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Written by Yusuf Estes
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Sunday, 28 October 2007 |
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Does Allah mean "god?" - (Why Does Yusuf Estes say "No?")
Find out why "Allah" is a better word to describe the Creator and Savior of mankind.
American Muslim advocate, Yusuf Estes, brings insight to the much disussed topics of Islam in today's world. This artilce is a "must read" for both Muslims and non-Muslims.
(Also: www.GodAllah.com)
"Allah" is the perfect word to describe the "God" of Islam (and other monotheistic faiths as well)
The word for "god" in Arabic is NOT "Allah."
Now I know this will surprise many people and even some Muslims who have been making the claim "Allah" and "God" are essentially one and the same. First of all the Arabic language, is a semitic language (related to Hebrew and Aramaic) and is powerfully expressive, having thousands of roots from which to build upon.
The root for "god" in semitic languages begins very simple: "EL" The word "Elohim" (Old Testament Hebrew) appears to be the same as the word in Arabic "Allahumma." The word "Eloi" (New Testament Aramaic) appears to be similar in meaning to "Allahi."
Belief in God: guidelines Muslims follow
Eliminate any anthropomorphism (human qualities) from their conception of Allah. His attributes are not like human attributes, despite similar labels or appellations.
Have unwavering faith in exactly what Allah and Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) described Allah to be, no more, no less.
Eradicate any hope or desire of learning or knowing the modality of His names and attributes.
Belief totally in all the names and attributes of Allah; one cannot believe in some and disbelieve the others.
One cannot accept the names of Allah without their associated attributes, i.e. one cannot say He is Al-Hayy - 'The Living' and then say that He is without life.
Similarity in names (or meanings) does not imply similarity in what is being described (referents). As a robotic arm differs from a human arm, so the "hand" of Allah is nothing like a human hand, His speech is nothing like human speech, etc.
Certain words are ambiguous or vague in their meanings, and thus may be susceptible to misinterpretation. Only those meanings that are in accordance with what is specified by Allah and His Prophet (pbuh) are acceptable.
More about "Allah" --> www.GodAllah.com
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 28 October 2007 )
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