Islamic Monotheism and Divine Unity

Islamic monotheism emphasizes that Allah is One, Eternal, and Absolute. This core belief is beautifully expressed in Surah Al-Ikhlas, which declares Allah's absolute unity and refutes any concept of divine offspring or partnership. The surah explicitly states that Allah neither begets nor is begotten, directly addressing misconceptions about divine nature.

Quote: "Say: He is Allah, the One and Only; Allah, the Eternal, Absolute; He begetteth not, nor is He begotten; And there is none like unto Him." - Surah Al-Ikhlas

This fundamental concept distinguishes Islamic monotheism from other religious beliefs. It establishes that Allah is beyond human comprehension or representation, transcending physical limitations and human characteristics. The belief in Allah's absolute oneness influences every aspect of Muslim life, from worship practices to daily conduct.

Major Prophets in Islamic Tradition: Their Stories and Significance

Islam teaches that Allah sent approximately 124,000 prophets throughout history, with 25 mentioned by name in the Quran. Each prophet's story offers unique lessons while reinforcing the central message of monotheism.

Prophet Adam (AS), the first human and prophet, represents humanity's origin story. Created from diverse soils symbolizing human diversity, he received the honor of being Allah's khalifah (representative) on Earth. Despite his temporary slip in Paradise, his sincere repentance established the pattern of divine forgiveness.

Example: The story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) demonstrates unwavering faith and submission to Allah. As a hanif (natural monotheist), he rejected idolatry despite being born into a polytheistic society. His willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail (AS) exemplifies complete submission to Allah's will.

Prophet Musa (AS) and Prophet Isa (AS) brought significant revelations - the Tawrat and Injil respectively. While their original messages aligned with pure monotheism, Muslims believe these teachings became distorted over time, necessitating the final revelation through Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

The Life and Message of Prophet Muhammad: Early Years and Divine Revelation

Prophet Muhammad's journey as the final messenger of Allah represents a pivotal moment in Islamic history, bringing forth the message of Tawhid, the fundamental concept of monotheism in Islam. His early life and prophetic mission demonstrate the importance of Tawheed as the cornerstone of Islamic faith.

Born in 570 CE in Makkah, Muhammad's early life was marked by significant hardships. At age six, he became an orphan after losing his mother Amina, having already lost his father before birth. His grandfather and later his uncle Abu Talib became his guardians, instilling in him strong moral values that would later shape his character as Allah's messenger.

The divine revelation began in 610 CE during Laylat-ul-Qadr (Night of Power), when Angel Jibril appeared to Muhammad in the Cave of Hira, marking the beginning of his prophethood. The core message he brought emphasized the concept of Tawhid in Islam - the absolute oneness of Allah. This revolutionary message challenged the polytheistic practices of Makkan society, particularly their worship of 360 idols housed in the Ka'ba.

Definition: Tawhid represents the indivisible oneness of Allah, rejecting all forms of polytheism and establishing the foundation of Islamic monotheism.

The opposition in Makkah was fierce, primarily because Muhammad's message threatened the city's economic interests as a pilgrimage center for idol worshippers. Despite facing ridicule, persecution, and threats, Muhammad continued preaching for nearly ten years, gathering a small but devoted following who became known as Muslims. The year 619 CE became known as the Year of Sorrow when he lost both his beloved wife Khadijah and his protective uncle Abu Talib, marking a particularly challenging period in his mission.