Attributes of Allah – JSS1 Islamic Studies Lesson Note (Third Term)

The Attributes of Allah are special qualities that describe who Allah is. These attributes help us understand how great, kind, and powerful Allah is. In Islam, we believe that Allah has the most beautiful and perfect qualities that no one else can have.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• Explain what the attributes of Allah are.
• State ten attributes of Allah with their Arabic names.
• Describe what each attribute tells us about Allah.
• Give reasons why Allah’s attributes are important.
• Mention ways of learning about Allah’s attributes.

What are the most important attributes of Allah?

1. Oneness (Al-Wahid)

Allah is ONE. This means:

• There is no other god except Allah
• Allah has no partners
• Allah is unique and different from everything else in the world

2. All-Knowing (Al-Alim)

Allah knows everything:

• He knows what happened in the past
• He knows what is happening now
• He knows what will happen in the future
• Nothing is hidden from Allah
• He knows what is in our hearts and minds

3. All-Powerful (Al-Qadir)

Allah can do anything:

• He can create and destroy
• Nothing is impossible for Allah
• He controls everything in the universe
• He makes things happen exactly as He wants

4. All-Hearing (As-Sami)

Allah hears everything:

• He hears all sounds, big and small
• He understands all languages
• He listens to every prayer
• Nothing is too quiet or too loud for Allah

5. All-Seeing (Al-Basir)

Allah sees everything:

• He sees what is visible and invisible
• He watches over everything
• No detail is too small for Allah
• He sees what is in the dark and in the light

6. Most Merciful (Ar-Rahman)

Allah is extremely kind and loving:

• He forgives people’s mistakes
• He gives many blessings
• He is always ready to help
• His mercy is bigger than anything we can imagine

7. Most Just (Al-Adl)

Allah is always fair:

• He treats everyone equally
• No one is treated unfairly
• He knows exactly what is right and wrong
• He will judge people fairly on the Day of Judgement

8. Eternal (Al-Hayy)

Allah is always alive:

• He has no beginning
• He has no end
• He does not sleep or get tired
• He exists forever

9. All-Independent (As-Samad)

Allah does not need anyone:

• Everything needs Allah
• He does not depend on anyone
• He provides for all creation
• He is complete and perfect

10. Most Wise (Al-Hakim)

Allah does everything with wisdom:

• Everything He does has a reason
• His actions are always perfect
• He knows the best way to do things
• Nothing He does is without purpose

Why are Allah’s attributes important?

1. They help us understand Allah better
2. They teach us to respect and love Allah
3. They show us how special and amazing Allah is
4. They give us hope and comfort
5. They help us live a good life

How can we learn about Allah’s attributes?

• Read the Quran
• Listen to Islamic teachers
• Think deeply about the world around us
• Pray and ask Allah for understanding
• Be grateful for Allah’s blessings

Note to students: Remember, these attributes are special and unique to Allah. No human or anything in the world can have these qualities in a perfect way.

Evaluation

1. What are the attributes of Allah?
2. What does Al-Alim tell us about Allah?
3. Which attribute means that Allah does not need anyone?
4. State three things we learn about Allah from the attribute Al-Adl.
5. Mention three ways of learning about Allah’s attributes.

Assignment

Write down any five attributes of Allah with their Arabic names. Write one sentence under each to explain what it means.