Understanding Tawheed: The Oneness of God in Islam

Tawheed represents the oneness and uniqueness of Allah (SWT). As the fundamental belief in Islam, Tawheed shapes the spiritual and practical lives of Muslims, ensuring devotion, submission, and reverence are directed solely to Allah. But what is Tawheed, and how does it differentiate Islam from other faiths? Let us explore the meaning of Tawheed, its categories, and its profound impact on Islamic teachings.

What is Tawheed?

The term Tawheed is derived from the Arabic root word “wahhada,” which means “to unify” or “to declare oneness.” Linguistically, Tawheed translates to “the affirmation of the oneness of God.” In Islamic theology, Tawheed is the unwavering belief in Allah’s absolute oneness, encompassing His lordship, divinity, and attributes. This belief is encapsulated in the first pillar of Islam: the testimony of faith (“Shahada”), which states, “There is no deity but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger.”

Tawheed is a doctrine that distinguishes Islam from other religions. For instance, in Christianity, the concept of the Trinity includes the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, which Islam views as associating partners with God. Tawheed rejects such beliefs, emphasising the indivisible and unparalleled nature of Allah.

The Three Types of Tawheed

Islamic scholars categorise Tawheed into three distinct but interconnected areas, known as the three categories of Tawheed:

1. Tawheed Ar-Rububiyyah (Oneness of Lordship)

This aspect affirms that Allah is the sole Creator, Sustainer, and Ruler of all existence. He alone controls life, death, provision, and the natural order. The Quran states:

“Blessed is He in whose hand is the dominion, and He is over all things competent.” (Surah Al-Mulk 67:1)

Recognising Allah’s lordship means understanding that no other entity shares His power or authority.

2. Tawheed Al-Uluhiyyah (Oneness of Worship)

Tawheed Al-Uluhiyyah emphasises that Allah alone is worthy of worship. All acts of devotion such as prayer, fasting, charity, and supplication, must be directed solely to Him. Associating partners with Allah in worship is the gravest sin, known as Shirk. The Quran warns:

“Indeed, Allah does not forgive association with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills.” (Surah An-Nisa 4:48)

3. Tawheed Al-Asma wa Sifat (Oneness of Allah’s Names and Attributes)

This category pertains to affirming Allah’s unique names and attributes without distortion, denial, or comparison. Allah’s names, such as Al-Rahman (The Most Merciful) and Al-Aleem (The All-Knowing), reflect His perfection and transcendence. Surah Al-Ikhlas, also known as Surah At-Tawheed, beautifully encapsulates this:

“Say, He is Allah, [who is] One. Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent.” (Surah Al-Ikhlas 112:1-4)

The Relevance of Tawheed in Islamic History

Throughout history, nations and civilisations have faced destruction due to their failure to uphold Tawheed and their involvement in Shirk. A prominent example is the story of Pharaoh, whose arrogance and claim of divinity led to his downfall. The Quran recounts:

“And We caused the people who had been oppressed to inherit the eastern regions of the land and the western ones, which We had blessed. And the good word of your Lord was fulfilled for the Children of Israel because of what they had patiently endured. And We destroyed [all] that Pharaoh and his people were producing and what they had been building.” (Surah Al-A’raf 7:137)

Pharaoh’s story serves as a reminder of the consequences of rejecting Allah’s oneness and associating partners with Him.

The Meaning of Shirk

Shirk, the opposite of Tawheed, refers to associating partners or equals with Allah in His lordship, worship, or attributes. It is regarded as the most severe sin in Islam because it directly contradicts the essence of Tawheed. The Quran explicitly states:

“And do not invoke with Allah another deity. There is no deity except Him. Everything will be destroyed except His Face. His is the judgement, and to Him you will be returned.” (Surah Al-Qasas 28:88)

Shirk manifests in various forms, such as idolatry, superstition, and relying on intermediaries for worship. For example, seeking help from idols or believing in the divinity of individuals directly opposes the principles of Islamic Tawheed.

Another example of Shirk is believing in Amulets. Amulets are a piece of jewellery that are thought to give protection against evil, danger or diseases. People tend to wear charms as a form of good luck and tend to aspire health and wealth from the item worn when in actuality these are the things we should directly ask from Allah SWT. In Islam these are strongly forbidden.

Zodiac signs and sorcery are also haram. By engaging in astrology practices such as visiting an astrologer, reading a horoscope or listening to predictions, is forbidden in Islam.

Tawheed in Practice

Upholding Tawheed requires Muslims to align their actions, intentions, and beliefs with the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah. Acts of worship, ethical conduct, and reliance on Allah should reflect the recognition of His oneness. Surah Al-Fatihah, recited in every unit of prayer, reinforces this commitment:

“It is You we worship and You we ask for help.” (Surah Al-Fatihah 1:5)

Practicing Tawheed also includes avoiding superstitions, refraining from attributing divine qualities to creation, and understanding Allah’s attributes without distortion or anthropomorphism.

Lessons from Tawheed

The doctrine of Tawheed shapes a Muslim’s worldview by instilling humility, accountability, and a sense of purpose. By acknowledging Allah’s oneness, believers recognise their dependence on Him and their responsibilities as His servants. Tawheed unites the Muslim community, fostering a collective devotion to Allah alone.

Moreover, Tawheed serves as a moral compass, guiding individuals to live ethically and sincerely. It emphasises equality and rejects any form of racial or social superiority, as all humans are equal before Allah.

Conclusion

Tawheed, the belief in the oneness of Allah, lies at the heart of Islam. By understanding its three types; lordship, worship, and names and attributes, Muslims can appreciate the depth and significance of this doctrine. The Quran and the stories of past nations underscore the consequences of neglecting Tawheed and the importance of avoiding Shirk.

As Muslims, striving to embody Tawheed in our daily lives strengthens our faith, fosters unity, and ensures that our worship remains pure and directed solely to Allah. Let us reflect on the profound message of Tawheed and reaffirm our commitment to upholding the oneness of Allah in every aspect of our existence.