How Many of Us Know About Allah, But Don’t Know Allah?

We’ve memorised His names. We’ve heard His stories. We know He is Ar-Rahmān (The Most Merciful), Al-Wadūd (The Most Loving), Al-Ghafūr (The Most Forgiving). But if we’re honest with ourselves—do we really know Him?

Do we feel His mercy wrap around us when we fall? Do we taste the sweetness of His love when we are alone? Do we experience the comfort of His forgiveness when we turn back, ashamed and broken? Or is He just a distant concept—someone we call upon in times of need but struggle to feel close to in our everyday lives?

There is a difference between knowing about Allah and truly knowing Him.

The Difference Between Knowledge and Connection

Imagine hearing stories about a kind and generous person. You learn their name, their habits, the things they’ve done for others. You admire them. But you have never met them, never spoken to them, never sat in their presence. You only know about them.

Now imagine actually meeting this person—having them hold your hand when you’re struggling, comforting you when you’re lost, showing up for you in ways you never imagined. Suddenly, they are no longer just a name or a story. They are real to you.

This is the difference between knowing about Allah and knowing Allah.

Many of us have learned who He is, but we have never truly sat with Him. We have never allowed ourselves to feel His presence, to experience His care, to trust Him so completely that our hearts find rest in Him alone.

If There’s One Thing You Do This Ramadhān…

If there’s one thing I would encourage you to do this Ramadhān that’s extra to your norm, it’s learning about Allah—His names, His attributes, His love for you. Because you can only truly love Allah when you first understand who He is.

“Those who don’t know the love of their Creator know nothing about love.

Those who don’t know the fulfillment of īmān know nothing about fulfillment.

Those who don’t know the joy of seeking Him know nothing about joy.”

Ramadhān is the perfect time to strengthen your relationship with Him. The more you recognise Him, the more you will love Him. And the more you love Him, the more your worship will become effortless, filled with longing rather than obligation.

There are so many resources available—books, YouTube series, classes. Find what works for you, what speaks to your heart. Our Recognising ALLAH class is about this too, helping you build a deeper, more intimate connection with your Lord.

How Do We Move From Knowing About Allah to Knowing Allah?

1. Talk to Him Like You Would a Loved One

When was the last time you spoke to Allah outside of ritual? Not just in memorised du’ās, but in raw, unfiltered conversation? Tell Him your worries, your dreams, your struggles. Say, Ya Allah, I feel lost today. I need You. The more you turn to Him, the more real He becomes to you.

2. Look for Him in the Smallest Moments

We expect grand miracles, but Allah is always with us in the little things—the unexpected ease in a difficult task, the comfort of a friend’s words, the way our heart softens in sujūd. Start recognising these moments. Whisper Alhamdulillah when you see them. Let yourself feel His nearness.

3. Reflect on His Names in Your Own Life

Instead of just knowing Allah is Ar-Razzāq (The Provider), think—how has He provided for me when I thought there was no way? Instead of just knowing He is Al-Wakīl (The Best Disposer of Affairs), ask—when have I placed my trust in Him and seen His wisdom unfold? Make His attributes personal to you.

4. Love Him for Who He Is, Not Just What He Gives

Do we only seek Allah when we want something? What if we sought Him just to be with Him? What if we prayed not just to ask, but to connect? What if we longed for Him the way we long for the company of someone we deeply love?

The Greatest Gift is Knowing Allah

Knowing about Allah may give us knowledge, but knowing Allah gives us peace.

When you truly know Him, you no longer feel alone—because you recognise that He has always been there. You no longer feel lost—because you trust His guidance. You no longer feel unloved—because you feel the warmth of His mercy surrounding you.

The greatest gift in this life is not just learning about Allah, but experiencing Him.

Because when you truly know Allah, you will find everything your heart has been searching for.