What is jah?

The term "Jah" is primarily associated with Rastafarian culture and is used to refer to God. It is a shortened form of "Jehovah," which is one representation of the divine name in the Bible. Rastafarians view Jah as a universal god who is represented on Earth in the form of the late Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie I, whom they regard as the messiah or a living god.

Rastafarianism is a religious and social movement that emerged in Jamaica in the 1930s, and it emphasizes African diaspora identity, resistance against oppression, and the eventual return to Africa, or Zion. Key elements of the Rastafarian belief system include the use of cannabis in religious practice, a diet that adheres to guidelines known as Ital, and the importance of reggae music as a vehicle for expressing social and spiritual messages, with Bob Marley being the most internationally renowned figure associated with the movement.

Outside of the Rastafarian context, "Jah" can also be found in various cultural and musical references, often symbolizing a sense of spirituality or higher power.