Quran JournalThe reference collection
Concepts

Tawhid (Oneness of God)

General Definition:

Tawhid (from the Arabic root و-ح-د, meaning “to make one”) refers to affirming the absolute oneness of Allah in His lordship (rububiyyah), divinity (uluhiyyah), and names and attributes (asma’ wa sifat). It is the foundation of Islamic belief — recognizing that Allah alone is the Creator, Sustainer, and the only One worthy of worship, without any partners, likeness, or equals.

Qur’anic References:

  • Essence and Uniqueness of Allah
    • Al-Ikhlas 112:1–4 – “Say: He is Allah, One; Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, and none is comparable to Him.”
    • Ash-Shura 42:11 – “There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the Hearing, the Seeing.”
  • Sovereignty, Knowledge, and Power
    • Al-Baqarah 2:255 (Ayat al-Kursi) – Declares Allah’s absolute dominion over the heavens and the earth; His knowledge encompasses all things.
    • Al-An‘am 6:102–103 – Allah as the Creator of all things; He alone controls existence, unseen yet encompassing all.
    • Ta-Ha 20:98 – “Your God is only Allah; there is no deity except Him. He has encompassed everything in knowledge.”
  • Creator and Sustainer of All
    • Al-Hashr 59:22–24 – List of Allah’s beautiful names and attributes, emphasizing His majesty, perfection, and role as Creator, Fashioner, and Sustainer.
    • Yunus 10:31–32 – Allah as the one who provides, gives life, and brings death; recognition of His lordship leads to exclusive worship.
    • An-Nahl 16:51 – “Do not take two gods. He is but One God, so fear Me alone.”
  • Exclusive Right to Worship
    • Az-Zumar 39:38–40 – Affirmation that none can protect or benefit except Allah; worship belongs solely to Him.
    • Al-Fatihah 1:1–7 – The foundational expression of Tawhid: “You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help.”
    • Al-Baqarah 2:163–164 – Signs in creation testify to Allah’s oneness and wisdom.

Notes:

  • Al-Ikhlas defines the creedal essence of Tawhid, while Ayat al-Kursi articulates Allah’s transcendent sovereignty.
  • Al-An‘am and Yunus stress that recognizing Allah’s lordship necessitates exclusive devotion and obedience.
  • Al-Hashr details the divine names and attributes — the heart of Tawhid al-Asma’ wa al-Sifat.
  • Together, these verses outline Tawhid’s three classical dimensions: lordship, worship, and attributes, forming the theological foundation of Islam.

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