In past times, the similar Mideastern word el, meant "god" either true or false, in Ugaritic, Canaanite, and Hebrew. Prior to Mohammed, the Ka’bah, which housed 360 idols, was called Beit-Allah, or "House of Allah".
Wakati wa nyuma neno linalofanana na hilo el lilimaanisha "mungu" wa kweli au uongo katika lugha za mashariki ya kati kama kiugariki, kikaanani na kiebrania. Kabla ya Muhammad, kaaba jengo lililotunza sanamu 360 liliitwa Beit-Allah, au "Nyumba ya Allah".