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[[Image:Allah.png|thumb|right|200px|"Allah" in simple [[Arabic language|Arabic]] calligraphy. In Islam any image depicting God is strictly forbidden.]]

[[Image:Allah.png|thumb|right|200px|"Allah" in simple [[Arabic language|Arabic]] calligraphy. In Islam any image depicting God is strictly forbidden.]]

The term '''''Allah''''' (الله) is the [[Arabic]] word for [[God]].  This [[theonym]] is likely a contraction of Arabic ''Al-'ilāh''  (ال إِله), which literally translates as "the god" or "The Lord." <ref>http://www.chishti.ru/sufi_doct.htm</ref>.  It is related to the Hebrew term [[Elohim|Eloh(-im)]] or the Aramaic term "Eloi" which Jesus said on the cross.<ref>[[Mark 15:34]]</ref>

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.chishti.ru/sufi_doct.htm</ref>.  It is thus related to the Hebrew term [[Elohim|Eloh(-im)]].

In Islam, Allah is the summation of all of the [[99 Names of God]]. When a Muslim refers to Allah, he thinks of God as being One, Creator, Owner, Sustainer, and Almighty, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate, and Lord of the [[Day of Judgement]].  In Arabic, the name is composed of four letters, ا ل ل ه (or Alif, Lam, Lam, Ha) which when brought together make الله. [[Arabic]] speaking [[Christians]] and [[Jews]] likewise use the term "Allah" as all three religions worship the God of [[Abraham]].  Allah is sometimes used incorrectly as a generic word for "god" though the actual generic word for "god" is simply'' 'ilāh.''  These Christians do maintain a belief in the traditional Christian [[Trinity]], however, and believe that Allah consists of the Father, Son and Spirit.

In Islam, Allah is the personal name of God and comprises all of the [[99 Names of God]] in Islam. When a Muslim refers to Allah, he thinks of God as being One, Creator, Owner, Sustainer, and Almighty.  In Arabic, the name is composed of four letters, ا ل ل ه (or Alif, Lam, Lam, Ha) which when brought together make الله. [[Arab]] [[Christians]] often incorrectly use this name simply as a generic term "god".  (The actual generic word for "god" is simply'' 'ilāh'', though due to the strong association of Arabic with Islam this word is rarely used in modern speech.) These Christians do maintain a belief in the traditional Christian [[Trinity]], however, and believe that Allah consists of the Father, Son and Spirit.

 

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.

== Possible Early Use ==

== 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 a pagan pre-Islamic [[Mecca]]n god; Hubal, god of the Moon.  Muslim scholars dispute this relationship<ref>http://www.islamic-awareness.org/Quran/Sources/Allah/hubal.html</ref>, though the religious history of the region suggests this is possible.<ref>http://www.studytoanswer.net/islam/hubalallah.html</ref>.   

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 [[Mecca]]; 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.

== ''Takbir'' (Glorification of God) ==

== ''Takbeer'' (Glorification of God) ==

''Takbir'' (تَكْبِير) (Glorification of God), is the common way Muslims give glory to God.  The wording used is ''Allahu-Akhbar'' "الله أكبر", which is translated as "God is great" or "God is greatest." 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]]).