What is the comprehensive and precise interpretation of the Name of Majesty "Allah," and was it known to Arabs before Islam, especially given the narration that the Prophet's grandfather praised Allah upon the birth of the Messenger, peace be upon him?
The majestic word "Allah" is a proper noun for the Divine Essence, one that no other shares. It is the greatest and most comprehensive of Allah's Beautiful Names, to the extent that it has been said to be the Greatest Name (al-Ism al-A'ẓam). It has never been dualized or pluralized, and its meaning signifies "the One intended for worship." Scholars have differed on whether it is derived or unchangeable. Some say it is derived from "alifa" meaning "to worship," or from "lāha" or "waliha." The Arabs, in their pre-Islamic era (Jahiliyyah), knew this name and used it in their poetry and supplications, as seen in the sayings of Antarah and Zuhayr, and in Abdul-Muttalib's stance with Abraha.
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