Tawheed

What is Tawheed?

• Tawheed is the foundational concept in Islam that refers to the oneness and uniqueness of Allah. The term originates from the Arabic root wahhada, meaning "to make one" or "to unify." In theological terms, Tawheed emphasizes that Allah is singular, without partner, equal, or rival, and is the sole creator and sustainer of the universe.
• The religious significance of Tawheed is profound, as it forms the core of Islamic belief and serves as the first part of the Shahada, the Islamic declaration of faith. Recognizing and affirming the oneness of Allah is considered the most important aspect of a Muslim’s creed, and all acts of worship are directed exclusively to Him, as taught by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
• Throughout Islamic history, scholars have extensively discussed Tawheed to clarify its meaning and protect it from misinterpretation. Classical and contemporary scholars have categorized Tawheed into aspects such as the oneness of Allah’s lordship, names, and attributes, ensuring that Muslims maintain a pure and uncompromised understanding of monotheism as conveyed in the Qur’an and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
• On a spiritual level, Tawheed shapes the Muslim’s relationship with Allah by fostering a sense of complete reliance, trust, and devotion. Belief in Tawheed encourages Muslims to purify their intentions, avoid associating partners with Allah, and seek guidance and help only from Him, which deepens their sense of spiritual fulfillment and inner peace.
• In practical terms, Tawheed guides the daily life of Muslims by influencing their actions, ethics, and worldview. Upholding Tawheed means rejecting all forms of idolatry, superstition, and false beliefs, and striving to live a life that reflects the unity, justice, and mercy of Allah in both personal conduct and interactions with others in contemporary society.

Examples of Tawheed

• Daily Prayer: "During salah, Muslims affirm Tawheed by reciting 'There is no god but Allah' as a declaration of faith."
• Seeking Help: "When facing difficulties, a believer practices Tawheed by turning to Allah alone for assistance, without relying on intermediaries."
• Avoiding Shirk: "Rejecting the worship of idols or attributing partners to Allah is a direct application of Tawheed in everyday life."
• Following the Sunnah: "By emulating the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Muslims uphold Tawheed through their actions and beliefs."
• Supplication (Dua): "Making dua exclusively to Allah, believing He alone has the power to answer prayers, is a manifestation of Tawheed."

FAQs for Tawheed

What does Tawheed mean in English?

Tawheed means the oneness and uniqueness of Allah.

When should Muslims declare Tawheed?

Muslims should declare Tawheed in their daily prayers, during the testimony of faith (Shahada), and whenever affirming their belief in the oneness of Allah.

Why is Tawheed considered the foundation of Islam?

Tawheed is considered the foundation of Islam because it affirms the absolute monotheism upon which all Islamic beliefs and practices are built.

How did Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) teach Tawheed?

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught Tawheed by calling people to worship Allah alone and rejecting all forms of idolatry and polytheism.

What are the main categories of Tawheed?

The main categories of Tawheed are Tawheed al-Ruboobiyyah (Oneness of Lordship), Tawheed al-Uloohiyyah (Oneness of Worship), and Tawheed al-Asma wa Sifat (Oneness of Allah’s Names and Attributes).