What is the difference between the words Allah and God?

[selsebil]

Assalaam Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh,

In Arabic the word ilah means ‘one who is worshipped’, that is, an entity that, on account of its greatness and power, is considered worthy to be worshipped. The word god in English, khuda in Persian, deus in Latin, and tanri in Turkish, have similar meaning and connotations. Other languages also contain words with a similar meaning. On the other hand, the word ‘God’, even capitalised as a proper name, is not an equivalent of the term Allah (ism dhat). For, Allah is the essential personal name of “God” and comprises all His Beautiful Names (asma al-husna). When Allah is said, the One, the Supreme Being, the Creator, the Owner, the Cherisher, the All-Powerful, the All-Knowing, the All-Encompassing, whose Names and Attributes (some of which are known and some not) are manifested in the whole creation, comes to mind. When ‘God’ is said, non-Muslims in particular may have in mind conceptions and connotations which are not acceptable in Islam. But only Allah, the Owner of the Beautiful Names, to whom all heads should be bowed in humble submission, comes to mind when we hear the word Allah. Thus, if the word God is used instead of Allah, it cannot express all that is meant by Allah and may lead to error. It is because Allah is a proper name peculiar to the One Supreme Being, that we say ‘La ilaha ill-Allah’─there is no god but Allah. We do not say ‘la God ill-God’. By saying ‘La ilaha ill-Allah’, we firstly deny all non-deities and then affirm the One known by the name Allah. And we mean thereby that only Allah is Allah, that absolutely no being else is worthy of wortship other than Him.
Of course, we should make an effort to understand what a person intends to mean by the term he uses in naming Allah, and he should, in the gentlest, kindest manner, be advised to be more careful and sensitive in this matter.

By M. Fethullah Gulen

[ayesha.ansari]

Everything what u just said doesn't make sense,God is Allah and Allah is God!
Muslims Arabs say Allah there isn't a different word to say God/Allah to muslims
And إله means "The Lord" as in God or Allah

In English it's God
In Arabic it's Allah

[MustafaMc]

On the other hand, the word ‘God’, even capitalised as a proper name, is not an equivalent of the term Allah (ism dhat). For, Allah is the essential personal name of “God” and comprises all His Beautiful Names (asma al-husna). When Allah is said, the One, the Supreme Being, the Creator, the Owner, the Cherisher, the All-Powerful, the All-Knowing, the All-Encompassing, whose Names and Attributes (some of which are known and some not) are manifested in the whole creation, comes to mind. When ‘God’ is said, non-Muslims in particular may have in mind conceptions and connotations which are not acceptable in Islam.

I agree with your opening post. In communicating with non-Muslims I often use God when I refer for example to the Christian concept of God which includes the 'Father' that Jesus (as) prayed to, but I most often use Allah (swt) in referring to the One God that we worship. I also use 'god' when referring specifically to the worship of Jesus to imply a distinction of Jesus from my concept of 'God'. I can't remember seeing a Christian here ever refer to God as 'Allah', I think because they know that brings to our mind a concept of God that excludes Jesus. We have "Allah, the eternally Besought of all! He begets not nor was begotten" and they have "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son". These two verses are fundamentally basic to our respective religions and yet they are diametrically opposed. In fact a Christian here recently chastised me for referring to the 'Father' as Allah (without implying fatherhood) because his concept of one God also includes Jesus.

[MartyrX]

Which doesn't make sense, but that's for another discussion.

Yes Allah is God in english. I still tend to use God instead of Allah unless I'm at the mosque or speaking with fellow Muslims. Just because it's easier and thirty years of one thing is hard to undue.

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[Ali Mujahidin]

I remember reading a long time ago that Allah said one way to know a person's heart is to say the name of Allah in front of him. If his face clouds over, it is a sign that his heart is closed. If his face brightens with joy, then it is a sign that his heart is open to the truth. Perhaps some brother or sister who is more knowledgeable than me can confirm this one way or another.

JazakuLLah.

[MustafaMc]

I believe that remember a while back there was a controversy in Malaysia or Indonesia about Christians wanting publish a Bible with the word Allah in place of God or something along those lines. Do I mis-remember this occasion?

[FS123]

I believe that remember a while back there was a controversy in Malaysia or Indonesia about Christians wanting publish a Bible with the word Allah in place of God or something along those lines. Do I mis-remember this occasion?

Thats true. They wanted to print Bible with God replaced by Allah.

[Ali Mujahidin]

In Malaysia, there is a law which makes it a crime to tell the Malays about any religion other than Islam. So it is a crime to even distribute a Bible translated into Malay. The controversy actually involved a newsletter that a church wanted to print in the Malay language. In it they wanted to use the word 'Allah' in place of the word 'God'. I cannot remember what was the final outcome. Personally I think the law against proselytizing to the Malays does not serve any function. If a Malay is going to leave Islam just because he read a Bible translated into Malay, then I think that Malay person doesn't even know why he is a Muslim in the first place. Not that I wish it to be so but I think such a person would have left Islam anyhow for any other flimsy reason.

Off-topic:
btw brother MustafaMc, I will be able to answer your pm as soon as I become a full member, which should be any time now. Insha Allah.

[ardianto]

I believe that remember a while back there was a controversy in Malaysia or Indonesia about Christians wanting publish a Bible with the word Allah in place of God or something along those lines. Do I mis-remember this occasion?

That's in Malaysia.

In Indonesia, Christians are allowed to use word "Allah" in their bible. And actually Indonesian Christians use word Allah to differentiate between Allah and Jesus. In Indonesian language God is "Tuhan", and Indonesian Christians call Allah as "Tuhan Allah" and Jesus as "Tuhan Yesus".

[Ramadhan]

n Indonesian language God is "Tuhan", and Indonesian Christians call Allah as "Tuhan Allah" and Jesus as "Tuhan Yesus".

But christians in Indonesia also use the term "Bapa Allah" ("bapa"/"bapak" means father) and "Anak Allah" ("anak" means child, or in this case son).

So christians in Indonesia would often utter the phrase "bapa Allah, anak Allah and roh kudus" in their prayers.

Astaghfirullah.

[ardianto]

But christians in Indonesia also use the term "Bapa Allah" ("bapa"/"bapak" means father) and "Anak Allah" ("anak" means child, or in this case son).

So christians in Indonesia would often utter the phrase "bapa Allah, anak Allah and roh kudus" in their prayers.

Astaghfirullah.

In Exactly "Tuhan bapak, Tuhan anak dan roh kudus" (father God, son God and holly spirit).

Those Christians never said "bapak Allah" because bapak Allah means "father of Allah", but they often use "anak Allah" (son of Allah) for call Jesus.

[Muhammad Aseem]

God is God. Period

I think we need to be more sensitive to other peoples concerns - like calling the one God - as God, instead of saying that he is Allah and not 'God' esp. when talking to non-muslims. Because in doing so you might confuse them further - you may want to clarify their concept of GOD (oneness of Allah - tawheed) instead of saying that Allah is God but God is not Allah.

[al yunan]

Assalamu alaikum to all,

It is obvious what the O.P was stating in a subtle way and that is the fundamental belief of most Ahli Sunni wal Jamma that one should not reffer to Allah S.W.T by names from other languages or religions.
The basic idea is that Allah S.W.T is not God,Theos,Dei, Deus, Eli or any other name as His name is unique to Him only not merely as a proper noun but rather as a part of Islamic beliefs mainly Tawhid.
As the O.P mentioned to say: "there is no God but there is God" is ludicrous.
Should we use the Arabic term as some say it's only a name "La............" we can't even say it as that would be Shirk.
The above simple demonstration should prove beyond doubt why we can't equate Allah S.W.T's name to others.
Some might say it's even blasphemous to use any other religion's name for Allah S.W.T.

I for one agree with you brother selsebil as for me too the first part of the Kalima Shahada is even misunderstood by many Muslims.
"There is no deity no God" (La illa ha) is an absolute negation of all perceived or called God (illa)
"There is Allah" (ill Allah) is an absolute affirmation of Allah S.W.T.
Worse still are those who use the grammatical excuse that Allah S.W.T is "Al" "Illah" "the God" but we know that can't be true as shown above.
Some of us are so keen not to offend others that we end up Astaghfirullah offending Allah S.W.T instead.

May Allah S.W.T keep us on the Siratal Mustaqim and in His Mercy.
Masalam

[Woodrow]

I think it is best to understand that one definition for Both God(as) and Allaah(swt) is "The Supreme being and creator". In that sense they are the same word. However as a name Allaah(swt) encompasses attributes and qualities beyond the scope of Human comprehension. While both refer to the same Being, they are not exactly the same in meaning. But for translation purposes between Arabic/English they are the only possible way to translate who we are talking about.

[al yunan]

Assalamu Alaikum brother Woodrow,

What's in a name !
Kerosene ?

Masalam

[Woodrow]

Assalamu Alaikum brother Woodrow,

What's in a name !
Kerosene ?

Masalam

:sl:Akhi al yunan,

Now it may be said that a rose by any other name is still a rose. That is not a 100% true statement for example look at just two roses:

Rosa gallica 'Versicolor'

Rosa foetida

Both are called Roses, but are very different. the first has vibrant pink flowers with a very pleasant scent. the second has bright yellow flowers, but a foul scent similar to a skunk.

Among languages the one I find having a name the Closest to Allaah(swt) is among the Lakotah who worship Wakan Tonka. The name has attributes that come close to our concept of Allaah(swt). In speaking to the Lakotah about Allaah(swt) I often get broad smiles and am told I am speaking of Wakan Tonka.

Masalam

[al yunan]

Among languages the one I find having a name the Closest to Allaah(swt) is among the Lakotah who worship Wakan Tonka. The name has attributes that come close to our concept of Allaah(swt). In speaking to the Lakotah about Allaah(swt) I often get broad smiles and am told I am speaking of Wakan Tonka.

Walaikum Assalam brother Woodrow,

Now that makes sense to me anyway and as you say their face lights up they smile.
On the other hand can you mention which European religion could you think of whose adherents faces would light up or smile as the Lakotah when you mention Allah S.W.T's name?
Exactly !

I too would love to speak to such as the Lakotah, but what joy can there be talking to people who even if they don't say it, wish you were not around.
By the way I heard about twenty years ago that a lot of the original Australians where accepting Islam for I guess similar to the Lakotah's reasons.
In their language they call their Creator "Atnatu" literally meaning one who has no anus.
Now how profound is that, for it meant no needs no food e.t.c.

But just look how the majority Christians dealt with all natives World wide less thought of, than their pets or livestock.
Every racist name one could think of was used and still is by many.
I'm not saying that we Muslims are angels but to us racism is a sin Haram which will probably cause many of us to land in hell.
I'm sorry the best I can do is to be polite to non Muslims as told to us by our beloved Prophet s.a.w, but as to appeasing them or liking them no way.
Except for those I feel truly believe, even then I would reffer to their belief as God and mine as Allah S.W.T.
I believe that may be hard core but still Usul Fiqh based and not my opinion.
I would only point out a wrong based on Din.
Masalam

[Yah'ya]

First of all.... Allah is not Arabic name, It's one of many muslim name for The Creator...Allah should be used by the Muslim in any language.
Just like the word Rabb cant really be translated to its true meaning in english... we use Lord ( but as Muslims we are thought to know Rabb )
In English'... the word God is weak... can be used as Male / Female (Egyptian,Greek,Roman,Pegans) ...its a word not worthy for Allah
When you say Allah'... it's the most perfect beautiful name with no configuration...

Assalamu'Aleikum

[crimsontide06]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/God

Copied and pasted from wiki

The earliest written form of the Germanic word God comes from the 6th century Christian Codex Argenteus. The English word itself is derived from the Proto-Germanic * ǥuđan. Most linguists^[who?] agree that the reconstructed Proto-Indo-European form * ǵhu-tó-m was based on the root * ǵhau(ə)-, which meant either "to call" or "to invoke".^[4] The Germanic words for Godwere originally neuter—applying to both genders—but during the process of the Christianizationof the Germanic peoples from their indigenous Germanic paganism, the word became amasculine syntactic form.^[5]
In the English language, the capitalized form of God continues to represent a distinction between monotheistic "God" and "gods" in polytheism.^[6][7] The English word "God" and its counterparts in other languages are normally used for any and all conceptions and, in spite of significant differences between religions, the term remains an English translation common to all. The same holds for Hebrew El, but in Judaism, God is also given a proper name, the tetragrammaton(written YHWH), in origin the name of a Edomite or Midianite deity, Yahweh. In many translations of the Bible, when the word "LORD" is in all capitals, it signifies that the word represents the tetragrammaton.^[8] Allāh (Arabic: الله‎allāh) is the Arabic term with no plural or gender used by Muslims and Arabic speaking Christians and Jews meaning "The God" (with a capital G), while "ʾilāh" (Arabic: إله‎ ellāh) is the term used for a deity or a god in general.^[9][10][11] God may also be given a proper name in monotheistic currents of Hinduism which emphasize the personal nature of God, with early references to his name as Krishna-Vasudeva inBhagavata or later Vishnu and Hari.^[12]

[Ali_slave of Allah]

What is the Meaning of Allah? - Shaykh Saalim At Taweel

http://youtu.be/9wVAmF1tKeM

[Sunnie Ameena]

I'm sorry the best I can do is to be polite to non Muslims as told to us by our beloved Prophet s.a.w, but as to appeasing them or liking them no way.

I am sorry you feel that way.

Except for those I feel truly believe, even then I would reffer to their belief as God and mine as Allah S.W.T.

I may be confusing myself reading your post, but I just can not understand that statement. If they truly believe, then why would you want to say God for them, and Allah for yourself.

[Muwaahid]

I think the primary disagreement is how that individual translated our kalimah shahadah (laa ilaaha illa Allaah) because it is wrong to translate laa ilaaha illa Allaah as there is no god but Allaah because there are other gods besides Allaah, Jesus (alaihi salam) uzair , allat, and uzza, nasra, Zeus, ra, but none of them are worthy of worship,they can't benefit nor harm you. So the correct meaning of our shahadah is there is no deity worthy of being worshipped in truth and by right except Allaah. Allaah is the One who.created us, and provided for us and He is the One who gives life and causes death,His sovereignty and dominion is His alone,He disposes of all the affairs for His creation, He enriched this one,He withholds sustenance from that one, He guides this one and causes that one to go.astray, because of His power and abilities and knowledge only He is deserving and worthy of worship. So the Muslim submits himself wholeheartedly to Allaah alone,obeying Him in that which He commands and staying away from what He forbids while directing all aspects of worship to.Allaah alone from that which He legislated in His book and that which the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) legislated. And we all know that we were command to.worship Allaah upon the way of Muhammad (sallalaahu alayhi wa sallam ) worshipped Allaah for more info on this read usoolu thalaatha under the meaning of muhammadar-rasoolullah but in summary it says, Taw'awttahu feemaa amar obey him int that which He (alayhi salam) wa tasdeeqahu feemaa akhbar believe in everything he informed us about, wajtinaabu maa nahaa anhu wa zajr and to turn completely away from everything he forbade or prohibited wa laa yubaddu Allaah illa bimaa sharaa3 and that Allaah should not be worshipped except with what Allaah has legislated.
Wa Billaahi at-tawfeeq

[Muwaahid]

Correction it should read taw'awtahu feemaa amar to obey him (sallallaahu alayhi wa salam) in that which He commands .
Wa Billaahi at-tawfeeq

[ripamaru]

I was under the impression that God was the english word for Allah.

I appreciate this thread very much. I am trying to learn Islam as Allah has been leading me here for quite some time. I am on the verge of reverting. I am a bit overwhelmed by the language barrier and the sheer volume of info to digest but I have my whole life to get there.

If there are any American reverts out there willing to help me please contact me.

[NjmYqlb]

:sl:
I agree with the Islamic party of Malaysia's stand on the issue. If I understand it correctly they say, God/god is a word and Allah is a name. There shouldn't be a translation from words to names vice versa. However, everyone should be allowed to use names of God (Allah, Eli, Jehovah etc.) as long as it isn't translated.

- ripamaru
My brother's friend reverted and felt overwhelmed by how much he needed to learn. He opened the Quran and he said somehow he opened right at the page where it is written in the Quran that Islam was brought down in stages. He understood that he didn't need to know them all at once. Also, knowledge does not equate to eeman (faith). Practicing whatever little you know is more important than knowing what you don't practice. Peace

[greenhill]

Salaam to all,

A simple concept but varying opinions. Many things are a direct result of the progress of human civilisation where definitions change over the generations. Here's my take :-

As the prophets were sent to remind people of Allah, these messages were forgotten over time and Allah faded from memory. But they were aware that there is a supreme Being, however, they only lost sight of Who He Is. As a result made up a 'replacement'. All these replacements are false deities but needed a 'generic' name to classify them for human understanding, hence the term 'god', which loosely translates as the divine and binds them to their beliefs which were of shoots from the religious messages given by the prophets.

So over thousands of years and countless religions, all had a supreme being at the top. All of them were given specific names but who were they? They were the 'gods' of that particular faith/belief or whatever. We, in Islam know that they are NOT, but that is only us, in Islam, but what about the rest of the world? They had their beliefs too, and they believe that the 'Being' is their god.

So now there is a division on the term 'god'. Not so much for muslims as it is quite clear from the shahada that there is not other god but Allah... but not the whole world is a muslim and they still have their 'being' at the top of their faith.

So every faith has their 'god' or 'God' and for muslims, it is Allah, the One! As what has been said above, I agree 100% that Allah Is His Name. To know him we have to study his 99 names (asma ul husna) and when we refer to Him, we should call Him by His name - Allah (or any other of His 99 names). Like us, humans, we do not expect people to call us 'Hey, human!' but by our names. That is who we are.

Of course there is also a question of human etiquette where we do not want to cause offense by denying others of their god by constantly calling Allah as God. Hence, personally I would accept that god is used to to denote the 'being' at the top of the other respective faiths but Allah as the owner of the 99 beautiful names and Is THE Supreme Being of Islam.

Qul Yaa Ayyuhal Kafiruun as translated by Yusuf Ali

Say : O ye that reject Faith! [1] I worship not that which ye worship, [2] Nor will ye worship that which I worship. [3] And I will not worship that which ye have been wont to worship, [4] Nor will ye worship that which I worship. [5] To you be your Way, and to me mine. [6]

Peace