[aposiopetic]

I agree as to the first part: In attending Divine Liturgy at an Antiochian Orthodox parish some years ago I heard a communion hymn that seemed to reflect the use of that Arabic name.

That said, I thought the etymology of alleluia was as described here, but I am not an expert.

[Mrs. Don-o]

I think that's correct, but it connects nevertheless. The etymology is a little obscure (as etymologies often are!) but the idea is that "alle" (praise) contributes to "Allah" as in "He (who) is praised."

The Catholic encyclopedia just says the "alleluia" is mystical; and of no certain etymology.

I want to say here again that I am not defending Obama or getting him off whatever hook he is on. I'm just saying that the use of the word "Allah" in and of itself is not some disposative proof. You can reasonably say "It has deeps roots in Islam" but you'd also have to ask, "What does he mean by that?"

My own hunch is that this alcohol-drinking pork-eating Leftist is neither a Muslim not an apostate from Islam. He is an Alinskyite- secular- humanist, confused by all the "fathers" who alienated or abandoned him, and creating "roots" from scraps and mementoes in order to construct a sense of identity.

My guess. Good as any, better'n some.

[House Atreides]

“... I thought the etymology of alleluia was as described here, but I am not an expert.
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You are quite correct. And those nitwits claiming it derives from ‘Allah’ are blowing smoke. Maybe they’re not nitwits, perhaps just gullible.

http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?search=hallelujah