Allah

Allah
Type	Deity
Name	Allah
Script name	الله
Script	Arabic
Affiliation	Islam, Arab Christians, Arab Jews
Equivalent1	Yahweh
Equivalent2	El

Allah. The supreme and sole deity in Islam, Allah is understood as the eternal, all-powerful, and omniscient creator of the universe. The concept, while central to Muslim faith, also has deep linguistic and historical roots in the Arabian Peninsula, predating the advent of Prophet Muhammad and the revelation of the Quran. Islamic theology emphasizes absolute monotheism (Tawhid), with Allah's nature comprehensively detailed in the Quran and the prophetic traditions (Hadith).

Etymology and linguistic origins

The word Allah is linguistically derived from the Arabic definite article al- and ʾilāh, meaning "the god." It is cognate with terms for deity found in other Semitic languages, such as the Hebrew Elohim and the Aramaic Alaha. Academic scholarship notes its relation to the supreme god of the pre-Islamic Meccan pantheon, where Allah was acknowledged as the creator deity by tribes including the Quraysh. The term was also used by Arab Christians before and after the rise of Islam, as evidenced in pre-Islamic poetry and early Christian translations like the Codex Arabicus Monacensis.

In Islamic theology and scripture

In Islamic theology, Allah is defined by the principle of Tawhid, an absolute, indivisible oneness that rejects any form of polytheism (Shirk). The primary scripture, the Quran, revealed to Prophet Muhammad, is considered the literal, uncreated word of Allah. Core tenets include Allah's role as the sole creator, sustainer, and judge, with belief in him as the first of the Five Pillars of Islam. Key theological disputes, such as those between the Mu'tazila and Ash'ari schools, often centered on the nature of Allah's attributes and the createdness of the Quran. The finality of Allah's message is a fundamental doctrine, with Muhammad regarded as the "Seal of the Prophets."

Comparative religion and pre-Islamic use

Comparative religious studies highlight the connection between Allah and the Canaanite supreme god El, as well as the God of Abraham in Judaism and Christianity, often identified as Yahweh. Inscriptions such as those at the Temple of Bel in Palmyra and references in the writings of Epiphanius of Salamis show the term was used by Nabateans and Arab Christians prior to Islam. The Quran itself engages with earlier traditions, acknowledging previous messengers like Moses and Jesus while critiquing the Christian doctrine of the Trinity as a deviation from pure monotheism.

Attributes and names

Islamic tradition enumerates 99 names of Allah (Asma ul-Husna), each describing an attribute, such as Ar-Rahman (The Most Gracious), Al-Malik (The King), and Al-Quddus (The Holy). The Dhat (essence) of Allah is considered transcendent and incomparable, while his Sifāt (attributes) are understood as described in scripture. Theological works like Al-Ghazali's Al-Maqsad al-Asna elaborate on these names. The concept of Allah's absolute unity is also expressed in creedal statements like the Shahada and theological treatises such as the Aquidah Tahawiyyah.

Depiction and aniconism

Consistent with the prohibition of Shirk, Islam strongly forbids the visual depiction of Allah. This principle of aniconism extends to representations of Prophet Muhammad and other major prophets in most Islamic traditions. Instead, Islamic art focuses on calligraphy, geometric patterns, and Arabesque designs, often featuring the names of Allah or verses from the Quran. Notable examples include the calligraphic inscriptions in the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem and the illuminated manuscripts of the Sanaa manuscript. This contrasts with certain artistic traditions in Christianity, such as the Sistine Chapel ceiling.

In culture and daily practice

Invocation of Allah permeates Muslim daily life through phrases like Insha'Allah (God willing) and Bismillah (In the name of God). The Adhan (call to prayer) proclaims the oneness of Allah, and rituals from the Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah to daily Salah (prayers) are dedicated to him. The name Allah appears on national symbols, such as the flag of Saudi Arabia and the Coat of arms of Iran. It is also central to Islamic music, including Nasheeds, and spiritual practices within Sufism, such as the Dhikr ceremonies of the Mevlevi Order.

Category:God in Islam Category:Arabic words and phrases Category:Conceptions of God