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Cont’d from page 1
The Arabic speaking Christians use the Arabic word “Allah” and not “God” —and they believe in Jesus as the “son of God” or in Arabic “Ibn’ Allah.” According to the Quran (7:180), they obviously distort the name Allah by associating Prophet Jesus with Allah.
Can we then reject the Arabic name “Allah” simply because they associate Jesus as “son of Allah” (in Arabic: Isa Ibn’ Allah)? Absolutely not!
In the Quran (59:23-24, 114:2-3), God Almighty suggests to us that one of His beautiful names is “The King” (in Arabic Malek). Can we deny God’s suggestion for “The King” for one of His beautiful names simply because the female gender for the King is the Queen? Absolutely not!
Even before the advent of Muhammad, the idol worshipers attributed sons and daughters to Allah (6:100, 16:57, 17:40, 37:149, 153; 43:16; 52:39; 53:21). One such verse states:
[6:100] Yet, they set up besides Allah idols from among the jinns, though He is the One who created them. They even attribute to Him (Allah) sons and daughters, without any knowledge. Be He glorified. He is the Most High, far above their claims.
So, can we reject the Arabic word “Allah” simply because the Meccan idol worshipers associated sons and daughters with Allah and distort or pollute His name? Not at all!
We can find the use of “Allah” not “God” in the Arabic Bible. We can find the use of “Ishwar” not “God” in the Hindi Bible. An Arab Christian uses the word “Allah” not “God” when he or she calls on God. An English speaking Christian uses the word “God” for Allah. Sadly, the traditional English translators of the Quran are influenced by hadith or fatwas and used the Arabic word “Allah” instead of English word “God” in their English translations.
This only gives the false impression to the English speaking people that “Allah” is an Arabic God or a Muslim God!
Using the word “Allah,” “Khoda,” “God” or “Dios” and so on, all depends on the circumstances. For example, it is logical to use “Khoda” in Farsi or the Bangla translation of the Quran for Bangla speaking people (of Bangladesh). It is logical to use “Bhagavan” in the Hindi translation of the Quran for the Hindi speaking people, “Dios” for the Spanish speakers and “God” in the English translation of the Quran for the English speaking people.
In most non-Arabic speaking Muslim countries, some Muslims force their children to read the Quran in Arabic. The adults also read the Quran in Arabic, but they do not understand a single word of what they read. What good is it to read the Quran in Arabic like a parrot without understanding its meaning or like a donkey carrying valuable books?
[62:5] The example of those who were given the Torah, then failed to uphold it, is like the donkey carrying great works of literature. Miserable indeed is the example of people who rejected God’s revelations. God does not guide the wicked people.
The important thing is not what name we call God, as God knows our innermost intentions; but not to associate any idols with Him and recognize Him in our hearts as He should be recognized. Last but not least, this is one of the many reminders of the Quran.
[30:40] God is the One who created you. He is the One who provides for you. He is the One who puts you to death. He is the One who resurrects you. Can any of your idols do any of these things? Be He glorified. He is much too exalted to have any partners.
Allah or God
I make the argument also that God had sent many Prophets before Muhammad over the past ages, some are named in the Quran and others are not. They must have been from different regions and places, and must have propagated their message in different languages—not in Arabic, so the word for the Creator/God must have been other than ‘Allah.’ To me it is the height of insularity to insist on the use of Allah in any other language except when talking Arabic.
No wonder that the non-Muslims quite rightly, think that this Allah is only a Muslim’s deity.
[17:110] Say, “Call Him GOD, or call Him the Most Gracious; whichever name you use, to Him belongs the best names.” You shall not utter your Contact Prayers (Salat) too loudly, nor secretly; use a moderate tone.
[2:225] GOD does not hold you responsible for the mere utterance of oaths; He holds you responsible for your innermost intentions. GOD is Forgiver, Clement.
Peace,
I happened upon your translation and work...masha Allah (It is God’s gift)! What brilliant work, the language has been made accessible and practical, and above all, you have removed the hateful rhetoric that others have forced into the Quran.
Please keep it up.