ILĀH (اله)
Definition and Significance
ILĀH (اله) refers to an object of worship or adoration, essentially identifying a god or deity. Within the context of Islamic theology, it highlights the concept of divinity and supreme authority. Allāh – the term for “God” in Islam – can be seen as derived from “ilāh” with the definite article ال (al), forming al-ilāh, which translates to “the God.”
Etymology
The word ILĀH (اله) finds its roots in the Semitic linguistic family. The term can be traced back to various Semitic languages, all of which share similar phonetics and meanings related to divinity and godhood.
- Arabic: اله (ILĀH)
- Turkish: ilâh
In the Qur’an, “ilāh” appears numerous times to denote beings that people mistakenly worship apart from or alongside Allāh, emphasizing monotheism. Specifically, the phrase “lā ilāha illā Allāh” stresses the concept of Tawhid (the oneness of God), meaning “There is no god but Allāh.”
Usage in Islamic Theology
The term ILĀH is fundamental to understanding Islamic monotheism. While there may be many gods in various belief systems, Islam asserts the exclusive divinity of Allāh. This is succinctly encapsulated in Shahada (the Islamic declaration of faith):
لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّٰهُ (Lā ilāha illā Allāh) - “There is no god but Allāh.”
Historical Context
Qur’anic References
- Surah Al-Baqarah (2:255): “Allāh! There is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of existence…”
This verse, known as Ayat al-Kursi, highlights the exclusivity of Allāh’s divinity and his unrivaled status as ILĀH.
Cultural and Religious Practices
Historically, Islam faced various polytheistic traditions, especially in pre-Islamic Arabia. Understanding and disseminating the concept of ILĀH as solely Allāh was a significant part of the Prophet Muhammad’s mission.
Comparative Religion
The concept of “ilāh” in Islam can have comparative parallels in other monotheistic traditions where a singular god is recognized as the ultimate deity.
Suggested Books for Further Study
- “God and the Universe in Islamic Thought: Abd al-Rahman Azzam’s Engagement” by Mustafa Shah
- “The Oxford Handbook of Islamic Theology” edited by Sabine Schmidtke
- “Concepts of God in Islam” by Yasin Dutton
Takeaways and Conclusion
- ILĀH (اله) signifies any deity or object of worship within an Islamic context.
- When prefixed by ال (al), it solely refers to Allāh, the single, omnipotent deity in Islam.
- Understanding ILĀH is crucial for comprehension of Islamic monotheism (Tawhid).
- Islamic theology presents Allāh as the exclusive god, refuting any other form of divinity.
By delving deeper into the concept of ILĀH and its practical applications in Islamic teachings, one can appreciate the fundamental monotheistic ethos that underpins Islam.
