Understanding ‘Ilah’

He is the dominion, and He has no partner in sovereignty. This clearly indicates that rulership and governance are part of the concept of divinity. Thus, monotheism in divinity requires that even in this aspect, no partner be accepted alongside Allah.” (pp. 24-25) This excerpt claims that “sovereignty and authority are indivisible; therefore, it is essential that the One who has authority over the universe should also hold authority over human social and political life.” However, this interpretation does not match the verses cited to support it. The Quran indeed stresses the indivisibility of sovereignty, such as in the verse quoted in the book. “If there were other deities in the heavens and on the earth besides God, both the heavens and the earth would be destroyed. God, Lord of the Throne, is far above what they ascribe to Him.” (Quran, 21:22). In verses like this, the concept of indivisibility pertains to the governance of the universe or, in other words, to the metaphysical dimension, not in the sense that the God who holds ultimate sovereignty over the universe should also be the ultimate authority in political domains. These verses refer to the factual reality that a single God exercises authority over every part and