Al-Lāt (اللات)
Al-Lāt (اللات) was one of the prominent idols worshipped by the ancient Arabians. Her reference appears in historical texts such as those by Herodotus, where she is identified as Alilat. In the Qur’an, Al-Lāt is mentioned alongside other significant idols, al-ʿUzzā and Manāt.
Etymology
- Arabic: اللات (Al-Lāt)
- Turkish: Lat
- Likely derived from the root “ل و ت” (
l-w-t), which could relate to various connotations such as “to find illicit pleasure,” indicating her probable role as a fertility goddess.
Appearance in the Qur’an
In the Qur’an, Al-Lāt is mentioned in Surah An-Najm (53:19-23):
“Have you thought of al-Lāt and al-ʿUzzā and Manāt, the third, the other?”
This verse critically addresses the idolatrous practices prevalent before Islam.
Historical Context
Both al-Wāqidī and at̤-T̤abarī, renowned Islamic historians, provide accounts of how the idolaters in Makkah held assemblies beside the Ka’bah, where they venerated idols including Al-Lāt. The incident narrated includes a brief moment of supposed reconciliation between Prophet Muhammad and the idolaters, which was later rectified by the divine revelation, reaffirming the monotheistic stance of Islam.
The Satanic Verses Controversy
The controversial episode involving supposed verses praising Al-Lāt and other idols, known as the “Satanic Verses,” is noteworthy:
“When the prophet reached the verse, ‘Have you then considered Al-Lāt and al-ʿUzzā, and Manāt, the third, the other?’, Satan supposedly suggested, ‘These are the exalted females whose intercession is to be sought.’”
Later, these words were retracted, and the correct revelation was affirmed, highlighting the fallacy of associating these idols with divinity.
Related Qur’anic Verses
- Surah An-Najm (53:19-23): Expresses the futility of idol worship and criticizes the gender-associated biases of calling divine figures as female.
- Surah Al-Hajj (22:52): Discusses the attempts of Satan to misguide the prophets.
Theological Significance
The narrative serves as a core example of the monotheistic transformation that Islam championed, eradicating idolatry and emphasizing the worship of a singular, omnipotent God.
Takeaways and Conclusion
- Al-Lāt symbolizes the pre-Islamic era’s polytheism that Islam sought to abolish.
- The Qur’anic mention underscores the Islamic rejection of idol worship and reinforces monotheism.
- Historical interpretations of incidents like the “Satanic Verses” provide insights into early Islamic challenges and the Prophet’s mission consistency.
Recommended Reading
- “The Life of Muhammad” by Sir William Muir - For early Islamic history context.
- “Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources” by Martin Lings - A comprehensive biography of the Prophet Muhammad.
- “The History of al-Tabari” (Vol. 6 & 7) - Insightful details on the early Islamic era.
By examining figures like Al-Lāt, we gain a deeper understanding of the transformative theological journey from pre-Islamic Arabian polytheism to the strict monotheism of Islam.
