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| | [[Image:Allah.png|thumb|right|200px|"Allah" in simple [[Arabic language|Arabic]] calligraphy. As with many religions, an image depicting God is strictly forbidden.]] | | [[Image:Allah.png|thumb|right|200px|"Allah" in simple [[Arabic language|Arabic]] calligraphy. As with many religions, an image depicting God is strictly forbidden.]] |
| − | The name '''''Allah''''' (الله) is the [[Arabic]] term for the [[God]] of [[Islam]]. This [[theonym]] is likely a contraction of Arabic ''Al-'ilāh'' (ال إِله), which means "the god". It is thus related to the Hebrew term [[Eloh(-im)|Elohim]]. | + | The name '''''Allah''''' (الله) is the [[Arabic]] term for the [[God]] of [[Islam]]. This [[theonym]] is likely a contraction of Arabic ''Al-'ilāh'' (ال إِله), which means "the god"<ref>http://www.danielpipes.org/comments/119632</ref>. It is thus related to the Hebrew term [[Eloh(-im)|Elohim]]. |
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| | In Islam, Allah is the essential personal name of God and comprises all His Beautiful Names (the [[99 Names of God]]). When Allah is said, the One, the Supreme Being, the Creator, the Owner, the Sustainer, the All-Powerful, the All-Knowing, the All-Encompassing, whose Names and Attributes are manifested in creation, comes to mind. This term also refers to His absolute Oneness as well as His having no internal defect or external partner. | | In Islam, Allah is the essential personal name of God and comprises all His Beautiful Names (the [[99 Names of God]]). When Allah is said, the One, the Supreme Being, the Creator, the Owner, the Sustainer, the All-Powerful, the All-Knowing, the All-Encompassing, whose Names and Attributes are manifested in creation, comes to mind. This term also refers to His absolute Oneness as well as His having no internal defect or external partner. |
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| | == Christianity and Judaism == | | == Christianity and Judaism == |
| | As noted, the name Allah is used by Arab Christians throughout the Middle East. It is also used by Arabic Jews, especially those residing in Yemen. | | As noted, the name Allah is used by Arab Christians throughout the Middle East. It is also used by Arabic Jews, especially those residing in Yemen. |
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| | + | == Possible Early Use == |
| | + | It is a matter of contention as to whether the name Allah came into use only with the foundation of Islam, or whether it is a reuse of a title of the main pagan god of pre-Islamic Arabia; Hubal, god of the Moon. Muslim scholars have offered reasonable refutations of this allegation<ref>http://www.islamic-awareness.org/Quran/Sources/Allah/hubal.html</ref>, but some Christian groups have offered counter-refutations that are seemingly logical as well<ref>http://www.studytoanswer.net/islam/hubalallah.html</ref>. Whether the allegation is true is unknown. |
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| | == Takbeer (Glorification of God) == | | == Takbeer (Glorification of God) == |
| | Takbeer (تَكْبِير) (Glorification of God), is the common way Muslims give glory to God. The wording used is ''Allahu-Akbar'' "الله أكبر", which is translated as "God is greater". It is a very common practice in Islam and is essential to the Islamic call of prayer ([[Athan]]). | | Takbeer (تَكْبِير) (Glorification of God), is the common way Muslims give glory to God. The wording used is ''Allahu-Akbar'' "الله أكبر", which is translated as "God is greater". It is a very common practice in Islam and is essential to the Islamic call of prayer ([[Athan]]). |
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| | + | ==References== |
| | + | {{reflist|2}} |
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| | [[Category:Islam]] | | [[Category:Islam]] |
| | [[Category:Divine Beings]] | | [[Category:Divine Beings]] |
| | [[Category:God]] | | [[Category:God]] |