Ulūhīyah (الوهية)
Definition
Ulūhīyah (الوهية) is an Arabic term that translates to “Divinity” or “Godhead.” It represents a fundamental concept in Islamic theology (ʿIlm al-Kalām) that pertains to the divine nature and attributes of Allah (God). This term captures the essence of God’s absolute and singular existence and is pivotal in understanding the monotheistic underpinning of Islam.
Etymology
The word “Ulūhīyah” is derived from the Arabic root الـه (A-L-H), which relates to deity, reverence, and worship. It shares this root with other significant terms such as Allah (الله), the most frequently used name for God in Islam, and Ilāh (إِلَٰه), which means “god” or “deity.” The term emphasizes God’s supreme authority, uniqueness, and the worship directed exclusively to Him.
Arabic Translation
- Ulūhīyah: الوهية
Turkish Translation
- Ulūhīyah: İlahîlik
Significance in Islamic Theology
Ulūhīyah is essential for comprehending the Islamic concept of monotheism or Tawḥīd (توحيد). Tawḥīd is often divided into three categories, each pertaining to a different aspect of monotheism. Ulūhīyah is usually associated with Tawḥīd al-Ulūhīyah (توحيد الألوهية) or Tawḥīd al-ʿIbadah (توحيد العبادة), which refers to the oneness of worship. This means that only Allah is worthy of worship, and no partner should be associated with Him in that capacity.
Theological Implications
- Unicity and Singularity of God: Ulūhīyah asserts the absolute oneness of Allah, negating any form of polytheism or associationism (Shirk).
- Authority and Sovereignty: It emphasizes that Allah is the ultimate authority and sovereign ruler of the universe.
- Essential Attributes: The concept includes God’s essential attributes such as omnipotence, omniscience, benevolence, and eternality.
- Worship and Devotion: It mandates that all acts of worship, whether prayers, sacrifices, or supplications, are to be directed to Allah alone.
Further Reading
For anyone interested in deepening their understanding of Ulūhīyah and its place in Islamic theology, the following books are highly recommended:
- “The Creed of Imam al-Tahawi” by Imam Abu Ja’far al-Tahawi
- “A Commentary on the Creed of Islam” by ‘Umar al-Nasafi
- “Kitab al-Tawhid” by Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab
- “Islamic Theology and the Philosophy of Science” by Edwin Elliott Calverley
- “The Fundamentals of Tawheed (Islamic Monotheism)” by Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips
Takeaways and Conclusion
Ulūhīyah (الوهية) is not just a theological term but a cornerstone of Islamic belief, encapsulating the essence of God’s divine nature. Understanding this term helps in appreciating the depth of Islamic monotheism and the profound reverence placed on worshipping Allah alone. Reflecting on Ulūhīyah reinforces the importance of Tawḥīd in a Muslim’s faith and practice.
Whether you are a student of theology, a practitioner of Islam, or a curious learner, grasping the concept of Ulūhīyah provides invaluable insight into the spiritual and doctrinal foundations of Islam.
