Tawheed (Monotheism)

Tawheed, the cornerstone of Islamic belief, refers to the oneness of Allah. This fundamental concept is rooted in the recognition and affirmation that there is no deity but Allah. It encompasses the unity of Allah in His lordship, names, and attributes, and the exclusive right to be worshipped.

The Quran states: “Say, ‘He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent'” (Quran 112:1-4).

Categories of Tawheed

1. Tawheed Al-Rububiyyah (Oneness of Lordship):
   • Acknowledging Allah as the sole creator, sustainer, and ruler of the universe. This means believing that Allah alone is the originator and regulator of everything that exists.
   • “Allah is the Creator of all things, and He is, over all things, Disposer of affairs” (Quran 39:62).
2. Tawheed Al-Uluhiyyah (Oneness of Worship):
   • Directing all forms of worship exclusively to Allah. This includes prayers, supplications, sacrifices, and any acts of devotion, which should be done solely for Allah.
   • “And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, [being] sincere to Him in religion, inclining to truth, and to establish prayer and to give zakah. And that is the correct religion” (Quran 98:5).
3. Tawheed Al-Asma wa Sifat (Oneness of Names and Attributes):
   • Affirming the names and attributes of Allah as described in the Quran and Sunnah without distortion or anthropomorphism. It means believing that Allah’s attributes are unique and incomparable.
   • “There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the Hearing, the Seeing” (Quran 42:11).

Importance of Tawheed

The Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ emphasized Tawheed, saying: “Whoever dies while still invoking anything other than Allah as a rival to Allah, will enter Hell” (Sahih al-Bukhari 4497).

Practical Implications of Tawheed

1. Pure Worship: Ensuring that all acts of worship are directed solely to Allah, free from any form of shirk (associating partners with Allah).
2. Reliance on Allah: Placing complete trust and reliance on Allah alone, seeking His help and guidance in all matters.
3. Avoidance of Shirk: Staying away from any practices or beliefs that compromise the oneness of Allah, such as idol worship, superstitions, or attributing divine qualities to anyone other than Allah.