What Does “Allah” Mean?

Belief in God in Islam, shared roots and an invitation to dialogue

When someone says “Allah,” what do they mean? Is this the name of a different God, or a word that opens a door to the shared religious history of Muslims, Jews and Christians? At Hamidiye Mosque, we want to explore these questions clearly and respectfully, for practising Muslims, curious visitors and people of any or no faith.

One word for God — not a different deity

“Allah” is the Arabic word for “God.” Muslims use it to refer to the one Creator and Lord of all that exists. Arabic-speaking Christians also say “Allah” when referring to God. The differences between religions are therefore not simply about different words for different gods, but about how God, revelation and the relationship between God and humanity are understood. [9]

Tawhid: the oneness of God

At the heart of Islam lies tawhid: Allah is one, without partner or equal, and unlike anything created. The short Qur’anic chapter al-Ikhlas expresses this belief with particular clarity: “Say: He is Allah, One ... He neither begets nor is born, and none is comparable to Him” (Qur’an 112:1–4, paraphrased). [1] God is not imagined as a human being or confined to a physical image. The Qur’an states: “There is nothing like Him” (42:11). [13]

Unique, yet near and merciful

God’s uniqueness does not mean distance from human life. When people ask about God, the Qur’an responds: “I am near,” and speaks of answering the supplicant who calls upon Him (2:186). [2] Muslims speak of Allah as the Compassionate, the Merciful, the All-Knowing, the Hearing and the Just. The Beautiful Names of God invite reflection on His attributes; the Qur’an teaches believers to call upon Him by these names (7:180). [12] In an authentic hadith, Prophet Muhammad illustrated divine mercy with the tenderness of a mother towards her child, saying that Allah is even more merciful to His servants (Sahih al-Bukhari 5999). [5]

Muhammad Ali: greatness and humility

The boxer Muhammad Ali famously called himself “The Greatest.” Asked in an interview how this fitted with humility as a Muslim, he replied: “Allah is the Greatest. I’m just the greatest boxer.” [7] His respect for the Prophet Muhammad is also associated with a remarkable detail: Ali’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was mounted on a wall rather than on the pavement. Reports explain that he did not want people to walk over the name Muhammad, which he shared with the Prophet. [8] Yet respect for a prophet is not worship. In Islam, Muhammad (peace be upon him) is a human messenger; Allah alone is God and the object of worship.

What do Islam, Judaism and Christianity share?

The three traditions are linked to Abraham and speak of the one Creator, prayer, moral responsibility, justice and mercy. The Jewish Shema declares God’s oneness: “Hear, O Israel ... the LORD is one” (Deuteronomy 6:4). [10] The Qur’an likewise encourages respectful engagement with Jews and Christians, stating: “Our God and your God is one” (29:46, paraphrased). [3] These connections are meaningful, but they do not mean that the three traditions teach exactly the same doctrines.

Where are the theological differences?

Judaism strongly affirms God’s indivisible oneness and does not accept Jesus as divine or Muhammad as a prophet. Mainstream Christianity also professes one God, understood as Father, Son and Holy Spirit: not three gods but one God in three persons, as Christian churches explain their own doctrine of the Trinity. [11] Islam does not accept the Trinity or the divinity of Jesus. Jesus (ʿIsa), son of Mary, is honoured in the Qur’an as the Messiah and a messenger of God (5:75). [15] A respectful conversation neither hides these differences nor uses them to diminish others.

Why does it matter in ordinary life?

For believing Muslims, turning to Allah takes shape in daily prayer, gratitude, patience, honesty and care for other people. Questions and uncertainty are part of many people’s journeys. A young person might be exploring their faith; someone else might have stopped praying years ago; a visitor might not believe at all. A mosque can be a place where those questions are heard without judgement. A sacred narration recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari describes God’s welcome to the servant who remembers and approaches Him (7405). [14] It offers a language of hope rather than pressure.

A place for conversation in Frankfurt

Frankfurt brings together people of many backgrounds and beliefs. We hope our mosque can be a place not only of prayer but also of listening and exchange. The Qur’an describes human diversity as an opportunity to know one another (49:13). [4] Interfaith dialogue does not require everyone to agree. It begins with curiosity, truthful explanation and respect for each person’s dignity.

Asking what “Allah” means is also asking what makes a life truly meaningful: fame and success, or gratitude, compassion and responsibility? We welcome thoughtful conversations about these questions at Hamidiye Mosque.