How to Sign "Allah"

To sign 'Allah,' raise your dominant hand above your head with an open, flat handshape, keeping your fingers together and your palm facing your non-dominant side. Bring your hand down in a smooth, slight arc toward your face or upper chest.

Examples Using "Allah" in a Sentence

1

I pray to Allah.

Sign 'I', then 'pray', and finally use the sign for 'Allah' by bringing your flat hand down from above your head.

2

Allah is great.

Sign 'Allah', then sign 'great' by bringing both open hands out and apart in front of you.

3

Do you believe in Allah?

Sign 'you', 'believe', and then 'Allah', making sure to raise your eyebrows at the end to indicate a yes/no question.

How to Sign "Allah"
To sign 'Allah,' raise your dominant hand above your head with an open, flat handshape, keeping your fingers together and your palm facing your non-dominant side. Bring your hand down in a smooth, slight arc toward your face or upper chest.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is visually motivated by the concept of a higher power or divine being residing above in the heavens, with the hand coming down to represent the divine presence descending or being acknowledged by the signer.
Signing Tips
Keep your fingers together and your hand flat as you bring it down. The movement should be smooth and respectful, starting from above your head to symbolize looking up to a higher power.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is bending the fingers or using a relaxed handshape. Ensure your hand remains flat, open, and firm throughout the downward movement.
Regional Variations
While the open flat hand is standard for 'God' and 'Allah,' some signers may initialize the sign with an 'A' handshape specifically for 'Allah' to distinguish it in certain religious or educational contexts.
Examples Using "Allah" in a Sentence
1

I pray to Allah.

Sign 'I', then 'pray', and finally use the sign for 'Allah' by bringing your flat hand down from above your head.

2

Allah is great.

Sign 'Allah', then sign 'great' by bringing both open hands out and apart in front of you.

3

Do you believe in Allah?

Sign 'you', 'believe', and then 'Allah', making sure to raise your eyebrows at the end to indicate a yes/no question.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'Allah' the same as the sign for 'God'?

Yes, in ASL, the standard sign for 'God' is frequently used for 'Allah' as well, as both refer to the same concept of a single deity.

Do I use my right or left hand for this sign?

You should use your dominant hand. If you are right-handed, use your right hand; if you are left-handed, use your left hand.

How high should I start the sign?

Start with your hand slightly above and in front of your head, high enough to clearly indicate the concept of the heavens or a higher power.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!