Tauḥīd (توحيد)
Definition
Tauḥīd (توحيد) is a cardinal concept in Islam that denotes the oneness and unity of God (Allah). It’s the most fundamental principle in Islamic theology and forms the bedrock of the Islamic faith. The doctrine of Tauḥīd asserts that Allah is singular, unique, and indivisible in His essence and attributes.
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: توحيد (Tawḥīd)
- Turkish: Tevhid
The term derives from the Arabic root word “و-ح-د” (W-Ḥ-D), which means “to make one” or “to unify”. Tauḥīd literally translates to “unification” or “oneness”.
Significance in Islam
Tauḥīd plays a central role in the Islamic creed and encapsulates the notion that:
- Oneness of Lordship (Tawḥīd al-Rubūbiyyah): Allah is the sole creator, sustainer, and ruler of the universe.
- Oneness of Worship (Tawḥīd al-‘Ibādah): Allah alone is worthy of worship, and all acts of devotion and worship should be directed exclusively to Him.
- Oneness of Names and Attributes (Tawḥīd al-Asmā wa’l-Ṣifāt): Allah’s names and attributes are unique and perfect, without any defects, and He possesses attributes that are not shared by any of His creation.
Theological Implications
Tauḥīd is interwoven into every aspect of a Muslim’s life. It influences their patterns of thought, worship, and interaction with the world. Denying or associating partners with Allah (shirk) is considered the gravest sin in Islam.
Qur’anic References
Numerous Qur’anic verses emphasize the concept of Tauḥīd:
- “Say: He is Allah, [who is] One. Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, Nor is there to Him any equivalent.” (Qur’an, 112:1-4)
- “And your god is one God. There is no deity [worthy of worship] except Him, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful.” (Qur’an, 2:163)
Books for Further Study
- “Islamic Theology” by Binyamin Abrahamov - A comprehensive overview of the main theological concepts in Islam.
- “The Elements of Islamic Metaphysics” by Sayyid Mujtaba Musavi Lari - Delves into the nuances of Islamic monotheism and metaphysics.
- “The Fundamentals of Tawheed (Islamic Monotheism)” by Dr. Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips - A foundational text exploring different dimensions of Tauḥīd.
Takeaways
- Unity of God: Tauḥīd underscores the absolute oneness of Allah and is foundational to Islamic belief.
- Central Concept: It shapes the spiritual and practical lives of Muslims, forming the core of their religious practice.
- Opposition to Polytheism: Rejecting all forms of polytheism and upholding monotheism is crucial in Islam.
Conclusion
Tauḥīd (توحيد) is more than just a theological concept; it is the essence of the Muslim faith, influencing every aspect of a believer’s life. Understanding Tauḥīd is essential for a deeper appreciation of Islamic principles and practices.
