Defining The Tawheed – What is Tawheed
The literal meaning of the word Tawheed is to believe in the oneness and the solitariness of Almighty Allah. It is the first article/ pillar of Islam and that is the main differentiation between a believer and a non-believer. Accepting and believing in the concept of monotheism is the core belief and obligation for every person to enter the circle of Islam
Tawheed & Its Impact In The Life Of An Individual
By entering the boundaries of Tauheed and by accepting the concept of monotheism, an individual affirms that there is no God but Allah and He alone is the Sustainer, Creator, and Holder of this universe. Once a believer accepts the faith in Allah then his deeds and his daily life tasks are automatically directed towards Allah and His teachings.
Another great impact of Tawheed is that a believer’s taught is optimized and he concludes that Allah is his savior and supporter no matter what the situations are. From self-humbleness to self-modesty, this article of faith greatly impacts the life of an individual.
Oneness Of Allah In The Light Of Quran
There are various events in the Holy Quran where the concept of the oneness of Allah is highlighted in bold and clear words. Such as it is narrated in Surah Nisa verse 48:
“And He (Allah) does not forgive the joining of partners with Him”
On another account, the concept of Tauheed is highlighted in Surah An Nahal:
“Worship Allah, and avoid (stay away from) all false Gods”
Monotheism is also clearly highlighted in Surah Al Anam verse 102 as:
“That is Allah, your Lord! There is no God but He, the Establisher of all things. Then worship Him, and He has the authority to dispose of all affairs”
Tawheed In Light Of Hadiths
The first pillar of Islam is also clearly highlighted in several Hadiths. It is stated by Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) that:
“Urge your dying ones to say La ilaha illallah.” Sunan Ibn Majah 1444
On another account, it is stated that:
“Whoever says and accepts that there is no god but Allah, enters Paradise even if he performs adultery and even if he steals (i.e. even if he commits major sins).” (Nasa’i, Tabarani, and others from Abu al-Darda’ – sahih
What Does The Message Of Tawheed Convey Us?
The Tawheed simply restricts one to believe in Allah as his God and not to include any other Gods/Lords in accordance with Allah. By accepting the principle of Tawheed, a Muslim affirms his majority of the doctrine of faith and firmly believes that Allah is his only supporter and listener and to Him, he shall return.
Besides this, the First Kalima of Islam is the concept and principle of monotheism. It summarizes to decline of the concept of polytheism and accepts Allah as our Lord and Muhammad (SAW) as the last messenger of Allah.
Tauheed and Shirk
Tauheed and Shirk both are opposite terms. Tawheed refers to monotheism whereas the concept of Shirk relies on polytheism. In Islam, the Shirk is considered a major sin as in this act other false Gods are added. The Shirk is also highlighted in various places in the Quran as:
“Do not associate anything with Allah; most surely polytheism is a grievous iniquity.” (Surah Luqman 31:13).
In another place, idolatry is highlighted as:
“And whoever associates anything with Allah, he performs indeed a great sin.” (Surah an Nisa‘ 4:48)
Importance of Tawheed
The Tauheed is considered the central asset of the religion Islam. Without accepting the Tawheed, an individual can not enter the Islamic circle. There are many events and places in the Quran where Tauheed and its importance are highlighted. Surah Al Ikhlas is also considered and remarked as 1/3rd of the Holy Quran states about Tawheed:
Say: He is Allah, The One, The Self-Sufficient Master Whom all of creation is in need of whilst He is free of need. He begets not, nor was He begotten. And He has none who is comparable to Him.
Benefits of Tawheed
The benefits of the principles of Tawheed are everlasting and wide-ranging whether they are on individuals or societies. The merits include:
- A Muslim’s belief in Allah is most firm when he is connected with it
- He realizes that Allah is his only supporter, listener, and preventer
- By assisting this concept, his deeds are automatically redirected towards Allah and His teachings
- Humbleness and modesty became a part of his personality
- It grants an individual peace and courage because he has a belief that Allah is the giver and taker of life
- The strong belief of Tawheed gives the mental peace
- It liberates human society and gives the concept of harmony and equality
- Tawheed helps in the mature character-building of a person
- It is the source of power and a booster of one’s soul
Attributes and Types Of Tawheed
The Tawheed is further divided into three types and attributes
- Tawheed ar-Ruboobeeyah (it refers to maintaining the unity of Lordship)
- Tawheed al-Asmaa-was-Sifaa (it refers to maintaining the unity of names of Allah and their respective attributes)
- Tawheed al-Ibaadah (it refers to maintaining the unity of worship)
