Al-Lat

Introduction

The North Arabian goddess known as Al-Lat was regarded as a deity during the pre-Islamic era. She was one of the three goddesses in the Qur’an. The other two are Manat and al-Uzza. The prophet Muammad recognized these three goddesses but changed his mind after a new revelation. He had previously recited approving verses to appease the pagans in Mecca.

The members of the Quraysh tribe carried out circumambulations at the Kabah in Mecca. They were chanting the praises of Manat, Al-Lat, and Uzza. These three individuals had main sanctuaries near the city of Mecca, which were sites of offerings and pious visits.

Physical Traits

In Arabia, the sun is called Shams, and it’s believed that it may represent Al-Lat’s feminine aspect. She was known to have a sanctuary in Ta’if, which is east of Mecca. Her symbol is the moon, and she wears a gold necklace that’s linked to a pendant that’s made to her. She also has a sheaf of wheat, and she holds a small frankincense lump.

Family

She was regarded as the daughter of Allah’s wife, who was a jinn. She was usually depicted in human form. The idol that was made to represent her was destroyed during the Muslim invasion of Mecca. According to a pre-Islamic myth, God created three daughters who would take care of all the creations that he has made so far. These are Uzza, Al-Lat, and Al-Manat. She was the consort of Dhu’l-Shara, a god of vegetation and mountain springs, and when depicted, she is often accompanied by a lion, as a symbol of her lover. 

Other names

Many version of the name Al-Lat was in use in the region depending which Bedouin tribe used to worship her.

Powers and Abilities

The worshipper was urged to seek Al-Lat’s blessings and protection. She was also said to be able to provide them with ease and prosperity. She was regarded as the goddess of agriculture and vegetation, as well as the divine source of power, trade, and wealth. The shrine of Al-Lat in Ta’if was regarded as sacred after the discovery of onyx stones. She is believed to have a lion, a gazelle, and a camel among her sacred animals. She is also said to be a protector of the souls of the dead.

Modern Day Influence

There was a systematic desecration and destruction of all shrines dedicated to Al-Lat after she was denounced by the Prophet Muhammad in one of his revisions of the Quran. Official records of direct orders from the prophet exist detailing out the shrines that were destroyed to spread the version of Islam endorsed by Prophet Muhammad and his followers. When ISIS rampaged the region, one of their main areas of destruction was the Palmyra in Syria where they destroyed numerous idols including the majestic Lion of Al Lat.