Definition
Tawḥīd (توحيد) is the Islamic concept of monotheism. It represents the belief in the absolute oneness and uniqueness of God (Allah). This principle is foundational and central to the Islamic faith, asserting that God is singular, without partners, equals, or sons.
Etymology
The term Tawḥīd comes from the Arabic root word “waḥḥada” (وحّد) meaning “to unify” or “to make one”. It is derived from the noun form “waḥid” meaning “one”.
Background
Tawḥīd is the core tenet of Islam, encompassing three major categories:
- Tawḥīd al-Rubūbiyyah: Belief in the oneness of God as the Creator, Sustainer, and Ruler of all things.
- Tawḥīd al-ʿUlūhiyyah: Devotion and worship should be directed exclusively to God.
- Tawḥīd al-Asmāʾ wa al-Ṣifāt: Belief in the names and attributes of God.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Islamic Tawḥīd is similar to other monotheistic faiths, such as Judaism with its Shema (Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one) and Christianity’s belief in a singular divine entity expressed in the Trinity. However, Islam’s strict view on monotheism does not accommodate the Trinity concept found in Christianity, which depicts God in three persons.
Synonyms
- Monotheism
- Oneness
- Divine Unity
Antonyms
- Polytheism (belief in multiple gods)
- Henotheism (belief in one primary god while accepting the existence of others)
- Sharī’ah: Islamic law derived from the Qur’an and the hadith, emphasizing adherence to Tawḥīd.
- Shirk: The sin of idolatry or polytheism, considered the gravest sin in Islam, as it contradicts Tawḥīd.
- Iblis: The Islamic counterpart to Satan, represents disobedience to God’s command for strictly following Tawḥīd.
Exciting Facts
- The first pillar of Islam, Shahada (faith), is the declaration of faith in the oneness of God and Muhammad as His prophet.
- Tawḥīd impacts every aspect of a Muslim’s life, including moral conduct, legal practice, and social commitments.
Quotations from Notable Writers
Al-Ghazali wrote in his famous work Iḥyāʾ ʿUlūm al-Dīn:
“True knowledge is to know with certitude that God exists uniquely, without being encompassed by space or subject to time.”
Suggested Literature
- “God and Logic in Islam: The Caliphate of Reason” by John E. Hoover
- “The Principles of Islamic Theology” by Fritz Meier
- “Kitab al-Tawhid” by Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab
Inspirational Thought-provoking Farewell
Let Tawḥīd be more than a theological construct - let it be the compass guiding your heart, leading you towards an unshakeable connection with the One and Only Creator.
### What is Tawḥīd?
- [ ] The name for Islamic prayer
- [x] The concept of God's oneness in Islam
- [ ] A type of charity in Islam
- [ ] A pilgrimage practice
> **Explanation:** Tawḥīd refers to the oneness of God, a foundational belief in Islam.
### How many main categories of Tawḥīd are there?
- [ ] One
- [ ] Two
- [x] Three
- [ ] Four
> **Explanation:** There are three main categories of Tawḥīd: Tawḥīd al-Rubūbiyyah, Tawḥīd al-ʿUlūhiyyah, and Tawḥīd al-Asmāʾ wa al-Ṣifāt.
### What is the grave sin that contradicts Tawḥīd?
- [x] Shirk
- [ ] Ṣalāḥ
- [ ] Zakāt
- [ ] Sawm
> **Explanation:** Shirk, the practice of idolatry or associating partners with God, is the gravest sin in Islam as it contradicts the principle of Tawḥīd.
### Which of the following statements about Tawḥīd is false?
- [ ] It asserts that God is singular.
- [ ] It allows worship of multiple gods.
- [x] It rejects any innovation in the worship of God.
- [ ] It is the core principle of the Islamic faith.
> **Explanation:** The false statement is that Tawḥīd allows worship of multiple gods. It exclusively supports monotheism.
### What is the declaration of faith in Islam called?
- [ ] Ṣalāḥ
- [ ] Zakāt
- [x] Shahada
- [ ] Sawm
> **Explanation:** The Shahada is the declaration of faith that asserts the oneness of God and Muhammad as His prophet.
### What does Tawḥīd al-Rubūbiyyah emphasize?
- [x] God's role as the Creator and Sustainer
- [ ] Devotion only to saints
- [ ] The importance of charity
- [ ] Specific prayer rituals
> **Explanation:** Tawḥīd al-Rubūbiyyah emphasizes the recognition of God as the sole Creator, Sustainer, and Ruler of all existence.
### True or False: Tawḥīd includes the belief in God's names and attributes.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True. Tawḥīd al-Asmā’ wa al-Sifāt involves the belief in the unique names and attributes of God.
### What does Shirk mean in Islamic terminology?
- [x] Associating partners with God
- [ ] Following the five pillars of Islam
- [ ] Performing daily prayers
- [ ] Fasting during Ramadan
> **Explanation:** Shirk refers to the sin of associating partners with God, directly opposing the principle of Tawḥīd.
### Who wrote "Kitab al-Tawhid"?
- [ ] Al-Ghazali
- [ ] Ibn Rushd
- [x] Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab
- [ ] Averroes
> **Explanation:** "Kitab al-Tawhid" was written by Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab, focusing on the oneness of God.
### True or False: Tawḥīd impacts legal practices in Islam.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True. The principle of Tawḥīd significantly affects legal, social, and moral aspects of a Muslim's life, guiding them toward ethical and devout living.
