🪔 Unveiling AL-ʿUZZĀ (العزى): An In-depth Look into the Pre-Islamic Deity
Comprehensive Definition§
Al-ʿUzzā (العزى): A prominent idol worshipped by polytheistic tribes in pre-Islamic Arabia. It was one of the principal goddesses revered alongside Al-Lāt and Manāt. Mentioned in the Qur’ān (Sūrah 53:19), Al-ʿUzzā holds historical and mythological significance as a deity of power and might.
Etymology§
The name Al-ʿUzzā derives from the Arabic root ʿ-z-z, meaning “power” or “honor.” The idol’s name is associated with strength and protection, reflecting its role as a powerful deity in the pre-Islamic pantheon.
Background§
In pre-Islamic Arabian religion, Al-ʿUzzā was one of the three chief goddesses worshipped in the region, the others being Al-Lāt and Manāt. The Qur’ān references these deities to illustrate the transition from polytheism to monotheism in Islam. Al-ʿUzzā was particularly venerated by the Ghatafan tribe and had a shrine in Nakhlah, east of Mecca.
Cultural Differences and Similarities§
- Cultural Differences: Pre-Islamic practices involved idol worship and rituals performed at shrines. With the advent of Islam, iconoclasm gained prominence, abolishing the worship of such deities.
- Cultural Similarities: The reverence for powerful, protective figures is a common thread in many ancient cultures, including Greek and Roman pantheons, where deities like Athena and Mars played vital roles.
Synonyms§
- Goddess of Power
- Pre-Islamic Deity
Antonyms§
- Allah
- Monotheism
Related Terms with Definitions§
- Al-Lāt (اللات): Another prominent pre-Islamic goddess, also mentioned in the Qur’ān, associated with fertility and destruction.
- Manāt (منات): The third chief goddess, associated with fate and time.
- Idol Worship (وثنية): The veneration of physical objects as representations of gods.
- Qur’ān (القرآن): The holy book of Islam, which includes references to pre-Islamic deities to denote the shift to monotheism.
Exciting Facts§
- The term “al-ʿUzzā” appears in pre-Islamic poetry, highlighting its importance in ancient Arabian culture.
- Khalid ibn al-Walid, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad, was sent to destroy the shrine of Al-ʿUzzā, marking the end of its veneration.
Quotations from Notable Writers§
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“What think ye then of al-Lāt and al-ʿUzzā, and Manāt, the third idol besides.” - Qur’ān, Sūrah An-Najm (53:19)
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“The very utterance of these names fills me with a sense of eeriness, remnants of a world once teeming with divine characters.” - Sayyid Abul A’la Maududi
Suggested Literature and Sources for Further Studies§
- “The Life of Muhammad” by Ibn Ishaq: Provides context on the early Islamic era and pre-Islamic customs.
- “A History of Arabia” by Philip K. Hitti: Offers insights into the historical landscape of pre-Islamic Arabia.
- “The Pre-Islamic Religion of the Arabs” by W. Montgomery Watt: Explores the religious practices and deities in pre-Islamic Arabia.
- “Articulating Islam: Anthropological Approaches to Muslim Worlds” edited by Magnus Marsden and Konstantinos Retsikas: Delves into how Islamic beliefs and practices evolved historically.
Thought-Provoking Farewell§
In the vast sands of time, where cultures and religions shift like dunes, the story of Al-ʿUzzā reminds us of humanity’s quest for divinity and the ever-evolving pathways to spiritual understanding.
