Allah or God? What’s in a name?

I got a call today from someone who had just bought the 3rd issue of Daily Hijabi yesterday and he loves it! But that’s not the only reason he called. He wanted to make a suggestion. He said that he found it a bit uncomfortable or disconcerting whenever he read “God” in the magazine and wanted to suggest that we use Allah instead of God every time His name appears. We discussed it a bit; how it’s just a matter of language to some and how while our magazine is mostly aimed at Muslims, it’s also for Non-Muslims who are curious about Islam.

I understand his feelings because Allah is singular and has no plural. God on the other hand has a plural form. This is why Allah is the most perfect name to call Allah as it emphasizes the pure and absolute oneness of Allah. On the other hand, if we were translating a bit of text to English, we would translate Allah as God just so that the English speaking person with no knowledge of Arabic or the word Allah would understand Allah to mean God or Creator.

There’s also the issue that Daily Hijabi being a magazine could end up tossed around (we know you wouldn’t do that! but someone else might) and understandably, we’re not comfortable with Allah’s name being thrown around so using God is a slightly better alternative.

It’s not a simple matter and some people may be more passionate about it than others. But no matter your opinion, we’d love to hear it. Please let us know in the comments. Should we write Allah in the magazine, or will God do?


Nusrah Wali

NUSRAH IS THE EDITOR OF DAILY HIJABI AND UMMAH MAGAZINES. SHE IS A VORACIOUS READER WHO LOVES ALL THINGS PRETTY. OCCASIONALLY SHE LIVES IN A MOTION GRAPHICS, EDITING AND CSS BUBBLE. SHE LIVES AND BREATHES DESIGN, ADORES CATS AND WISHES EVERYONE WOULD ALL JUST GET ALONG.

9 Comments

  1. “A rose by any other name, is still a rose” Shakespeare

    We as muslims know that Allah is the one and only God. I agree that using Allah asserts our identity as muslims. Besides, Allah in his infinite wisdom knows why He chose, Allah to be His name (Well, among the most popular of his names). In Arabic, every haraf has a powerful meaning. Only Allah knows the blessings saying “Allah” holds.

    On the other hand, if your audience is inclusive of non-muslims, then readability for non-muslims would dictate using God. I echo Nusrah’s concerns about people mistreating anything that bears Allah’s name. I feel it would be wisest to not to provide them with the opportunity to do so in the first place.

    (Might want to use a disclaimer : God is Allah)

    I’ll give this some more thought and see if I can come up with something.

  2. assalam alaykum,love the article about the robber turned muslim,may Allah make all of us steadfast to is call. i really respect your courage of setting up this magazine will love to be sending you articles but how do we get the hard copy here in nigeria? wish you all the best

    1. Salamu Alaykum Sister Wasila, that article is one of my favorites as well, it’s nice to see Islam portrayed positively in the media occasionally 🙂 Actually being in Nigeria, Daily Hijabi is easier for to get in Nigeria than any other country, because it’s published there. Unfortunately right now it’s only available in Abuja, Kaduna, Kano and Sokoto. In Abuja it’s available in most stores such as Sahad, Shagalinku, Garki Supermarket, Maitama Stores, MId Kollections, and some Islamic Bookstores.

      In Kaduna it’s at Islamicity, and in Kano and Sokoto it’s sold by some Brothers and Sisters. If it’s not offered in your state, let us know and insha’Allah we’ll find a solution.

      And Susu, have you come up with anything else? Or is your final vote, God instead of Allah?