📜 Understanding Al-Wāḥid (الواحد)
Comprehensive Definition: Al-Wāḥid (الواحد) translates to “The One,” signifying the oneness and indivisibility of Allah. It’s a fundamental concept in Islamic monotheism (tawḥīd), underscoring that Allah is singular, without partner, and uniquely powerful. This attribute is a cornerstone of the Muslim belief system and is emphasized in numerous Qur’anic verses.
Etymology: The Arabic term Al-Wāḥid is derived from the root waḥada (و-ح-د), which means “to unite” or “to be one.” It’s linguistically related to the word waḥdah (وَحْدة), meaning “unity” or “solitude.” The use of Al-Wāḥid illustrates the profound Islamic belief in monotheism.
Background: The concept of God’s oneness is not only a key tenet in Islam but is also central to other Abrahamic faiths. In Christianity, similar attributes found are The Almighty and in Judaism, The One ( אחד - Eḥād). Al-Wāḥid ties closely with the Islamic concept of Tawhid which asserts the absolute oneness of Allah.
Cultural Differences and Similarities:
- Islam: Al-Wāḥid singularly highlights Allah’s unmatched oneness and supremacy.
- Christianity: Similar monotheistic belief in one God, although the concept of Trinity presents a divine unity in three distinct persons.
- Judaism: Strong emphasis on God’s oneness (“Shema Yisrael: Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai Echad” – “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one”).
Synonyms:
- Al-ʾAḥad (الأحد) - Often used interchangeably with Al-Wāḥid, meaning “The one and only.”
- Al-Muwaḥḥid (الموحد) - Accentuates the singularity and uniqueness of God.
Antonyms:
- Al-Shirk (الشرك) – Associating partners with God, polytheism, the antithesis to the concept of tawhid and Al-Wāḥid.
Related Terms with Definitions:
- Tawhid (توحيد): The concept of monotheism in Islam, stressing the oneness of Allah.
- Shirk (شرك): The sin of idolatry or polytheism, which directly contradicts the significance of Al-Wāḥid.
- Asma’ul Husna (أسماء الحسنى): The 99 beautiful names of Allah, each reflecting a different attribute.
🌟 Exciting Facts:
- Qur’anic Reference: Al-Wāḥid appears frequently in the Qur’an, emphasizing the monotheistic essence of Islam. Example: Surah Al-Ikhlas (112:1) - “Say: He is Allah, [who is] One (Al-Wāḥid, Al-Aḥad).”
- Theological Significance: Reciting and contemplating the 99 names, including Al-Wāḥid, is a form of worship in Islam and helps shape a Muslim’s understanding of Allah.
📚 Quotations from Notable Writers:
“God is One. The understanding that He is Al-Wāḥid shapes the foundations of all belief systems in Islam. It defines the monotheistic and uncompromising nature of the faith.” — Sayyid Qutb
“In the vast ocean of human interpretations, Al-Wāḥid like a single pearl, embodies the unity that constitutes divine reality.” — Rumi
📖 Suggested Literature and Sources:
- Tafsir al-Jalalayn - A renowned Qur’anic exegesis illuminating the context of God’s names and attributes.
- The Study Qur’an by Seyyed Hossein Nasr - Offering comprehensive explanations on the theological significance of Qur’anic terms.
- Ninety-Nine Names of Allah by Joshua Estes - A detailed exploration of each of the 99 names attributed to Allah.
- Kitab al-Asma wa’l-Sifat by Ibn Hibban - Discusses the names and attributes of Allah in depth.
🧠 Test Your Understanding
Thank you for exploring the profound concept of Al-Wāḥid with us. May the understanding of “The One” inspire you and enrich your spiritual journey.
Yours in faith, Fatima Ibrahim
📅 Published on October 2, 2023
