Praise be to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah.
It is not permissible to say regarding Allah: “You are my Father”, because this expression conveys an incorrect meaning and conflicts with the wording found in the revealed texts. It also resembles the terminology known among Jews and Christians in which Allah is described as a father.
It has been reported that the Jews used to describe Allah as a Father in some of their prayers, as mentioned by Ibn al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, in his book Hidayat al-Hayara.
Christians likewise use this description in their scriptures. Among such expressions is what appears in the Gospel of Matthew, referring to Allah as “your Father who is in heaven.”
Therefore, a Muslim should adhere in his supplications and praise of Allah to what has been established in the Qur’an and Sunnah, and describe his Lord with His beautiful names and exalted attributes that are established by the revealed texts.
Among the greatest supplications that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, taught his community is Sayyid al-Istighfar (the Master Supplication for Seeking Forgiveness). It contains the words:
“O Allah, You are my Lord. There is no deity worthy of worship except You. You created me and I am Your servant. I uphold Your covenant and promise as much as I am able. I seek refuge in You from the evil of what I have done. I acknowledge Your blessings upon me, and I acknowledge my sin. So forgive me, for none forgives sins except You.”
Narrated by al-Bukhari (6306).
This is part of the Prophet’s guidance in praising Allah and supplicating to Him. He described Allah as the Lord, while the servant acknowledged his servitude to Him.
When we reflect upon the supplications of the prophets, peace be upon them, in the Qur’an, we find that they praised Allah in ways befitting His majesty and perfection. Among these is describing Him as the Lord.
Allah says concerning Shu'ayb, peace be upon him, and the believers with him:
“It is not for us to return to it unless Allah, our Lord, wills.” [Al-A'raf 7:89]
Jesus, peace be upon him, said:
“Indeed, Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. This is the straight path.” [Maryam 19:36]
Thus, the wording used by the Qur’an on the tongues of the prophets is “my Lord” and “our Lord.” This corresponds to the revelation’s affirmation of Allah’s Lordship and the servitude of creation to Him.
A Muslim should not say regarding Allah: “You are my Father,” because this expression conveys an incorrect meaning, is not established in the Qur’an or Sunnah as a description of Allah, and is also among the expressions known to be used by Jews and Christians.
It is preferable and safer for a Muslim to adhere to the religious terminology found in the Qur’an and Sunnah, saying “my Lord” and “our Lord,” and calling upon Allah by His beautiful names and exalted attributes, as established in the revealed texts and the guidance of the prophets, peace be upon them.
And Allah knows best.