Example of "Allah" in Pre-Islamic Poetry:
Example of "Allah" in Pre-Islamic Poetry:
Here is a famous line from the pre-Islamic poet Quss ibn Sa‘idah al-Iyadi (قُسّ بن ساعدة الإيادي), a well-known monotheist (ḥanīf), who is said to have lived before the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ:
"Wallāhi, inna lillāhi dīnan huwa aḥabbu ilayhi min dīnikum hādhā."
(By Allah, indeed there is a religion belonging to Allah that is more beloved to Him than your current religion.)
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This is attributed to Quss ibn Sa'idah, and shows that he swore by Allah, indicating awareness of the One True God.
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Some reports say that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ remembered hearing his sermons in Ukāẓ market before revelation.
🕋 Another Example – Zuhayr ibn Abi Sulma (d. c. 609 CE):
"Fala tukaffir bi-al-maʿrūfi yad Allāhi, fa-inna
Lahu fī kulla yawmin khāliqatun wa sa’nā’a"
"So do not deny the known favors of Allah's hand, for He has a new act of creation and purpose each day."
This line by Zuhayr ibn Abi Sulma, a celebrated pre-Islamic poet, refers to Allah's continuous activity and generosity, showing that the name "Allah" was not alien even in the Jāhiliyyah (Age of Ignorance).
📌 Summary:
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The word "Allah" was used by pre-Islamic Arabs for the Supreme God.
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They believed in Allah as Creator, but associated partners with Him in worship.
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Pre-Islamic poetry contains several references to Allah, especially from poets who were considered ḥunafā’ (monotheists).
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The Qur’an often uses this belief to argue against their shirk (polytheism).
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