Notably, while other deities were represented by idols (such as Hubal ), no known iconic representation of Allah existed in the pre-Islamic period. 3. Etymology and Linguistic Origins
Constant conflict between the Byzantine and Sasanian Empires created a power vacuum in the Arabian Peninsula.
Meccans believed several goddesses, most notably al-Lāt , al-ʿUzzā , and Manāt , were the daughters of Allah and acted as intercessors. The Emergence of Islam in Late Antiquity: Allah...
In pre-Islamic Meccan religion, Allah was often regarded as a "High God" or creator deity within a larger pantheon.
The emergence of Islam is increasingly viewed by scholars not as a sudden rupture, but as an integral part of Late Antiquity (c. 600–750 CE). This period was defined by: Notably, while other deities were represented by idols
A "kaleidoscope" of religious change where polytheistic systems were collapsing in favour of monotheism (Judaism, Christianity) and dualism (Zoroastrianism).
The first Islamic century shared administrative, monetary, and cultural patterns with the Byzantine era , indicating continuity rather than immediate separation. 2. Pre-Islamic Allah: The "High God" Meccans believed several goddesses, most notably al-Lāt ,
Scholars generally agree on the Semitic roots of the word, though they debate the exact path of its development: Description Linguistic Connection A contraction of al-ilāh ("The God"). Common Arabic philology Aramaic Borrowing Borrowed from the Syriac Alāhā or Aramaic ʼElāhā . Biblical Aramaic cognates Semitic Root Derived from the West Semitic creator god ʾIlu (El). Akkadian ilum , Hebrew Eloah 4. The Transformation: Paleo-Islam to Imperial Monotheism