Understanding ‘Ilah’

The third verse is: “Say, ‘I seek refuge in the Lord of people, the King of people, the God of people, from the mischief of every sneaking whisper, who whispers into the hearts of people, from jinn and men.” (Quran, 114:1-6) This chapter is a prayer for protection (ta‘awudh). It seeks Allah’s refuge from the hidden whispers and harmful influences of both jinn and human beings who instil doubts and detrimental suggestions in people’s hearts. Clearly, protection from such whisperings is unrelated to “political or social governance.” Instead, this matter pertains to a Supreme Being with supernatural control over both jinn and humans, possessing access even to the innermost thoughts. In this Chapter, we are taught to seek refuge in such a Being, with no indication of any supposed political aspect of divinity. Ibn Kathir, in his explanation of these verses, writes: The attributes of lordship, sovereignty, and divinity are essential qualities of Allah. He is the Lord, Sovereign, and God of everything. All things are His creation, His property, and His servants. Thus, it is commanded to seek refuge from Satan in the One characterized by these attributes, as every human has a qarin (companion) who attempts to beautify evil in