English

Swahili

QCF V2

Mahmoud Khaleel Al-Husary

Dr. Abdullah Muhammad Abu Bakr and Sheikh Nasir Khamis

Swahili Translation - Ali Muhsin Al-Barwani

Ali Muhsin Al-Barwani

Imam Ibn al-Jawzī (d. 597/1201) summarized the scholars' opinions in his book "Zād al-Masīr" as follows:

1. It is a proper noun and not derived from any root. [Reported from al-Khalīl ibn Aḥmad]
2. It is a derived name (i.e. it originates as *al-Ilāh,* meaning: "the Deity" or "God") [Reported from al-Khalīl ibn Aḥmad by Sībawayh]

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There are different opinions concerning the root meaning from which the word *Ilāh* is taken:

1. **Granting refuge and protection** (*alaha ya'lahu*), as a deity (*ilāh*) is the one who gives refuge.
2. **Bewilderment:** It is derived from "*aliha ya'luhu",* meaning: to be bewilered, because the minds are bewildered when they reflect on God.
3. **Intense devotion**: It is derived from *"walah"*, meaning: intense devotion, because the hearts are overwhelmed with devotion to Him.
4. **Worship:** It comes from *"aliha ya'lahu ilāhatan"*, meaning to worship. *Ilāh* then is "the one who is worshipped". (Some scholars explain that it is more precise to say that *ilāh* means "one who is worthy of worship" and hence we testify that there is no *ilāh* but Allah because He alone is worthy of worship).

What is the etymology of the name "Allah"?