Allah has a Face
There are many verses in the Holy Qur’an which describe Allah’s face. A scrutinizing study of these verses leaves no doubt as to whether Allah has a face.
A prominent Muslim scholar Al-Ashari (9th century AD), declared in his creeds:
“We confess that Allah has a face, without asking how.”
For instance, the Holy Qur’an says:
Wa laa tat-rudil-laziina yad-’uuna Rabbahum bil-gadaati wal-’a-shiyyi yuriiduuna wajhah: “Sent not away those who call on their Lord morning and evening, seeking His Face.” (6.52)
Walla – zina sabarub – tiga wajhi Rabbi-him: “Those who patiently persevere, seeking the Face of their Lord.” (13.22)
Wasbir nafsaka ma-’allazina yad-’una Rabbahum – bil – gadati wal-’ashiyi yuriduna wajhabu: “Keep yourself along with those who call on their Lord morning and evening, seeking His Face.” (18.28)
Zalika khayrul-lillazina yuriduna wajhallahi: “That is best for those who seek Allah’s face.” (30.38)
Wa ma ‘ataytum-min zakatin-turiduna wajhallahi: “But that which you give in charity, seeking Allah’s face, will increase manifold.” (30.39)
One meaning of the word “wajh” is “face” or “self”. Abdullah Yusuf Ali in his commentary to 30.39 writes:
“Seeking the Face of Allah, i. e. out of our pure love for the true vision of Allah’s own Self.” (9, p.1189)
The word “self” indicates individuality. This means Allah has individuality; He is not an abstract object. If we apply the above mentioned interpretation to the words wajhallahi, “Allah’s face” this will means that Allah is individual, that is to say He is a Person. Thus the expression “Allah’s face” means Allah is a Person and He has a Face.
Furthermore it states in the Holy Qur’an:
Wa lillahi lmasriqu we lmegrib / fa aynami tuwellu fatemma wejhu llah: “To Allah belong the East and the West, and whithersoever you turn, there is Allah’s Face.” (2.115)
Kullu shay – ‘in halikun ‘illa wajhah: “Everything will perish except His (Allah’s) face.” (28.88)
Kullu man ‘alay-haa faan
Wa yabqa wajhu Rabbika Zul-Jalali wal-’Ikram:
“All that is on earth will perish.
But will abide (forever) the Face of your Lord full of Bounty and Honor.” (55.26-27)
From all these quotations the existence of Allah’s Wajh, or “Face”, is undeniably apparent. We can understand from the above mentioned verses (55.26-27) that everything in this material world is temporary but only Allah’s Face is eternal. The word Wajh, “Face” is the symbol of the Personality and expresses personality. Also the word Ikram, “Honor” is very important in these verses. Two meanings are prominent in this word Ikram. The first meaning is of generosity as proceeding from the person whose attribute it is, and the second meaning is of honor, as given by others to the person whose attribute it is. (7, p. 1400) One who has a face and is called Ikram must be a person. Allah’s Face is of the most beautiful beauty of all beauty. His all beautiful face gleams with a smile so radiant it immediately captures and melts the hearts of His devotees. It’s stated that anyone who sees the beautiful smile of the Supreme Lord will never forget it. Thus, they obtain perfection as they never forget Allah.
