Understanding Tawhid: The Oneness of Allah in Islam

Tawhid, the belief in the absolute Oneness of Allah, is the most fundamental concept in Islam. It is the core of Islamic faith that shapes the Muslim’s worldview, worship, and daily actions.

Allah says in the Qur’an:

“Say, He is Allah, [who is] One. Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent.” (Surah Al-Ikhlas 112:1-4)

A proper understanding of Tawhid distinguishes a true believer from disbelief and ensures that purity of worship is directed solely to Allah.

Let us explore the different aspects of Tawhid, the dangers of shirk (associating partners with Allah), and how to strengthen faith in daily life.

1. The significance of Tawhid in Islam

Tawhid is not just an abstract concept but the very foundation of Islam. Every prophet, from Adam (peace be upon him) to Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), was sent to proclaim the message of Allah’s Oneness:

“And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, [saying], ‘Worship Allah and avoid Taghut (false deities).'” (Surah An-Nahl 16:36)

Belief in Tawhid shapes a Muslim’s entire existence. It defines the purpose of life, guiding one to worship and obey Allah alone without associating any partners with Him.

2. The three aspects of Tawhid

Scholars categorise Tawhid into three interconnected aspects that help in understanding Allah’s Oneness in a comprehensive manner:

         a) Tawhid al-Rububiyyah (Oneness of Lordship)

This aspect affirms that Allah alone is the Creator, Sustainer, and Controller of the universe. He alone gives life and death, provides sustenance, and manages all affairs.

Allah declares:

“Allah is the Creator of all things, and He is, over all things, Disposer of affairs.” (Surah Az-Zumar 39:62)

Recognising Allah’s Lordship means acknowledging that no force, power, or being shares in His divine control over the universe.

         b) Tawhid al-Uluhiyyah (Oneness of Worship)

This aspect emphasises that only Allah deserves worship. All acts of devotion, such as prayer (Salah), supplication (Du’a), sacrifice, and reliance (Tawakkul), must be directed to Him alone. Allah commands:

“And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, [being] sincere to Him in religion.” (Surah Al-Bayyinah 98:5)

This is the aspect of Tawhid that distinguishes believers from those who commit shirk, as many people may acknowledge Allah’s Lordship but fail to dedicate worship solely to Him.

         c) Tawhid al-Asma’ wa-sifat (Oneness of Allah’s Names and Attributes)

This aspect affirms that Allah’s names and attributes are unique, perfect, and beyond comparison. He is Ar-Rahman (The Most Merciful), Al-Alim (The All-Knowing), and As-Sami (The All-Hearing).

Allah says:

“There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the Hearing, the Seeing.” (Surah Ash-Shura 42:11)

Muslims must believe in Allah’s names and attributes as they are revealed in the Qur’an and Sunnah, without altering, negating, or likening them to human attributes.

3. The dangers of shirk (Associating Partners with Allah)

Shirk is the greatest sin in Islam, as it directly contradicts Tawhid. It includes:

• Major shirk: Worshipping or invoking others besides Allah (e.g., idol worship, praying to saints or the dead).
• Minor shirk: Acts that may lead to major shirk, such as showing off in worship or swearing by other than Allah.

Allah warns against shirk:

“Indeed, Allah does not forgive associating partners with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills.” (Surah An-Nisa 4:48)

Shirk not only nullifies one’s faith but also leads to eternal punishment if not repented from. Recognising its dangers strengthens a Muslim’s commitment to pure monotheism.

4. How to strengthen one’s faith in Tawhid

To truly embody Tawhid, one must integrate its principles into daily life. Here are practical ways to deepen belief in Allah’s Oneness:

• Strengthen belief in Allah’s names and attributes: Reflecting on Allah’s names and their meanings enhances love and awe for Him.
• Increase sincerity in worship: Ensure that all acts of worship—prayer, charity, and fasting—are done purely for Allah’s sake.
• Avoid superstitions and innovations: Seeking protection from amulets, fortune-telling, or engaging in un-Islamic practices weakens Tawhid.
• Trust in Allah alone (Tawakkul): Relying on Allah in all aspects of life cultivates deep faith and inner peace.
• Seek knowledge: Studying the Qur’an and Hadith increases awareness of Allah’s commands and strengthens faith.
• Regularly recite Surah Al-Ikhlas: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“Surah Al-Ikhlas is equivalent to one-third of the Qur’an.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 5015)

Its message encapsulates Tawhid and serves as a constant reminder of Allah’s Oneness.

Deepening our faith

Tawhid is the foundation of Islamic belief, shaping every aspect of a Muslim’s faith and actions. Understanding its three aspects—Rububiyyah, Uluhiyyah, and Asma’ wa-Sifat—helps reinforce the purity of worship and prevents falling into shirk.

By deepening our faith in Tawhid through sincere worship, trust in Allah, and seeking knowledge, we ensure that our devotion remains solely for Him. May Allah grant us steadfastness in our belief and protect us from anything that compromises His Oneness.