Understanding ‘Ilah’

for a state in which there is wonder combined with eagerness and longing. “‘Aliha ya‘lahu idha tahayyara” means he became bewildered or astonished. (Lisan al-‘Arab by Ibn Mazur, Vol. 13, p. 467) “‘Alahahu: ‘Ajarahu, wa-‘amanahu” means He granted him refuge and provided him with security. (Al-Qamus al-Muheet by al-Firuzabadi, p. 1242) “‘Aliha al-fasilu idha wuli‘a bi-ummihi” means the young camel becomes passionately attached to its mother. (Tafsir al-Baydawi, Vol. 1, p. 26) Thus, ‘ilah’ is someone who is seen as entirely different from oneself, with a sense of awe, and who is sought for protection. It also refers to the one toward whom a person feels a strong desire. This term essentially expresses the deep feelings that a humble servant should have for their Creator and Master. When the distinctive feelings of a humble and earnest human being come to be centered on a particular being— when he begins to place his trust in that being and attaches all his hopes to it—such a person is said to have made that being his God “ilah.” This concept of “uluhiyyah” (divinity) necessarily requires that the entity considered an “ilah” possess power, because an entity without power cannot serve as a refuge or provider. The Quran’s rejection of the