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Concept of God in the Qur’an By Dr. Muhammad Sharif Chaudhry
CHAPTER 1
GOD'S INTRODUCTION

1. Who is God?

2. Evidence of God’s Existence

3. How is God?

4. Where is God?

5. God is One

6. God Has no Partner

7. God Neither Begets Nor was Begotten

8. God’s Signs

9. Can a Mortal See God?

1 – Who is God?

The concept of God has remained a riddle for the human mind since time immemorial. Many a great philosophers and eminent thinkers have meditated over the issue through ages but have found no solution. Who is God? How defined? Where is He? How is He? Whether He exists or not? These are some of the questions which are raised about God by inquisitive minds, but the same have ever remained unresolved.

God cannot be defined because God cannot be limited or confined within any particular framework. We have to perceive things in order to create an image of a thing or make definitions of a particular thing. But God’s nature and His existence are not limited to what is familiar to us. It is, therefore, more proper to say that the entity and nature of God are questions that relate to what lies beyond the reach of human perception. Human mind has a finite scope, but God is infinite. How can finite reach infinity? Therefore, our minds cannot truly perceive God’s nature and entity. God cannot be described in human language but we can understand Him only through His attributes and His creations.

Al-Qur’an, the revealed book of Islam, presents in its verses a very vivid and beautiful description of Who is God. God, according to the Qur’an, is the Almighty, All-Powerful, All-Knowing and Omnipresent Lord of the whole universe. He is the Beneficent, the Merciful, the Forgiving God. There is no God save Him. He has no partner, no son, no children, no parents and no consorts. He is the Alive, the Eternal, neither sleep nor slumber overtake Him. He is the creator of the universe, the heavens and the earth and everything in the heavens and the earth, and of stars, sun, moon, satellites, day and night, animals, plants, matter, oceans, winds, rivers, fire, mountains, human beings, indeed of all seen or unseen things. Whatsoever is in the heavens and in the earth belongs to Him. He gives life and death and He is the Master of the Day of Judgment. He raised the heavens without visible support and spread out the earth placing therein hills, flowing streams and fruits. He has created everything of water and in pairs, in different kinds and colours. Thus speaks the Qur’an as to who is God?

1. Praise be to Allah, Lord of the World.
   The Beneficent, the Merciful.
   Owner of the Day of Judgment.
   Thee (alone) we worship; Thee (alone) we ask for help.
   Show us the straight path;
   The path of those whom Thou hast favoured;
   Not (the path) of those who earn Thine anger nor of those who go astray. ––1:Al-Fatihah:1–7

2. Allah! There is no God save Him, the Alive, the Eternal. Neither slumber nor sleep overtaketh Him. Unto Him belongeth whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth. Who is he that intercedeth with Him save by His leave? He knoweth that which is in front of them and that which is behind them, while they encompass nothing of His knowledge save what He will. His throne includeth the heavens and the earth and He is never weary of preserving them. He is the Sublime, the Tremendous. ––2:Al-Baqarah:255

3. Lo! Allah (it is) Who splitteth the grain of corn and the date-stone (for sprouting). He bringeth forth the living from the dead, and is the bringer-forth of the dead from the living. Such is Allah. How then are ye perverted? He is the cleaver of the Daybreak, and He hath appointed the night for stillness, and the sun and the moon for reckoning. That is the measuring of the Mighty, the Wide. And He it is Who hath set for you the stars that ye may guide your course by them amid the darkness of the land and the sea. We have detailed Our revelations for people who have knowledge. And He it is Who hath produced you from a single being, and (hath given you) a habitation and a repository. We have detailed Our revelations for a people Who have understanding. He it is Who sendeth down water from the sky, and therewith We bring forth buds of every kind; We bring forth the green blade from which We bring forth thick – clustered grain: and from the date – palm, from the pollen thereof, spring pendant bunches; and (We bring forth) gardens of grapes, and the olive and the pomegranate, alike and unlike. Look upon the fruit thereof, when they bear fruit, and upon its ripening. Lo! Herein verily are portents for a people who believes.   ––6:Al-An’am:95–99

4. Allah it is Who raised up the heavens without visible supports, then mounted the Throne, and compelled the sun and the moon to be of service, each runneth unto an appointed term; He ordereth the course; He detaileth the revelations, that haply ye may be certain of the meeting with your Lord.   
   And He it is Who spread out the earth and placed therein firm hills and flowing streams, and of all fruits He placed therein two spouses (male and female). He covereth the night with the day. Lo! Herein verily are portents for people who take thought.   ––13:Ar-Ra’d:2-3

5. Allah is He Who created the heavens and the earth and caused in water to descend from the sky, there by producing fruits as food for you, and maketh the ships to be of service unto you that may run upon the sea at His command, and hath made of service unto you the rivers. And maketh the sun and the moon, constant in their courses, to be of service unto you, and hath made of service unto you the night and the day.     
   And He giveth you of all ye ask of Him, and if ye would count the bounty of Allah ye cannot reckon it. Lo! Man is verily a wrong – doer, an ingrate. –14:Ibrahim:32–34

6. He it is Who sendeth down water from the sky, whence ye have drink and whence are trees on which ye send your beasts to pasture.
   Therewith He causeth crops to grow for you, and the olive and the date-palm and grapes and all kinds of fruit. Lo! Herein is indeed a portent for people who reflect.        
   And He hath constrained the night and the day and the sun and the moon to be of service unto you, and the stars are made subservient by His command. Lo! herein indeed are portents for people who have sense.   
   And whatsoever He hath created for you in the earth of divers hues, Lo! Therein is indeed a portent for people who take heed.     
   And He it is Who hath constrained the sea to be of service that ye eat fresh meat from thence, and bring forth from thence ornaments which ye wear. And thou seest the ships ploughing it that ye (mankind) may seek of His bounty, and that haply ye may give thanks.      
   And He hath cast into the earth firm hills that it quake not with you, and streams and roads that ye may find a way. And landmarks (too), and by the star they find a way.    ––16:An-Nahl:10–16

7. He it is Who hath created for you ears and eyes and hearts. Small thanks give ye!       
   And He it is Who hath sown you broadcast in the earth, and unto Him ye will be gathered.        
   And He it is Who giveth life and causeth death and His is the difference of night and day. Have ye then no sense?   ––23:Al-Mu’minun:78–80

8. Say: Unto Whom (belongeth) the earth and whosoever is therein, if ye have knowledge?   
   They will say: Unto Allah. Say: Will ye not then remember?    
   Say: Who is Lord of the seven heavens, and Lord of the Tremendous Throne?  
   They will say Unto Allah (all that belongeth). Say: Will ye not then keep duty (unto him)?  
   Say: In Whose hand is the dominion over all things and He protecteth, While against Him there is no protection, if ye have knowledge?     
   They will say: Unto Allah (all that belongeth). Say: How then are ye bewitched?    ––23:Al-Mu’minun:84–89

9. And He it is Who hath given independence to the two seas (though they meet); one palatable, sweet, and the other saltish, bitter; and hath and set a bar and forbidding ban between them.
   And He it is Who hath created man from water, and hath appointed for him kindred by blood and kindred by marriage; for thy Lord is ever Powerful.         ––25:Al-Furqan:53–54

10. Say: Have ye thought, if Allah made night everlasting for you till the Day of Resurrection, who is a God beside Allah who could bring you light? Will ye not then hear? Say: Have ye thought, if Allah made day everlasting for you till the Day of Resurrection, who is a God beside Allah who could bring you night wherein ye rest? Will ye not then see?
    Of His mercy hath He appointed for you night and day, that therein ye may rest, and that ye may seek His bounty, and that haply ye may be thankful.    ––28:Al-Qasas:71–73

11. And if thou wart to ask them: Who created the heavens and the earth, and constrained the sun and the moon (to their appointed works)? They would say: Allah, How are they turned away? Allah maketh the provision wide for whom He will of His bondmen, and straiteneth it for whom (He will). Lo! Allah is Aware of all things. And if thou wert to ask them: Who causeth water to come down from the sky, and therewith reviveth the earth after its death? They verily would say: Allah. Say: Praise be to Allah! But most of them have no sense.     ––29:Al-Ankabut:61–63

12. Allah it is Who created the heavens and the earth, and that which is between them, in six days. Then He mounted the throne. Ye have not, beside Him, a protecting friend or mediator. Will ye not then remember?   
    He directeth the ordinance from the heavens unto the earth; then it ascendeth unto Him in a day, whereof the measure is a thousand years of that ye reckon.        
    Such is the Knower of the invisible and the visible, the Mighty, the Merciful.     
    Who made all things good which He created, and He began the creation of man from clay;       
    Then He made his seed from a draught of despised fluid; Then He fashioned him and breathed into him of His spirit; and appointed for you hearing and sight and hearts. Small thanks give ye!   ––32:As-Sajdah:4–9

13. He it is Who created you from dust, then from a drop (of seed), then from a clot, then bringeth you forth as a child, then (ordaineth) that ye attain full strength and afterward that ye become old men-though some among you die before – and that ye reach an appointed term, that haply ye may understand.        
    He it is Who quickeneth and giveth death. When He ordaineth a thing. He saith unto it only: Be! And it is.   ––40:Al-Mumin:67–68

14. 14.   Allah it is Who hath made the sea of service unto you that the ships may run thereon by His command, and that ye may seek of His bounty, and that haply ye may be thankful; And hath made of service into you whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth; it is all from Him. Lo! Herein verily are portents for people who reflect.    ––45:Al-Jathiyah:12–13

15. And that thy Lord, He is the goal;        
    And that He it is Who maketh laugh, and maketh weep,
    And that He it is Who giveth death and giveth life;  
    And that He createth the two spouses, the male and the female.
    From a drop (of seed) when it is poured forth;        
    And that He hath ordained the second bringing forth;      
    And that He it is Who enricheth and contenteth:   
    And that He it is Who is the Lord of Sirius;         ––53:An-Najm:42–49

16. All that is in the heavens and the earth glorifieth     
    Allah; and He is the Mighty, the Wise.
    His is the Sovereignty of the heavens and the earth;       
    He quickeneth and He giveth death; and He is able to do all things.     
    He is the First and the Last, and the Outward and the Inward; and He is Knower of all things.    
    He it is Who created the heavens and the earth in six days; then He mounted the Throne. He knoweth all that entereth the earth and all that emergeth therefrom and all cometh down from the sky and all that ascendeth therin; and He is with you wheresoever ye may be. And Allah is Seer of what ye do.       
    His is the Sovereighnty of the heavens and the earth, and unto Allah (all) things are brought back.
    He causeth the night to pass into the day, and He causeth the day to pass into the night, and He is Knower of all that is in the breasts.  ––57:Al-Hadid:1–6

17. He is Allah, than Whom there is no other God, the Knower of the invisible and the visible. He is the Beneficent, the Merciful.     
    He is Allah, than Whom there is no other God, the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One, Peace, the keeper of Faith, the Guardian, the Majestic, the Compeller, the Superb. Glorified be Allah from all that they ascribe as partners (unto Him)!      
    He is Allah, the Creator, the Shaper of naught, the Fashioner, His are the most beautiful names. All that is in the heavens and the earth glorifieth Him, and He is the Mighty the Wise. ––59:Al-Hashr:22–24

The Qur’an in its Verse No. 258 of its chapter 2 tells us how prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) tried to explain the concept of God to king of Iraq when the latter had an argument with the Prophet. The Verse reads:

“Bethink thee of him who had an argument with Abraham about his Lord, because Allah had given him the kingdom; how, when Abraham said; My Lord is He who giveth life and causeth death, he answered: I give life and cause death. Abraham said: Lo! Allah causeth the sun to rise in the East, so do thou cause to come up from the West. Thus was the disbeliever abashed. And Allah guideth no wrong-doing folk”.    (2:258)

Prophet Abraham again explained concept of God when addressing his father and other worshipers of idols, he said:

“Lo! they (the idols) are (all) an enemy unto me, save the Lord of the worlds, Who created me, and He doth guide me. And Who feedeth me watereth me. And when I sicken, then He healeth me. And Who causeth me to die, then giveth me life (again). And Who, I ardently hope, will forgive me my sin on the Day of Judgment.”

(Al-Qur’an 26:77 to 82)

The Qur’an in its verses numbering from 23 to 28 of its chapter 26 tells us how Prophet Moses explained to Pharaoh of Egypt as to Who is the Lord of the Worlds. The Verses read:

Pharaoh said: And what is the Lord of the Worlds? (Moses) said: Lord  of the heavens and the earth and all that is between them, if ye had but sure belief. (Pharaoh) said unto those around him: Hear ye not? He said: Your Lord and the Lord of your fathers. (Pharaoh) said: Lo! your messenger who hath been sent unto you is indeed a madman! He said: Lord of the East and the West and all that is between them, if ye did but understand.

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2 – Evidence of God’s Existence

Since times immemorial, the philosophers and the learned have been trying in vain to prove or disprove the existence of God. The existence of God, however, cannot be proved through scientific arguments as science is in a continuous process of development. It proves today what it used to deny yesterday, and it may reject tomorrow what it accepts today. Hence scientific arguments are uncertain and they cannot be taken as final in matters which relate to God.

When traveler passes through a forest and sees a cottage he immediately thinks presence of a human being who has constructed the cottage and is living therein. When a caravan passes through a desert and sees footprints of a man the members are immediately convinced of a traveler who passed from there instead of conjecturing that the footprints have grown out themselves. If you look at a beautiful building you instantly think of the architect who made the plan of that building and of the engineers, masons and labourers who constructed it. Not even for a moment you think that the building has come into existence of its own. But how strange that we should not get convinced about the Creator when we look at the heavens, the stars, the sun and the moon, and also see the oceans, mountains, animals, plants and gardens around us. Have these things created themselves or have they been created by some great creator? Certainly they have been created by the Lord  of all beings as they cannot create themselves. If a human being who is intelligent of all these things cannot create himself how come the earth, the mountains, the skies, the animals, the hills, and the plants can create themselves! If the existence of a cottage in a forest can convince of the presence of a human being, the footprints can convince of a traveler having passed through desert and the existence of building can convince of its architect, then why the existence of universe, heavens and earth, sun and moon, and above all of ourselves should not convince us of the presence of an All-Powerful Omnipresent Creator.

The Holy Qur’an proves the existence of the Almighty God from God’s creation, His Attributes and His signs, and the portents and the indicators in the universes and in the nature which are scattered around us. The Qur’an draws our attention to the world around us and invites us to meditate on the creation of the universe, the heavens and the earth, the sun and the moon, the galaxies of stars, the oceans and the rivers, the mountains and the hills, the animals and the trees, and even on the creation of ourselves to recognize the existence of God Who is the Creator, the Sustainer and the Lord of all. According to the Qur’an, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, in the difference of the day and the night, in the floating of the ships upon the sea, in the flying of the birds in the air, in the revival of the earth with rain water, in the life and death, in the growth of plants and fruit – trees, in the dispersing of all kinds of animals on earth, in the winds and clouds, in the running of stars and planets in their orbits, in the organization and order in the nature and all natural phenomenon, in the diversity of the plants and vegetation although served with one water, in the difference of languages and colours of human beings though all have common parents Adam and Eve, there are signs of God for those who reflect. God says in the Qur’an: “We shall show them Our portents on the horizons and within themselves until it will be manifest unto them that it is the Truth…” (41:53). At another place the Holy Qur’an indicates the portents of Allah thus: “And in the earth are portents for those whose faith is sure, And (also) in yourselves. Can ye then not see?” (51:20-21).

Following are some of the Verses of the Holy Qur’an which invite us to look within us and around us in order to see the proofs of existence of God:

1.          How disbelieve ye in Allah when ye were dead and He gave life to you! Then He will give you death, then life again, and then unto Him ye will return.  He it is Who created for you all that is in the earth. Then turned He to the heaven, and fashioned it as seven heavens. And He is knower of all things. ––2:Al-Baqarah:28–29

2.          Lo! In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the difference of night and day, and the ships which run upon the sea with that which is of use to men, and the water which Allah sendeth down from the sky, thereby reviving the earth after its death, and dispersing all kinds of beasts therein, and (in) the ordinance of the winds, and the clouds obedient between heaven and earth: are signs (of Allah’s sovereignty) for people who have sense. ––2:Al-Baqarah:164

3.          Lo! In the creation of the heavens and the earth and (in) the difference of night and day are tokens (of His sovereignty) for men of understanding. ––3:Al-Imran:190

4.          Say: Who delivereth you from the darkness of the land and the sea? Ye call upon Him humbly and in secret, (saying): If we are delivered from this (fear) we truly will be of the thankful.
Say: Allah delivereth you from this and from all affliction. Yet ye attribute partner unto Him!
Say: He is able to send punishment upon you from above you or from beneath your feet, or to bewilder you with dissension and make you taste the tyranny one of another. See how We display the revelation so that they may understand.   ––6:Al-An’am:63–65

5.          Lo! in the difference of day and night and all that Allah hath created in the heavens and the earth are portents, verily, for folk who ward off (evil). ––10:Yunus:6

6.          And in the Earth are neighbouring tracts, vineyards and ploughed lands, and date palms, like and unlike which are watered with one water. And we have made some of them to excel others in fruit. Lo! herein verily are portents for people who have sense. ––13:Ar-Ra’d:4

7.          Have they not seen the birds obedient in mid air? None holdeth them save Allah. Lo! herein, verily, are portents for a people who believe. ––16:An-Nahl:79

8.          Is not He (best) Who created the heavens and the earth, and sendeth down for you water from the sky where-with We cause to spring forth joyus orchards, whose trees it never hath been yours to cause to grow. Is there any God beside Allah? Nay, but they are folk who ascribe equals (unto Him)!
Is not He (best) Who made the earth a fixed abode, and placed rivers in the folds thereof, and placed firm hills therein, and hath set a barrier between the two seas? Is there any God beside Allah? Nay, but most of them know not!
Is not He (best) Who answereth the wronged one when he crieth unto Him and removeth the evil, and hath made you viceroys of the earth? Is there any God beside Allah? Little do they reflect!
Is not He (best) Who guideth you in the darkness of the land and the sea, He who sendeth the winds as heralds of His mercy? Is there any God beside Allah? High exalted be Allah from all that they ascribe as partner (unto Him)!
Is not He (best) Who produeth creation, then reproduceth It, and Who provideth for you from the heaven and the earth? Is there any God beside Allah? Say: Bring your proof, if ye are truthful! ––27:An-Naml:60–64

9.          And of His signs is this: He created you of dust, and behold you human beings, ranging widely!
And of His signs is this: He created for you helpmates from yourselves that ye might find rest in them, and He ordained between you love and mercy. Lo! herein indeed are portents for folk who reflect.
And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the difference of your languages and colours.
Lo! Herein indeed are portents for men of knowledge. And of His sings is your slumber by night and by day, and your seeking of His bounty. Lo! herein indeed are portents for folk who heed.
And of His signs is this: He showeth you the lightning for a fear and for a hope, and sendeth down water from the sky, and thereby quickeneth the earth after her death. Lo! herein indeed are portents for folk who understand. And of His signs is this: The heavens and the earth stand fast by His command, and after ward, When He calleth you, Lo! from the earth ye will emerge. ––30:Ar-Rum:20–25

10.       A token unto them is the dead earth. We revive it, and We bring forth from it grain so that they eat thereof; And We have placed therein gardens of the date-palm and grapes, and We have caused springs of water to gush forth therein. That they may eat of the fruit thereof, and their hands made it not. Will they not, then, give thanks? Glory be to Him Who created all the sexual pairs, of that which the earth groweth, and of themselves, and of that which they know not! A token unto them is night. We strip it of the day, and lo! They are in darkness. And the sun runneth on unto a resting-place for him. That is the measuring of the Mighty, the Wise. And for the moon We have appointed mansion till she return like an old shrivelled palm-leaf. It is not for the sun to overtake the moon, nor doth the night outstrip the day. They float each in an orbit. And a token unto them is that We bear their offspring in the laden ship. And have created for them of the like thereof whereon they ride. ––36:Ya Sin-.33-42

11.       Say (O Muhammad, unto the idolaters): Disbelieve ye verily in Him Who created the earth in two Days, and ascribe ye unto Him rivals? He (and none else) is the Lord of the Worlds.
He placed therein firm hills rising above it, and blessed it and measured therein its sustenance in four Days, alike for (all) who ask;
Then turned He to the heaven when it was smoke, and said unto it and unto the earth: Come both of you, willingly or loth. They said: We come, obedient. Then He ordained them seven heavens in two Days and inspired in each heaven its mandate; and We decked the nether heaven with lamps, and rendered it inviolable. That is the measuring of the Mighty, the Knower.
 ––41:Ha Mim As-Sajdah:9-12

12.       We created you. Will ye then admit the truth? Have ye seen that which ye emit? Do you create it or are We the Creator? We mete out death among you, and We are not to be outrun, That We may transfigure you and make you what ye know not And verily ye know the first creation.' Why, then do ye not reflect? Have ye seen that which ye cultivate? Is it ye who foster it, or are We the Fosterer? If We willed, We verily could make it chaff, then would ye cease not to exclaim: Lo! we are laden with debt! Nay, but we are deprived! Have ye observed the water which ye drink? Is it ye who shed it from the raincloud, or are We the shedder? If We willed We verily could make it bitter. Why, then, give ye not thanks? Have ye observed the fire which ye strike out: Was it ye who made the tree thereof to grow, or were We the grower? We, even We, appointed it a memorial and a comfort for the dwellers in the wilderness. —56 :Al-Waqi'ah:57–73

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3 – How is God?

We have already discussed that God is infinite whereas our minds are finite. Therefore, we cannot comprehend the nature and entity of God. All we know about Him is through His signs which are scattered in the whole of universe around us and through the Prophets and the revealed books.

According to the Qur’an, Allah is the light of the heavens and the earth and the human vision comprehends Him not. Naught is as His likeness and there is none comparable unto Him.

1.     Allah! There is no God save Him, the Alive, the Eternal. Neither slumber nor sleep overtaketh Him. Unto Him belongeth whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth. Who is he that intercedeth with Him save by His leave? He knoweth that which is in front of them and that which is behind them, while they encompass nothing of His knowledge save what He will. His throne includeth the heavens and the earth and He is never weary of preserving them. He is the Sublime, the Tremendous.[1] —2:Al-Baqarah:255

2.     Vision comprehendeth Him not, but He comprehendeth (all) vision. He is the Subtile, the Aware.[2] —6:Al-An'am:103

3.     Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The similitude of His light is as a niche wherein is a lamp. The lamp is in a glass. The glass is as it were a shining star. (This lamp is) kindled from a blessed tree, an olive neither of the East nor of the West, whose oil would almost glow forth (of itself) though no fire touched it. Light upon light, Allah guideth unto His light whom He will. And Allah speaketh to mankind in allegories, for Allah is Knower of all things.[3] 24: An-Nur:35

4.     The Creator of the heavens and the earth. He hath made for you pairs of yourselves, and of the cattle also pairs, whereby He-multiplieth you. Naught is as His likeness: and He is the Hearer, the Seer.[4] —42:Ash-Shura:11

5.     Say: He is Allah, the One!
Allah, the eternally Besought of all!
He begetteth not nor was begotten.
And there is none comparable unto Him.[5] —112:Al-Ikhlas:1-4

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4 – Where is God?

God is Omni-present. He is everywhere. To Allah belong the East and the West, whithersoever you turn, there is the Presence of Allah. God is with you wheresoever you may be. God is near to everyone of us, even nearer to one than one’s jugular vein. There is no secret conference where Allah is not present and on the Day of Judgment He would inform everyone what he used to do. According to the Qur’an, God established Himself upon the Throne directing all things after creating the heavens and the earth in six days. But this should not lead one to understand that God is seated on or confined to only a particular place in the universe, because this would be a misconception. God is everywhere and His throne, in fact, includes the heavens and the earth.

Following Verses of the Holy Scripture of Islam, the Qur’an, persuade us to comprehend the Islamic notion of Omnipresence of All – seeing and All-knowing God Who is the Lord of the Cosmos.

1. Unto Allah belong the East and the West, and whithersoever ye turn, there is Allah's Countenance. Lo! Allah is, All-Embrac­ing, All-Knowing      —2:Al-Baqarah:115

2. And when My servants question thee concerning Me, then surely I am nigh. I answer the prayer of the suppliant when he crieth unto Me. So let them hear My call and let them trust in Me, in order that they may be led aright'[6]. —2:Al-Baqarah:186

3. Allah' There is no God save Him, the Alive, the Eternal. Neither slumber nor sleep overtaketh Him. Unto Him belongeth whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth. Who is he that intercedeth with Him save by His leave? He knoweth that which is in front of them and that which is behind them, while they encompass nothing of His knowledge save what He will. His throne includeth the heavens and the earth and He is never weary of preserving them. He is the Sublime, the Tremendous.          —2:Al-Baqarah:255

4. And with Him are the keys of the Invisible. None but He knoweth them. And He knoweth what is in the land and the sea. Not a leaf falleth but He knoweth it, not a grain amid the darkness of the earth, naught of wet or dry but (it is noted) in a clear record.       —6:Al-An'am:59

5. Lo! Your Lord is Allah Who created the heavens and the earth in six days, then He established Himself upon the Throne, directing all things[7]. There is no intercessor (with Him) save after His permission. That is Allah, Your Lord, so worship Him, Oh, will ye not remind?    —10:Yunus:3

6. And He it is Who created the heavens and the earth in six days - and His Throne was upon the water[8] –that He might try you, which of you is best in conduct. Yet if thou (O Muhammad) sayest: Lo ! Ye will be raised again after death! those who disbelieve will surely say : This is naught but mere magic. —11:Hud:7

7. We verily created man and We know what his soul whispereth to him, and We are nearer to him than his jugular vein.     —50:Qaf:16

8. …and He is with you wheresoever ye may be. And Allah is Seer of what ye do.         —57:Al-Hadid:4

9. Hast thou not seen that Allah knoweth all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth? There is no secret conference of three but He is their fourth, nor of five but He is their sixth, nor of less than that or more but He is with them wheresoever they may be; and afterwards, on the Day of Resurrection, He will inform them of what they did. Lo! Allah is Knower of all things.          —58:Al–Mujadilah:7

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God is one. There is no God save Him. Islam is strictly a monotheistic faith and is committed to hold that Allah is the only God of the whole of the universe and there is no God in any form or manifestation except Allah. Unity of Godhead is the fundamental teaching of the religion of Islam. The belief in the Oneness of God is the most important of the five major and fundamental articles of faith for a follower of Islam. None can embrace Islam and enter into the brotherhood of the Muslims until and unless he declares by tongue and also truly believes in his heart that there is no God but Allah.

It is rightly said that al-Qur’an, the revealed book of Islam, teaches directly or indirectly in almost every other verse the fundamental principle of Oneness of God and condemns those who hold or worship more than One God or who associate partners unto Allah. According to the Qur’an the messiah, Jesus son of Mary, was only a messenger of Allah and His word which He conveyed unto Mary, and a spirit from Him. Jesus was neither son of Allah nor he was God. Thus the Qur’an rejects Christian doctrine of Trinity or three Gods (God the Father, God the Son and the Holy Ghost) in unambiguous terms. The Qur’an also dismisses the doctrine of two-Gods held by the Zoroastrians and idea of many gods held by polytheists like Hindus.

The Qur’an tells us in detail how the Prophets of God, right from Adam to Muhammad (May Allah’s peace by upon them), have been teaching the Oneness of God and how they have been enjoining their followers to believe in and worship only One God. Thus spoke Jesus, son of Mary, from the cradle: “Lo! I am the slave of Allah. He hath given me the scripture and hath appointed me a Prophet; And hath made me blessed wherever I may be, and hath enjoined upon me prayer and alms – giving so long as I remain alive, And (hath made me) dutiful towards her who bore me, and hath not made me arrogant, unblest,” (Al-Qur’an 19:30–32).

In the following verses, al-Qur’an promotes on the one hand the uncompromising principle of the absolute Oneness of God as taught by all the Prophets of God and on the other hand it rejects the belief held by some religions and philosophies that there is no god or there are many gods in the universe.

1. Your God is One God; there is no God save Him, the Beneficent, the Merciful. ––2: Al-Baqarah: 163

2.  Allah! There is no God save Him, the Alive, the Eternal.   ––3: Al–Imran: 2

3. He it is Who fashioneth you in the wombs as pleaseth Him. There is no God save Him, the Almighty, the Wise.   ––3: Al–Imran: 6

4. Allah (Himself) is witness that there is no God save Him. And the angels and the men of learning (too are witnesses) maintaining His creation in justice, there is no God save Him, the Almighty, the Wise. ––3: Al–Imran: 18

5. Lo! This Verily is the true narrative. There is no God save Allah, and lo! Allah is the Mighty, the Wise. ––3: Al–Imran: 62

6. O People of the Scripture! Do not exaggerate in your religion nor utter aught concerning Allah save the truth. The Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, was only a messenger of Allah, and His word which He conveyed unto Mary, and a spirit from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers, and say not “Three” –Cease! (it is) better for you! Allah is only One God. Far is it removed from His transcendent majesty that he should have a son. His is all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. And Allah is sufficient as Defender. ––4: An–Nisa: 171

7. They indeed have disbelieved who say:  Lo! Allah is the Messiah, son of Mary. Say: Who then can do aught against Allah, if He had willed to destroy the Messiah son of Mary, and his mother and everyone on earth? Allah’s is the sovereignty of the heavens and the earth and all that is between them. He createth what He will. And Allah is Able to do all things. ––5: Al–Ma’idah: 17

8. They surely disbelieve who say: Lo! Allah is the third of three; when there is no God save the One God. If they desist not from so saying, a painful doom will fall on those of them who disbelieve. Will they not rather turn unto Allah and seek forgiveness of Him? For Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. The Messiah, son of Mary, was no other than a messenger, messengers (the like of whom) had passed away before him. And his mother was a saintly woman. And they both used to eat (earthly) food. See how we make the revelations clear for them, and see how they are turned away!   ––5: Al–Ma’idah: 73–75

9. When Allah saith: O Jesus, son of Mary! Remember My favour unto thee and unto thy mother; how I strengthened thee with the Holy Spirit, so that thou spakest unto mankind in the cradle as in maturity; and how I taught thee scripture and Wisdom and the Torah and the Gospel; and how thou didst shape of clay as it were the likeness of a bird by My permission, and didst blow upon it and it was a bird by My permission, and thou didst heal him who was born blind and the leper by My permission; and how thou didst raise the dead, by My permission and how I restrained the children of Israel from (harming) thee when thou camest unto them with clear proofs, and those of them who disbelieved exclaimed: This is naught else than mere magic; And when I inspired the disciples, (saying): Believe in Me and in My messenger, they said: We believe. Bear witness that we have surrendered (unto Thee). When the disciples said: O Jesus, son of Mary! Is thy Lord able to send down for us a table spread with food from heaven? He said: Observe your duty to Allah, if ye are true believers. (They said: ) We wish to eat thereof, that we may satisfy our hearts and know that thou hast spoken truth to us, and that thereof we may be witnesses. Jesus, son of Mary, said: O Allah, Lord of us! Send down for us a table spread with food from heaven, that it may be a feast for us, for the first of us and for the last of us, and a sign from Thee. Give us sustenance, for Thou are the Best of Sustainers. Allah said: Lo! I send it down for you. And Whoso disbelieveth of you afterward, him surely will I punish with a punishment wherewith I have not punished any of (My) creatures. And when Allah saith: O Jesus, son of Mary! Didst thou say unto mankind: take me and my mother for two gods beside Allah? He saith: Be glorified! It was not mine to utter that to which I had no right. If I used to say it, then Thou knewest it. Thou knowest what is in my mind, and I know not what is in Thy Mind. Lo! Thou, only Thou art the Knower of things hidden? I spake unto them only that which Thou commandedst me, (saying): Worship Allah, My lord and your Lord. I was a witness of them while I dwelt among them, and when Thou tookest me Thou wast the Watcher over them. Thou art Witness over all things. If Thou punish them, lo! they are Thy slaves, and if Thou forgive them  (lo! they are Thy slaves). Lo! Thou, only Thou art the Mighty, The Wise.   ––5: Al–Ma’idah: 110–118

10. Follow that which is inspired in thee from thy Lord; there is no God save Him; and turn away from the idolaters.   ––6: Al–An’am: 106

11. We sent Noah (of old) unto his people, and he said: O my people! Serve Allah. Ye have no other God save Him. Lo! I fear for you the retribution of an Awful Day. ––7: Al–A’raf: 59

12. And unto (the tribe of) A’ad (We sent) their brother, Hud. He said: O my people! Serve Allah. Ye have no other God save Him. Will ye not ward off (evil)? ––7: Al–A’raf: 65

13. Now, if they turn away (O Muhammad) say: Allah sufficeth me. There is no God save Him. In Him have I put my trust and He is Lord of the Tremendous Throne. ––9: At–Taubah: 129

14. And unto (the tribe of) Thamud (We sent) their brother Salih. He said: O my people! Serve Allah, ye have no other God save Him. He brought you forth from the earth and hath made you husband it. So ask forgiveness of Him and turn unto Him repentant. Lo! my Lord is Nigh, Responsive. ––11: Hud: 61

15. And unto Midian (we sent) their brother Shu’eyb. He said: O my people! Serve Allah. Ye have no other God save Him! And give not short measure and short weight. Lo! I see you well-to-do, and Lo: I fear for you the doom of a besetting Day.   ––11: Hud: 84

16. O my two fellow-prisoners! Are divers lords better, or Allah the One, the Almighty?  Those whom ye worship besides Him are but names which ye have named, ye and your fathers. Allah hath revealed no sanction for them. The decision rests with Allah only, Who hath commanded you that ye worship none save Him. This is the right religion, but most men know not. ––12: Yusuf: 39–40

17. Allah hath said: Choose not two gods. There is only One God. So of Me, Me only, be in awe. ––16: An–Nahl: 51

18. Say (O Muhammad, to the disbelievers): If there were other gods alongwith Him, as they say, then had they sought a way against the Lord of the Throne. ––17: Bani Isra’il: 42

19. If there were therein gods beside Allah, then verily both (the heavens and the earth) had been disordered. Glorified be Allah, the Lord of the Throne, from all that they ascribe (unto Him). ––21: Al–Anbiya: 22

20. And We sent no messenger before thee but We inspired him (saying): There is no God save Me (Allah), so worship Me.   ––21: Al–Anbiya: 25

21. Allah hath not chosen any son, nor is there any god alongwith Him; else would each god have assuredly championed that which he created, and some of them would assuredly have overcome others. Glorified be Allah above all that they allege.  ––23: Al–Muminun: 91

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6 – God Has No Partners

In a preceding section, we have already discussed at length the concept of Oneness of God. The basic teaching of Islam is, as is that of previous revealed religions, that there is no God but Allah and only He should be worshipped. God has no partners, no associates. Al-Qur’an, the revealed book of Islam, condemns those, in the severest possible terms, who hold associates of God and attribute partners unto Him. Ascribing partners unto Allah is the greatest sin which would not be pardoned although God forgives every other sin whom He will. In the words of Jesus Christ, whoso ascribes partners unto God, for him God has forbidden Paradise. According to the Qur’an, neither idols, nor Jinn, nor any human being, nor rabbis, nor monks, nor priests, nor Jesus Christ are god or partners of God.

Following are some of the very pertinent Verses of the Qur’an which establish the truth of the Islamic doctrine that God is One and He has no partners or associates.

1.       Lo! Allah forgiveth not that a partner should be ascribed unto Him. He forgiveth (all) save that to whom He will. Whoso ascribeth partners to Allah, he hath indeed invented a tremendous sin. ––4:An–Nisa:48

2.       Lo! Allah pardoneth not that partners should be ascribed unto Him. He pardoneth all save that to whom He will. Whoso ascribeth partners unto Allah hath wandered far astray. ––4:An–Nisa:116

3.       They surely disbelieve who say:Lo! Allah is the Messiah, son of Mary. The Messiah (himself) said:O children of Israel! Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord. Lo! Whoso ascribeth partners unto Allah, for him Allah hath forbidden paradise. His abode is the Fire. For evil – doers there will be no helpers. ––5:Al–Ma’idah:72

4.       Say:Who delivereth you from the darkness of the land and the Sea? Ye call upon Him humbly and in secret, (saying):If we are delivered from this (fear) we truly will be of the thankful. Say:Allah delivereth you from this and from all affliction. Yet ye attribute partners unto Him! ––6:Al–An’am:63–64

5.       Yet they ascribe as partners unto Him the jinn, although He did create them, and impute falsely, without knowledge, sons and daughters, unto Him. Glorified be He and high exalted above (all) that they ascribe (unto Him):––6:Al-An’am:100

6.       Attribute they as partners to Allah those who created naught, but are themselves created. And cannot give them help, nor can they help themselves! ––7:Al–A’raf:191–192

7.       Lo! those to whom ye call beside Allah are slaves like unto you. Call on them now, and let them answer you, if ye are truthful! Have they feet wherewith they walk, or have they hands wherewith they hold, or have they eyes wherewith they see, or have they ears wherewith they hear? Say:Call upon your (so-called) partners (of Allah), and then contrive against me, spare me not! ––7:Al–A’raf:194–195

8.       They have taken as lords beside Allah their rabbis and their monks and the Messiah son of Mary, when they were bidden to worship only One God. There is no god save Him. Be he glorified from all that they ascribe as partner (unto Him)! ––9:At–Taubah:31

9.       Say:Is there of your partners (whom ye ascribe unto Allah) one that produceth creation and then reproduceth it? Say:Allah produceth creation, then reproduceth it. How, then are ye misled? Say:Is there of your partners (whom ye ascribe unto Allah) one that leadeth to the Truth? Say:Allah leadeth to the Truth. Is He who leadeth to the Truth more deserving that He should be followed, or he who findeth not the way unless he (himself) be guided? What aileth ye? How judge ye? ––10:Yunus:34–35

10.   Say: (O Muhammad):Who is Lord of the heavens and the earth? Say: Allah! Say: Take ye then (others) beside Him for protectors which, even for themselves, have neither benefit nor hurt? Say: Is the blind man equal to the seer, or is darkness equal to light? Or assign they unto Allah partners who created the like of His creation so that creation (which they made and His creation) seemed alike to them? Say: Allah is the Creator of all things, and He is the One the Almighty. ––13:Ar–Ra’d:16

11.   Those unto whom they cry beside Allah created naught, but are themselves created. (They are) dead, not living. And they know not when they will be raised. ––16:An–Nahl:20 – 21

12.   Say (O Muhammad, to the disbelievers): If there were other gods alongwith Him, as they say, then had they sought a way against the Lord of the Throne. ––17:Bani Isra’il:42

13.   But He is Allah, my Lord and I ascribe unto my Lord no partner. ––18:Al–Kahf:38

14.   If there were therein gods beside Allah, then verily both (the heavens and the earth) had been disordered. Glorified be Allah, the Lord of the Throne, from all that they ascribe (unto Him). ––21:Al–Anbiya:22

15.   Turning unto Allah (only), not ascribing partners unto Him; for whoso ascribeth partners unto Allah, it is as if he had fallen from the sky and the birds had snatched him or the wind had blown him to a far–off place. ––22:Al–Hajj:31

16.   O mankind! A similitude is coined, so pay ye heed to it: Lo! those on whom ye call beside Allah will never create a fly though they combine together for the purpose. And if the fly took something from them, they could not rescue it from it. So weak are (both) the seeker and the sought! —22:Al–Hajj:73

17.   Allah hath not chosen any son, nor is there any god alongwith Him; else would each god have assuredly championed that which he created, and some of them would assuredly have overcome others. Glorified be Allah above all that they allege. Knower of the invisible and the visible! and exalted be He over all that they ascribe as partners (unto Him)! —23:Al-Mu'minun:91–92

18.   We have enjoined on man kindness to parents; but if they strive to make thee join with Me that of which thou hast no knowledge, then obey them not. Unto Me is your return and I shall tell you what ye used to do. —29:Al–'Ankabut:8

19.   Say: Have ye seen your partner-gods to whom ye pray beside Allah? Show me what they created of the earth! Or have they any portion in the heavens? Or have We given them a Scripture so that they act on clear proof therefrom? Nay, the evil-doers promise one another only to deceive. —35:Al–Fatir:40

20.   Say (unto them, 0 Muhammad): Have ye thought on all that ye invoke beside Allah? Show me what they have created of the earth. Or have they any portion in the heavens? Bring me a Scripture before this (Scripture), or some vestige of knowledge (in support of what ye say), if ye are truthful. And who is further astray than those who, instead of Allah, pray unto such as hear not their prayer until the Day of Resurrection, and are unconscious of their prayer. —46:Al–Ahqaf:4-5

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7 – God Neither Begets Nor Was Begotten

God, the Almighty Lord of the cosmos has neither parents, nor any consort or spouse, nor any son, nor any daughter. In other words, He was not begotton nor He begets. The Qur’an condemns those, in very harsh words, who ascribe sons and daughters to the Almighty. The Qur’an has turned down straight away not only the suggestion of the pagan Arabs that God has daughters but has also rejected the claim of the Jews that Ezra is the son of Allah and the claim of the Christians that Jesus is the son of God. The revealed book of Islam gives a detailed account how Mary, the mother of Jesus, conceived, how she withdrew from the people to a far place and how the baby Jesus spoke to the Jews to reject their false allegations against the chastity of his mother.

The Qur’an has likened Jesus to Adam. Adam was born without father and mother whereas Jesus was born without father. If Almighty Allah created Adam without both parents why He could not create Jesus without father? When Almighty intends to do a thing, He says: Be, and it is! So the birth of Jesus without a biological father should neither cause Jewish allegations of unchastity against Mary nor it should lend support to Christian claim that Jesus was son of God. Both these utterances are a great coloumny and a blasphemous utterance.

In the following verses the Holy Qur’an elaborates its view point on the absolute unity of God and turns down the allegations of those who attribute sons and daughters unto Him:

 

1. Lo! the likeness of Jesus with Allah .is as the likeness of Adam. He created him of dust, then He said unto him: Be! and he is,   —3:Al-Imran:59

2. Yet they ascribe as partners unto Him the jinn, although He did create them, and impute falsely, without knowledge, sons and daughters, unto Him. Glorified be He and high exalted above (all) that they ascribe (unto Him): The Originator of the heavens and the earth! How can He have a child, when there is for Him no consort, when He created all things and is Aware of all things? —6:Al-An'am:100-101

3. And the Jews say :Ezra is the son of Allah, and the Chiristians say:The Messiah is the son of Allah, That is their saying with their mouths. They imitate the saying of those who disbelieved of old. Allah (Himself) fighteth against them. How perverse are they! —9:At-Taubah:30

4. They say:Allah hath taken (unto Him) a son-Glorified be He! He hath no needs! His is all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. Ye have no warrant for this. Tell ye concerning Allah that which ye know not. —10:Yunus:68

5. And say:Praise be to Allah, Who hath not taken unto Himself a son, and Who hath no partner in the Sovereignty, nor hath He any protecting friend through dependence. And magnify Him with all magnificence.   —17 :Bani Israel:111

6. And make mention 'of Mary in the Scripture, when she had withdrawn from her people to a chamber looking East, And had chosen seclusion from them. Then We sent unto her Our spirit and it assumed for her the likeness of a perfect man. She said: Lo! I seek refuge in the Beneficent One from thee, if thou art God-fearing. He said; I am only a messenger of thy Lord, that I may bestow on thee a faultless son. She said: How can I have a son when no mortal hath touched me, neither have I been unchaste? He said:So (it will be). Thy Lord saith: It is easy for Me. And (it will be) that We may make of him a revelation for mankind and a mercy from Us, and it is a thing ordained. And she conceived him, and she withdrew with him to a far place. And the pangs of childbirth drove her unto the trunk of the palm-tree. She said: Oh, would that I had died ere this and had become a thing of naught, forgotten! Then (one) cried unto her from below her, saying: Grieve not! Thy Lord hath placed a rivulet beneath thee. And shake the trunk of the palm-tree toward thee, thou wilt cause ripe dates to fall upon thee. So eat and drink and be consoled. And if thou meetest any mortal, say:Lo! I have vowed a fast unto the Beneficent, and may not speak this day to any mortal. Then she brought him to her own folk, carrying him. They said:O Mary! Thou hast come with an amazing thing. O sister of Aaron! Thy father was not a wicked man nor was thy mother a harlot. Then she pointed to him. They said:How can we talk to one who is in the cradle, a young boy? He spake:Lo! I am the slave of Allah. He hath given me the Scripture and hath appointed me a Prophet, And hath made me blessed wheresoever I may be, and hath enjoined upon me prayer and alms – giving so long as I remain alive, And (hath made me) dutiful toward her who bore me, and hath not made me arrogant, unblest. Peace on me the day I was born, and the day I die, and the day I shall be raised alive! Such was Jesus, son of Mary:(this is) a statement of the truth concerning which they doubt. It befitteth not (the Majesty of) Allah that He should take unto Himself a son. Glory be to Him! When He decreeth a thing, He saith unto it only: Be! and it is. And lo! Allah is my Lord and your Lord. So serve Him. That is the right path.     —19:Maryam:16–35

7. And they say: The Beneficent hath taken unto Himself a son. 
   Assuredly ye utter a disastrous thing.  
   Whereby almost the heavens are torn, and the earth is split asunder and the mountains fall in ruins:      
   That ye ascribe unto the Beneficent a son!   
   When it is not meet for (the Majesty of) the Beneficent that He should choose a son.   
   There is none in the heavens and the earth but cometh unto the Beneficent as a slave1. —19:Maryam:88–93

8. And they say:The Beneficent hath taken unto Himself a son. Be He glorified! Nay, but (those whom they call sons) are honoured slaves.—21:Al–Anbiya:26

9. He unto Whom belongeth the sovereignty of the heavens and the earth, He hath chosen no son nor hath He any partner in the sovereignty. He hath created everything and hath meted out for it a measure.    —25:Al-Furqan:2

10. Now ask them (0 Muhammad):Hath thy Lord daughters whereas' they have sons?       
    Or created We the angels females while they were present? Lo! it is of their falsehood that they say:     
    Allah hath begotten. And lo! verily they tell a lie.    
         —37:As-Saffat:149-152

11. Say:He is Allah the One!  
    Allah, the eternally Besought of all!      
    He begetteth not nor was begotten.     
    And there is none comparable unto Him. —112:Al–Ikhlas:1–4

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8 – God’s Signs

God is invisible. None has seen Him. He is recognized by the signs which one sees around him in the universe, in the nature, in the creation of various things, in the functioning of different natural actors, and above all in himself. The Holy Book of Islam particularly presents the following as signs of God to those who have understanding:creation of the heavens and the earth; all that has been created in the heavens and the earth; placing of hills and flowing streams in the earth; difference of night and day; the rain – water which revives the dead earth and causes production of fruits, corn, gardens, plants, as food for humans and animals; winds and clouds; the ships which run upon the sea; creation of fruits, plants animals and humans in pairs; creation of the sun, the moon and the stars; how the shadows of the things created by God incline to the right and the left making prostration to Him; rain, lightening, thunder, hail; creation of human being of dust; difference of languages and colours; night made for rest and sleep, day for work and seeking of God’s bounty; creation of beasts and animals; quickening of dead; etc, etc.

Following Verses of the Holy Qur’an point out some of the signs of God and invite the people to meditate and reflect:

1. Lo! in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the difference of night and day, and the ships which run upon the sea with that which is of use to men, and the water which Allah sendeth down from the sky, thereby reviving the earth after its death ,and dispersing all kinds of beasts therein, and (in) the ordinance of the winds, and the clouds obedient between heaven and earth:are signs (of Allah’s sovereignty) for people who have sense.    ––2:Al–Baqarah:164

2. Lo! In the creation of the heavens and the earth and (in) the difference of night and day are tokens of His sovereignty for men of understanding.     ––3:Al–Imran:190

3. Lo! in the difference of day and night and all that Allah hath created in the heavens and the earth are portents verily, for folk who ward off (evil).         ––10:Yunus:6

4. And He it is Who spread out the earth and placed therein firm hills and flowing streams, and of all fruits He placed therein two spouses (male and female). He covereth the night with the day. Lo! herein verily are portents for people who take tought. 
   And in the earth are neighbouring tracts, vineyards and ploughed lands, and date-palms, like and unlike, which are watered with one water. And We have made some of them to excel others in fruit. Lo! herein verily are portents for people who have sense.   ––13:Ar–Ra’d:3–4

5. Therewith He causeth crops to grow for you, and the olive and the date-palm and grapes and all kinds of fruit. Lo! herein is indeed a portent for people who reflect. And He hath constrained the night and the day and the sun and the moon to be of service unto you, and the stars are made subservient by His command. Lo! herein indeed are portents for people who have sense.   
   And whatsoever He hath created for you in the earth of divers hues, lo! therein is indeed a portent for people who take heed.     
           ––16:An–Nahl:11–13

6. Have they not observed all things that Allah hath created, how their shadows incline to the right and to the left, making prostration unto Allah, and they are lowly? And unto Allah maketh prostration whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth of living creatures, and the angels (also), and they are not proud.    ––16:An–Nahl:48–49

7. Hast thou not seen how Allah wafteth the clouds, then gathereth them, then maketh them layers, and thou seest the rain come forth from between them; He sendeth down from the heaven mountains wherein is hail, and smiteth therewith whom He will, and averteth it from whom He will. The flashing of His lightning all but snatcheth away the sight.      
   Allah causeth the revolution of the day and the night. Lo! herein is indeed a lesson for those who see.    
             ––24:An–Nur:43–44

8. Hast thou not seen how thy Lord hath spread the shade – And if He willed He could have made it still-then We have made the sun its pilot;    
   Then We withdraw it unto Us, a gradual withdrawal?       
   And He it is Who maketh night a covering for you, and sleep repose, and maketh day a resurrection.     
   And He it is Who sendeth the winds, glad tiding heralding His mercy, and We send down purifying water from the sky.   
   That We may give life thereby to a dead land, and We give many beasts and men that We have created to drink thereof.   ––25:Al–Furqan:45–49

9. Have they not seen the earth, how much of every fruitful kind We made to grow therein?   
   Lo! herein is indeed a portent; yet most of them are not believers.   ––26:Ash–Shu’ara’:7–8

10. And of His signs is this:He created you of dust, and behold you human beings, ranging widely!
    And of His signs is this:He created for you helpmates from yourselves that ye might find rest in them, and He ordained between you love and mercy. Lo, herein indeed are portents for folk who reflect.   
    And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the difference of your languages and colours. Lo! herein indeed are portents for men of knowledge.    
    And of His signs is this:He showeth you the lightning for a fear and for a hope, and sendeth down water from the sky, and thereby quickeneth the earth after her death. Lo! herein indeed are portents for folk who understand. And of His signs is this:The heavens and the earth stand fast by His command, and afterward, when He calleth you, lo! from the earth ye will emerge. ––30:Ar–Rum:20–25

11. Is it not a guidance for them (to observe) how many generations We destroyed before them, amid whose dwelling – places they do walk? Lo, therein verily are portents! Will they not then heed? 
    Have they not seen how we lead the water to the barren land and therewith bring forth crops whereof their cattle eat, and they themselves? Will they not then see?     ––32:As–Sajdah:26–27

12. A token unto them is the dead earth. We revive it, and We bring forth from it grain so that they eat thereof; And We have placed therein gardens of the date-palm and grapes, and We have caused springs of water to gush forth therein, that they may eat of the fruit thereof, and their hands made it not. Will they not, then, give thanks?
    Glory be to Him Who created all the sexual pairs, of that which the earth groweth, and of themselves, and of that which they know not!        
    A token unto them is night. We strip it of the day, and lo! they are in darkness.
    And the sun runneth on unto a resting-place for him. That is the measuring of the Mighty, the Wise.      
    And for the moon We have appointed mansions till she return like an old shriveled palm-leaf.     
    It is not for the sun to overtake the moon, nor doth the night outstrip the day. They float each in an orbit. And a token unto them is that We bear their offspring in the laden ship,     
    And have created for them of the like thereof whereon they ride.   ––36:Ya–Sin:33–42

13. And of His portents are the night and the day and the sun and the moon. Adore not the sun nor the moon; but adore Allah who created them, if it is in truth Him whom ye worship.
    But if they are too proud-still those who are with thy Lord glorify Him night and day, and tire not.
    And of His portents (is this); that thou seest the earth lowly, but when we send down water thereon it thrilleth and groweth. Lo! He who quickeneth it is verily the Quickener of the dead. Lo! He is Able to do all things.   ––41:Ha Mim As–Sajdah:37–39

14. And of His portents is the creation of the heaven and the earth, and of whatever beasts He hath dispersed therein.  
    And He is Able to gather them when He will.         
    whatever of misfortune striketh you, it is what your right hands have earned. And He forgiveth much.      
    Ye cannot escape in the earth, for beside Allah ye have no protecting friend nor any helper.      
    And of His portents are the ships, like banners on the sea;     
    If He will He calmeth the wind so that they keep still upon its surface–lo! herein verily are signs for every steadfast grateful (heart). ––42:Ash–Shura:29–33

15. Lo! in the heavens and the earth are portents for believers. And in your creation, and all the beasts that He scattereth in the earth, are portents for a folk whose faith is sure.    
    And the difference of night and day and the provision that Allah sendeth down from the sky and thereby quickeneth the earth after her death, and the ordering of the winds, are portents for a people who have sense.   
    These are the portents of Allah which We recite unto thee (Muhammad) with truth. Then in what fact, after Allah and His portents, will they believe?   ––45:Al–Jathiyah:3–6

16. Will they not regard the camels, how they are created?  
    And the heaven, how it is raised?        
    And the hills, how they are set up?      
    And the earth, how it is spread?    ––88:Al–Ghashiyah:17–20

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9 – Can a Mortal See God?

No mortal human being – neither ordinary one nor even the blessed one like a prophet – can see God, since human vision cannot comprehend Him. Eye-sight cannot see God as eye-sight is limited while God is unlimited. The object of sight is something in space and form but God is above such things. The Qur’an tells us that when God spoke to Prophet Moses on Mount Sinai, Moses expressed his desire to see the Almighty, but he could not. When God revealed His Glory to the mountain crashing it down, Moses feel down in a swoon. The followers of Moses also insisted that Moses should show them God, but lightening seized them and they fell lifeless. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) saw Angel Gabriel twice or thrice in his lifetime but he never saw God, neither during his ascension (Mairaj) to heaven nor on any other occasion. Although some of the Prophet’s companions claim that Prophet had seen God, but many of them and his wife Ayesha report that Muhammad (PBUH) never saw God. When Prophet himself was asked this question, he replied:God is light how can I see Him?

According to the Qur’an, vision of God for a human in this world is not possible, but in the next world God would reveal Himself before all the human beings on the Day of Judgment. The believers who enter paradise would have vision of Allah more often.

Following are the verses of the Qur’an which bring to light this fact that no mortal eye can see God.

1. And when ye said:O Moses! We will not believe in thee till we see Allah plainly; and even while ye gazed the lighting seized you. Then We revived you after your extinction, that ye might give thanks,        ––2:Al–Baqarah:3–6

2. Vision comprehendeth Him not, but He comprehendeth (all) vision. He is the Subtile, the Aware.    ––6:Al–An’am:103

3. And when Moses came to Our appointed tryst and his Lord had spoken unto him, he said:My Lord! Show me (Thy  self), that I may gaze upon Thee. He said:Thou wilt not see me, but gaze upon the mountain! If it stand still in its place, then thou wilt see Me. And when his Lord revealed (His) glory to the mountain He sent it crashing down. And Moses fell down senseless. And when he woke he said:Glory unto Thee! I turn unto Thee repentant, and I am the first of (true) believers.      
        ––7:Al–A’raf:143

4. And it was not (vouchsafed) to any mortal that Allah should speak to him unless (it be) by revelation or from behind a veil, or (that) He sendeth a messenger to reveal what He will by His leave. Lo! He is Exalted, Wise.      ––42:Ash–Shura:51

5. There they have all that they desire, and there is more with Us.   
       ––50:Qaf:35

Following Ahadith of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) clearly tell us that everyone will see the face of God who enters in Paradise:

1. Sohaib reported from the holy Prophet who said:When the inmates of Paradise will enter Paradise, the Almighty Allah will say:You are wishing a thing which may increase for you. They will say:Hast Thou not made our faces shining? Hast Thou not admitted us in Paradise and saved us from the Fire? He said:Then the screen will be lifted up and they will see the face of the almighty Allah. Nothing will be more pleasing to them than the look towards their Lord. Than he recited:For those who do good, there is good (reward), and more.         (Muslim)

2. Abu Razin al-Uqaili reported:I asked:O Mssenger, of Allah! Will everygody of us see on the Resurrection Day his Lord in His open form? ‘Yes’ he replied. I asked:And what is the sign of that in His creation? He said:O Abu Razin is it not that everyone of you sees the moon in the full moon-lit night in its naked form? He said:Yes. He said:Verily it is a creation of the creations of Allah, and Allah is the Most Exalted and the Mightiest.     (Abu Daud)

3. Abu Zarr reported:I asked the Apostle of Allah:Have you seen your Lord? He replied:(He is) Light. How could I have seen Him?   (Muslim)

4. Shu’bi reported that Ibn Abbas met Ka’ab at Arafat and asked him about a thing. He recited takbir till the mountains were resounded with it. Ibn Abbas said:‘We are the descendants of Hashim. Ka’ab said:Verily the Almighty Allah divided His sight and His talk between Muhammad and Moses. Twice and Muhammad saw Him twice. Masruq reported:I went to Ayesha and asked:Did Muhammad see his Lord? She said:You have talked about a thing for which my hairs stand on end. I said:Talk slowly. Then I read:He has indeed seen of the greatest signs of his Lord. 53:18Q. She said:May the eye be lost to you! He was Gabriel. Who has informed you that Muhammad saw his Lord or concealed something of which he was ordered or knew the five things of which the Almighty Allah said:Verily Allah has got knowledge of the Hour and He sends down rain – 31:34Q? He has made the great. But he saw Gabriel. He did not see him in his form but twice, once near the farthest lot-tree and once in his best form with six hundred wings covering the horizon. Tirmizi narrated it. And the two Sheikhs narrated with addition and difference. And in their narration, he said:I asked Ayesha:Where is His saying – then he drew near, then he drew nearer. So he was of the measure of two bows or closer still – (53:89Q)? She said:He was Gabriel (peace be on him) who used to come to him in the form of a man, and he came to him this time in his form which is his (real) form and closed up the horizon.