Islam Basics

Allah Is One

The first and most important thing a Muslim believes is that Allah is One. Here is what that means, in simple words.

1. 1

   Allah is Onetawhid · the oneness of Allah

   The first and most important belief is that Allah is One. He has no partner, no children and no equal, and nothing in creation is like Him.

   This belief is called tawhid, which means oneness. It is the central belief in Islam: that Allah is One, with no partners and no equals.

   What this means for a Muslim

   • Every prayer and every dua is directed to Allah alone.
   • Nothing and no one is worshipped besides Him.
   • A Muslim trusts Allah in good times and in hard ones.
   Surah Al-Ikhlas, the chapter of oneness →
2. 2

   Allah is the CreatorAl-Khaliq · the Creator

   He created everything that exists and He keeps all of it going, from the smallest seed to the stars.

   Because Allah alone is the Creator, He alone deserves to be worshipped.

   What this means for a Muslim

   • He made the earth, the sky and everything in them.
   • He gives every living thing its food.
   • He looks after all of it, every moment.
   Ibrahim and the Stars →
3. 3

   Nothing is like HimAs-Samad · the Eternal Refuge

   Surah Al-Ikhlas says it simply: He has no children, and He was not born. And there is nothing like Him.

   He is As-Samad, the Eternal Refuge: the One who needs nothing, but everything needs Him.

   What this means for a Muslim

   • Allah needs nothing, but every person and every creature needs Him.
   • We cannot picture Allah, because nothing is like Him.
   • When things are hard, a Muslim turns to Allah first.
   Turn to Allah with a dua →
4. 4

   His beautiful namesal-Asma al-Husna · the beautiful names

   Muslims come to know Allah through His beautiful names. Ar-Rahman and Ar-Raheem both mean the Most Merciful. Ar-Rahman is His mercy for every creature on earth. Ar-Raheem is His special mercy for the believers.

   There are ninety-nine of them, and each one tells us something true about Him. As-Sami hears every call, Al-Baseer sees us all, and Al-Hafiz keeps us safe.

   What this means for a Muslim

   • Each name tells us something true about Allah.
   • Learning the names helps a Muslim know and love Him.
   • Here they are taught ten at a time, in songs and puzzles.
   Allah’s beautiful names →All 99 names →

The six pillars of faithBelief in Allah is the first of the six things every Muslim believes.

Islam, iman and ihsanHow believing in Allah fits into what a Muslim does, believes, and does beautifully.

Learn it another way

Sing the namesTen of Allah's beautiful names, and what each one means. Try the crosswordMatch the same ten names to their meanings.