Tawheed: The Foundation of Islam

Introduction

Tawheed, the belief in the oneness of Allah, is the bedrock of Islam. It defines the relationship between the Creator and creation. Without it, no act of worship or good deed has value in the sight of Allah. Tawheed is not merely an acknowledgment of Allah’s existence but an affirmation of His unique attributes, His sole right to worship, and His supremacy over all creation.

The Three Categories of Tawheed

1. Tawheed al-Ruboobiyyah (Oneness of Lordship):
   This means affirming that Allah alone is the Creator, Sustainer, and Owner of all that exists. Allah says:“Allah is the Creator of all things, and He is, over all things, Disposer of affairs.” (Surah Az-Zumar 39:62)
2. Tawheed al-Uloohiyyah (Oneness of Worship):
   This is the practical implementation of Tawheed: directing all acts of worship (such as Salah, Du’a, and sacrifice) solely to Allah. He says:“And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, [being] sincere to Him in religion, inclining to truth.” (Surah Al-Bayyinah 98:5)
3. Tawheed al-Asma wa’l-Sifaat (Oneness of Names and Attributes):
   This entails affirming the names and attributes of Allah as they are described in the Qur’an and Sunnah without distortion, denial, or anthropomorphism. Allah says:“There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the Hearing, the Seeing.” (Surah Ash-Shura 42:11)

The Consequences of Tawheed

• Protection from Hellfire: The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:“Whoever dies knowing that there is no deity but Allah will enter Paradise.” (Sahih Muslim, 26)
• Inner Peace: Knowing Allah controls everything provides tranquility in hardship.

Shirk: The Opposite of Tawheed

Shirk (associating partners with Allah) nullifies Tawheed and is the gravest sin. Allah warns:

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