Definition
The unique, proper name of the One True God — used by Arabic-speaking Muslims, Christians, and Jews. Allah has no plural and no gender.
Etymology & Root
From the root أ-ل-ه (ʾ-l-h) meaning 'to worship' or 'the One worshipped'. Most scholars hold 'Allāh' is a proper name (ism ʿalam) for God, not derived — distinct in form, with no plural, dual, or gender.
Usage in the Qur'an
Mentioned over 2,800 times. The Qur'an opens with 'Bismi-llāhi r-Raḥmāni r-Raḥīm' and Sūrat al-Ikhlāṣ (112) defines Him: 'Say: He is Allah, the One.'
Usage in the Sunnah
The Prophet ﷺ taught that Allah's greatest name (al-ism al-aʿẓam), by which He answers when called, is contained in Āyat al-Kursī and Sūrat al-Ikhlāṣ (Abū Dāwūd, Tirmidhī — ṣaḥīḥ).
Scholarly Notes
Ibn Taymiyyah and Ibn al-Qayyim explained that 'Allāh' is the original name from which all other beautiful names derive their attribution — we say 'ar-Raḥmān is from Allah's names', not the reverse.
Common Misconceptions
(1) That 'Allah' is a different god from the God of Abraham — false; Arab Christians and Jews have always used 'Allāh'. (2) That 'Allah' can be translated as 'a god' — false; it is a proper name with no plural.
Practical Application
Use the name with reverence. Never abbreviate in writing (avoid 'A' or 'God' when 'Allāh' is meant in religious context). Begin every important act with 'Bismillāh'.
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