Allah Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Religion

• In Islam, Allah is described with multiple attributes, often referred to as the '99 Names of Allah,' which describe His characteristics, such as The Merciful and The Most Compassionate.
• Muslims believe that Allah is the same God worshipped in Judaism and Christianity, though the understanding and revelations differ.
• The Quran, the holy book of Islam, is believed to be the literal word of Allah as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.

Cultural Significance

• 'Allah' is not just a name; it's a concept that encompasses the essence of divine unity in Islamic theology.
• In various Islamic cultures, the word is often used in everyday expressions, highlighting its profound spiritual significance.
• Art in Islamic culture often uses calligraphy to beautifully depict the name 'Allah,' representing respect and devotion.

Philosophy

• Different schools of thought within Islam interpret the nature of Allah and His relationship with humanity in various ways.
• Many Muslim philosophers have discussed Allah's metaphysical nature, such as whether Allah is personal or abstract, which leads to diverse theological perspectives.
• The concept of Tawhid, meaning the oneness of Allah, is foundational in Islamic belief, emphasizing that God is unique and cannot be compared to anything else.

Interfaith

• The name 'Allah' is widely recognized beyond the Muslim world, providing a point of connection among the Abrahamic faiths.
• Many non-Muslims refer to Allah when discussing God in a broader context, particularly in translations of religious texts.
• Interfaith dialogue often includes discussions about the attributes of Allah and how they compare to the concepts of God in Judaism and Christianity.

Main points about word origin

• The word 'Allah' is derived from the Arabic root word 'Ilah,' which means 'deity' or 'god.'
• In pre-Islamic Arabia, 'Allah' was used to refer to the supreme god worshipped by various tribes.
• The term combines 'al-' (the) and 'Ilah' (god), translating literally to 'the God.'

The word 'Allah' is the Arabic word for God and is used by Muslims around the world to refer to the one true God. It has been in use for centuries and is considered to be the supreme and all-powerful deity in Islam. The concept of Allah as the creator and sustainer of the universe is central to the Islamic faith, and the word itself is derived from the Arabic root meaning 'to worship' or 'to serve.' The history of the word 'Allah' is closely tied to the history of Islam and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad.