Understanding ‘Ilah’

THE CONCEPT OF RELIGION This verse, too, establishes Allah’s transcendental divinity. The concluding part of the verse makes it clear that what is referenced here is His lordship over the Majestic Throne, not a political throne. The matter of political rule is an entirely separate issue and is not addressed in this verse. The term “sovereign” ( ) ملک appears in the first part of the verse, typically meaning “king.” However, the surrounding context suggests that this term does not refer to a “political king” but rather to the Sovereign or Ruler of the Universe. Two references clarify this: In this verse, the term “Sovereign” ( ) ملک signifies ownership and authority over all things, a power and dominion that never diminishes or fades. (Tafsir al-Razi, Vol. 23, p. 300) The meaning of “The True Sovereign” is that only Allah is entitled to absolute ownership. He alone grants existence and brings it to an end, initiates creation and repeats it, gives life and death, and can alone reward and punish. Everything besides Him is subjugated and under His supreme authority. (Ruh al-Ma’ani, Vol. 9, p. 269) It is evidently clear that these attributes are supernatural and transcendental in nature, rather than political or social. Consequently, this verse cannot be used to argue that the term “God” ( ) الٰه refers to a political or social ruler.