🤲 Discovering MUWAḤḤID: The Essence of Islamic Monotheism
Comprehensive Definition
Muwaḥḥid (موحد): In Islamic terminology, a muwaḥḥid is a believer and upholder of the absolute oneness of God. Specifically, the term represents an adherent of the principle of Tawhid, which asserts that there is no deity but God (Allah).
Etymology
The term Muwaḥḥid (موحد) originates from the Arabic root word وحد (waḥada), meaning “to unite” or “to be made one.” It refers to the individual who professes and practices Tawhid (توحيد), the central and defining tenet of Islam.
Background
The concept of Tawhid is the bedrock of Islamic belief, suffusing all aspects of a Muslim’s life with the understanding that there is only one God who is all-powerful, all-knowing, and ever-present. Muwaḥḥid reflects this belief, underscoring the essential nature of monotheism in Islamic theology.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Islam shares its monotheistic belief with other Abrahamic faiths, such as Christianity and Judaism. While all three religions affirm the oneness of God, they understand and interpret this concept differently:
- Islam: Emphasizes Tawhid, a strict monotheism that asserts God’s singularity and rejects any form of polytheism or associating partners with God.
- Christianity: Though monotheistic, many Christians believe in the Trinity - God as three persons in one essence (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).
- Judaism: Similar to Islam, Judaism affirms the oneness of God and forbids any depiction or partnership.
Despite these differences, all share a profound reverence for the oneness of deity, making muwaḥḥid a concept respected and understood, albeit differently, across these traditions.
Synonyms
- Monotheist: A believer in a single deity.
- Unitarian: A person who affirms belief in the oneness of God.
Antonyms
- Polytheist: One who believes in multiple gods or deities.
- Idolater: A person who worships idols or falsely aspires to multiple deities.
Related Terms with Definitions
- Tawhid (توحيد): The concept of the oneness of God in Islam, foundational to the religion’s creed.
- Shirk (شرك): The sin of associating partners with God, considered the gravest transgression in Islam.
- Iman (إيمان): Faith or belief in God and all the fundamentals of the Islamic creed.
Exciting Facts
- The concept of Tawhid not only influences religious practices but also shapes Islamic art and philosophy, emphasizing aniconism and the centrality of God’s unity.
- The Shahada, the Islamic declaration of faith, begins with the attestation to Tawhid: “La ilaha illa Allah” (There is no deity but God).
Quotations from Notable Writers
- Ibn Taymiyyah on Tawhid: “True monotheism is to acknowledge that Allah alone is the Creator, the Sustainer, and the Only One worthy of worship.”
- Seyyed Hossein Nasr: “The principle of Tawhid in Islam does not just denote theological belief; it denotes the unification of all aspects of human activity in acknowledging the supremacy and unity of God.”
References and Suggested Literature
- “Tawhid: Its Implications for Thought and Life” by Ismail Raji al-Faruqi
- “Common Ground between Islam and Buddhism” by Reza Shah-Kazemi
- “The Heart of Islam: Enduring Values for Humanity” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr
- Encyclopedia of Islam and the Muslim World by Richard C. Martin (Editor)
Quiz
Engage with the learning material through this quiz:
“Every journey of understanding begins with knowledge. Seek it, embrace it, and let it transform your heart.”
— Fatima Hadi, 2023-10-17
