Why is the word “Allah” given preference over the word “God”, in terms of speech and writing?
A person must understand that the word “Allah” is only given preference and is not compulsory to use when speaking or writing, either with a Muslim or a non-Muslim. But as I said, it is only given preference.
First of all, the word “God” is a general word and does not generally specify who you are talking about; although the word “Allah” is used in the Bible as “Eli.” It does not specify which God you are talking about being a general term, as it was mentioned in this sentence. When the word “Allah” is used, a person generally knows that the context in which the writing or conversation is taking or has taken place, is related to Islam and Muslims.
But the main reason for the preference of the word “Allah” over the word “God”, is because of the simple reason that the word “God” can be played, meddled and manipulated to mean something totally different.
When an “s” is added to God, it becomes gods.
When “dess” is added to God, it becomes goddess.
When “demi” is prefixed onto God, it becomes demigod.
When “Father” or “Mother” is suffixed to the word “God”, it becomes godfather or godmother.
There is no place for such additions in Islam, as it is out of respect. But it is purely preferred, and is not definite.
Remember, there is no Allah’s, or Allah-dess, or demi-Allah, or Allah-mother or Allah-father. The word Allah is unique. It cannot be changed.
You can use “God” when talking to a non-Muslim, but it is referred to use Allah, if they understand what you mean by it. Also, you get blessings and rewards, as for every letter you speak from the Qur’an or any authentic Islamic work such as Hadith, you will be blessed 10 times.
Allah is unique, and so is his name. Praise be to Allah, Master of the universe.
Jahanzeb said
good. very true
Naveen said
Maybe so. While what you say is true, the word Allah means God. It is just in Arabic.
The word Allah also maybe preferred by Muslims because Arabic is the home language of Islam.