Allah

Islamic name for God. Muslims believe that Allah is tauhid, that is ‘absolute’ or ‘One’, and the supreme creator and power behind the universe.

Muhammad's concept of Allah lays stress on his uniqueness and his role as the all‐powerful ruler and judge of humans. Equally, however, he is merciful and compassionate. He is omniscient and all things depend on him for their being. Uncreated and eternal, he is the creator of all things, not least of the Koran, of which Muhammad was merely the voice and messenger. Humans are entrusted with the care of his creation on earth.

Evidence for the worship of Allah in pre‐Islamic times is found as early as the 3rd century BC, where he ranks alongside other tribal and local deities as a special god. It was probably contact with Christians and Jews that led the prophet Muhammad to formulate his belief in Allah as the one, supreme God.