Understanding ‘Ilah’

“In all these verses, from beginning to end, a single central idea is present: that divinity and power are mutually inclusive and, in essence and meaning, the same thing.” (p. 23) However, in all these verses, power and authority are mentioned alongside divinity as proof that God is the true “ilah” (deity), not as a claim that “divinity and power are identical in essence and meaning.” I will quote just one verse: “People, remember God’s favour to you. Is there any creator other than God who provides for you from the heavens and the earth? There is no God save Him. How, then, are you turned away from the truth?” (Quran, 35:3) Clearly, in such verses, the mention of power alongside divinity does not imply that “divinity and power are inherently the same in essence and meaning.” Rather, all such verses mention power as evidence that Allah alone is the true deity. The verse does not assert that “ilah” means “possessor of power,” nor does it question “Why would you call a being without power by the name ‘ilah’?” Instead, the argument is framed as follows: Only a being with command over the universe can fulfil the expectations people have of a deity. Since such power belongs solely to God, He alone is worthy of being called “ilah.” In other words, this discussion revolves around need, not power.