b-'-l

Description

The Arabic root بعل (b-'-l) primarily conveys the concept of ownership, mastery, or lordship, most commonly manifesting in the Quran as the term for husband, reflecting the historical understanding of a man's authority and responsibility over his wife. The root also appears as the proper name Baal, referring to the false deity worshipped by ancient polytheists, which etymologically connects to the concept of "lord" or "master." This dual usage in the Quran—denoting both the legitimate authority of a husband in marriage and the illegitimate worship of false lords—underscores the Islamic distinction between rightful human relationships and the exclusive lordship that belongs only to Allah.