Understanding the Meaning of “We Believe in ALLĀH”

The Significance of Believing in ALLĀH: A Deeper Insight

THE MEANING OF “WE BELIEVE IN ALLĀH”

ALLĀH says:

قُولُوٓاْ ءَامَنَّا بِٱللَّهِ

Say (O Muslims), We believe in ALLĀH…

The word “Say” means speak verbally that which is in accordance with what is in your hearts. This is what brings reward, because just as uttering words without belief in the heart is hypocrisy and disbelief, by the same token, mere words that have no basis in belief have no impact and are of little benefit. Even though the individual will still be rewarded for saying good words, if they are good and he basically believes, there is still a difference between mere words and that which is based on deeds of the heart (strong faith and good intentions).

The word “Say” refers to announcing one’s belief openly and calling people to it, because this is the foundation of religion.

“We believe” – here the action is attributed to the entire Ummah (as it appears in the plural form), which indicates that it is obligatory for the Ummah to hold fast, all together, to the rope of ALLĀH, and encourages them to be united so that their call will be one and their efforts will be united. This implies that the Ummah should not be divided and that the believers are like a single body.

“Say: We believe in ALLĀH…” These words indicate that it is permissible for a person to attribute faith to himself in a specific manner (namely, belief in ALLĀH); rather it is obligatory to do so, which is different than saying “I am a believer” and the like, because no one should say any such thing without adding the words in sha ’ALLĀH (if ALLĀH wills), because otherwise it may come under the heading of praising oneself and testifying that one has faith. 

“We believe in ALLĀH” means we believe that HE exists, is One, has all the attributes of perfection, is above all shortcomings and defects, is the only One Who is deserving of all worship and no partners are to be ascribed to HIM in any way whatsoever.

{Tafsi‌r As-Sa’di}

Sufyan ibn Abdullāh (may ALLĀH be pleased with him) reported: I said, “O Messenger of ALLĀH, tell me of a word in Islam I will not need to ask of anyone after you.”

The Messenger of ALLĀH (ﷺ) said, “Say, ‘I believe in ALLĀH,’ and then remain steadfast.”

{Muslim #38}