Discover the meaning of the term Al-aṣnam (أصنام) in Islamic vocabulary.
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Updated on 11 April 2026 at 1:05 AM
📖 2 min readPlural of sanam. The sanam: it has been said it is the idol (wathan) shaped from stones or wood, related from Ibn 'Abbas; it has been said the sanam is a figure of silver, copper, or wood they worshipped, seeking nearness to God Most High by it; it has been said the sanam is what has the form of an animal; it has been said: whatever is worshipped apart from God is called sanam. Two benefits: 1.
The difference between the ansab and the asnam: the asnam are shaped, carved figures, while the ansab are not, being set-up carved stones. 2. The difference between the awthan and the asnam: in 'Ahkam al-Qur'an' by al-Jassas: the wathan is like the nasb.
This indicates that wathan is a name applied to what is not a shaped figure, since the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) said to 'Adi b. Hatim when he came to him with a cross around his neck: 'cast this idol (wathan) from your neck.'