and punishes whom He pleases. For Allah has power over all things.
(al-Baqarah 2:284)
Some recurrent attributes of Allah in the Qur’ān which help man form a mental picture of Him are:
al-Raḥmān
(the Most-Compassionate)
al-Raḥīm
(the Most-Merciful)
al-Ḥakīm
(the Wise)
Rabb al-‘Ālamīn
(the Lord of the worlds)
al-Khāliq
(the Creator)
al-Ghafūr
(the Oft-Returning)
al-‘Azīz
(the Almighty)
al-‘Alīm
(the All-Knowing)
al-Samī‘
(the All-Hearing)
al-Khabīr
(the All-Aware)
al-Ḥamīd
(the Most-Praiseworthy)
al-Ghanī
(the Independent)
Shadīd al-‘Iqāb
(the Severe in punishment)
In line with these descriptions the Qur’ān also brings home the following truths about Him:
Allah knows all that is evident as well as hidden. Nothing escapes His notice. Given this, man should lead his life along the lines set by Him. Otherwise, man’s misdeeds and unbelief will come to His knowledge and it will seal his fate in the Hereafter.
He is man’s only patron, protector and helper. Therefore, man should not turn to anyone else for help and support. Faith should draw him all the more to Allah, taking Him as the only source of all comfort and safety.
The entire universe is created, governed and regulated by Him. Islam does not endorse the belief of some faith communities that after having created the universe, He no longer has any role in it. While He does not normally interfere in the affairs of the world, which are subject to the laws of nature, He nevertheless watches all that happens and inflicts punishment on the guilty. In the creation and working of the universe, He did not draw upon anyone’s assistance. All objects in the universe are subject to His command. His might and wisdom account for the perfect working of the interrelated yet complex and awe-inspiring natural phenomena. Had He not put such diverse things in place, chaos would have set in, bringing all life to an end.
He alone is the Creator of all that exists. This underscores both His Oneness and creative power. Islam is very particular on its doctrine of monotheism. It differs sharply from the prevalent notions of a multiplicity or trinity of gods. Nor does it admit the role of some partner or assistant in creation. As the Creator, He knows well the needs of His creatures and provides sufficient sustenance for everyone. Furthermore, having created once, it is easy for Him to resurrect after death. This is what He would accomplish on the Day of Judgement. The amazing spectacles of birth, death and rebirth are there, all around us so that we grasp the basic truth and develop our conviction of faith.
He exercises absolute authority over all that exists. It is He Who causes life and death. As part of His grand plan He executes what pleases Him. His authority is manifest everywhere. In recognition of His might man should worship Him. No one can alter His plan. Nor is it possible to defer or advance the time appointed by Him for anything. Since the domain of the Unseen is governed by Him alone, no one, including His messengers and angels, shares such knowledge. This further underscores His might and power.
As He alone enjoys all authority, it is He Who passes judgement as He wills. No one can influence His judgement. Islam rejects false beliefs about intercession. For Allah alone decides everyone’s fate, in line with His grand plan. On the Day of Reckoning He alone will reward or punish everyone. Notwithstanding His absolute power and authority, which cannot be challenged by anyone, His judgement is characterised by fairness and leniency. He does not take the guilty to task instantly. Rather, He keeps on granting respite. However, once the term of respite awarded to individuals and communities is over, no one can thwart His pronouncement. Moreover, His judgement is swift and marked by perfect justice. Reason demands that justice be done at the end of time in order to reward the pious and punish the guilty. For justice is not dispensed in this life. It is a common sight that the innocent suffer while the evil ones get away with their crimes in this world. It is therefore, both natural and logical that someone as mighty and powerful as Allah should sit in judgement finally so that everyone is recompensed.
Allah’s providing sustenance to every living being stands out as irrefutable proof of His lordship and power. Countless creatures, since the beginning of creation and up to the Last Day, have been, are and will be constantly fed by Him out of the inexhaustible resources created by Him. Moreover, there is His equally amazing distribution of provisions. One gets one’s sustenance often from unexpected quarters. Allah makes no discrimination in providing sustenance, regardless of one’s conduct and faith. Even His worst enemies are provided with all that they need in life. All this brings into sharper relief His forbearance, justice and wisdom.
The entire universe represents a testimony to Allah’s immense creative power. Natural phenomena, in particular, are evidence of His creativity and might. The Qur’ān cites some of these:
Surely your Lord is Allah Who created the heavens and the earth in six days, and is firmly established on the throne, regulating and governing all things. No intercessor can plead with Him, without His permission. This is Allah, your Lord. Therefore, serve Him. Will you not take heed?
(Yūnus 10:3)
Surely in the creation of night and day and in all that Allah has created in the heavens and the earth, there are signs for those who fear Him.
(Yūnus 10:6)
Allah sends down water from the heavens, and channels flow, each according to its measure.
(al-Ra‘d 13:17)
And the earth! We have stretched it out and have cast on it firm mountains, and produced therein
and punishes whom He pleases. For Allah has power over all things.
