Overview
This session explores foundational Islamic theological questions about God's existence, oneness, and the human relationship to a transcendent deity, examining core Islamic concepts, comparisons with other faiths, and practical means of relating to Allah.
Fundamental Questions in Theology
- Three core questions: Does God exist? Is God one? How do humans relate to a transcendent God?
- Islamic theology affirms that Allah is beyond space, time, and physical form, making direct sensory comprehension impossible.
Human Perception and Comprehension
- Humans primarily identify and relate to their environment through the five senses, but this is limited and varies among species.
- Human intellect and consciousness extend understanding beyond sensory input, enabling awareness of unseen realities such as dark matter.
Oneness and Nature of Allah
- Islamic belief holds Allah is unique, without shape, direction, or comparison to creation.
- The shahada emphasizes God's oneness, and much of the Quran addresses this principle.
- God's essence (dhat) is utterly transcendent; not comprehending him is considered a form of comprehension.
Attributes of Allah: Transcendence and Immanence
- Allah’s transcendent attributes (e.g., “nothing is like unto Him”) indicate He cannot be compared to creation.
- Allah is also imminent, close to creation, not with His being but through His names and attributes.
- Attributes humans share in a limited form (knowledge, mercy, power) allow for comparison and conceptual understanding.
Avoiding Anthropomorphism
- Islam rejects giving God human qualities or forms, unlike some other faiths that anthropomorphize the divine or conceptualize God as an impersonal force.
- Analogies, such as studying the sun through its rays, illustrate that we learn about Allah via manifestations and attributes rather than direct contact.
Relating to Allah through His Names, Attributes, and Creation
- Allah’s names and attributes manifest in the world and are the means by which humans relate to Him.
- Quran, the natural world (“book of creation”), and the Prophet Muhammad are primary sources for knowledge of Allah.
- The Quran encourages contemplation of creation as a path to understanding the Creator.
Worship and Direct Relationship
- The highest means of attaining closeness to Allah is through worship, especially prayer and prostration.
- Islam rejects intermediaries between individuals and God; direct, personal connection is emphasized.
- Seeking forgiveness or help through others, including prophets, is considered contrary to Islamic monotheism.