Monotheism is one of the most important religious concepts in Islam, representing the foundation of Islamic faith and belief. It expresses the oneness of Allah, His perfection, and His sovereignty over the universe.
Understanding the concept of monotheism in Islam correctly and deeply is crucial because it forms the basis of the Islamic faith and defines the relationship between Muslims and their Lord. It also affects the ethics, behavior, and interactions of Muslims with society and the world in general.
In this article, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the concept of monotheism in Islam. We will discuss the three main categories of monotheism, the virtue of monotheism, and the importance of monotheism in the religious and social life of Muslims. We will also talk about the concept of belief and its relationship to monotheism.
What is the definition of monotheism in Islam?
The word “monotheism” in Arabic means the act of making something one or unique, which comes from the root word “wahada” meaning to take something and make it one. In Islamic terminology, monotheism means that Allah is unique in His Lordship, divinity, names, and attributes.
Tawhid is a fundamental concept in Islam that means believing in the oneness of Allah in terms of His divinity, Lordship, names, and attributes. Monotheism is considered one of the most important beliefs in Islam.
What is the importance of monotheism?
Monotheism in Islam is considered an essential necessity, as it is the foundation of belief. Through monotheism, Muslims strive to single out Allah in His attributes and names. Monotheism is a comprehensive concept that motivates Muslims to strengthen their awareness of the principles of religion. The importance of The Oneness of Allah in Islam is manifested in the following points:
1- Monotheism reinforces faith
It emphasizes the existence and oneness of Allah and strengthens faith in Him, directing people to strengthen their relationship with Allah and to draw closer to Him.
2- Monotheism preserves the unity of Muslims
Monotheism is one of the most important reasons that prevent Muslims from falling into intellectual and doctrinal deviations, unifies their ranks, and achieves unity and cooperation among Muslims.
3-Monotheism in Islam calls for good
and reform in society and promotes Islamic ethical and social values.
4- Monotheism protects people from polytheism
Monotheism warns against polytheism, which is the intellectual deviation that invites people to associate partners with Allah, and protects people from deviant ideologies.
5- Monotheism enhances religious awareness
Monotheism increases religious awareness and emphasizes the uniqueness of Allah, making Muslims more sensitive and aware of religious issues, faith, and good deeds.
6- Monotheism makes Muslims more cohesive
Monotheism enhances the cohesion among Muslims and promotes cooperation to achieve the noble goal of Islam, working towards achieving justice and equality among all Muslims.
What are the categories of monotheism?
Monotheism in Islam is divided into three main categories:
1- Tawhid in Lordship
This means believing in the oneness of Allah in creating the universe and everything in it, and that He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things. There is no other deity who shares this with Him. Muslims believe that Allah is the Provider and the one who manages the affairs of His servants.
2- Tawhid in Worship
This means believing in the oneness of Allah in worship, that He alone is worthy of all forms of worship, and there is no other deity worthy of worship except Him. He is the only one who deserves worship. This is the monotheism that was brought by the prophets and messengers to call nations to righteousness.
3- Tawhid in Names and Attributes
This means believing in the oneness of Allah in His attributes and names, and that there is nothing like Him in these attributes and names. Muslims believe in the uniqueness of Allah’s beautiful names and attributes, such as the Most Merciful, the Holy King, and others below Him. Allah’s names and attributes are unique to Him and are not shared by His creations.
These categories are detailed in many Islamic books and sources, and they are considered an important foundation of Islamic belief. Muslims believe in the oneness of Allah in all these categories and strive to maintain this monotheism in their daily lives and actions.
The virtue of monotheism
Monotheism in Islam is considered one of the greatest concepts and is characterized by its great virtue and importance in Islamic religion. Some of the virtues of monotheism include:
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Brings mercy and forgiveness
If Muslims know and believe in the oneness of Allah and cling to it in their lives, it brings them Allah’s mercy and forgiveness.
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Enhances trust and reliance on Allah
If Muslims submit to Allah’s command, rely on Him, and cling to His oneness, it enhances their trust in Him and in themselves.
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Makes Muslims more humble and sincere
If Muslims cling to the oneness of Allah, it makes them more humble and sincere in their lives and encourages them to do good deeds.
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Achieves happiness in this life and the hereafter
If Muslims know and believe in the oneness of Allah and cling to it in their lives, it achieves happiness for them in this life and the hereafter.
Moreover, monotheism in Islam is the reason for entering Paradise and it is forbidden for a servant to enter Hellfire.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever testifies that there is no god but Allah alone, without partner, that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger, that ‘Isa is a servant of Allah and His Messenger, His word which He bestowed upon Maryam and a spirit created by Him, and that Paradise is true and Hellfire is true, Allah will admit him to Paradise, no matter how he acts.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
The relationship between Tawheed and Aqeedah
Tawheed (the Oneness of Allah) and Aqeedah (Islamic creed) are closely related in Islam, where Tawheed is considered the fundamental concept that Muslims must believe in and apply, and Aqeedah is the intellectual and religious system that Muslims rely on to understand Tawheed and express it.
Tawheed means believing in the Oneness of Allah in His Lordship, divinity, names, and attributes, and is considered the foundation of Islamic faith, while Islamic Aqeedah means believing in the religious beliefs and principles related to Tawheed and other religious issues. Therefore, Aqeedah is considered the intellectual and mental framework through which Tawheed can be understood and applied in daily life, and helps Muslims understand and interpret the religious and legal rulings related to Tawheed and act upon them.
Islam relies on Aqeedah and Tawheed as the basis for a correct religious life, and every Muslim must believe in them and act upon them in all aspects of their lives, whether in worship, ethics, or daily activities. The science of Tawheed has been called the science of Aqeedah, based on the results, as Tawheed is a science that is relied upon to prove the validity of Aqeedah, while the science of Aqeedah is based on refuting intellectual doubts and deviations. Both sciences meet in supporting the truth and refuting falsehood.
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