Lat, al- (al-Lāt)
Definition and Historical Context
Al-Lāt (Arabic: اللات) was one of the three pre-Islamic goddesses worshipped at the Kaaba in Mecca before the advent of Islam. The name al-Lāt means “the goddess” in Arabic, derived from the root “ilah” (إله) which signifies deity. She was part of a trinity of goddesses alongside al-‘Uzzā and Manāt, often associated with fertility and prosperity.
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: اللات (al-Lāt)
- Turkish: Allat
Meaning and Denotation
The name al-Lāt translates to “the Goddess,” denoting a female deity.
Religious Significance
Al-Lāt was frequently depicted in human form and believed by some narratives to be either the daughter or consort of Allah, through marriage to a jinn. This reflects the deep-rooted polytheistic traditions present in Makkah before monotheism spread with Islam.
Denunciation in the Quran
In the Quran, al-Lāt alongside al-‘Uzza and Manāt were explicitly denounced in Surah An-Najm:
- “Have you then considered al-Lāt, and al-‘Uzzā? And Manāt, the third, the other?” (Quran 53:19-20).
Destruction of the Idol
The idol representing al-Lāt was destroyed in 630 CE when the Prophet Muhammad led the Islamic conquest of Mecca, a pivotal moment marking monotheism’s triumph over the prevalent idolatrous practices.
Cultural Practices
Worship of al-Lāt and the other goddesses involved rituals and offerings made at the Kaaba, making them central figures in the pre-Islamic Arabian religion.
Notable Texts and Books for Further Study:
- “The Pre-Islamic Religion of the Arabs” by Al-Sha’ir
- “Mecca: From Before Genesis Until Now” by F.E. Peters
- “The History of al-Tabari, Vol. 6: Muhammad at Mecca” by Tabari, edited by W. Montgomery Watt and M. V McDonald
Key Takeaways:
- Al-Lāt was central in the religious life of Mecca before Islam.
- Her worship was denounced in the Quran.
- The idol of al-Lāt was destroyed, symbolizing the transformation to monotheism in Islamic tradition.
Conclusion
Al-Lāt represents not only a mythological figure in a polytheistic tradition but also a symbol of the monumental shift towards monotheistic worship of Allah under the Prophet Muhammad’s teachings. Her legacy is intertwined with the narrative of religious reformation and the consolidation of Islamic belief.
