The Relationship Between ‘Rabb’ and ‘Ilah’

‘Rabb’ and ‘Ilah’ are two distinct concepts, yet both are related to Allah. The truth is — the Rabb and the Ilah are one and the same, and that is Allah.

Tawheed ar-Rububiyyah and Tawheed al-Uluhiyyah are inseparable. According to the correct Islamic belief, the one who is the Rabb (Creator, Sustainer, Lord, Provider, Protector, Law-Giver, Sovereign, Regulator, Perfecter of affairs) is also the Ilah (the One who alone deserves worship, obedience to His commands, and servitude). Similarly, whoever is truly the Ilah must also be the Rabb.

If someone does not possess the qualities of Rububiyyah (lordship and sovereignty — whether in reality or even in perception), then Uluhiyyah (being worthy of worship and servitude) does not apply to them either.

In simple terms: The One who has sovereignty, command, and authority (Rububiyyah) is the same One who deserves servitude, obedience, and worship (Uluhiyyah).

Thus, the One who is Rabb is also Ilah, and it is impossible to imagine them separately.

The False Beliefs of the Polytheists

Some refer to Qur’anic verses and claim that the polytheists acknowledged Allah as the only Rabb but did not accept Him as the Ilah — meaning they affirmed Tawheed in Rububiyyah but committed shirk in Uluhiyyah.

They admitted that Allah is the Creator, Lord, Sustainer, Owner, Provider, and Protector. But in worship, they turned to other beings — idols, trees, stones, graves, etc.

This raises a logical question: If they acknowledged Allah as the ultimate Owner of all power, why would they worship powerless beings incapable of granting provision or help? Such a practice contradicts the natural disposition (fitrah) of humans.

Qur’anic Evidence

Allah says in the Qur’an:

• “He is Allah, your Rabb, the Sovereignty belongs to Him alone. There is no Ilah except Him.” (Surah Az-Zumar 39:6)

• “He is Allah, your Rabb, the Creator of all things. There is no Ilah except Him.” (Surah Al-Mu’min 40:62)

• “That is Allah, your Rabb. There is no Ilah except Him, the Creator of everything, so worship Him.” (Surah Al-An’am 6:102)

• “Indeed, Allah is my Rabb and your Rabb, so worship Him.” (Surah Aal ‘Imran 3:51)

• “O mankind! Worship your Rabb, who created you and those before you, so that you may attain Taqwa.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:21)

Summary

Whoever is the Rabb is also the Ilah. Whoever does not have the qualities of Rububiyyah does not deserve Uluhiyyah. Servitude, obedience, and worship belong only to the Sovereign Lord — Allah, the One who owns all power.