Understanding ‘Ilah’

THE CONCEPT OF RELIGION every element of the universe. They do not state that the same God whose sovereignty is established in the realm of creation also exercises sovereignty in the realm of legislation. Although it is indeed proper for humans to submit to God in their political and legal life, this is not directly mentioned in this verse. The second basis for the reasoning in the passage comes from phrases like “lahu al-hukm” (for Him is the judgment), “lahu al-mulk” (for Him is the kingdom), and “wa lam yakun lahu sharik fi al-mulk” (and He has no partner in sovereignty), found in verses about God. However, interpreting these words in a political context involves inferring meanings that are not directly present in the verses themselves. Although these words mean “judgment” and “sovereignty” in a linguistic sense, their context in these verses does not suggest political or social sovereignty but rather refers to the same metaphysical sovereignty mentioned earlier. Three verses from the Quran are cited in the book in this context. The first is from Chapter Al-Qasas, where the phrase “lahu al-hukm” appears, translated in the book as “Master of Judgment and Sovereignty” (p. 19). To understand this verse, it is essential to examine the entire relevant passage. In verses 68-70 of chapter 28, which describes the Day of Judgment