Mulungu

Mulungu is a term used in various Bantu languages to refer to a supreme deity or God. In many Bantu cultures, Mulungu is considered the creator of the universe, the giver of life, and the ultimate source of moral authority. The concept of Mulungu is central to the spiritual and religious beliefs of numerous ethnic groups across sub-Saharan Africa, including the Chichewa, Yao, and Swahili peoples. The term is derived from the Proto-Bantu root *-dungu, which is associated with the idea of "sky" or "heaven." In Hebrew, the closest translation might be El (אל), referring to God in a general sense. Similarly, in Portuguese, the term is sometimes translated as Deus, while in French, it may be rendered as Dieu. The belief in Mulungu often encompasses a monotheistic or animistic worldview, where the divine is seen as both transcendent and immanent, present in all aspects of nature and human life. Rituals, prayers, and offerings to Mulungu are common practices in many Bantu traditions, reflecting the deep spiritual connection between the people and their supreme deity.