Are there multiple gods in Islam like in some other religions? The answer is strikingly clear: Islam believes in one and only one God. Known as Tawheed, this unwavering belief in Allah’s absolute Oneness defines the very heart of the Islamic faith.
In this article, we’ll uncover how many gods Islam truly has, define the name of Almighty One God and elaborate what makes the name “Allah” so unique and meaningful. If you’ve ever wondered how Islam’s concept of God compares to others—like Brahma, Vishnu, or even Jesus—this guide will walk you through it all with clarity and precision. Keep reading for more!
How Many Gods Does Islam Have?
Islam believes in one and only one God. This core principle is known as Tawheed, which emphasizes the pure monotheism of Allah.
- Belief in a unipersonal One God is a pillar of Islamic faith. God in Islam is One—with no wife, son, or equivalent. This fact is affirmed repeatedly in the Quran (translated meanings). For example:
“Allah! There is no god ˹worthy of worship˺ except Him, the Ever-Living, All-Sustaining.” (Quran 2:255) - The belief in Allah’s oneness is the first half of the testimony of faith, the gateway to enter Islam. The Shahadah declares:
“أشهد أن لا إله إلا الله” (I bear witness that there is no god but Allah). - Islam rejects polytheism and the belief in multiple gods. The concept of polytheism logically negates the true definition of God, who must be unique and the most superior. If there were more than one God, it would deny the divinity of them all.
- If there were other gods besides Allah in the heavens or the earth, both realms would have surely been corrupted. Also, if there were multiple gods, they would dominate over each other, contradicting divine unity.
In conclusion, Islam firmly believes in only one God, and this belief in His absolute oneness is the foundation of the entire Islamic faith.
What are Islam Gods And Goddesses?
Islam does not have “gods and goddesses” in the plural sense. It solely believes in one God—Allah. Any notion of other deities is rejected as contrary to the core tenets of Islamic monotheism.
God in Islam has no partners, no equals, no wife, and no offspring. This further emphasizes the singularity and uniqueness of Allah, standing in contrast to polytheistic systems that often include divine families, consorts, or multiple deities.
Islam differentiates the concept of Allah from the deities or understandings of God in other religions, such as:
- Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva in Hinduism
- Buddha in Buddhism
- Yahweh/Jehovah in Judaism
- Jesus in Christianity (as considered divine by some Christians)
Islam concludes that only Allah fits the attributes of the one true God—a being who is eternal, self-sufficient, all-powerful, and absolutely unique in His essence, names, and attributes.
Read more: Who Is The Real & True God In The World?
What Is The Name Of The One God In Islam?
The name of the one God in Islam is Allah.
- Allah is the proper Name of the Almighty One God. It is not a generic term but a specific and unique identifier for the Creator.
- The name Allah is not exclusive to Muslims. It was used by Arabic-speaking Christians and Jews in the Bible even before the emergence of Islam.
- Allah is the same God worshipped by all Prophets, including Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. Islam seeks to restore the correct understanding of this one true God.
Therefore, the name of the one God in Islam is definitively Allah, a name with deep meaning and significance that underscores the absolute monotheism of the faith.
Read also:
What Does The Name Of Islam’s God Mean?
The name of Islam’s God, Allah, carries profound meaning, with significant linguistic roots and theological importance.
There are two main perspectives on the meaning and etymology of the name Allah:
1. Allah As A Proper Name with No Derivation
Many scholars view Allah as a unique proper name for the Almighty, not derived from any other word:
- According to Abu Hayyan, “Allah is a proper name that is exclusively used for the true deity, and it is non-derived.”
Ibn al-Qayyim adds that “the majority of people on earth recognize that ‘Allah’ is a name for the Creator, the Originator of the heavens and the earth, without knowing its derivation or root.” - The definite article “Al-” is considered intrinsic to the name, not merely a grammatical element.
2. Allah As A Derived Word
Other scholars, including linguists and exegetes like Sibawayh and Al-Mubarrad, argue that the name Allah is derived. Several derivations are offered:
- From “alaha” – meaning to worship. Thus, Allah means the One who deserves to be worshipped.
- From “Ilah” – meaning god. Al-Mubarrad links it to the phrase “Al-ahtu ila fulan” (I sought refuge with someone), suggesting that all beings seek refuge and solace in Allah.
- From “walaha” – meaning intense love or passionate longing, signifying the deep connection and reliance creatures have on their Creator—like a child yearning for its mother.
Regardless of the derivation, all interpretations reflect that the name Allah embodies His attributes of being the one true deity, worthy of worship, the source of refuge, and the object of deep love.
Read more: The Name Allah – Meaning, Root, Significance and More!
Conclusion
So, how many gods does Islam have? Just one—Allah, the proper name for the singular, supreme, and all-powerful Creator. Islam does not recognize any gods or goddesses in the plural sense, firmly rejecting divine families, partners, or offspring.
The name “Allah” itself carries unmatched significance, either as a unique, non-derived name or a term deeply rooted in meanings of worship, refuge, and love. As we’ve seen, Islam’s view of God stands in stark contrast to religions with multiple deities or human-divine figures.
When you understand who Allah is, what His name means, and why He alone is worshipped, it becomes clear that Islam’s belief in one God is both theologically consistent and spiritually profound.
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