Many hear the name Allah without fully understanding its meaning or to whom it refers. Is it the God of the Arabs? The God of Muslims? What is the significance behind this name?
In this article, we will explore the root and meaning of the name Allah, whom it refers to, and its vital place in Islam. Through this exploration, we aim to shed light on why Allah is uniquely revered by millions of Muslims worldwide and how this name encapsulates the essence of the Islamic faith.
What Does the Name Allah Mean? Linguistic Root of the Name
The name “Allah” holds significant meaning and reverence in Islamic theology. There are two main perspectives on the etymology and meaning of the name Allah:
First Perspective: A Proper Name with No Derivation
Many scholars believe that “Allah” is a proper name for the Almighty, unique to Him and not derived from any other word. The definite article “Al-” is intrinsic to the name and not merely a grammatical tool for definition. According to Abu Hayyan, “Allah is a proper name that is exclusively used for the true deity, and it is non-derived.”
Ibn al-Qayyim adds, “The majority of people on earth recognize that ‘Allah’ is a name for the Creator, the Originator of the heavens and the earth, without knowing its derivation or root.”
Second Perspective: Derived from Other Words
Other scholars argue that the name “Allah” is derived; a view that is common among many linguists and exegetes, and is also attributed to Sibawayh, a prominent Arabic linguist. Those who support this view differ on the exact derivation:
- Some say it is derived from the verb “alaha” which means “to worship.” Therefore, “Allah” means “the One who deserves to be worshiped.”
- Another opinion is that the name originates from “Ilah,” which means god. Al-Mubarrad, a prominent grammarian, supports this view, explaining that it is derived from the Arabic phrase “Al-ahtu ila fulan,” meaning “I sought refuge with someone,” implying that all creatures seek refuge and solace in Him.
- Some believe it comes from “walaha,” meaning intense love or passionate longing, signifying the deep connection and reliance creatures have on their Creator, similar to how a child longs for its mother.
These derivations suggest that the name “Allah” embodies the attributes of being the one true deity who is worshipped, sought for refuge, and deeply revered.
In conclusion, the name “Allah” can be seen either as a unique, non-derived proper name for the Almighty or as a name with deep linguistic roots reflecting His attributes of worship, refuge, and love.
Is the name Allah in the bible?
Yes, the Name Allah exists in the Arabic translations of the bible, both in the Old and New Testaments. For example, you can find it in the Gospel of John Ch. 3, V. 16. This suggests that the word “Allah” is not innovated by the Muslims. Rather, Islam comes to correct what is distorted in the previous scriptures, i.e., turn people again to the belief in the Only True One God.
To illustrate, the Proper name Allah is used by all Arabs now and across history no matter their religion; Paganism, Christianity, Judaism, or Islam despite the different aspects of the attributes. In Arabic dictionaries, it is defined as the name that refers to the Creator of the heavens and the Earth by His attribute of being The God, the one worthy to be called God.
The term “Allah” is used in the Arabic Bible, meaning Arabic-speaking Christians refer to God as “Allah” in their churches, and this is evident in the Arabic Bible.
Additionally, when examining further, Jesus did not use the English word “God” but rather the Aramaic term “Alaha” [1]. In Hebrew, the word is “Eloah” [2], both of which have similar pronunciations.
It is the primary name for God, the One Creator. Arabic, Aramaic, Syriac, and Hebrew are sister languages, so it is unsurprising that they share this commonality.
What is the Significance of the Name Allah in Arabic?
The Arabic name for God, “Allah,” holds a unique and profound significance that sets it apart from equivalent terms in other languages. In many languages, the word for God, such as “god” in English or “ilah” in Arabic as its equivalent, can carry various connotations and be used to describe a range of entities or beings.
In contrast, the word “Allah” in Arabic refers solely to the one true God, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, who is omnipotent and wholly unlike His creation. The term “Allah” is definitive and singular, encapsulating the uniqueness and oneness of God as understood in Islam.
The Name Allah Vs. the word God
Allah is the proper unique name for the only true God. However, the word “god” is a description that can be ascribed to the true “God” or anything that is worshipped, whether it is true or not. That’s why the word “god” differs from language to language, like any other word. In contrast, the word “Allah” isn’t subject to these variations and retains its distinct meaning across all languages and cultures.
Muslims around the world use “Allah” as the principal name for God to maintain this clarity and precision in meaning. While it is acceptable to use the word “God” or its equivalent in other languages, the name “Allah” remains unique and specific, ensuring that the intended understanding of the divine is preserved without ambiguity.
Belief in Allah in the Testimony of Islamic Faith (Shahadah)
The belief in Allah and His oneness is the core of the Islamic creed. This principle, known as “Tawheed” in Arabic, emphasizes pure monotheism and forms the foundation of Islamic theology. Tawheed signifies that Allah is uniquely one in all aspects:
- Uniqueness in Self: Allah is singular with no second.
- Uniqueness in Names: Allah’s names have no match.
- Uniqueness in Attributes: Allah’s attributes are unparalleled.
- Uniqueness in Actions: Allah’s actions are independent with no partners.
This oneness makes Allah the sole entity deserving of worship, unrivaled and unparalleled in His divinity.
The belief in Allah’s oneness is succinctly encapsulated in “The Shahadah,” the testimony of faith. This declaration is the gateway to Islam, transforming one into a Muslim upon its sincere utterance and belief. The Shahadah is a profound statement of monotheism and prophetic mission:
The name Allah in the Shahadah:
Thus, by pronouncing and believing in the Shahadah, an individual affirms the oneness of Allah and acknowledges Prophet Muhammad as His final messenger.
- “أشهد أن لا إله إلا الله” (I bear witness that there is no god but Allah)
- “و أشهد أن محمد رسول الله” (And I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah)
This acknowledgment is not merely verbal but signifies a commitment to worship Allah alone and adhere to the teachings and practices conveyed by Prophet Muhammad. Moreover, this dual declaration binds the believer to the core tenets of Islam, fostering a comprehensive and unerring devotion to the Creator.
How Many Names Does Allah Have?
While it is commonly stated that Allah has 99 names, these names are not the whole thing. This is supported by a hadith narrated by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him):
“O Allah… I ask You by every Name that You have named Yourself with, revealed in Your Book, taught any one of Your creation, or kept unto Yourself in the knowledge of the unseen that is with You…” [Sahih Ahmad 1/391]
This hadith indicates that there are more names of Allah that are known only to Him and not revealed to humankind. Muslims have learned about Allah’s names from the Qur’an and the authentic hadiths. These names help believers understand and connect with The Almighty, invoking Him in prayers and reflecting on His divine nature.
The 99 Names of Allah Hadith
Another hadith mentions the 99 Names of Allah or Asma ul Husna:
“Indeed, Allah has ninety-nine names, one hundred less one; and whoever believes in their meanings and acts accordingly will enter Paradise.” [Sahih al-Bukhari 2736]
Indeed, his hadith does not imply that Allah has only these 99 names. Instead, it means that whoever memorizes and understands these 99 names will be granted Paradise. The names mentioned are a subset of the infinite names and attributes of Allah, each representing His perfection and glory.
In conclusion, the 99 Names of Allah are a testament to His multifaceted essence, offering a profound insight into the core of Islamic theology, while acknowledging that there are more names known only to Allah Himself.
Conclusion
To sum up, The name Allah carries profound meaning, historical roots, and unique significance in Islamic theology. Understanding that Allah is derived from the Arabic term “Al-Ilah,” meaning “The God,” emphasizes the distinct and unparalleled nature of the divine in Islam. Unlike the general term “god” used in all languages, Allah is a proper noun that signifies the one true Creator, free from associations with other beings.
If you find this exploration into the name Allah insightful and meaningful, consider delving deeper into the rich teachings of Islam. Embrace the journey towards understanding the divine, the oneness of Allah, and the beauty of Islamic monotheism. Our team is here to assist you in finding answers to your questions!
[1] Aramaic/Syriac “alaha”, meaning ‘God’ or ‘the God’, Christoph Heger: http://www.answering-islam.org/Quran/Sources/alaha.html
[2] Hebrew Name of God, John J. Parsons: http://www.hebrew4christians.com/Names_of_G-d/Eloha/eloha.html
