Can We Use the Term God for Allah?

Answered by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Question

I keep thinking about referring to things with the English word ‘god.’ Does this affect my iman?

Answer

I pray you are well.

You have nothing to worry about. The thoughts you are having do not affect your iman at all. Your dislike of them is clear proof that you have true faith.

Some companions went to the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace), complaining of such thoughts that they could not even utter. The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “That is pure faith.” [Muslim] Meaning that their dislike of uttering such things was a sign of pure faith.

Intrusive Thoughts

What you are experiencing is called Intrusive Thoughts. It is a form of OCD, and the Devil can have a hand in making it worse in matters of religion. Just let them be. Even if it is distressing, let them be.

The more you resist, the stronger they will get. Listen to this seminar (Being Balanced – Emotional and Mental Health- Shaykh Abdurrahim Reasat), and you’ll learn about some of the means to getting help with your situation.

May Allah bless you with the best of both words.

[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History he moved to Damascus in 2007 where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008 he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Quranic recital and he was able to study an extensive curriculum of Quranic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.