An Introduction to Islam
The concept of one God is the essence of Islam and the source of all of its teachings.
The Quran puts it thus: “God: there is no deity save Him, the Living, the Eternal One. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatsoever is in the heavens and on the earth. Who can intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows all that is before them and all that is behind them. They can grasp only that part of His knowledge which He wills. His throne extends over the heavens and the earth, and their upholding does not weary Him. He is the Sublime, the Almighty one!” (2:255)
God is one, and everyone is dependent upon Him. He is not dependent upon anyone; he alone has power over everything. He does not beget, nor is He begotten. He is a unique Being with no equal, no likeness. All kinds of uniqueness inhere His Being, and this Being is of God, the Almighty. The concept of the one God is the central concept of Islam: this belief is the essence of Islam and the sole source of all of its teachings.