Home Blogs Al-Lat, Al-Uzza, and Manat – The Pre-Islam Deities

Al-Lat, Al-Uzza, and Manat – The Pre-Islam Deities

0
Al-Lat, Al-Uzza, and Manat – The Pre-Islam Deities
Goddess Allât with palm tree and lion. Relief from the Ba'alshamîn temple - Image courtesy: Wikipedia

Three feminine deities worshiped by the Arabs before Islam, during a period known as Jahiliyyah – the Age of Ignorance

  • Despite God’s warnings against the practices of Jahiliyyah, nowadays we see them return strongly. Idolizing objects and individuals becomes a hallmark of our society.
  • Blind tribalism that neither accepts rejection nor even discussion takes over. Reason and reflection are overshadowed.
By Abeer Arbab

Al-Lat, Al-Uzza, and Manat – these are three feminine deities worshiped by the Arabs before Islam, during a period known as Jahiliyyah – the Age of Ignorance.

Al-Lat: Some say that Al-Lat is the feminine form of the word (Allah). Others claim that it originated from the word (Laatah) which means “to prevent” or “to keep away,” suggesting that she protected her followers from harm.

Abeer Arbab
Author Abeer Arbab

Al-Bukhari mentioned in his Hadith collection: from Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with them both, that Al-Lat was originally a virtuous man named (Tharimah ibn Ghannam) who prepared gruel for pilgrims, kneading dough and mixing it with fat as an act of generosity. Upon his death, he was venerated and deified.

There’s also a belief that Al-Lat was a white rock that Tharimah used to prepare food on for the pilgrims. Some believe it might have been a meteorite or volcanic rock that fell from the sky. A structure was built around it in Ta’if called the (House of Al-Rubba), which was draped in a way similar to the Kaaba. Beneath it was a large pit where gifts and sacrifices were placed for blessings, support, and protection. It became a form of blessing to name someone with her name, as in (Abdul-Lat).

Al-Uzza: Some believe Al-Uzza is the feminine form of (Al-A’az), meaning “the Mighty One”. Others say she was named after (Samra), a thorny tree. The Imam Sheikh Yaqut al-Hamawi mentioned in his famous encyclopedia (Mu’jam Al-Buldan) that she was a tree worshiped by the Ghatafan tribe. A temple was built for it named (Bussa), and gifts and sacrifices were also presented to her. She was among the most important idols for the Quraysh, as evident from names like (Abdul-Uzza).

Manat: Some claim that her name is derived from (Mannan), meaning “one who bestows favors and blessings”. Others believe she was named so because sacrifices (blood offerings) were “desired” by her, in hopes of invoking rain.

Ignorance has prevailed and tightened its grip on minds and souls, bringing back the worshipers of al-Laat, al-Uzza, and Manat.

Historians haven’t specified a particular shape or form for her. However, she was known to be a deity of the Aus and Khazraj tribes. A sanctuary named (Al-Mushallal) was built for her, and people also adopted names incorporating hers, such as (Abd-Manat).

Relief_of_the_Arabian_goddess_Al-Lat,_Manat_and_al-Uzza_from_Hatra._Iraq_Museum
Relief of the Arabian goddesses Al-Lat, Manat, and al-Uzza from Hatra, 2nd century AD. Iraq Museum – Courtesy: Wikipedia

Jahiliyyah turned idols into revered gods, receiving not just material gifts, but also deep emotional and mental reverence, to the point of controlling minds and destinies without valid justification. Then came the monotheistic Islamic teachings calling for the worship of one singular God with no partners. Prophets and messengers, sent by this one Creator, came forth with clear and indisputable evidence, inviting people to employ reason and reflection before embracing faith. Let us reflect first, and then submit and follow the divine commands.

Allah says: {And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, [saying], “Worship Allah and avoid Taghut.”} (Surah An-Nahl: 36).

For every issue or individual, there are supporters and opponents, with neutral individuals left uncertain. When discussing a ruler, politician, official, or any leader, we find one group exalting them to god-like status

Despite God’s warnings against the practices of Jahiliyyah, nowadays we see them return strongly. Idolizing objects and individuals becomes a hallmark of our society. Blind tribalism that neither accepts rejection nor even discussion takes over. Reason and reflection are overshadowed.

For every issue or individual, there are supporters and opponents, with neutral individuals left uncertain. When discussing a ruler, politician, official, or any leader, we find one group exalting them to god-like status, believing they can do no wrong, while another demonizes them, likening them to the devil and attributing all forms of corruption to them. Why don’t we say that they are humans with both strengths and flaws? Why don’t we acknowledge their successes in certain aspects and failures in others? Why can’t we assess them impartially?

“Why do we consider someone with a different opinion an enemy? Doesn’t disagreement in opinion not spoil the essence of affection?

Palmyra,Al-Lat_T
Remains of the temple of al-Lat, Palmyra, Syria – Courtesy: Wikipedia

If we mention an artist, he is either labeled as a ‘failure’ or as ‘incomparable.’ Why can’t we consider some of his artistic works to be distinguished, while others are just ‘not appealing to me’? We can still like him, and there’s no problem. Why can’t he have a sweet voice if he’s a singer, but makes poor choices for some of his songs? Why can’t I love his voice and songs, but criticize his dress sense, actions, or the like with complete neutrality? Why does he have to be legendary in everything? And if you hear otherwise, the person with the opposite opinion ‘doesn’t understand.’

Read: Reading for all; what about writing?

Even when it comes to summer and winter, there’s a faction that despises the other. When winter comes, we spend it cursing those who love winter, and vice versa. Why can’t we appreciate spring or fall? Why has moderation disappeared?! Why can’t I love winter for its elegant clothing, staying home, the warmth of family, and yet despise its clouds, fog, and early darkness? Why must I either love it or hate it?! Far right or far left.

Ignorance has prevailed and tightened its grip on minds and souls, bringing back the worshipers of al-Laat, al-Uzza, and Manat.”

Published under the International Cooperation Protocol with Middle East Business | Life Magazine, Abu Dhabi

______________________

Read: Echoes of Ages Past: A Saga of Dravidian Resilience and Aryan Encounters

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here