Understanding ‘Ilah’

THE CONCEPT OF RELIGION their sight and lead them to destruction. Only those whom Allah protects are safe. (Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Vol. 8, p. 539) The fourth verse, which the author under review considers the clearest of all, is: “The day when they shall rise up [from their graves, and nothing about them will be hidden from God. ‘To whom shall the kingdom belong that Day?’ It shall belong to God, the One, the All-Powerful.” (Quran, 40:16) This verse does not directly mention “political or social governance.” Its meaning simply is that, compared to Allah, everyone is helpless and powerless. While everything may be hidden in this world, it will all be revealed in the Hereafter. Commenting on this, commentator Alusi writes: Sovereignty is attributed to Allah because only He possesses the power to reward or punish each individual for their deeds, and His justice is complete, free from any injustice. He is in full control, undistracted by multiple responsibilities, and quick to settle accounts. (Ruh al-Ma’ani, Vol. 12, p. 312) From the analysis above it is evident that the term “God” ( ) الٰه essentially refers to the Being who is the centre of human longing and need. This concept indeed requires that the true God must be one of