FAQS

God (Allah):

1. Is Allah the Muslim’s God different from the Christian’s God?
Answer:  No. Allah is just the name of God in Arabic. Even Christian Arabs call God Allah. Allah is the God that all prophets including Prophet Jesus prayed to.

2. What is the simplest method to prove the existence of God?
Answer: A person came to Imam Sadiq (AS) and asked, "Describe God to me in a way that it feels like I am seeing Him." The Imam asked him, "Have you ever travelled by sea?" (It seemed the Imam knew this had happened to him). The person replied, "Yes." The Imam then asked, "Has it ever happened that the ship broke down in the sea?" He replied, "Yes, in one of my journeys, this happened." The Imam asked, "Did you reach a point where you lost hope in everything and felt you were about to die?" He replied, "Yes, it happened." The Imam asked, "At that moment, did you still have hope of being saved?" He replied, "Yes." The Imam asked, "When there was no means of rescue, who were you hoping would save you?"
The person realised that in that desperate moment, his heart felt connected to someone, as if he could see Him. This is the state we mentioned where, in extreme situations, a person's attention is cut off from everything else, and they feel their heart's connection with God.

3. What is the intellectual proof for the existence of God?
Answer: Believers in God have used many evidences to prove God's existence. Among these, the clearest and most convincing is the "existence of order in the universe," because it satisfies both the mind and the conscience. This argument has always attracted the attention of scientists and religious scholars.
This clear evidence is based on two fundamental points:
1. In every part of this vast universe, we see organised systems and orderly structures. Even the smallest parts of the universe are governed by law and order. The universe is not chaotic; everything follows a specific path, and there is a unique connection and coordination among all parts and beings in existence, which is immediately noticeable. E.g. Everyone can understand this law and order by studying the solar system.
2. A system with such order and precision cannot be the result of chance or random events. It must have been created by a wise and intelligent being. 
From these two undeniable intellectual points we conclude that the universe has a most knowledgeable and powerful creator who designed and guides it with a specific plan and purpose.

4. The atheists often ask that if everything is created by God, then who has created God. Or they ask: How did God come into existence? 
Answer: The things that are created beings must have a creator to come into existence. However, God is creator of all things and He is not a created being to have a creator for His existence. So there is no point thinking of a creator for the creator himself. Otherwise, He would be the created being and not a creator.

5. Why are we discouraged from thinking about the essence of God’s Existence?
Answer: Every human being knows that human capacity is limited, and God is unlimited. This means humans cannot fully comprehend the true essence of God. Therefore, we are discouraged from thinking about God's essence. It has been said, "Do not speak about the essence of God, because speaking about His essence increases confusion. Think about the wonders of His creations instead.  When you want to consider His greatness, think about His great creations."

6. Why Did God Create Us?
Answer: The philosophy of human creation is defined within the general philosophy of the creation of all beings. These two do not have separate natures. We must see what God's purpose is in creating all beings to then understand the philosophy and main purpose of human creation.
Our perception of doing things usually revolves around gaining benefit or meeting a need because we humans are limited and imperfect beings, and our actions always return to one of these two matters. However, God has no deficiencies that He needs to resolve through His actions. God lacks no perfection, so it is not conceivable for Him to aim to achieve perfection. Rather, His divinity entails creation, because "creating" means bringing into existence. Every existence is good, and the nature of a generous God is to give. God says in the Quran: "The giving of your Lord is not restricted" (17:20).
Anything that has the potential to exist or can possibly exist receives the grace of existence from God. God does not withhold existence from anything that has the potential to exist.
The universe, with all its order and beauty, is a manifestation of God's kindness, mercy, knowledge, power, and wisdom. Without creation, God's attributes of beauty and majesty would remain hidden. Every "being" has a "manifestation." God cannot be generous without generosity, just as He cannot be light without radiance, or mercy without giving. Therefore, it can be concluded that the creation of the world, including humans, is the result of God's attributes.
God is bountiful and generous, and it is necessary for everything that can exist to receive God's grace and existence. Since the potential for existence was there for the universe, God created it. Thus, the universe is a reflection and result of God's attributes. Therefore, the creation of the universe, with all its order and beauty, is a manifestation of God's beauty and majesty.
Since God has infinite knowledge, power, grace, and generosity, He created the world and humans. The necessity of these attributes means that firstly, He must create the world. Secondly, His creation must be the best and most complete creation possible. If the existence of a creature increases the beauty and perfection of the entire creation, it is necessary for God to create that being. Not creating it would imply a lack of knowledge of its beauty or an inability to create it.
If God, with infinite knowledge and power, still does not create that beauty, it would indicate a lack of grace and generosity, and God is free from any stinginess. His generosity and mercy are infinite. Therefore, the world that God creates must be the most perfect form possible. Anything that can exist receives the grace of existence from God. The ultimate purpose of each individual creature and the entire universe, in both this world and the hereafter, is just that.
In truth, the ultimate goal of God's actions is God Himself. God creates because He is God. Creation is a necessity of His divinity, as existence is better and more valuable than non-existence. God does not withhold this grace from anyone. At the same time, God's creation is based on His attributes of wisdom and knowledge, in the utmost order and purposefulness. A specific path is set for creatures, with a precise and complete outcome in response to their voluntary actions.
Based on this, the hereafter and resurrection become necessary, as they enhance the splendor of the universe and ensure the fairness of its structure. This is in line with the human spirit's desire for immortality and provides a path for humans, the highest of God's creations, to achieve their existential perfections.
Of course, this perspective addresses the ultimate goal of the Creator and the reason for the creation of the world. Alongside this, the world and God's creations also have their own purposes, which they ultimately reach. In conclusion, to understand the true purpose of God, it is essential to note that we have two goals: one is the goal of the action, and the other is the goal of the actor. There is a difference between the two. Consider this example:
A craftsman builds a motor capable of moving at 800 kilometers per hour. The goal of the motor, which is the craftsman's action, is to reach the desired speed. But the craftsman's primary goal is to showcase his skill or achieve fame and similar outcomes. With this explanation, it must be said that aside from God's purpose in creating the world, which is a consequence of His nature and attributes, this world also has a path and destination that is its goal. This goal is the perfection of humans and their attainment of the ultimate human essence.
In the Quran, testing (67:2) and worship (51:56) are identified as the reasons for human creation. Additionally, the creation of many manifestations of existence, such as those on earth, is defined for humans (2:29). From this, it can be concluded that the wise purpose God has in the creation of the world is human perfection, their attainment of high degrees of existence, and ultimately, their enjoyment of these perfections and growth.

7. Why Cannot  we see God?
Answer: God cannot be seen with physical eyes. Humans will never be able to see God with their eyes, neither in this world nor in the afterlife. 
The Quran states, "The sights do not apprehend Him, but He apprehends the sights, and He is the all-attentive, the all-aware." (Quran, Chapter-6, verse-103)
Seeing God with physical eyes is impossible because seeing requires material and physical characteristics, which are not applicable to the pure essence of God, whether in this world or the afterlife.

8. If God knows everything about us, then why He tests us?
Answer: Testing by God is different from testing by us humans.
When we test someone, it is to get to know them and to become aware of their character and behaviour. But when God tests someone, it is not to get to know them and become aware of their character and behaviour, because He is aware of everything.
If God tests someone, it is so that each person, through their actions, demonstrates what level of humanity they are at, and so that on the Day of Judgment, no one can make the excuse that, "O God! If You had tested me, I would have done good deeds."
God has willed that people come to this world and, by doing good or bad deeds, create their own heaven and hell.
God knows what we will do; but He has allowed us to participate in the test of life and to practically show what kind of person we are. He is aware of everything; but He does not deprive His servants of the opportunity to be tested.

9. If God is one, then why does God use the plural pronoun for Himself in the Quran?
Answer: God uses human language, words, and grammar in the Quran, as there is no other way to convey the message. One of the rhetorical rules in any language is the use of 'majestic plural' or 'royal we'. This means using a plural pronoun to convey respect and high status. We have a similar rule in English; for instance, we use the pronoun "We" instead of “I” just to show the importance or out of respect. Similarly, God uses this rule in the Quran to express His own respect and grandeur.

10.  If God is All- embracing, then why He seeks help in Quran Chapter-47:7?
Answer: Indeed, God is All-power and All- embracing. He does not need any help. However, He does say: "O you who have believed, if you help Allah, He will help you and make your foothold firm." 
The most commentators have explained that helping Allah means, supporting His prophets, and His religion to be beneficial to the mankind. This is why in other verses of the Quran, helping Allah and His Messenger is mentioned together, such as in the verse:
"And they support Allah and His Messenger. It is they who are the truthful." (Surah Al-Hashr, 59:8)
Although Allah's power is infinite and the power of His creations is insignificant in comparison, He uses the term "helping Allah" to emphasize the importance of striving and defending the true faith. There can be no greater expression to highlight the significance of this matter.

Trinity:

11.  What is the concept of the Trinity and what Islam says about it?
Answer: The concept of the Trinity is a cornerstone of mainstream Christian theology, positing that God exists as one being in three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. These three persons are co-equal, co-eternal, and consubstantial, meaning they share the same essence or substance. Islam, the religion of God, does not agree with the concept of trinity that contradicts Monotheism. Believing in the only one God is a central tenet of several major world religions, including Judaism, and certain strands of Christianity as well. In fact even the bible rejects the concept of trinity:
 Deuteronomy 6:4: "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one."
 Isaiah 45:5: "I am the Lord, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God."
 Mark 12:29: "The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.'"

12.  Is Jesus son of God?
Answer: No. Jesus is considered as a special Prophet of God who himself prayed to God. The holy Quran teaches that Jesus was born of a virgin and performed such miracles as raising the dead and healing the sick, but it denies that he is the son of God in the literate sense even though he was born without the agency of a biological father. The Quran refutes this claim by stating the Adam was born without a mother or a father and is still not considered the son of God.

Islam:

13.  What does Islam mean?
Answer: Islam signifies peace and submission to the will of God, the creator of all. By adhering to this religion of peace, individuals attain true peace in their lives and in the hereafter.

14.  What does it mean to be a Muslim?
Answer: A Muslim is someone who surrenders their will and desires to the will of God, the creator of everything. In this sense, everything in creation is considered Muslim, as all are submitted to God's will.

15.  Is Islam a terrorist religion?
Answer:  No. Terrorism contradicts the principles of Islam, which is inherently a religion of peace. Islam promotes peace for all humanity, whereas terrorism is an inhumane act that threatens societal security—a right Islam upholds even in conflicts involving Muslims. Some individuals falsely claiming to be Muslims engage in terrorism to undermine Islamic values, resulting in Muslims being the primary victims. Analysing patterns of so-called Islamic terrorism often reveals the influence of imperialist and arrogant powers that fear Islam's rapid global growth.

16.  Are there any similarities between Islam and Christianity?
Answer: Yes, Islam is an Abrahamic religion, like Judaism and Christianity, and shares many beliefs with them. It acknowledges the prophets of Judaism, accepts Jesus as a prophet of God, and believes in angels, the Day of Judgment, Heaven, and Hell. Islam also recognizes the holy books of Judaism and Christianity—the Torah and the Gospel—as containing truths, although it views the current versions as derivations from the originals.