What does "Abdullah", which is the name of the Prophet's father, mean? Did Arabs have the word "Allah" in their idolatry faith before Islam?
Dear Brother / Sister,
"Abdullah" means "Allah's slave". Arabs had faith of Allah. However, they regarded idols as means approaching them to Allah.
This fact is mentioned in many verses in the Quran. One of them is as follows:
"Is it not to Allah that sincere devotion is due? But those who take for protectors other than Allah (say): 'We only serve them in order that they may bring us nearer to Allah...'"(az-Zumar, 39/3)
As it is understood from the verse, the polytheists living in the time of the Prophet (pbuh) knew Allah. However, they said, “We worship idols so that they will make us approach Allah.” They did not deny Allah wholly. They associated some idols as partners with Allah.
Questions on Islam
- What Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) Brought to the Mankind?
- "Had Allah wished to take to Himself a son, He could have chosen whom He pleased out of those whom He doth create: but Glory be to Him! He is Allah, the One, the Irresistible." (az-Zumar, 39/4) How should this verse be understood?
- Does the statement of the women who cut their hands saying, "Allah preserve us" in verse 31 of the chapter of Yusuf not show that they believed in the religion of oneness?
- How was life in Arabian Peninsula before Islam? Could you please give information about the belief systems of that time?
- Why are sculptures prohibited in Islam?
- What does Hanif mean? How was the practice of Hanif religion in the Era of Jahiliyya?
- Surah 39. Az-Zumar (The Troops, Throngs)
- What does the statement "Allah comes to them in canopies of clouds, with angels" mentioned in verse 210 of the chapter of al-Baqara mean?
- Surah 29. Al-'Ankabut (The Spider)
- Abdullah bin Unays (r.a.)

