allah was not born, nor does He bear children. He is not subject to human biology or limitations. He simply says “Be” and it is.

Islam strongly rejects any form of associating human traits or relationships with God. Muslims believe that even noble prophets like Jesus (peace be upon him) were servants and messengers, not sons of God.

5. There is None Like Unto Him

To associate others with God (shirk) is considered the gravest sin in Islam. People often idolize wealth, fame, or other humans—but Islam teaches that true peace and fulfillment lie only in submitting to Allah.

Allah is beyond human comprehension but is also closer to us than our own selves. He knows us, hears us, and responds to us.

Accountability and Judgment

Though Allah is Most Merciful, He is also The Just. Muslims believe they will return to God after death and be judged fairly based on their faith and actions.

“Did you think that We created you without purpose,
and that you would not return to Us?” (Qur’an 23:115)

True belief in God must be reflected in deeds. Islam is a way of life—not just belief, but action, ethics, and devotion.

Submission: The Core of Islam

To be a Muslim is to willingly submit to Allah, accepting that He alone deserves obedience, love, and worship. This submission is not passive; it is an active choice to live by God’s guidance in order to better oneself and contribute positively to society.

By following the path laid out in the Qur’an and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Muslims believe they grow closer to Allah and fulfill the ultimate goal of life: to know, love, and serve their Creator.