In monotheistic religions that believe in one god, that single god is simply referred to by the name of that religion’s god. For example, in Christianity the one god is called God or Yahweh. In Islam, the one god is called Allah. In Judaism, the one god is also called Yahweh. So the single god has different names based on the religion, but within each religion that believes in one god, there is only one god with one name.
Monotheistic Religions with One God
Here are some of the major monotheistic religions that believe in only one god:
- Christianity – God or Yahweh
- Islam – Allah
- Judaism – Yahweh
- Sikhism – Waheguru
- Zoroastrianism – Ahura Mazda
- Baha’i Faith – God
So in each of these religions, there is only one god that goes by a specific name. Followers of that religion refer to their single god by that name.
God’s Names in the Bible
In the Bible, which is the holy text of Christianity and Judaism, the one god worshipped has several names, including:
- Yahweh
- Jehovah
- Adonai
- El Shaddai
- El Elyon
However, most Christians simply refer to their one god as “God.” So even though God has multiple names in the Bible, Christians consolidate all those names into the single name “God” when referring to their deity.
Allah in Islam
In Islam, the one supreme god is called Allah. Allah has 99 names, which help characterize the different attributes of God. But Allah is still just one singular god. Some of Allah’s 99 names include:
- Ar-Rahman – The All Beneficent
- Al-Malik – The Absolute Ruler
- Al-Quddus – The Most Holy
- As-Salam – The Embodiment of Peace
- Al-Mu’min – The Guarantor of Security
So while Allah has many names that represent his qualities, he remains the one solitary deity in Islam.
Ahura Mazda in Zoroastrianism
In the ancient Persian religion of Zoroastrianism, the name of the one supreme deity is Ahura Mazda, which means “Wise Lord.” Ahura Mazda created the universe and represents truth and light. Zoroastrian scriptures do not give Ahura Mazda a concrete image or human-like form. Followers of Zoroastrianism worship only Ahura Mazda as the one uncreated god.
Waheguru in Sikhism
In Sikhism, the one formless god is referred to as Waheguru. Waheguru is described with human attributes in the Sikh scriptures, but is still considered an abstract entity that is eternal, omnipotent, and too complex for human comprehension. “Waheguru” is a compound word derived from two Sanskrit words: “wahe” meaning an ecstatic state of being, and “guru” meaning teacher. Together, “Waheguru” refers to the omnipresent divine teacher.
Conclusion
In summary, religions that believe in one god have a specific name for that singular deity. Within that religion, there is only one supreme god that believers worship and refer to by that name. The major monotheistic religions each have their own specific name for the one god – Yahweh or God for Judaism and Christianity, Allah for Islam, Waheguru for Sikhism, and Ahura Mazda for Zoroastrianism. So if a religion believes in one solitary god, that god has one name that identifies it as distinct from gods of other faiths.
