Islam Basics FAQ

Why the term "Allah" is used instead of "God"

Many people ask why the term "Allah" is used instead of "God" and assume it's use implies that Muslims worship a separate God. There is only ONE GOD - a belief held by followers of each of the three main world religions : Islam, Christianity and Judaism.

The Arabic term for "God"

The Arabic word for God is "illah". "Allah" is in fact a conjunction of two words (i.e. Al-Ilah):

• "Al" which means "The"
• "Illah" which means "God"

The reasons for using the term "Allah" in favour of "God" are threefold:

1. "Allah" has no gender. God can be male/female i.e. God/Goddess

2. "Allah" is ONE and literally means THE GOD. God may be singular and plural
i.e. God/Gods and Goddess/Goddesses

3. "Allah" is the personal name of God as used in the Holy Qur'an