The meaning of Tauheed (Islamic Monotheism)

Tauheed (Islamic Monotheism) has three aspects:

1. Oneness of the Lordship of Allah- “Tauheed ar-Rububiyya”. To believe that, there is only one Lord for all the universe, its Creator, Organizer, Planner, Sustainer and Giver of Security etc., and that is Allah.

2. Oneness of the worship of Allah - “Tauheed al-Uluhiyya”. To believe that none has the right to be worshipped {e.g. by praying, invoking, asking for help (from the unseen), swearing, slaughtering sacrifices, giving charity, Fasting,

and Pilgrimage etc.,} but Allah.

3. Oneness of the Names and the Qualities of Allah, “TauheeduI-Asma-was-sifaat”. To believe that:

i. We must not name or qualify Allah except with what He or His Messenger (Peace be upon him) has named or qualified Him.

ii. None deserve to be named or qualified with the definitive Names or Attributes of Allah; e.g. Al-Karim (Most Generous).

c. We must confirm all of Allah’s Attributes which Allah has stated in His Book (the Quran) or mentioned through His Messenger Muhammad (Peace be upon him), without changing them or ignoring them completely or twisting the meanings or giving

resemblance to any of the created things. {e.g. Allah is present over His Throne, as mentioned in the Quran Ch.20:V5:

The Most Beneficent (Allah) “Istawa” (rose over) the (Mighty) Throne, over the seventh Heaven; and He only comes down over the first (nearest) Heaven to us on the

Day of ‘Arafat’ (i.e. the 9th of Dhul Hijjah), and also during the last third part of the night as mentioned by the Prophet (Peace be upon him), but He is with us by

His Knowledge only, not by His Personal-Self (Bi- Dhaatihi).

There is nothing like unto Him and He is All-Hearer, the All-Seer. (Ch.42:V.11) This Holy verse confirms the quality of hearing and the quality of the sight of Allah without any resemblance to others.

Likewise He (Azza Wa Jalla) also said, “ To one whom I have created with Both My Hands”. (Ch.38:V75)

And He also Said, “The Hand of Allah is over their hands”. (Ch.48: V10)

This confirms two Hands for Allah, but there is no resemblance to them. This is the faith of all true believers, and was the faith of all the Prophets of Allah, from Noah, Abraham Moses and Jesus till the last of the Prophets Muhammad (Peace be upon him). It is not like as some people think that Allah is present here, there

and everywhere. This is not true. Allah tells us that He is above the heavens, over His Throne.

These three aspects of Tauheed are included in the meaning of

“LA ILAAHA ILLA ALLAH ” (None has the right to be worshipped

but Allah).

It is essential to follow Allah’s Messenger, Muhammad (Peace be upon him): “Wujub-Al- Ittiba” and it is part of Tauheed al Uluhiyya.

This is included in the meaning, “I testify that Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is Allah’s Messenger, and this means, “None has the right to be followed after Allah’s Book (the Quran), but Allah’s Messenger (Peace be upon him). See Quran Ch.59:V.7 and Ch.3:V.31.