LA ILAHA ILLALLAH

The literal meaning of this component of basic Islamic faith is “There is no deity but Allah”

The main words are “Ilah” and “Allah”. Ilah is one to which hearts are bound by love, fear, hope, tawakkul, help, pray, worship, and sacrifice.

The word “Ilah” is used 2963 times in the Glorious Qur’an.

It is the first part of the “Shahadah” which is “La Ilaha Illlallah Muhammadun Rasoolullah” meaning “There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is His Messenger”

By surveying the different needs of human beings, one can easily conclude that power who has the capacity to fulfill the needs of His creatures, Who gives them shelter and protection, gives them peace of mind in distress, possesses superiority , authority and power, is hidden from man’s eyes and His creation eagerly turn to Him.

In Surah Maryam Ayah81-82: “They have sought honor from other gods instead of Allah. In fact they can have no honor; their gods will renounce their worship of idols and will turn against them.”

In Surah Ya Sin Ayah74-75: “They chose idols besides Allah in the hope of receiving help from them, but they will not be able to help them. Instead, the unbelievers will be brought into the presence of Allah as the soldiers of the idols.”

In Surah al-Qasas Ayah 88: “Do not worship anything besides Allah. He is the only “Ilah””

In Surah al-Ahqa’af Ayah 28: “Why did the idols, whom they worshiped as a means of pleasing Allah, not help them? In fact they proved to be the cause of their going astray and it was lies which they had falsely invented.”

In Surah al-Nahl Ayah 51: “Allah says, “Do not worship two gods. There is only One Ilah (one deserving to be worshiped). Have fear of me.”

In Suarah al-Taubah Ayah 31: “They observed the rabbis and the monks and worshiped the Messiah, son of Mary, as they should have obeyed Allah. They were commanded to worship no one besides Allah who is the only Lord and who is most Exalted. He cannot be considered equal to any idols.”

In Surah al-Furqan Ayah 43: “How can you be the guardian of those who have chosen their own desires as their Lord”

In Surah al-Zukhruf Ayah 84: “It is Allah who is the Lord of the heavens and is the Lord on earth. He is All-Wise and All-Knowing.”

In Surah al-Nahl Ayah 17&20: “Is the one who can create equal to the one who cannot create anything? Why then will you not consider? Whatever (idols) they worship besides Allah can create nothing for they are themselves created”

In Surah al-Fatir Ayah 3: “Is there any creator besides Allah who could provide you with sustenance from the heavens and the earth? He is the only Ilah (one deserving to be worshiped)

In Surah al-Qasas Ayah 70: “He is Allah, the only Ilah (one deserving to be worshiped) and it is only He who deserves to be given thanks in this world and the in the life to come. Judgment is in His hands and to Him you will return”

“Ilah” does not mean only the worshiped deity, but at times it is used as Creator and at times as Lord.

During the period of caliph Mansoot-e-Dawaniqi, an enemy of the Infallible Imam Ja’afar as-Sadiq (a.s.) made fraudulent documents purporting to be written by the Imam (a.s.). Mansoor called the Imam (a.s.) and presented the fraudulent documents. The Imam (a.s.) denied to be his writing and asked to call man who made those documents and asked him to swear by Allah. The man sweared as followed: “Wallahallazi La Ilaha Illah Huwal Hayyul Qayyum…” The Imam asked him to swear by saying: “Baretu Min Haullillahe Wa Quwwatehi An Lam Yaf’al Jafar Kaza”. Meaning: “If Jafar did not do this then I will be beyond the Power of Allah” The man had just started reciting the swear words that he fell on the ground. The Imam explained that when the liar was using the phrase “La Ilaha Illallah” which is appreciated by Allah hence there was a possibility that Allah’s chastisement might be delayed! We can realize the importance of “La Ilaha Illallah” and should recite it as frequently as possible.

Shaheed-e-Sa’ni reported in “Sharh-e-Lam’a” that the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said: “Whoever recites “La Ilaha Illalah” at the time of his death will enter into Paradise.”