☝️ Exploring the Unity of God [TAUHID]: The Core of Islamic Belief
Comprehensive Definition
Tauhid (Arabic: توحيد) is the defining concept of Islamic monotheism, emphasizing the oneness and singularity of God (Allah). It asserts that God is unparalleled and indivisible, both existentially and ontologically. In practice, it infers that Muslims must dedicate worship exclusively to Allah, rejecting any form of polytheism or associationism (shirk).
Etymology
The word “Tauhid” is derived from the Arabic root “wahhada” (وَحَّدَ), which means to unite or unify. The term directly translates to “unification” or “asserting oneness”.
Background
Historically, Tauhid is central to Islamic theology and deeply rooted in the Qur’an and the Hadiths. It not only forms the foundation of Islamic belief but also draws a clear distinction from pre-Islamic paganism, which engaged in polytheistic worship.
-
Theoretical tauhid (Tauhid ar-Rububiyyah): The belief in the Oneness of Allah with respect to His Lordship. This means believing that there is only one Lord for the entire universe and He is its Creator, Organizer, Planner, and Sustainer.
-
Practical and applied tauhid (Tauhid al-Uluhiyyah): Maintaining the Unity of worship. This means to believe that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah and the closest aspects relate to worship.
-
Tauhid al-Asma wa Sifaat (Oneness of the Names and Attributes of Allah): Affirming the uniqueness of Allah’s names and attributes, acknowledging that His attributes are beyond human comprehension.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Tauhid shares similarities with other monotheistic faiths like Christianity and Judaism, which also emphasize the worship of a singular, all-powerful deity. However, the Islamic concept of Tauhid strictly rejects any form of Trinitarian belief or the idea that God could manifest into human form, as seen in certain Christian doctrines.
Synonyms
- Monotheism
- Divine Oneness
- Unification of Allah
Antonyms
- Polytheism (Shirk)
- Associationism
Related Terms with Definitions
- Shirk (شرك): The sin of practicing idolatry or polytheism, considered the greatest sin in Islam.
- Ibadah (عبادة): Worship or servitude, acts of devotion and guidance meant only for Allah.
- Allah (الله): The Islamic conception of God, the one and only deity worshipped in Islam.
Exciting Facts
- The Shahada (the Islamic declaration of faith) begins with an assertion of Tauhid: “There is no god but Allah.”
- Many of the famous 99 names of Allah reflect Tauhid, emphasizing different attributes of His Oneness.
Quotations from Notable Writers
“In its essence, the doctrine of Tauhid comprises the negation of every form of anthropomorphism and the restoration of Divine transcendence.” - Asma Barlas
References
- “The Fundamentals of Tawhid” by Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips
- “Islamic Theology and Philosophy: Studies in Honor of George F. Hourani” edited by Michael E. Marmura
Suggested Literature and Other Sources for Further Studies and Inspiration
- “Purification of the Heart: Signs, Symptoms and Cures of the Spiritual Diseases of the Heart” by Hamza Yusuf
- “Islam and the Destiny of Man” by Charles Le Gai Eaton
- “The Cambridge Companion to Classical Islamic Theology” edited by Tim Winter
Farewell thought: May your journey towards understanding Tauhid inspire a deeper appreciation of unity, faith, and compassion in all aspects of life.
