Islam - Its Meaning for Modern Man — Page 152
152 have often failed to keep this distinction in mind and have erroneously assumed that Allah merely signifies God rather than a god. In fact there is no etymological relationship between “ ilah ,” god or a god, and "Allah," which is the substantive for God. To appreciate the juxtaposition employed by the Quran in this respect, it is necessary to keep the distinction in mind. God is "ilah," and there is no other “ ilah ” beside Him, and His name is Allah; as, for instance, “Verily, Allah is the only One God” (4:172). The Quran, like other Scriptures, teaches “your God is One God” (16:23), and it reveals that Allah is His substantive name. It then proceeds to emphasise the Unity of God, to expound His attributes, and to explain and illustrate their operation. The primary object of all revelation is to emphasise this concept of God, that is to say, that He is One, has no equal or partner, and that all adoration, glorification, worship, and obedience are due to Him alone. He is the object of the heart’s deepest love and devotion. To seek nearness to Him, to do His Will in all things, to win His pleasure, to become the manifestation of His attributes ⎯ that is to say, His image ⎯ is the purpose of man’s creation (51:57). He is the Source of all beneficence, everything proceeds from Him, and is dependent upon Him. He is Independent and stands in no need of help or